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Alicia Masters

Alicia Reiss Masters is a fictional character in Marvel Comics, renowned as a blind sculptress who uses her heightened sense of touch to create acclaimed works depicting superheroes and her own experiences in the Marvel Universe. She is the wife of Ben Grimm (the Thing) and a longtime ally of the Fantastic Four, having played pivotal roles in key events such as convincing the Silver Surfer to rebel against Galactus.^[1] Born in New York City to parents Jacob and Marcia Reiss, Alicia was blinded as a child in a radioactive explosion caused by her stepfather, Phillip Masters (the Puppet Master), who experimented with radioactive clay.^[1] After her biological parents' deaths, she was raised by Phillip in Manhattan, where she attended a school for the blind and discovered her passion for sculpting, eventually becoming one of the world's leading Neo-Realist artists known for realistic portrayals of superhumans.^[1] Lacking superpowers herself, Alicia relies on her enhanced tactile sensitivity for her art and has occasionally wielded improvised weapons like a fighting stick or radioactive clay in battles; she briefly gained temporary abilities, including flight and energy blasts, from a nano-tech suit provided by the alien Cy-phyrr 4, but later lost them.^[1] Alicia first encountered the Fantastic Four in Fantastic Four #8 (1962), when her stepfather attacked the team using his mind-control puppets, leading to her introduction as a key supporting character.^[1] She developed a romantic relationship with Ben Grimm, marrying him in Fantastic Four vol. 6 #5 (2019), following earlier retcons involving a Skrull impersonator, and the couple later adopted two children: the Kree Jo-Venn and the Skrull N'kalla, whom they raised as part of the Richards family.^[1] Her bond with the team deepened through acts like babysitting Franklin Richards and aiding against threats such as Doctor Doom and the Mole Man, who kidnapped her multiple times; she also shares a profound connection with the Silver Surfer, stemming from her compassion that helped humanize him.^[1] In a major development, Alicia was officially inducted as the first non-superpowered member of the Fantastic Four in Fantastic Four #4 (2025), after using her unique perception—unhindered by visual illusions—to detect and help defeat a disguised alien invader, ultimately saving Earth from a cannibalistic extraterrestrial plot alongside Reed Richards.^[2] This milestone, occurring over 60 years after her debut, underscores her enduring role as the emotional heart of the team, blending her artistic pursuits with heroic contributions.^[3]

Publication history

Creation and conception

Alicia Masters was created by writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby, debuting in The Fantastic Four #8 (October 1962).^[4] The character was conceived as a blind sculptor to serve as an emotional contrast and romantic interest for Ben Grimm, known as the Thing, whose rocky, monstrous appearance often led to isolation and self-doubt among the Fantastic Four.^[5] Her blindness was integral to this dynamic, enabling a connection based on personality and inner qualities rather than visual appearance, as illustrated in her debut where she senses Grimm's "gentleness" and "sensitivity" through touch while sculpting his likeness.^[5] This non-visual relationship was designed to humanize the Thing, underscoring themes of acceptance and inner beauty in the series' exploration of personal struggles.^[5] From the outset, Alicia was portrayed as the stepdaughter of the villain Phillip Masters, the Puppet Master, introducing familial tension and conflict that tied her personal story to broader antagonistic plots against the Fantastic Four.^[4] Lee and Kirby's intent was to integrate her as a supportive figure who could challenge Grimm's insecurities, with her artistic profession highlighting perception beyond sight—evident in her ability to create lifelike sculptures of the team from memory alone.^[4] This creation aligned with the early Fantastic Four series' focus on relatable human elements amid superheroic adventures.^[5]

Major story arcs and appearances

Alicia Masters debuted in The Fantastic Four #8 (October 1962), created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, where she was introduced as a blind sculptress and stepdaughter of the villain Puppet Master, quickly becoming a recurring supporting character in issues #8–12 as she formed a romantic connection with Ben Grimm, the Thing.^[5]^[6] Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Masters featured prominently in various Fantastic Four storylines, including her pivotal role in the Galactus saga in The Fantastic Four #49 (1966), where her compassion influenced the Silver Surfer to rebel against his master.^[7] In the 1980s, she appeared in tie-ins to Secret Wars (1984–1985), including Secret Wars II #2 (1985), where she reunited with the Thing following his return from Battleworld, providing emotional support amid the cosmic conflict orchestrated by the Beyonder.^[8] The 1990s brought significant developments to Masters' publication history, marked by the revelation that she had been replaced by the Skrull agent Lyja starting in Fantastic Four #265 (October 1984) through #277 (October 1985), with the imposture exposed in #357 (October 1991) after the real Masters was rescued from Skrull captivity.^[9] This twist culminated in the retconned events of Fantastic Four #300 (May 1987), where the Skrull Lyja married Johnny Storm in Masters' guise, leading to dramatic fallout and Masters' reintegration into the series.^[5] In the 2000s and 2010s, Masters continued as a key supporting figure, appearing in Civil War (2006–2007) tie-ins such as Fantastic Four #536–543, where she stood by the Thing during the superhero registration conflict and his subsequent imprisonment.^[10] Following the multiversal restructuring in Secret Wars (2015), she resumed her role in post-event stories, including Jonathan Hickman's Fantastic Four run, emphasizing her enduring relationship with Grimm amid the team's reformation. Masters' recent appearances highlight her deepened involvement with the Fantastic Four. In Dan Slott's Fantastic Four vol. 6 (2018–2022), she marries the Thing in #5 (February 2019) and supports the team against cosmic threats like the Kree-Skrull alliances and the Reckoning War, showcasing her resilience in high-stakes arcs.^[11] She has a brief role in the 2023–2024 Ultimate Universe relaunch tie-ins, appearing in Ultimate Universe: Fantastic Four #1 (2024) as a sculptor interacting with Ben Grimm in an alternate reality. In 2025, she features actively in Fantastic Four (2025) #4–5, aiding the heroes during interdimensional incursions.^[12]

Fictional character biography

Early life and introduction

Alicia Masters, originally named Alicia Reiss, was born in New York City to parents Jacob and Marcia Reiss.^[1] Her father, Jacob, collaborated with his longtime associate Phillip Masters on experimental research aimed at uncovering the fundamental building blocks of life, conducted near Watershed Lake.^[1] This partnership took a tragic turn when Phillip Masters, driven by jealousy, attacked Jacob using unstable radioactive clay, triggering a catastrophic explosion.^[1] The blast killed Jacob and blinded young Alicia, but Marcia survived initially and later married Phillip, who adopted Alicia; Marcia eventually died from radiation poisoning contracted in the incident.^[13]^[14] Following these events, Phillip Masters raised Alicia in Manhattan, concealing his growing involvement in criminal activities.^[1] Unaware of her stepfather's double life as the supervillain known as the Puppet Master, Alicia focused on her artistic development from childhood.^[15] Masters encouraged her to pursue sculpting as a means to adapt to her blindness, honing her heightened tactile senses to perceive textures, forms, and emotions with exceptional precision.^[1] She attended a specialized school for the blind and later earned a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts, channeling her talents into creating clay sculptures that captured the essence of her subjects.^[1] By early adulthood, Alicia had established herself as a renowned sculptress in New York City's art scene, with her works exhibited in prominent galleries.^[1] Her art emphasized themes of inner perception and human vulnerability, reflecting her own experiences navigating a sighted world without sight.^[1] This civilian life intersected with the superhero realm in November 1962, when she debuted in The Fantastic Four #8, encountering the Fantastic Four during one of her stepfather's manipulative schemes against the team.^[4] Using her intuitive touch, Alicia discerned the true nature of Ben Grimm amid the chaos, ultimately aiding in thwarting the Puppet Master's plot by destroying a key control device.^[5] This introduction positioned her as a grounded artist thrust into extraordinary events, underscoring contrasts between ordinary resilience and superhuman threats.^[1]

Relationship with the Fantastic Four

Alicia Masters first encountered Ben Grimm, known as the Thing, in 1962, shortly after the formation of the Fantastic Four, forging an immediate connection based on her ability to perceive his inner qualities despite her blindness.^[5] This meeting blossomed into a deep romantic bond, with Masters accepting Grimm's rocky transformation unconditionally, sensing his gentleness and strength through touch and intuition, which provided him rare emotional solace amid his self-doubt.^[16] Their relationship, characterized by mutual support, positioned Masters as a stabilizing influence for Grimm, who often turned to her for reassurance during the team's early adventures.^[1] As her ties to Grimm deepened, Masters extended emotional support to the broader Fantastic Four, offering a grounding presence during crises by hosting team members in her studio for respite and creating sculptural works that captured their heroic essences, boosting morale.^[1] Her artistic career facilitated these connections, allowing her to express admiration for the team's resilience through tangible art that transcended her visual impairment. She became a trusted ally, assisting in subtle ways such as collaborating with Reed Richards on experimental aids for her blindness and providing counsel to the group.^[1] The romance faced significant challenges, including Grimm's persistent insecurities about his appearance, which led to temporary breakups, notably during the 1980s amid the Secret Wars events where Grimm's cosmic isolation strained their bond.^[5] Further complications arose from a Skrull impersonation of Masters, exacerbating Grimm's trust issues and prompting periods of separation, though their underlying affection repeatedly drew them back together.^[16] Masters maintained friendly relations with Reed Richards and Sue Storm, who admired her poise and often sought her perspective; Richards collaborated with her on scientific endeavors to address her blindness, while Storm viewed her as a close confidante, sharing personal burdens.^[1] Interactions with Johnny Storm were more mixed, marked by occasional flirtations that created light tensions, though Masters generally supported him through team loyalties.^[1] Masters solidified her role as a key confidante to the Fantastic Four, marrying Grimm in a 2018 ceremony that symbolized their enduring partnership, and contributing to family dynamics by helping with the upbringing of the Richards children's associates during extended team absences.^[11] Their union extended to adopting the Kree child Jo-Venn and the Skrull N'kalla, whom they raised as part of the extended Richards family.^[1]

Major conflicts and revelations

Throughout her association with the Fantastic Four, Alicia Masters has been repeatedly targeted by her stepfather, the Puppet Master (Phillip Masters), who has kidnapped her multiple times to coerce the team into compliance with his schemes. This pattern began in her first appearance in Fantastic Four #8 (November 1962), where the Puppet Master held her captive to deploy his mind-control puppets against the heroes, only for Alicia to aid their escape by knocking the control device from his hand. Subsequent abductions include Fantastic Four #356 (September 1991), where he whisked her away amid his latest machinations, unaware of her emerging secrets.^[17] One of the most significant twists in Masters' storyline occurred during a Skrull espionage operation starting in Fantastic Four #265 (June 1984), when the shape-shifting aliens abducted the real Alicia and placed her in suspended animation to replace her with Lyja, a Super-Skrull trainee posing as a sleeper agent. Lyja's impersonation deepened when she married the Human Torch (Johnny Storm) in Fantastic Four #292 (October 1986), but it culminated in her apparent death during a plane crash in Fantastic Four #300 (May 1987), which was part of a larger confrontation exposing the deception. The real Alicia was rescued and revived by the Fantastic Four in Fantastic Four #358-359 (March-April 1991), leading to a tense confrontation with Lyja—now revealed as the imposter—highlighting profound themes of trust, identity, and emotional betrayal within the team's dynamics.^[9] Beyond familial threats, Masters faced imprisonment by Doctor Doom in the 1960s, as depicted in Fantastic Four #17 (December 1963), where the Latverian monarch abducted her aboard his aerial laboratory to force her to sculpt a hypnotic statue of himself, aiming to manipulate United Nations delegates; the Fantastic Four thwarted the plan and freed her. She was later ensnared as a pawn in cosmic conflicts, including the Infinity War event in 1992, where the Rogue Watcher Aron kidnapped her in Fantastic Four #369 (March 1993) amid a scheme to collect heroes while Earth was frozen in stasis, requiring intervention from the team and Sharon Ventura for her rescue. Following the Onslaught crisis in 1996, where the Fantastic Four were presumed killed in the battle (Onslaught: Marvel Universe #1, September 1996), Masters fully reintegrated into her life upon the team's revival, having temporarily cared for Franklin Richards during their absence and contributing by crafting memorials to the fallen heroes. In more recent developments, the 2022 Fantastic Four series by Ryan North explored Masters' psychological reckoning with her past, particularly in arcs tied to the Negative Zone where she uncovered long-buried family secrets linked to her stepfather's legacy and the lingering Skrull retcon's emotional toll. Issues such as Fantastic Four (2022) #30-32 (January-March 2023) delved into these revelations, portraying her confronting manipulative forces from the Negative Zone that exploited her vulnerabilities, ultimately strengthening her resilience and bonds with Ben Grimm through modern therapeutic depth rather than mere plot reversal. In a landmark event, Masters was officially inducted as the first non-superpowered member of the Fantastic Four in Fantastic Four #4 (2025), using her unique tactile perception—unhindered by visual illusions—to detect a disguised alien invader and help defeat a cannibalistic extraterrestrial plot, saving Earth alongside Reed Richards.^[2]

Skills and abilities

Artistic expertise

Alicia Masters is a world-renowned sculptress specializing in neo-realist styles, particularly known for her hyper-realistic portrayals of superheroes and abstract representations of human emotion. Despite being blind, she relies on her heightened sense of touch to capture the inner and outer essence of her subjects, often sensing subtle details that reflect their true nature. This touch-based technique allows her to create lifelike sculptures from memory and tactile exploration alone, honed through years of dedicated practice rather than any superhuman abilities. She holds a B.A. in Fine Arts and has taught art therapy, further demonstrating her professional depth in the field.^[1] Her notable creations include a series of sculptures depicting threats faced by the Fantastic Four, such as an adamantium statue of the Hulk, which she crafted using a vibranium knife, highlighting her ability to blend realism with dramatic flair. Masters has also produced memorial statues for fallen heroes following events like Onslaught, as well as a commissioned statue of the Fantastic Four by Parker Industries, showcasing her international recognition and the integration of her art into superhero lore. Other significant works feature a statue of Doctor Doom, sculpted by touch, and sculptures of other villains like the Mole Man. These pieces, sold and exhibited globally, underscore her skill in translating complex personalities into tangible form.^[1] Career milestones include her one-woman show at the Kurtzman Art Gallery in the 1960s, marking her rise as a financially independent artist despite her blindness, and a major exhibition titled "Heroes For The Millennium," attended by the Avengers and Fantastic Four. Her work has occasionally intersected with Fantastic Four adventures, such as her personal influence on the Silver Surfer's rebellion against Galactus through her compassion. These achievements affirm Masters' status as a grounded civilian whose artistic prowess provides emotional depth to the superhero narrative.^[1]

Personal resilience and adaptations

Alicia Masters was blinded as a child in a radioactive explosion inadvertently caused by her adoptive father, Phillip Masters, who later became the supervillain known as the Puppet Master.^[1] Despite this, she has compensated through heightened senses of hearing and touch, which allow her to navigate intricate spaces such as the Baxter Building and perceive details invisible to others.^[1] For instance, in her debut story, Alicia detected the presence of the invisible Susan Storm Richards through acute auditory cues, such as breathing or subtle movements, enabling her to alert authorities amid her stepfather's criminal plot.^[18] Psychologically, Alicia exhibits remarkable fortitude, overcoming the stigma of blindness and the trauma of her father's villainous actions with unwavering optimism and independence. Raised by Phillip after he caused the deaths of her biological parents, she initially felt gratitude toward him but grew horrified upon discovering his manipulations and crimes, ultimately turning against him to aid the Fantastic Four.^[1] This resilience extends to societal perceptions, where she rejects pity and channels personal challenges into a self-sufficient lifestyle, refusing to let her disability define her limitations.^[18] Alicia relies on adaptive tools sparingly, favoring innate abilities and minimal technological assistance from her Fantastic Four connections, such as occasional nano-tech enhancements for temporary vision.^[1] Her self-reliance shines in crises, where she has survived kidnappings and attacks—including kidnappings by the Mole Man—often escaping or investigating dangers independently.^[1] In recent developments, her blindness is increasingly depicted as a strategic advantage, enhancing resistance to visual deceptions and allowing her to detect disguised threats, like an alien infiltrator posing as a pet.^[2] Further bolstering her independence, Alicia received training in stick fighting from the blind hero Daredevil, applying these skills to combat foes unaided and contribute to global threats, underscoring evolving themes of neurodiversity in contemporary Marvel narratives.^[2]

Reception

Critical analysis

Alicia Masters has been praised in comics criticism for her proactive contributions that subvert traditional "damsel in distress" tropes, particularly in 1960s storylines where she actively aids the Fantastic Four. In Fantastic Four #49 (1966), Masters encounters the Silver Surfer and, through her empathy and insight, convinces him of humanity's worth, prompting his rebellion against Galactus and ultimately saving Earth; this moment highlights her agency as a catalyst for cosmic-scale heroism rather than passive victimhood.^[19] Early portrayals of Masters, however, have drawn critiques from journalists and scholars for reinforcing disability stereotypes, such as the "magical blind person" who compensates with heightened senses or intuitive perception. For instance, stories depict her sculpting the Thing's visage without sight or detecting distant threats via acute hearing, tropes that exoticize blindness while overlooking everyday realities.^[20] These elements align with broader patterns in mid-20th-century comics where disabled characters serve inspirational or symbolic roles without nuanced exploration.^[21] The 1980s revelation that Masters had been replaced by the Skrull agent Lyja since Fantastic Four #270 (1984) has been critiqued by comics historians for undermining her established agency, retroactively attributing key actions—like her marriage to the Human Torch—to an imposter and diminishing her narrative autonomy. This twist, originating from an editorial jest, exemplifies editorial interventions that prioritized plot shocks over character consistency.^[22] In disability studies, Masters exemplifies the "super-crip" trope, where blind characters achieve extraordinary feats to "overcome" impairment, receiving mixed academic reception for both inspiring resilience and perpetuating unrealistic expectations of disabled independence. A 2024 analysis in the Journal of Literary & Cultural Disability Studies notes her role alongside figures like Daredevil in accessible comics representations that blend empowerment with stereotypical superhuman adaptations.^[23] Recent critiques from the 2020s highlight improved depth in Masters' characterization during Dan Slott's Fantastic Four run (2018–2022), where she transitions from peripheral love interest to a multifaceted partner and parent, addressing prior ableism by emphasizing her emotional intelligence and relational strength without relying on compensatory tropes. Reviews commend Slott for portraying her as a "full, three-dimensional person" in arcs like the wedding special, fostering more equitable dynamics within the team.^[24] In October 2025, Fantastic Four #4 marked a milestone as Masters was officially inducted as the first non-superpowered member of the team, using her unhindered perception to detect a disguised alien threat and save Earth. Critics praised this development for further subverting tropes by showcasing her as an integral hero, with reviews describing the issue as "insanely fun and inspired" for highlighting her unique traits and agency.^[2]^[25]^[26]

Fan and cultural perceptions

Alicia Masters enjoys enduring popularity among Marvel fans as the compassionate partner to Ben Grimm, often celebrated for providing emotional depth to the Thing's otherwise tumultuous narrative. Her appeal lies in portraying unconditional acceptance, with enthusiasts frequently highlighting her as a symbol of love transcending physical appearances in superhero lore. This has fostered active fan engagement, including widespread speculation about her potential adaptation in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, where actress Natasha Lyonne emerged as a favored casting choice ahead of the 2025 film The Fantastic Four: First Steps.^[27]^[28] A cornerstone of her cultural resonance stems from her pivotal involvement in the Galactus Trilogy, where her kindness toward the Silver Surfer inspires his rebellion against the world-devourer, underscoring themes of humanity's inherent value and compassion. This moment, from Fantastic Four #48–50 (1966), has been analyzed as a profound narrative turning point in comic book history, influencing perceptions of moral redemption in pop culture.^[29] Masters' legacy extends to merchandise that appeals to collectors, notably the Diamond Select Toys Marvel Minimates Series 48 figure released in 2012, which pairs her with a Moloid accessory and captures her iconic sculptor persona.^[30] However, her underrepresentation in contemporary media has drawn fan critique; for instance, her omission from the 2025 MCU film The Fantastic Four: First Steps—despite her canonical ties to the team—sparked discussions on missed opportunities for deeper character exploration.^[31]

Alternate versions

Earth X

In the Earth X miniseries, a 1999 Marvel Comics limited series set in a dystopian future where a Celestial seed has triggered universal mutation granting superpowers to all humans, Alicia Masters is reimagined as a resilient survivor who acquires the ability to infuse life into her sculptures using radioactive clay, effectively granting them sentience and mobility.^[32] Despite retaining her blindness—a metaphorical nod to her main continuity limitations—she develops enhanced perception allowing her to see the inner goodness of others, unaffected by Celestial manipulation. This power enables her to craft animated clay figures for various tasks, serving as aids to Earth's heroes amid the escalating crisis. Married to Ben Grimm (the Thing) in this reality, with whom she shares two children, twin boys Buzz and Chuck exhibiting rocky skin similar to their father's, Alicia's role underscores her pivotal contributions in the narrative's Celestial judgment arc, where she supports the heroes in confronting the cosmic entities evaluating humanity's worthiness, drawing on her enhanced perceptions to guide decisions against the invasion.^[32] Her contributions highlight themes of adaptation and insight in a powered world, contrasting sharply with her traditional Earth-616 portrayal as a non-powered romantic interest reliant on touch and emotion.^[32] Alicia assists in key events such as creating a child for Adam Warlock and Eve, and helping resurrect Susan Richards, before relocating to Castle Doom in Latveria with her family.^[33]

House of M

In the 2005 House of M crossover event, Alicia Masters inhabits an alternate reality known as Earth-58163, where mutants dominate global society and humans live as decimated refugees in hiding. She is portrayed without superhuman powers, existing as a blind human artist in this mutant utopia turned human dystopia.^[34] Her brief appearance underscores the oppression of non-mutants, positioning her as a key supporter in the clandestine human resistance movement.^[35] Alicia first emerges in Fantastic Four: House of M #3, where she encounters and recruits Ben Grimm—reimagined as the depowered, monstrous "It"—after he escapes captivity on Genosha.^[36] Leveraging her familiarity with darkness from her blindness, she guides him through pitch-black underground passageways to the resistance hideout, reassuring him with words like, "You shouldn't worry... You're in good hands with me."^[37] This stealth operation highlights her resourcefulness, as her sensory acuity enables navigation in environments hostile to sighted individuals.^[35] As a sculptor and activist, Alicia aids the resistance's subversive activities, interacting with depowered heroes like It to coordinate against the mutant ruling class led by Magneto.^[34] Her role emphasizes moral solidarity among humans, though it remains peripheral to the event's broader conflict. The narrative arc concludes with Scarlet Witch's reality-altering declaration "No more mutants," which resets the universe and erases the House of M timeline, leaving Alicia's main Earth-616 continuity largely unaffected beyond this isolated depiction.

Ultimate Marvel

In the Ultimate Marvel imprint, Alicia Masters is introduced in Ultimate Fantastic Four #29 (April 2006) as a blind sculptor and student at the School of Visual Arts.^[38] This portrayal emphasizes her independence and professional expertise, distinguishing her from more traditional depictions while retaining her blindness. Alicia develops a romantic connection with Ben Grimm, known as the Thing in this universe, serving as his primary love interest amid the series' grounded, science fiction-infused narrative. However, their relationship faces ongoing tension due to Ben's deep-seated insecurities about his rocky, monstrous form, which isolates him emotionally even as Alicia offers support and understanding.^[38] She assumes a significant supporting role during the 2008 Ultimate Skrull invasion storyline, assisting the Fantastic Four in decoding complex alien artifacts that prove crucial to uncovering the Skrulls' infiltration plans.^[39] Alicia also endures and survives the catastrophic events of Ultimatum (2009), a global disaster that claims many lives in the Ultimate universe, highlighting her resilience in the face of existential threats. Compared to her Earth-616 counterpart, Ultimate Alicia is depicted as far more self-reliant, avoiding frequent portrayals as a damsel in distress and instead contributing actively to the team's efforts when she appears. Her role remains intermittent across the imprint, with sporadic cameos in Ultimate Fantastic Four issues until the line's conclusion amid the 2015 Secret Wars event.^[39]

Other continuities

In the miniseries Fantastic Four: The End (2006–2007), set in a post-apocalyptic future following the "Mutant Wars," an elderly Alicia Masters reunites with her longtime partner, the dying Ben Grimm (the Thing), as the remnants of the Fantastic Four confront cosmic threats. Their encounter emphasizes the enduring strength of their bond amid global devastation, with Alicia providing emotional support during Ben's final moments.^[40] The 1989 What If? story in volume 2, issue 5, titled "What If the Thing Had Stayed with Alicia?," diverges from main continuity after the events of Fantastic Four #51 (1966), where Ben chooses to remain with Alicia instead of rejoining the team. In this alternate timeline, Alicia is exposed to cosmic radiation during a battle, granting her minor superhuman abilities such as enhanced sensory perception suited to her blindness, allowing her and Ben to form a heroic duo combating threats like the Puppet Master while maintaining a stable personal life.^[41] In the MC2 Universe, depicted in titles like Spider-Girl and Fantastic Five (late 1990s–2000s), Alicia appears as an elderly, grandmotherly figure who leverages her artistic expertise to mentor younger heroes, including Mayday Parker (Spider-Girl), by creating sculptures that symbolize resilience and using her influence to guide the next generation of superhumans in a world shaped by legacy families. Alicia Masters has limited appearances in 2020s digital comics, reflecting her niche role outside major Earth-616 events.

In other media

Television

Alicia Masters made her animated television debut in The Incredible Hulk (1982), appearing in the episode "Bruce Banner Unmasked" as a blind sculptress who assists Rick Jones in thwarting her stepfather, the Puppet Master, while showcasing her artistic talents through statues of various Marvel heroes. Voiced by B.J. Ward, her portrayal highlights her empathy and resourcefulness despite her blindness, serving as a supportive figure in a crossover narrative involving the Hulk and the Fantastic Four's world.^[42] In Fantastic Four: The Animated Series (1994–1996), Alicia, voiced by Pauline Lomas, features prominently as Ben Grimm's girlfriend and a talented artist, particularly in the multi-part arc "The Silver Surfer and the Coming of Galactus," where her sculptures capture the herald's form and her compassion helps sway him against planetary destruction. She also appears in episodes involving the Puppet Master, reinforcing her role as an emotional anchor for the Thing amid team conflicts and personal insecurities. Her depictions emphasize themes of unconditional love and artistic perception beyond sight, integrating her comic origins into action-oriented stories.^[43]^[44] Alicia received further animated portrayals in Fantastic Four: World's Greatest Heroes (2006), voiced by Sunita Prasad in an African-American iteration inspired by live-action films, appearing in episodes such as "Doomsday," "Puppet Master," and "World's Tiniest Heroes" to support the team against threats like her stepfather's manipulations and size-altering villains. This series underscores her resilience and bond with the Thing, using her blindness to explore sensory intuition in heroic contexts. She also has a minor role in The Super Hero Squad Show (2009–2011), voiced by Tara Strong, as a brief ally in ensemble adventures featuring the Fantastic Four. No significant new animated television appearances for Alicia have been noted as of 2025.^[45]^[46]^[47]

Film

Alicia Masters was portrayed by Kerry Washington in the 2005 film Fantastic Four, directed by Tim Story, where she appears as a blind sculptor who develops a romantic relationship with Ben Grimm after his transformation into the Thing.^[48] In this adaptation, she first encounters Ben at an art exhibition, providing emotional support as he grapples with his new form, mirroring her comic book dynamic as his compassionate love interest.^[49] A deleted scene from the film features an extended interaction between Ben and Alicia at her exhibition, emphasizing their budding connection.^[50] Washington reprised the role in the 2007 sequel Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, where Alicia continues as Ben's girlfriend, offering him stability amid the team's battle against the Silver Surfer. Her character arc highlights themes of acceptance and unconditional love, with key scenes showing her comforting Ben during moments of self-doubt.^[49] Alicia Masters does not appear in the 2015 reboot Fant4stic, directed by Josh Trank, which omits her character entirely in favor of a more isolated portrayal of Ben Grimm's personal struggles. In the Marvel Cinematic Universe's The Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025), directed by Matt Shakman, Alicia Masters is absent from the narrative, despite early casting rumors suggesting Natasha Lyonne might portray her; Lyonne instead plays Rachel Rozman, a separate supporting character.^[51] Production reports confirmed her exclusion to streamline the team's origin story, though future Phase Six projects could introduce her for greater comic fidelity.^[31]

Video games

Alicia Masters first appeared in video games as a supporting character in the 2005 action-adventure title Fantastic Four, developed by CrystVision and published by Activision for platforms including PlayStation 2, Xbox, GameCube, PC, and Game Boy Advance.^[52] In this tie-in to the 2005 Fantastic Four film, she is depicted as a blind sculptress and the romantic interest of Ben Grimm (the Thing), voiced by Cree Summer.^[53] The storyline introduces her early, with the Thing rescuing her from the Yancy Street Gang before the team's bridge incident, establishing her as a key human ally who provides emotional support to the protagonists amid their battles against Doctor Doom and other threats.^[54] Masters also features in the 2007 digital collectible card game Marvel Trading Card Game, developed by Vicarious Visions and published by Activision for PSP, Nintendo DS, and PC, based on the Upper Deck VS System trading card game.^[55] She appears as a playable character card titled "Alicia Masters, Blind Sculptress" from the Marvel Origins set, entering play exhausted and designed to support Fantastic Four allies like the Thing and Human Torch by readying them through activation effects, reflecting her comic role as a steadfast companion.^[56] When attacked, the card is placed at the bottom of the deck, emphasizing her vulnerability as a non-combatant.^[56] A minor appearance occurs in the 2005 educational mini-game collection Fantastic 4 Activity Studio for PC, where Masters is included among supporting characters in activities themed around the Fantastic Four, though her role is limited to background representation without voiced dialogue or interactive plot involvement.^[57] These portrayals consistently highlight her as the Thing's empathetic partner, adapting her comic book traits to enhance narrative depth in action-oriented and strategic gameplay.^[58]

References

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Alicia Masters Powers, Enemies, History | Marvel
World-renowned sculptress Alicia Masters lives with blindness and turns her adventures and misadventures in the super-community into beautiful works of art.Missing: character | Show results with:character
[2]
After 60 Years, Alicia Masters Officially Joins Fantastic Four
Oct 22, 2025 · Alicia Masters is finally declared an official member of the FF, after fending off a twisted alien invasion that would have destroyed the ...Missing: character | Show results with:character
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How Alicia Masters Met Ben Grimm | Marvel
Dec 28, 2018 · Here's hoping that Alicia Masters enjoys her wedded bliss with Ben Grimm, otherwise known as the Thing! FANTASTIC FOUR #5.Celebrate The Fantastic Four... · 'knull' #1 Preview Pits The... · Get Your First Look At...<|control11|><|separator|>
[6]
This Week in Marvel History: August 9-August 15
Aug 12, 2019 · August 9: 1962: Stan Lee and Jack Kirby introduced Alicia Masters in FANTASTIC FOUR #8 – as well as her father the Puppet Master.August 9 · August 13 · August 15
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Fantastic Four (1961) #49 | Comic Issues - Marvel.com
Fantastic Four (1961) #49 ... Meanwhile, the Silver Surfer's motives are weakened by the wonders of Alicia Masters and he decides to defeat his master!More Details · Extended Credits And Info · Stories
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Alicia Masters: Appearances in comics - Marvel Heroes Library
Appearances of Alicia Masters in Marvel comics, flashbacks included. Comics are listed by date.Missing: story arcs
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Lyja Powers, Enemies, History - Marvel
They acted quickly to replace Alicia, and Paibok took the original away. But when the three members of the Fantastic Four returned, Lyja was shocked to find She ...
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Ten Things Reed Richards Feels Guilty About - Marvel
Jul 18, 2025 · Reed assumed that his friend stayed in his rocky form because he feared Alicia Masters, his longtime love, only loved the Thing and not Ben ...Learn About Mister... · Lying To The Thing About His... · Enabling The Skrull Secret...
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A Fantastic Four Wedding Retrospective - Marvel
Dec 13, 2018 · The decades-long romance between Benjamin Grimm and Alicia Masters culminates in FANTASTIC FOUR #5 in the Super Hero social event of the season.
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Marvel.com is the official site of Marvel Entertainment! Browse official Marvel movies, characters, comics, TV shows, videos, & more ... Alicia Masters: Comics.Missing: character | Show results with:character
[13]
Puppet Master Powers, Enemies, History - Marvel
While she was asleep, Masters dressed up Alicia like her to fool the rest of the Fantastic Four and sent a controlled Thing and his blind stepdaughter to the ...
[14]
The Thing (Benjamin Grimm) In Comics Powers, Villains, History
Grimm is attracted to her calm demeanor and her ability to see into people's souls despite her blindness, and though their relationship meets with many ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[15]
Fantastic Four (1961) #356 | Comic Issues - Marvel
Sep 1, 1991 · The Puppet Master is up to his old tricks again, kidnapping Alicia Masters and whisking her away! But even he doesn't know that Alicia has a stunning secret of ...
[16]
Fantastic Four Wedding: Alicia's Amazing Adventures - Marvel
Nov 8, 2018 · Introduced as the evil Puppet Masters' blind step-daughter, Alicia made her immediate mark on the lives of the Thing and his partners when she ...
[17]
Three views of the Thing and a thought about Alicia Masters
Nov 6, 2023 · First this scene, from Fantastic Four #60 (Stan Lee, Jack Kirby), the ending issue of the FF's epic, multi-part battle with Dr. Doom, amped up by the power of ...
[18]
“She could never love me!” Comics and disability cliches
Dec 20, 2021 · Over at Marvel, Alicia Masters falls into this category. She's blind, but in one Fantastic Four story her hearing's so sharp she's able to ...
[19]
Disability in American Comics and Graphic Novels
Oct 21, 2025 · Summary. This article overviews the representation of physical and mental disabilities in American comics, beginning with the birth of the ...Missing: Masters | Show results with:Masters
[20]
How A Joke Ultimately Led to Alicia Masters Becoming a Skrull - CBR
Aug 25, 2019 · Learn how a joke among Marvel Comics editors ended up being an actual plot involving Alicia being a Skrull!
[21]
https://oxfordre.com/literature/view/10.1093/acrefore/9780190201098.001.0001/acrefore-9780190201098-e-1562
[22]
(PDF) Evolution of the Representation of Gender, Sexuality and ...
The dissertation aims to analyze gender, sexuality, and intersectionality in Marvel Comics over various ages. The Modern Age reflects Third and Fourth Wave ...
[23]
“Fantastic Four” #5 - Multiversity Comics
Dec 28, 2018 · It's a testament to Slott's compassion and deep lovefor the characters that Alicia feels like a full, three-dimensionalperson. She's nice ...Missing: depth | Show results with:depth
[24]
I'm Convinced An MCU Actor Just Confirmed A Major Fantastic Four
Sep 4, 2024 · A new update from Natasha Lyonne has me convinced that theories about her character in The Fantastic Four: First Steps have just been confirmed.Missing: reaction | Show results with:reaction
[25]
Natasha Lyonne Hints at Her 'Fantastic Four' Character - MovieWeb
Feb 24, 2025 · Lyonne's comments suggest that she could play Alicia Masters, the blind girlfriend and later wife of Ben Grimm / The Thing. Thanks to writers ...
[26]
Galactus, the Silver Surfer, Stan the Man, and King Kirby - The-Solute
Dec 30, 2019 · And his arc, as Alicia Masters, blind sculptor and love interest to the Thing, teaches him the value of life and turns him against his master, ...
[27]
Marvel Minimates Series 48 Alicia Masters & Moloid Variant
Rating 1.0 (1) Shop Marvel Minimates Series 48 Alicia Masters & Moloid Variant. Free delivery and returns on eligible orders of £20 or more.
[28]
Why Did Fantastic Four: First Steps Skip This Essential Character?
Aug 3, 2025 · Alicia Masters is a massively important character in the Fantastic Four's mythos, and as much as I would have loved for her to have shown up in ...
[29]
https://www.the-solute.com/year-of-the-month-galactus-the-silver-surfer-stan-the-man-and-king-kirby/
[30]
An X-Panded Guide to Marvel's 'Earth X' Trilogy
Mar 25, 2020 · Nearly each issue of EARTH X opens with X-51 and Uatu the Watcher ... Alicia Masters are married, living on Yancy Street; Black Bolt ...Earth X · Paradise X (2002) · Universe X
[31]
Alicia Masters (Character) - Comic Vine
Dec 1, 2021 · A blind sculptor and friend of the Fantastic Four. She is married to Ben Grimm, the Thing, and is also the stepdaughter of the supervillain Puppet Master.Origin · Major Story Arcs · Other Media
[32]
Alicia Masters (Earth-58163) - League of Comic Geeks
Alicia Masters led Ben Grimm (The It) through the pitch-black underground passageways of the Human Resistance Movement's hideout on Genosha.<|control11|><|separator|>
[33]
Fantastic Four: House of M (2005) #3 | Comic Issues - Marvel.com
Free delivery 30-day returnsSep 7, 2005 · Browse the Marvel Comics issue Fantastic Four: House of M (2005) #3. Learn where to read it, and check out the comic's cover art, variants, ...
[34]
Fantastic Four: House of M #3 | uncannyxmen.net
The Fearsome Three blast It out of the tower and into the streets, where he is recruited by Alicia Masters and the Human Resistance Movement. Valeria crashes ...
[35]
Ultimate Fantastic Four (2003) #29 | Comic Issues - Marvel.com
Apr 26, 2006 · The issue reveals the Super-Skrull's secret, Thor's White House, Ben Grimm's last stand, and a world where everyone has powers except Ben. It ...
[36]
Ultimate Fantastic Four (2003 - 2009) | Comic Series - Marvel
Utlimate Fantastic Four focuses on the young geniuses of the FF as they come to grips with a wild world. Great reading for everyone.
[37]
ULTIMATE FANTASTIC FOUR VOL. 7: GOD WAR (2007) - Marvel
Free delivery 30-day returnsBrowse the Marvel comic series ULTIMATE FANTASTIC FOUR VOL. 7: GOD WAR (2007). Check out individual issues, and find out how to read them!
[38]
Fantastic Four: The End (2006 - 2007) | Comic Series - Marvel
Browse the Marvel comic series Fantastic Four: The End (2006 - 2007). Check out individual issues, and find out how to read them!
[39]
What If? (1989) #5 | Comic Issues - Marvel
Nov 1, 1989 · Browse the Marvel Comics issue What If? (1989) #5. Learn where to read it, and check out the comic's cover art, variants, writers, & more!
[40]
"The Incredible Hulk" Bruce Banner Unmasked (TV Episode 1982)
Rating 6.5/10 (68) Sculptures seen in Alicia Masters' studio include Medusa, Vision, Dr. Doom, Ultron, Iron Man, the Thing, Scarlet Witch, Magneto, Dr. Strange, Spider-Woman ...<|separator|>
[41]
Alicia Masters - Fantastic Four (1994) - Behind The Voice Actors
Pauline Lomas, Pauline Flynn are the voices of Alicia Masters in Fantastic Four (1994). TV Show: Fantastic Four (1994) Franchise: Fantastic Four ...
[42]
Alicia Masters | Marvel 90's Cartoons Wiki - Fandom
Alicia Masters is the blind girlfriend of the Thing. When her step-father, Puppet Master, brought home the mind-controlled Thing, he had Alicia dress up as ...
[43]
Alicia Masters - Fantastic Four - Behind The Voice Actors
Sunita Prusad is the voice of Alicia Masters in Fantastic Four: World's Greatest Heroes. TV Show: Fantastic Four: World's Greatest Heroes
[44]
Alicia Masters - Fantastic Four: World's Greatest Heroes | TVmaze
Appearances · Episode 1x03: Doomsday (Sep 16, 2006) · Episode 1x05: My Neighbor Was a Skrull (Sep 30, 2006) · Episode 1x06: World's Tiniest Heroes (Oct 21, 2006) ...
[45]
Alicia Masters Voice - The Super Hero Squad Show (TV Show)
Tara Strong is the voice of Alicia Masters in The Super Hero Squad Show. TV Show: The Super Hero Squad Show Franchise: Marvel Universe ...
[46]
https://www.tvmaze.com/characters/718774/fantastic-four-worlds-greatest-heroes-alicia-masters
[47]
Alicia Masters - Marvel Movies Wiki
Appearances/Actresses. Earth-121698 (2 films). Fantastic Four (First appearance) - Kerry Washington · Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer - Kerry ...
[48]
Ben Grimm & Alicia Masters | Fantastic Four (2005) Movie Clip HD
May 28, 2023 · Ben Grimm and Alicia Masters - Exhibition Deleted Scene | Fantastic Four (2005) Movie Clip HD Cast: Ioan Gruffudd, Jessica Alba, ...
[49]
What Role Does Natasha Lyonne Play in Fantastic Four? Alicia ...
Jul 23, 2025 · The reveal ends rumors that Lyonne might portray Alicia Masters, Ben Grimm's longtime love interest in the comics. Who is Rachel Rozman and does ...<|separator|>
[50]
Fantastic Four (2005 video game) | Marvel Database - Fandom
Jun 27, 2005 · Alicia Masters (First appearance). S.H.I.E.L.D. (First appearance). Nick Fury ... Earth-Unknown/Appearances · Latveria/Appearances · Hell/Appearances. More ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[51]
Alicia Masters - Fantastic Four - Behind The Voice Actors
Cree Summer is the voice of Alicia Masters in Fantastic Four. Video Game: Fantastic Four Franchise: Fantastic Four
[52]
Fantastic Four (2005) (Video Game) - TV Tropes
Adaptational Early Appearance: Thing meets Alicia Masters early on, saving her from the Yancy Street Gang a couple of levels before the bridge incident.
[53]
Games - Alicia Masters - Giant Bomb
Games · Marvel Trading Card Game. January 27, 2007. PSP; DS; PC · Fantastic 4. June 27, 2005. GBA; PS2; + 3 more; GCN; XBOX; PC · Fantastic 4 Activity Studio. PC ...
[54]
Alicia Masters, Blind Sculptress - CoolStuffInc.com
Rating 5.0 (1) · Free delivery · 30-day returnsAlicia Masters comes into play exhausted. Whenever Alicia Masters is attacked, put her on the bottom of your deck. Activate >>> Cards named Thing and Human ...
[55]
Alicia Masters (Character) - Giant Bomb
Alicia Masters · Character » appears in 4 games. Alicia is a great friend to ... Fantastic 4 Activity Studio · PC · Questprobe Featuring Human Torch and the ...
[56]
Fantastic Four (Video Game 2005) - IMDb
Rating 5.5/10 (1,489) Victor von Doom; (voice) … Cree Summer · Alicia Masters… James Mathis III · Puppetmaster; (as James Mathis) … Andre ...