- Mole Man: I was a man of culture, a brilliant mind. Archeology, geology, engineering: I mastered everything the surface world had to offer! But the pretty ones said I didn't belong. So I went to find my own world, the legendary Subterranea! Oh, I found it, and so much more! We have to change things, Benjamin! Down here in the dark, no one is judged by their appearance! Here, we can start over! I can rebuild New York for us, with all the bests the surface world has to offer!
- Ben Grimm: Mole-hattan, huh? And what about the people who don't want no part of it?
- Mole Man: Oh, they're free to go, of course! The pretty ones can have their surface world, we don't want it!
- Ben Grimm: I ain't saying yes...
- Mole Man: Ah, but you're not saying no!
- Mole Man: [to Ben] I apologize for my children's rough treatment. But let me be the first to welcome you... to Subterranea!
- Mole Man: You and I are the same, Benjamin: the beautiful people, they hate us, they fear us! The only difference is that I've lived my whole life this way! Your nightmare has only just begun!