Marvel Two-In-One launched in 1974, teaming the Thing with a different hero each month. This guide will tell you everything you wanted to know about the series – and more!
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Date: May 1974
Cover Price: 25ยข
Writer: Steve Gerber
Artist: Sal Buscema
WHO stars in this issue?
the Thing – Benjamin J. Grimm was bombarded by cosmic rays in a space exploration flight, alongside three friends. The cosmic rays gave each of them different powers, and they formed the Fantastic Four. Ben underwent the most physical change of the foursome: his skin mutated into orange rock and, as a result, he gained super-strength.
Daredevil – Matt Murdock was exposed to radiation that destroyed his eyesight but enhanced his other four senses to superhuman levels. Now, armed with a billy club, he fights crime as Dardevil, the Man Without Fear.
WHAT happens?
Inside the Baxter Building, Reed Richards runs a battery of tests on Wundarr. He discovers that the Dakkamite absorbs the radiation that all matter gives off naturally. But, he can only store so much – and if he doesn’t expel the energy by utilizing his great strength, his body expends it uncontrollably. And, that’s just what Reed discovers as Wundarr blows a hole through the Baxter Building lab.
Daredevil, swinging nearby, is nearly hit with a flying chunk of exterior wall! He makes his way up to Reed’s lab to discover that Mr. Fantastic has created a new costume for Wundarr that will contain his explosive energy. Satisfied that everything is under control, Daredevil then makes his way to his date with Candace Nelson (after a brief pitstop to investigate Shanna the She-Devil’s quest to avenger her father’s death).
Candace and Matt Murdock attend an avant-garde pro-patriotism play that gets out of hand. After the actors kill each other on stage, the frightened crowd stampedes for the doors. In the chaos, Matt is able to break free and find out that the actors were being controlled by a Black Spectre agent. Just before he captures the criminal, he’s blindsided by a blow to the head from … the Black Widow?! She and the agent make their getaway on a bizarre aircraft (one that has been seen hovering over the site of every Black Spectre caper, Daredevil notes).
In hot pursuit, Daredevil breaks into the Baxter Building with hopes of stealing the Fantasticar to catch up with them. The Thing catches him, and after a quick explanation, joins DD on his quest. The two heroes land atop the villains’ ship and break in to discover Nekra, one of the leaders of the Black Spectre. In the ensuing battle, it becomes clear that the Black Widow is not in control of her actions. Daredevil is overwhelmed by the Black Spectre forces while the Thing takes on the other leader and succumbs to his hypnotic powers. The knocked-out heroes are placed back in the Fantasticar which is then dropped off the ship. Daredevil comes to – just in time to safely land the ship and watch the villains get away.
WHERE does the story take place?
The events of this story take place in the city of Manhattan and in the skies above!
WHEN does Nekra next appear?
This story is directly continued in Daredevil #110, as the Man Without Fear learns the eerie origin of Black Spectre and its leader. But, don’t be fooled, MTIO fans! While this story is continued, the Thing’s involvement is not. The only thing he does in Daredevil #110 is drop the hero off before he takes the Fantasticar home.
WHY is Daredevil the guest-lead?
At the time this was published, Gerber was also writing Daredevil – so this issue served as a great cross-promotion between both titles.
HOW was it?
As a Daredevil issue, it was great! He certainly had the lion’s share of the spotlight. The story even followed his title’s subplots: his date with Foggy’s sister and his investigation into Shanna’s quest to find her father’s killer (which was originally picked up from Shanna’s own ill-fated ongoing series – also written by Steve Gerber. Wow! What wasn’t this guy writing back then?)
Now, don’t be mistaken, the Thing wasn’t totally ignored and the MTIO subplot of Wundarr was advanced, too. But this issue certainly didn’t have as much limelight shown on the Thing and his supporting cast as it should have.
Note: This issue’s letters column features commentary on Marvel Two-In-One #1. Additionally, this comic includes Marvel Value Stamp #89 (Hammerhead).
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