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!Spoilers appear below – You’ve been warned!

Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Date: July 1977
Cover Price: 30¢
Writer: Marv Wolfman
Artist: Ron Wilson

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.

Master of Kung Fu – Shang-Chi is the son of pulp villain, Dr. Fu Manchu. He possesses no super powers but is a master of martial arts.

WHAT happens?

After last issue’s delay, the Thing and Alicia Masters finally arrive in London. They’re seeking the aid of Doctor Kort to free Deathlok of the Fixer’s control but, when they get to his home, they discover he’s been kidnapped. Exiting the home, Alicia trips and falls into a puddle of blood. When she figures out what she’s landed in, she releases a blood-curdling scream that draws the attention of a nearby stranger: Shang-Chi.

The Master of Kung Fu responds to the scream and finds the Thing, along with Alicia. Seeing Grimm’s rocky shape, he assumes that the “monster” is threatening the woman so we’re treated to a brief hero vs hero battle. After Shang-Chi figures out that the Thing isn’t trying to hurt Alicia, Grimm asks for his help in finding Doctor Kort.

The Doctor has been captured by Hydra agents and is being forced to develop a serum that is needed to be tested on a mysterious female. The serum is finalized moments before Shang-Chi and the Thing break into the Hydra lair to free Doctor Kort. And, even though the doctor has been taken away from them, the Hydra agents are thrilled when they discover that the serum has been completed. It will allow them to create an army of warriors equipped with the powers of their mysterious female captive (which is revealed to be Spider-Woman!).

WHERE does the story take place?

The story takes place in London (we’re even treated to a splash page with Big Ben in the background).

WHEN does the villain next appear?

The villainous group, Hydra, appears in the very next issue as their plans with Spider-Woman continue.

WHY is the Master of Kung Fu the guest-lead?

By the time this issue came out, Master of Kung Fu was already a successful series. There doesn’t seem to be a cross-promotional need here so the character was probably used just for fun (a nice trend that Wolfman seems to be developing).

HOW was it?

The involvement of Shang-Chi seems highly coincidental but, on the positive side, there were a lot of interesting characterization moments as the Thing brooded upon his monstrous looks (despite Alicia’s best efforts to explain that she doesn’t care about them). It’s also the second (albeit brief) appearance of Spider-Woman, so it makes for an important bit of Marvel history.

Note: No letters page this issue!

On Ebay: Marvel Two-In-One | the Thing | Master of Kung Fu
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