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: September 1976
Cover Price: 30¢
Writer: Bill Mantlo
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.

Tigra – Greer Grant underwent an experimental process to gain superhuman strength. Soon after, she found herself dying from exposure to radiation. The Cat People offered her a chance at survival through a combination of science and sorcery. She was transformed into Tigra – a human/cat hybrid.

WHAT happens?

Tigra seeks out the Thing‘s help in defeating the Cougar – a villain who has gained control of the Null-Bands. But, before she can even fill him in on the details, they’re attacked by the Cougar’s goons. The Cougar is a renegade member of the Cat People – they’ve sent Tigra to hunt him down before he uses the bands to win domination over them. After they defeat the Cougar’s thugs, Tigra and the Thing find one of Reed Richards’ devices that allows them to home in on the energy released by the Null-Bands.

Tigra and the Thing track down the Cougar using Reed’s device but, he’s ready for them – he subdues them with knockout gas. When they come to, they discover that Tigra has been chained to the wall. Additionally, the Thing has been placed within some complicated machinery that will allow the Cougar to drain his power. But, before the transfer can take place, the Thing bursts free and releases Tigra, as well. In the ensuing battle, the two heroes find it difficult to defeat the villain since he’s armed with the Null-Bands. He is ultimately defeated but, not by the Thing or Tigra. Sheila Conklin (the fiancée of Curt Ranklin – the Cougar’s secret identity) shoots him when she discovers her villainous husband-to-be has gone mad with power.

WHERE does the story take place?

This story jumps around New York City from the Baxter Building to Conklin Industries’ lab.

WHEN does the villain next appear?

This is the Cougar‘s first … and last … appearance.

WHY is Tigra the guest-lead?

Tigra took over the lead feature of Marvel Chillers with issue #3 (cover date: March 1976). This issue of MTIO was probably intended to give her a boost in sales with a little added attention but it appears it was too late. Marvel Chillers was cancelled with issue #7, which was published just one month after this issue.

HOW was it?

This was a very straight-forward “recruit the Thing” for help team-up story. Lots of action but low on characterization. On the plus side, it tied into both heroes: the villain was one of the Cat People and the Null-Bands he used were taken from a Fantastic Four villain named Tomazooma. Keen eyes will notice that occasionally the Cougar slips up and refers to the Null-Bands as Nega-Bands. Man is he off! Marvel Zombies know the Nega-Bands allow Rick Jones to summon forth Captain Marvel.

Note: This issue’s letters column features commentary on Marvel Two-In-One #16.

On Ebay: Marvel Two-In-One | the Thing | Tigra
On AtomicAvenue: Marvel Two-In-One | Tigra