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: 1977
Cover Price: 60¢
Writer: Jim Stariln
Artist: Jim Starlin

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. At this point in Marvel Continuity, Ben Grimm was reverted back to human form but he operated an exo-skeleton armor created by Reed Richards that was made to look exactly like the Thing.

Spider-Man– When Peter Parker was bitten by a radioactive spider, he gained super-strength and the ability to stick to wallls. Using his scientific background, he devised web-shooters that allow him to swing from tall buildings.

WHAT happens?

As seen in the Avengers Annual #7, Captain Marvel and the Avengers were captured by Thanos (who is now in control of Adam Warlock’s soul gem). The villain intends to use the gem to destroy the Earth’s sun – in a move to please Death. The Avenger, Moondragon, sends out a mental summons for help that is intercepted by Spider-Man. But, the web-slinger doesn’t have the ability to reach Thanos’ space ark so he heads to the Baxter Building for help with transportation. The Thing decides to lend a hand and the two heroes fly off into space to rescue the Avengers!

Spider-Man and the Thing get pulled into the Space Ark via a tractor beam and they manage to free the Avengers. It becomes an all-out battle as the Thing, Spider-Man, Captain Marvel and the Avengers square off against Thanos and his minions. During the battle, Spider-Man finds the Soul Gem encased in glass and unwittingly gets it to release the imprisoned Adam Warlock. In a suicidal last gambit, Adam Warlock utilizes all his power to change Thanos into a block of stone.

WHERE does the story take place?

In outer space aboard Thanos’ Space Ark.

WHEN does the villain next appear?

Although Thanos is essentially changed to petrified stone at the end of this issue, this isn’t the last we’ve heard from him. In 1990, he was revived in the pages of Silver Surfer #34.

WHY is Spider-Man the guest-lead?

Spider-Man is totally out of his element in this issue so my only guess is that he was included here because of his popularity.

HOW was it?

Although this issue can be read as a stand-alone story, you’ll get a lot more out of it if you read it along with Avengers Annual #7 (and even the preceding issues of Strange Tales and Warlock). Despite this being the Thing’s series, he really doesn’t get much limelight here – in fact, with the amount of focus on Spider-Man, you’d almost think this was an issue of Marvel Team-Up. As far as importance goes, its a very notable part of the character histories of Adam Warlock and Thanos. Action fans will probably enjoy it but if you’re into comics for characterization, there isn’t much to be enjoyed here.

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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: December 1977
Cover Price: 35¢
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.

Nighthawk – Kyle Richmond is a wealthy man who’s dedicated his life to helping people. In addition to keeping his body in superb fighting condition, from dusk until dawn he acquires mild super-strength. He also utilizes a costume that gives him the ability to fly.

WHAT happens?

Kyle Richmond has been summoned to his company’s London headquarters for an important meeting. His employees reveal that they’ve discovered a rock in the Himalayas – one that contains some type of bizarre creature. Meanwhile, back at Doctor Kort’s lab, the Thing stands witness as Deathlok is finally brought back to consciousness and is then taken away by Nick Fury to S.H.I.E.L.D. Headquarters. Moments later, Kyle Richmond summons Doctor Kort (along with the Thing) to help with analyzing the previously mentioned rock.

Doctor Kort manages to free the creature from the rock but, when it is finally loose, it emits a gas that knocks unconscious all those present, including the Thing. The beast is aware (it can think thoughts to itself) but it cannot formulate a means of communication. It doesn’t seem to be on the attack – but, its actions could be perceived that way (mostly because of the way it looks). So, it takes off for the countryside.

The “monster” comes across a hospital that has caught fight and decides to try to save the children trapped inside. The Thing and Nighthawk also drop in to lend a hand but onlookers, frightened by the beast’s looks, determine that it is intending to do harm to the children. So, the heroic yet misunderstood beast is rewarded for his good deeds with deadly gunfire.

WHERE does the story take place?

This issue continues the story based in London.

WHEN does the villain next appear?

There is no villain in this issue and the alien creature doesn’t live beyond its first appearance here.

WHY is Nighthawk the guest-lead?

I don’t see much of an ulterior motive to get Nighthawk (of the Defenders) involved in this storyline. Marv Wolfman never wrote that title – so it’s clear he wasn’t cross-promoting his own work.

HOW was it?

This was easily the most heart-breaking issue of Marvel Two-In-One. Wolfman did a wonderful job of creating a “monster” that you truly feel for – and Ron Wilson created a truly frightening looking beast. What a dichotomy!

Note: This issue’s letters column features commentary on Marvel Two-In-One #29.

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