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: March 1975
Cover Price: 25¢
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.

Ghost Rider– Johnny Blaze is possessed by the Spirit of Vengeance that transforms him into a bike-riding skeleton with a flaming head.

WHAT happens?

On Christmas Eve, Ghost Rider comes across three kings (on camels!) following the signal of a bright new star, seeking the child of propechy. The Rider races ahead of them, his motorcycle can carry him to the portent much faster than their camels can.

Across the country, Mr. Fantastic has taken notice of the star, as well – and he enlists the Thing to help him assemble an enormous telescope to examine it. Ben leaves the enthralled Reed to join the rest of the family (Sue, Johnny Storm, Medusa, Alicia Masters, Franklin – even Namorita and Wundarr have come by) for their Christmas dinner and tree-lighting.

After the tree is lit, the story bounces back to Ghost Rider who has followed the star to find a Middle-Eastern city that looks like it was pulled right out of the Bible – but curiously, the inhabitants are all Native Americans. He goes to the inn, where an entranced Wyatt Wingfoot informs him that “the inn is full”. Hesitantly, the Rider checks the stable … and discovers a nativity scene! But, before he can join them, the Creator commands him to stop. He claims the child is his and that the Rider has no business among them. He summons a whirlwind that deposits Ghost Rider on a mountain ridge far outside of the city.

In the Baxter Building, Reed reveals that the star is pointing to Wyatt Wingfoot’s reservation – so the Thing volunteers to fly out their to investigate why a star is signaling above his friend. An hour later, the Fantastic Four’s Pogo Plane has reached Arizona – and the Thing follows a flare on a mountain ridge. It just so happens to be Ghost Rider’s flaming skull! The two compare notes and decide to investigate together.

Dressed as the wise men, the two of them approach the newborn babe and the Creator returns – his identity is revealed to be Miracle Man. Freed from his Cheemuzwa jailors (see Fantastic Four #139), he intended to set up a new modern day birth of Christ, setting himself up to be the Creator. As the one true God of humanity, he intended to rule the world but, our heroes interrupt his plan, defeat him and turn him back over to the Cheemuzwa.

WHERE does the story take place?

The bulk of the story takes place on the The Konohoti Reservation in the Arizona desert. It’s the home of Wyatt Wingfoot’s tribe. He’s a long-time friend of the Fantastic Four’s, who debuted in F.F. #50 (1966).

WHEN does Miracle Man next appear?

Miracle Man appearances are often few and far between. He debuted in Fantastic Four #3 (1962) and returned in #139 (1973). He’s next seen in the Defenders #120 (1983), where the Cheemuzwa have given him amnesia and released him from captivity.

WHY is Ghost Rider the guest-lead?

While Gerber never wrote the bronze-age Ghost Rider series, he was certainly a fan of the stranger elements of the Marvel Universe (the Defenders, the Man-Thing, Doctor Strange, and his own creation: Howard the Duck). And, with a story pitched as “the Most Off-Beat Holiday Extravaganza Of All!”, it was certainly fitting to have one of Marvel’s less straight-forward heroes as the guest-lead.

HOW was it?

The Christmas inspiration for this story was neat to see – although, don’t think about Miracle Man’s plan for too long, lest it begins to unravel. Bringing in Ghost Rider for such an off-beat story was a great match and it even raised some questions about the Rider’s current powers/storyline. We were also treated to some fun character moments at the Baxter Building as the Thing celebrated Christmas with his F.F. extended family (no mention of him being Jewish here – which was revealed decades later). Finally, it was great to see some “silver-age” Fantastic Four characters brought back: Wyatt Wingfoot and the even-more-obscure, Miracle Man (absolutely no relation to the much-more-famous Miracleman).

Note: no letters page this issue.

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

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: January 1975
Cover Price: 25¢
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.

Valkyrie– the strongest of all Valkyrior (a group of Asgardians warrior goddesses who bring the worthy fallen warriors to Valhalla, the land of the honored dead). At this time in Marvel continuity, the Valkyrie had possessed the body of Barbara Denton and joined the super-hero team, the Defenders.

WHAT happens?

After the events of last issue, Doctor Strange suggests the Thing venture to Cobbler’s Roost, Vermont to find Valkyrie. Meanwhile, Strange intends to find the derelict, Alvin Denton, who was present at last issue’s subway event – for his destiny may need to be tended to, as well (see last week’s post, if you’re confused).

Before he can reach his destination, the Thing is ambushed by the Enchantress and Skurge the Executioner (who have already captured Alvin Denton). The villainness reveals that it was she, disguised as Valkyrie, who took the harmonica. But, she cannot yet harness its power until the course of Destiny, which was altered by last issue’s events, has been put right. Once Destiny’s will has been worked out, the villains intend to utilize the harmonica’s power to seize control of Asgard. So, they take their leave (with the harmonica), to allow Destiny to play through – their captives now freed.

Alvin asks the Thing to go to Cobbler’s Roost, for he has a bad feeling that his daughter is in danger. And, when they find her, the Thing discovers that his daughter is Barbara Denton – the woman who is possessed by the Valkyrie’s spirit. As he rushes to embrace her, it quickly becomes apparent that Valkyrie does not recognize the man – even though he fathered the body she now possesses. With this sad reunion completed, the Executioner and the Enchantress reveal themselves – taking enjoyment from the heartbreak. Desperate to fix the situation, Alvin yanks the harmonica from her clutches and blows into it.

Immediately, the world is destroyed and only those five nearest the harmonica are still left in existence. The Thing and Valkyrie move quickly to stop the Executioner and the Enchantress from grabbing the powerful instrument. Whoever gains control of it will have the power to set everything right – but if the villains get it, they can recreate the world without the heroes (or other heroes like Thor, the Avengers and the Defenders). In the final battle, the heroes narrowly defeat the Asgardian renegades and the Thing uses the harmonica to put everything back the way it was. But, it is a hollow victory – for Alvin’s heart gave out during all the excitement. Valkyrie’s last remaining link with humanity has now been severed.

WHERE does the story take place?

Most of the events of this issue take place in Cobbeler’s Roost, Vermont – the hometown of Barbara Denton.

WHEN do the Enchantress & Executioner next appear?

They next appear in the Defenders #20 (cover date: February 1975), as Valkyrie continues her quest to unlock her own identity. Doctor Strange and the Thing can also be found in that issue.

WHY is Valkyrie the guest-lead?

The very next month, Steve Gerber took over as writer of the Defenders so this was a fun attempt at getting more people interested in that book.

HOW was it?

This was certainly a neat way of turning MTIO fans into potential Defenders fan. Or, at least getting them interested enough to pick up the first issue of Gerber’s run on that title. But, it was a strange story. It was very much about Valkyrie, although she doesn’t actually do all that much in the issue. On the other hand, a most of the action is focused on the Thing but, he doesn’t get any character development. As for the stakes, they’re sky high! Essentially, the entire planet is destroyed – and then neatly put back into place just five pages later. Ahhhhh the days before comics were decompressed into six-issue storylines.

Note: This issue’s letters column features commentary on Marvel Two-In-One #5. Additionally, this comic includes Marvel Value Stamp #45 (Mantis).

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

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: November 1974
Cover Price: 25¢
Writer: Steve Gerber
Artist: George Tuska

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.

Doctor Strange– former surgeon, Stephen Strange, is Marvel’s Sorcerer Supreme – the Master of the Mystic Arts.

WHAT happens?

In the subway beneath Manhattan, a young girl’s harmonica is snatched from her by a heckler and she’s pushed into the path of an oncoming train. As Stephen Strange prepares to leap to her rescue, she begs of him to save the harmonica instead – he heeds her please, and grabs the instrument even though it means her very life. As the train collides with her body, she explodes into a dazzling light display – the multi-colored sparks seep into everyone there, including Strange and his beloved Clea. The two swiftly return to his Sanctum Sanctorum, where he hopes to unlock the mysteries of the harmonica with the name Celestia engraved on it.

Later that night, the Thing gets a call from Mrs. Coogan from Yancy Street. She requests his help because her grandson, Duff, is acting peculiar (he was the one who pushed the girl at the station). And, since Ben remembers her being like a second mother, he responds quickly – meeting them at her third floor apartment.

Meanwhile, Doctor Strange uses the Eye of Agamotto to discern the truth of the girl and the harmonica. It is revealed that the girl is a manifestation of Destiny. Each person in the subway has now affected their own destiny by the way they responded to her prersence. The mystery of the harmonica, however, remains. With this new knowledge, Doctor Strange decides that he needs to locate all the people that were in the subway, at that time, in order to redirect the courses of their lives so they are not destroyed.

Eventually, Doctor Strange makes his way to Yancey Street where he discovers the Thing. After swapping stories, they discover they’re both investigating the same incident. Fortunately for Duff Coogan, both heroes are in the vicinity when he’s attacked by a magically-created giant rat! The rat is a living symbol of Duff’s despair – he feels defeated by life. But, once Strange convinces the youth that he can control his life and eventually make his way out of the slum he lives in, the rat evaporates into nothingness.

When Strange and the Thing return to the Sanctum Sanctorum to uncover the mystery of the harmonica, Clea reveals it’s gone! While they were fighting the giant rat, Valkyrie of the Defenders came by to take it – strangely enough, she claimed that Strange had sent her to get it. But, how could he have instructed her to do so when he was pre-occupied in Yancey Street?

WHERE does the story take place?

This adventures takes us around New York City from the subways beneath Manhattan’s lower East side to the Baxter Building in Midtown Manhattan. From Doctor Strange’s Sanctum Sanctorum in Greenwich Village to the Thing’s old neighborhood, Yancey Street.

WHEN does the harmonica next appear?

The mystery of the harmonica will be addressed in the very next issue of Marvel Two-In-One.

WHY is Doctor Strange the guest-lead?

That’s a good question! I don’t see any ulterior motive as to why Doctor Strange appeared in this issue – perhaps Gerber just really wanted to use the character. Gerber wasn’t writing the character’s main title at the time and although Doctor Strange’s solo title had just started in 1974, it wasn’t a new feature (he starred in Marvel Premiere until he proved popular enough to get his own title).

HOW was it?

This was a neat story that certainly played to the strengths of Doctor Strange’s mythos much more than it did the Thing’s. It was a thinly veiled attempt to inspire the reader to believe that, at any point, we can change the shape of our destiny. With a little positive thought, we can achieve great things with our lives. Fortunately, Gerber’s talent ensured that it didn’t come across as preachy and he also set up some interest for the very next issue – where the mystery of the harmonica is to be investigated further.

Note: This issue’s letters column features commentary on Marvel Two-In-One #4. Additionally, this comic includes Marvel Value Stamp #47 (Green Goblin).

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

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 1974
Cover Price: 25¢
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.

Captain America – Steve Rogers was give the experimental Super Soldier Serum that turned him into the star-spangled war hero of World War II. After the war, he was frozen in suspended animation and later revived in the modern era.

Guardians of the Galaxy – lone survivors of four lost worlds pledged to destroy the Badoon. Major Vance Astro: a psychokinetic of Earth. Charlie-27: super-strong last survivor of Earth’s Jupiter colony. Yondu: the master of weaponry from Earth-colonized Centauri-IV. Martinex: the crystal man from Earth’s Plutonian colony.

WHAT happens?

After their capture last issue, the Thing, Captain America and Sharon Carter are brought before Drang – the Badoon sovereign of New York City. When the Thing comes to, our heroes manage to slip loose from their captivity and battle their way out of the Badoon capitol building. They stick to the shadows, hoping to find the pocket of human resistance they heard about.

Meanwhile, Tarin has sought out Zakkor, the leader of the resistance, with the intention of rallying humanity against the Badoon now that there can be renewed hope, with Captain America’s presence in their city. Zakkor summons the Guardians of the Galaxy from Earth’s orbit – and they join forces with the Thing, Cap and Sharon against the Brotherhood of the Badoon. With high hopes and the extra help, the Badoon of New York are soundly defeated.

Our heroes are transported back to their original time, leaving the New Yorkers of 3014 A.D. and the Guardians of the Galaxy with the belief that the Badoon can eventually be driven from the entire Earth now that they’ve achieved victory in New York.

WHERE does the story take place?

New York City – of the 31st century!

WHEN do the Badoon next appear?

The Badoon next appear in a multi-issue story arc from Defenders #26-29 (as well as Giant-Size Defenders #5), which also guest-stars the Guardians of the Galaxy.

WHY are the Guardians of the Galxy the guest-lead?

As revealed in last issue’s notice, Marvel was engineering a revival of the Guardians of the Galaxy. Their first (and last) appearance was in Marvel Super-Heroes #18, which was published five years prior in 1969. This is their second appearance and the Guardians showed up in the afore-mentioned Defenders storyline less than a year later. That same year, their first appearance was reprinted in Astonishing Tales #29 (cover date: July 1975). And, beginning in Marvel Feature #3 (cover date: February 1976), the Guardians of the Galaxy got their own lead feature – which lasted until the title was canceled at #12.

HOW was it?

There was certainly a lot of action to be had as the Thing, Cap and Sharon first busted out of the Badoon capitol building – and then back in with the aid of the Guardians of the Galaxy. Gerber provided a brief summary of the Guardians that filled us in on the important facts and provided further insight into Major Astro’s origins. However, there wasn’t much that would have convinced me to pick up a Guardians solo title, if I had been reading at this time. Nor was there much in the way of characterization for the Thing or Captain America. So, let’s take it for what it is: a huge action, adventure story. And, to that end, it served its purposes well.

Note: This issue’s letters column features commentary on Marvel Two-In-One #3. Additionally, this comic includes Marvel Value Stamp #93 (Silver Surfer).

On Ebay: Marvel Two-In-One | the Thing | Captain America | Guardians of the Galaxy
On AtomicAvenue: Marvel Two-In-One | the Thing | Captain America | Guardians of the Galaxy

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: July 1974
Cover Price: 25¢
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.

Captain America – Steve Rogers was give the experimental Super Soldier Serum that turned him into the star-spangled war hero of World War II. After the war, he was frozen in suspended animation and later revived in the modern era.

WHAT happens?

A day at the zoo turns to chaos when Wundarr decides that the animals should be freed from their cages. And, as the Thing rounds up the wild animals the zoo workers and visitors rush off to safety. Some hoodlums decide to take this opportunity to loot the deserted concession stands but they’re defeated by another heroic zoo-goer, Captain America.

And, as if that wasn’t enough Marvel Heroes to be at the same zoo at the same time, Namorita‘s there, too. She shares that she’s moved off of Hydrobase and is now going to College in Long Island. With her new living situation, she decides she’s better suited to take care of Wundarr and teach him about the world.

Now that things have been brought back to normal, the Thing invites Captain America and his zoo-date, Sharon Carter, back to the Baxter Building for some coffee and relaxation. But, it doesn’t last long – moments later, alarms are sounding from Reed’s lab. Following the sirens, they discover a woman has been transported there by the accidentally-activated time machine (it used to belong to Doctor Doom).

She reveals her name is Tarin and she’s from our future – the year 3014, to be exact. In that future, Earth has been conqured by the alien race, the Badoon – although a small pocket of human resistance still stands, led by the Guardians of the Galaxy.

Manning the time machine, Reed sends Tarin back home accompanied by the Thing, Captain America and Sharon Carter. Soon after they arrive, they’re quickly overwhelmed by a Zom Patrol and the Monster of Badoon. Tarin is the only one who is able to flee to safety while the others are taken captive by the alien forces.

WHERE does the story take place?

The story begins in Central Park Zoo but ends in New York City – of the 31st century!

WHEN do the Badoon next appear?

They’ll show up in the very next issue since this story is … to be continued!

WHY is Captain America the guest-lead?

This tale, set in the far-flung future, will be able to serve as a fitting tribute Marvel’s patriotic hero. Not only has he served his country proudly in World War II and in the modern era but, we discover that he will continue to inspire hope long after he’s gone. Even in the year 3014, Captain America serves a symbol of liberty for the last vestiges of humanity. The Guardians of the Galaxy have gone so far as to name their ship after him.

HOW was it?

It seems strange to me that Wundarr would be so quickly written out of this series. I mean, let’s face it – this book has enough going on without a Namorita/Wundarr subplot so I doubt we’ll be following that development. And, since Gerber is still going to be writing the next few issues, it really makes me wonder why he brought the character in as a supporting character only to dismiss him so quickly. On top of that small issue, my biggest concern was the “coincidental” meeting the Thing, Captain America and Namorita in the same zoo at the same date/time. This seems a bit of a stretch – but, I’m not going to dwell on it any longer.

More importantly, this issue revisits the 31st century Earth that was first (and last) seen in Marvel Super-Heroes #18 (the first appearance of the Guardians of the Galaxy) – so, with that in mind, I hope you’re prepared for the second appearance of the Guardians in the very next issue. As for me, I’m quite excited to read such an early part in their history. However, the way that the Thing’s adventure into the 31st century kicks off is certainly frustrating. It’s due to yet another coincidence (in this case, he accidentallly flips on Doom’s time machine that later retrieves Tarin from the future) which seems like a lazy plot point, to me. I also wish more would have been shown of the despair of a Badoon-conquered Earth. In fact, the New York City of the 31st century looks incredible! Tarin notes that there is a pocketful of human resistance to the aliens but, we don’t get any visual confirmation of mistreatment by the Badoon. I think this would have confirmed the threat more. Not that the Badoon don’t present a threat to our heroes – this is clearly not the case as the Thing, Cap and Sharon are quickly attacked by the Zom Patrol and the Badoon’s Monster. I’m hoping that more will be revealed next issue.

Note: This issue’s letters column features commentary on Marvel Two-In-One #2. Additionally, this comic includes Marvel Value Stamp #88 (the Leader).

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

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: 25¢
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).

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

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: March 1974
Cover Price: 20¢
Writer: Steve Gerber
Artist: Gil Kane

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.

Sub-Mariner – Namor is the hybrid offspring of a human and an Atlantean. This ruler of Atlantis has super-strength (as long as his skin is wet) and can fly (thanks to those dainty ankle wings!). He’s also got an enormous chip on his shoulder.

Wundarr – The planet Dakkam’s greatest astronomer, Hektu, believed that their sun would go nova, destroying their world. So, he put his newborn son, Wundarr, in a rocketship that landed on Earth. The child grew within the ship, never knowing of the outside world until the ship was opened by the Man-Thing. Wundarr emerged fully matured in body but not in mind. He possesses super-strength, some flight ability (or is it leaping?), and an “entropy field” that nullifies energy.

WHAT happens?

Wundarr crashlands near Hydrobase where he strikes a friendship with the curious Namorita. But, when Namor comes to investigate the newcomer, Wundarr is scared off. He next crashlands right in the middle of New York City Traffic! (Sheesh! This guy needs to learn how to leap better, eh?)

The Thing, who just happens to be nearby, notices this and launches into an attack to prevent any other New Yorkers from harm. Meanwhile, Namor and Namorita have journeyed to New York City to find Wundarr. When they discover their friend in battle with the Thing, they rush to his aid. And, to complicate matters even further, the enemies of Hektu send the Mortoid (a robotic assassin) to destroy Wundarr. This newfound threat unites the Thing, Namor, Namorita and Wundarr – the Mortoid and the Dakkamites are defeated.

After the threat has been neutralized, Namor and Namorita explain to the Thing that Wundarr needs a “father figure” to teach him about the world, just before they depart to return to Hydrobase.

WHERE does the story take place?

The initial events take place just off the shore of Hydrobase, which is located off the North American coast in international waters. But, the scene quickly shifts to New York City (42nd Street, to be exact), once Wundarr makes his way to the mainland.

WHEN does Wundarr next appear?

Wundarr will be around in the very next issue! Steve Gerber, the writer of this series, created Wundarr in the pages of Fear, so it’s safe to assume that he had some plans for the character’s growth. It’s not often easy to put a new character in the spotlight, so this seems like an appropriate place to add him as a supporting character.

WHY is Sub-Mariner the guest-lead?

In 1968, the Sub-Mariner had split from his double-feature title, Tales to Astonish (which he shared with the Hulk), into his own solo title. By 1973, sales of that title had begun to falter, and then-writer Steve Gerber was given enough slack to send the series in a “new direction” starting in issue #67 (cover date: November 1973). It could easily be argued that this issue was an attempt by Gerber to get Namor the Sub-Mariner (and his new costume), some much-needed exposure. Sadly, the plan didn’t work and Sub-Mariner was canceled with issue #72 (cover date: September 1974).

HOW was it?

The re-introduction of Wundarr is an interesting treat. Essentially, he has the same origin story as Superman but, he’s got a unique slant: full-grown body run by an infantile mind. I’m curious to see how the character develops now that he’s been left in Bashful Benjy’s hands.

Speaking of that, it seems a little odd that Namorita (who’s really the only character in this story that shows any true care for the Dakkamite) would leave Wundarr with the Thing. To be honest, the way the story had progressed, I assumed that she would be taking him back to Hydrobase.

Note: This issue’s letters column features commentary on Marvel Feature #12. Additionally, this comic includes Marvel Value Stamp #63 (the Sub-Mariner).

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

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: January 1974
Cover Price: 20¢
Writer: Steve Gerber
Artist: Gil Kane

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.

Man-Thing – Ted Sallis was attempting to rediscover the Super-Soldier Serum when he injected himself with the experimental formula. Soon after, his car crashed into a chemical-tainted swamp – the mixture of formula, swamp water and chemicals turned him into the Man-Thing. Now, he is a mindless muck monster, unable to process thoughts but highly empathic. The swamp beast is drawn towards strong emotions and has an unusual reaction to one in specific: for, whatever knows fear, burns at the touch of the Man-Thing.

WHAT happens?

The Molecule Man (II) teleports to Earth in an effort to take revenge on his father’s enemies, the Fantastic Four. He homes in on the Thing’s energy first, which deposits him in the Florida Everglades, where the rocky FF member is tracking down the Man-Thing. He engages the Thing and their scuffle quickly draws the attention of the Man-Thing.

Using his advanced abilities, the Molecule Man (II) can also manipulate organic molecules, as well as inorganic (a feat his father could never accomplish). And, it’s with those abilities that he transforms both the Thing and the Man-Thing into their human forms, Ben Grimm & Ted Sallis, respectively. With the strongest threats to his mission now neutralized, the Molecule Man (II) departs to take out the other three members of the Fantastic Four.

Grimm & Sallis soon catch up with him and he foolishly changes them back into their monstrous forms. During the fight, the Thing separates the villain from his wand, the power source that keeps his body from disintegrating. Unfortunately for him, he’s kept away long enough that his body is turned into dust … and the wand, which now appears powerless, is left in the hands of a small child.

WHERE does the story take place?

After the events of Marvel Feature #11-12, the hot-headed Thing travels from New Mexico to the Florida Everglades to take on this “new guy on the block” who stole his name. Little does he know, at first, that the swamp creature can’t even think or speak – let alone tell others to call him the Man-Thing.

WHEN does the Molecule Man next appear?

This Molecule Man doesn’t appear again but, his father (the original Molecule Man) returns in Iron Man Annual #3, where it is revealed that his essence was inside the wand.

WHY is Man-Thing the guest-lead?

After debuting in Savage Tales #1 (May 1971), the Man-Thing went on to take the lead feature in Adventure Into Fear, starting with #10 (October 1972) and continuing to #19 (December 1973). Steve Gerber’s tales of the swamp beast had proved popular enough to be given its own title, and Man-Thing #1 debuted with a cover date of January 1974 – conveniently enough, that’s the cover date of this issue, as well. So, it seems this comic was meant to serve as a promo for his series debut.

HOW was it?

Gerber introduced a neat concept by changing the two monsters back into their human forms. I wouldn’t have minded a lot more of the book devoted to the interesting character moments that companionship could have provided. Think about it – two disgusting monsters have been granted a rare opportunity to be back in their own skin AND they have someone with them that has gone through the same experience! That’s great stuff, there. Especially since that’s not too common a trait to share with somebody else.

Now, I realize that Ben Grimm is a heroic character so he’s pretty much duty-bound to take on the villain who’s out to get him and his friends but, I feel like Ted Sallis would have logicly just fled the scene instead of putting himself in a position to be transformed back into the mindless Man-Thing. At least the Thing retains his own mind when he’s in his rocky form – the Man-Thing can’t even process thought! But, I think the biggest blunder of the story is when the Thing just hands the Molecule Man’s wand over to a little boy. C’mon! Everybody knows you can’t just go leaving stuff like that around.

Note: This issue’s letters column features commentary on Marvel Feature #11 (the debut of the Two-In-One concept).

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

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: November 1973
Cover Price: 20¢
Writer: Mike Friedrich
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.

Iron Man – Tony Stark devised a powered suit of armor to stop a life-threatening injury and to escape captivity from terrorists.

WHAT happens?

On the lookout for his new enemy, Thanos, Iron Man flies across the Southwestern desert that the Thing is stranded in. He zooms past the Thing, paying him no mind, and enters the former base of Thanos – his only lead on the villain.

Inside the base, he’s ambushed by the Blood Brothers, Thanos’ enforcers. Meanwhile, the Thing is furious that Iron Man left him stranded and ventures into the base – just in time to help him fight the vampiric space monsters! Forseeing the heroes’ victory, Thanos teleports his henchmen away to some unknown fate. Meanwhile, Iron Man leaves the Thing in the desert because his armor doesn’t have the strength left to carry him home.

WHERE does the story take place?

The battle takes place in Thanos’ former base of operations which is located in the very same Southwestern desert that the Thing was teleported to in the last issue (by Kurrgo).

WHEN do the Blood Brothers next appear?

The Blood Brothers return for a rematch in Iron Man #88 (cover date: July 1976). So, it’s safe to assume that Thanos didn’t kill them for their failure in this issue.

WHY is Iron Man the guest-lead?

I think it could easily be argued that Iron Man is a guest-star in this book to lend it some credibility, since the Thing’s “team-up” book concept was still in its infancy. At this point, Iron Man was a well-established Marvel mainstay that had held his own book for years.

The inclusion of the Blood Brothers (and Thanos, for that matter) was probably due to Jim Starlin’s involvement – since he created those characters in the pages of Iron Man just nine months prior.

HOW was it?

It’s neat to see the Iron Man/Blood Brothers/Thanos conflict heightened in this issue. Moving these cosmic villains into a book with the Thing is a more fitting concept than Iron Man’s tech-inspired world. And, he was also one of the few heroes to even know who Thanos was, at this point (see Captain Marvel #26). I really enjoyed the scenes of the Thing walking through the desert complaining and being ornery. The Starlin-illustrated battle was huge and spanned the vast majority of the book. We’re even treated to some very early appearances of Thanos (which increases the importance of this issue in regards to the rest of the Marvel Universe).

Note: This issue featured a notice that the new direction of Marvel Feature would spotlight the Thing and his adventures with other heroes. It mentions that demand for the Thing to get his own series has been brewing for over ten years. The interesting thing was that, this was actually the last issue of Marvel Feature and the tema-up concept debuted two months later with a new number one and a new title: Marvel Two-In-One!

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

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 1973
Cover Price: 20¢
Writer: Len Wein
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.

Hulk – Doctor David Bruce Banner was turned into the green-skinned Hulk by accidental exposure to gamma radiation. His already formidable strength increases with his anger.

WHAT happens?

Kurrgo, the Master of Planet X (remember him from Fantastic Four #7?), makes a wager with the Leader. Each of them selects a champion to pit against the other’s choice. The winner gets the forced service of both champions and the scientific knowledge of the loser.

The selected champions? Why, none other than the Thing (Kurrgo’s selection) and the Hulk! Both “monsters” are teleported to a deserted ghosttown in a South-Western state, where the Thing is told that an Ultrex Bomb is primed to go off in 30 minutes, destroying the entire Earth. Unfortunately for him, the Hulk stands in his way! Fortunately for us, the Hulk stands in his way! So, we’re treated to eight Starlin-illustrated pages of Hulk vs Thing battle!

When all is said and done, the Thing finally finds the bomb only to discover that it’s a fake. After the sham is discovered, both champions are transported into a spaceship where they come face to face with Kurrgo and the Leader. However, neither the Thing nor the Hulk are interested in serving these villains so they end up destroying the vehicle’s circuitry and jumping ship – leaving the spaceship to come crashing down in the desert. Hulk bounds off into the distance and the Thing, assuming the villains died in the crash, starts walking towards the nearest town.

WHERE does the story take place?

The story starts out in the Baxter Building (in New York City), where Mr. Fantastic has just finished the latest in his long line of devices intended to cure the Thing of his rocky form. Later in the book, the Thing and the Hulk are transported to a deserted ghosttown in what looks to be a Southwestern state.

WHEN do Kurrgo and the Leader next appear?

So far, it appears that Kurrgo did, indeed, die in this crash since he hasn’t made a reappearance since!

As for the Leader, he next appeared in the Incredible Hulk #223 (May 1978), where he devised a way to cure his paralysis.

WHY is the Hulk the guest-lead?

Ever since Fantastic Four #12, Hulk vs Thing battles have been one of the top highlights in Marvel stories. So, what better way to start off the Thing’s own team-up book than by featuring a fan-favorite match?

HOW was it?

I thought it was neat that Len Wein decided to bring back Kurrgo from the depths of obscurity. This freaky alien only appeared one other time – and that was a decade prior! However, it does re-introduce a silly flaw found in many sci-fi stories: how does this alien creature speak English?!

Let’s not get hung up on that too much, though. Now, Kurrgo reveals that he wants to acquire the aid of Earth’s strongest champion to take revenge on his former people (who have since made it clear that he’s no longer welcome amongst them). OK that makes some sense, I suppose. But, the Leader‘s motivation is that he believes the champion’s strength will somehow help him escape his current paralysis. That’s a bit of a stretch – but, we’ll go with it, just for fun.

All of it is really just a way to get the Thing and the Hulk to duke it out. And, what a battle it is! These guys destroy half the ghosttown in the process! Although, it should be mentioned that it’s not quite a fair fight since Kurrgo enhanced the Thing’s strength. But, creating unfair fights is the easiest way for a writer to get around upsetting the fans. Y’see, if it was a fair fight and the Thing lost – Thing fans wouldn’t be happy. And, the same would be true for Hulk fans if he lost. But, in this case, it seems like fans of both can easily enjoy this story. And, it makes for a great first issue of the Thing’s first solo series.

Note: After the success of Marvel Team-Up (which launched in 1972), Marvel decided that they would create a second team-up style series, hoping it was a trend they could capitalize on. But, rather than take a chance right from the beginning, they opted to try out the concept. So, with the 11th issue of Marvel Feature (Ant-Man was the previous lead in this series), they allowed the Thing to begin his own series, matching him up with other Marvel Heroes. Trying out new concepts in already-established books wasn’t a new thing for Marvel. After all, Spider-Man debuted in Amazing Fantasy #15. Thor in Journey Into Mystery #83. Iron Man in Tales of Suspense #39. The list can continue with Sub-Mariner, Doctor Strange and even more heroes who got their own titles after debuting as a “try-out”! And, just like those other successful series, the Thing’s trial in Marvel Feature eventually led to his own title called Marvel Two-In-One!

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