Retro Comic Recap: Marvel Two-In-One #80

Good afternoon, folks,

I'm winding down a nice, quiet weekend with a summary of the eightieth issue of Marvel Two-In-One. The cover showed the Thing and Ghost Rider engaged in a race along a highway. The tale was titled "Call Him...Monster!" The issue had a publication date of October 1981.

The story started inside Alicia Masters' studio in the Baxter Building in New York City. Her sculptures of different heroes and villains started crumbling as the room began to quake. The blind sculptress unwittingly ran toward the source of the disruption, which was a new automatic punching block that her boyfriend, Ben Grimm (aka the Thing) was using. Fortunately, Ben's teammate Reed Richards (Mr. Fantastic) extended one of his flexible arms to lift Alicia out of harm's way. 

Frustrated with his inability to save his girlfriend, Ben wandered off, wanting some time to think on his own. Reed explained this to Alicia before going to help her take care of the mess in the studio, alongside his wife Sue (the Invisible Girl), son Franklin, and brother-in-law Johnny Storm (the Human Torch). Alicia was saddened by the loss of some of her work, but knew that nothing mattered more than her relationship with Ben.

 Grimm had made his way to an abandoned tenement. On the rooftop, he took out his frustration by smashing his fists to the floor, damaging most of the building before moving on. As he whizzed by on his jet cycle, he heard sirens, thinking they were looking for him because of the destruction he'd just caused. 

What Grimm didn't know was that the officers were on the trail of the Ghost Rider (aka Johnny Blaze), who was driving his flaming motorcycle down a busy street. The stunt rider evaded the authorities, eventually racing up a stairway until he was driving along a set of train tracks. He neared an oncoming train until jumping off the platform moments before impact.

The cycle landed on a rooftop, and Johnny stopped the bike before summoning it back to where it came and returned to his human form. A short while later, Ben approached him (they had met in the holiday-themed MTIO #8). Blaze hopped on the back of Grimm's cycle as they sped off together. 

Ben let Johnny off at the apartment building he was staying at. Blaze gave him a complimentary set of tickets for the auto show he was performing at as a gift before the two parted ways. Grimm headed home, realizing he had to face the music. He had no sooner landed the craft when Alicia ran for him. She immediately embraced him, wanting nothing more at that moment than to have her love in her arms.

Some time later, Ben and Alicia went to the exhibition at Shea Stadium. They found their seats just before Blaze jumped over a set of cars. What none of them knew was that a few patrons had their eyes set on driving off with one of the featured vehicles. The thieves drove off with the car just after Blaze landed his bike. He then set off after them as the Ghost Rider. 

Ben knew something funny was up, and asked Alicia to find her way home, as he went to his jet cycle to investigate. The Ghost Rider eventually caught up with the crooks, forcing them out of the car before he tossed it at them. Grimm witnessed that act of violence and thought that his ally was out of control. He tried to calm Blaze down, but a confrontation between the two of them was inevitable.

Grimm was finally able to persuade Blaze's personality to come forth, but not after more city property had been destroyed. Johnny reverted to his human self before collapsing in the Thing's arms. Afterward, Ben rejoined Alicia in her studio. He reflected on all the good things in his life, like her, as Johnny drove off toward his next destination.

I haven't read many of Ghost Rider's comics, but I've always found him an interesting character. I was glad that Blaze returned a few years after his monthly title was cancelled. I liked the issues I read, including his role as one of the original Champions before that short-lived team broke up. He's more powerful now, and his popularity wanes at times, but he is still someone who definitely shouldn't be underestimated. I just wish that more stories like this were published that gave us a better glimpse into his human side. 

That's it for me this week. I'll begin a new week tomorrow with a synopsis of the eighty-first issue of Marvel Two-In-One. Ben will join forces with one of the Fantastic Four's original foes to combat a powerful enemy and its forces. Until then, have a great week and don't forget to be kind to one another. 

Retro Comic Recap: Marvel Two-In-One Annual #6

Good morning,

Hope everyone's been enjoying their weekend. I'm starting this Sunday with a recap of the sixth Marvel Two-In-One Annual. The cover showed images of the Thing, Wyatt Wingfoot, Ka-Zar, the villain Klaw, and a new character called American Eagle. The beginning of the 1981 annual was called "An Eagle From America!"

It all started on what seemed like a quiet night in the Baxter Building in New York City. Ben Grimm was rather grumpy because he was all alone at the Fantastic Four's headquarters. He decided to let off a little steam by lifting weights in the complex's gym. Grimm descended the elevator and was in the middle of a good workout when an alarm sounded.

The buzzer indicated a guest had arrived on the main floor. Ben turned on the viewscreen to see his old friend Wyatt waiting in the lobby. Grimm let him in, and the two old friends caught up for a while. Wingfoot explained that he'd traveled to enlist his allies' assistance in a matter involving a concern with a couple of members of his tribe. He thought that the matter might spell trouble for their land as a whole.

Tribe elders discussed what had happened as having fulfilled a historic legend. The chieftain was fading and unable to lead his people against an upcoming invasion. He sent his two sons to a cavern, where they waited until they were visited by an ancient spirit. The spirit asked the boys who was most worthy. The eldest made his claim, stating that he was wiser since he was first-born. The second said that he was stronger because he was the youngest. 

Both brothers were pitted against each other in an epic trial of strength and will that continued across their great land. One of the brothers eventually emerged as the victor and led his fellow warriors against the invading forces. After their triumph, the new leader rejoiced with his men, only to later become one with the revered spirit that watched over their lands. 

Ben listened intently to the old tale, wondering how it related to recent events. Wingfoot explained that a company arrived on the reservation recently, claiming they had rights to mine on that property. This sparked a quarrel between tribal representatives, brothers Ward and Jason Strongbow. Jason vehemently opposed such actions, while Ward pointed fingers at the contractors and the courts.

Jason went to the courts to plead his case, only to be told that no work stoppage orders would be issued, and that any hearings on the matter would be delayed for at least a month. Before long, several protestors went to the mining site, where a nervous watchman opened fire. Jason went inside the cave to find the watchman, who had retreated inside, and found his brother Ward inside a cavern full of machinery.

The two brothers apparently sparred once more until something strange happened. An avalanche sealed the mine entrance, and Jason emerged seemingly taller and much more powerful. It was rumored that the same great spirits of old had visited him and granted him new abilities. He left the village the next day. Grimm and Wingfoot then boarded a jet en route to that destination, which was in the Antarctic's Savage Land.

Part 2 of this story was titled "The American Eagle." Jason, in that new identity, was hunting, unaware that Ka-Zar was watching his every move from above. What Ka-Zar didn't know was that this stranger was not the true enemy that day. Jason/the American Eagle, was trying to prevent poachers from killing other animals. He had rushed into battle with an unknown man, one who possessed great strength. 

Both combatants eventually realized that they were both on the same side and went after the poachers. They continued on with Ka-Zar's faithful companion, Zabu. Before long, the Fantastic Four's plane arrived. Ka-Zar went to greet his old friends.

Chapter 3 was called "Never Break the Chain!" Ben and Wyatt disembarked and met their companions. As they made camp that evening, Jason explained to his fellow tribesmen what had happened when he last confronted his brother. He and Ward tussled until a fire broke out in the complex. They were then met by other strangers, one of whom was named Klaw. 

Grimm remembered Klaw from their last encounter at Project Pegasus. He was surprised that the villain was alive, after witnessing his disappearance inside his sonic weapon the last time they met (as shown in MTIO #58). Jason explained that the combination of Klaw's sonic device and the radiation emanating from nearby machines in that room gave him his powers. As he was recovering, Jason overheard Klaw and his allies talking about heading for the Savage Land to find vibranium. That's why he chose to follow them.

Jason chartered a plane to the Savage Land and parachuted down. He had no sooner set down when a large dinosaur attacked him. He was victorious, but suffered a minor wound in the process. Jason offered to lead the group in their hunt for Klaw and his allies. 

Chapter 4 of this tale was called "The Dinosaur Graveyard." It began in a pit where several dinosaurs had been caged by Klaw's men. The villain planned to use them as reinforcements against his enemies as needed. The heroes scaled the walls of the pit before Ben met Klaw once more. His foe told him that he was accidentally freed from his weapon by a Project Pegasus cleaning lady, who had noticed the object and activated it. Klaw retaliated against her before breaking out of the facility.

While Grimm was suffering from another of Klaw's trademark sonic assaults, Ka-Zar and Jason had gone to the camp to confront Ward. Ward was stunned to see his brother in his new garb, after thinking that he'd perished during their last meeting. The two brothers fought as Wyatt stepped in to assist Ben.

Grimm broke free of the sonic ray and leapt at Klaw. The two tumbled down the hillside, landing in front of the large cage. Klaw soon released his captives, and it took the combined efforts of Ka-Zar and Zabu to restrain them. 

Jason and Ward continued to battle each other, as the Thing finally managed to knock Klaw out. The violence ended when one of the poachers shot at the warring brothers. The man who ended Ward's life was the same night watchman from the village who had fired at Jason's people before. The trio of poachers fled, but weren't able to evade the oncoming beasts who were stampeding across the plains.

Afterward, goodbyes were said. Ben and Wyatt prepared to board the pogo plane. The American Eagle brought up the rear, holding the body of his late brother in his arms. 

This was a sad story, with a good moral lesson. I remember picking this issue up in the discount bin at my local comic book store, hoping to see more of American Eagle. He was a minor character in other Marvel mags after that and was featured in a few Marvel Comics Presents issues, but really wasn't fleshed out more until more than a decade later. Another character with great potential who has been severely underutilized in the Marvel world.

That's it for this article. Later today, I'll discuss the eightieth issue of Marvel Two-In-One. Ben pairs up with a former Champion on a ride that Grimm never expected to begin in the first place. Until then, have a great weekend and don't forget to be kind to one another. 

Retro Comic Recap: Marvel Two-In-One #79

Good morning, peeps!

It's time for me to talk about the seventy-ninth issue of Marvel Two-In-One. The cover depicted the Thing holding a large boulder to protect himself from blasts fired by a new character called the Star-Dancer, as Alicia Masters sat helpless in a clear bubble and the hero Blue Diamond lay motionless at Ben Grimm's feet. The story was titled "Shanga the Star-Dancer!" The issue had a cover date of September 1981.

The tale began somewhere in deep space, as the person known as Shanga danced across a bevy of meteorites. She thought back to her homeworld, which she had not visited in many centuries, and how her cosmic powers had enabled her to destroy the asteroids that lay before her with ease. The lonely intergalactic traveler's focus soon turned to a small sleepy town in Massachusetts.

That village was named Hartsdale, and it was hosting its annual arts-and-crafts fair. Grimm and Masters were among the many in attendance that day. Alicia was blind, so she used her fingers to ascertain the finer details of a piece of pottery that had piqued her interest, much to the chagrin of the vendor. He grabbed the pot and ordered her to leave before Grimm entered the scene. He went to the nearest tree and grabbed it, setting it down before the shopkeeper to teach him a lesson. Alicia understood, but didn't approve of her boyfriend's brusque approach.

Later that day, Ben set out to do some fishing. He walked past several houses on his way, one of them belonging to a man named Elton Morrow. The elderly gentleman envied the hero whom he spied through the window. To many in the community, he was known as an anthropology professor. However, in his younger years, he was also the costumed crusader known as the Blue Diamond (as seen in issues of the Invaders and Marvel Premiere).

He longed for the days long gone, when he fought against the evils that surfaced during the Second World War. Morrow also missed his wife, who had become severely ill and passed on several years back. Elton never lost his powers and was just itching for a chance to use them again.

Shortly thereafter, Shanga flew down to the sleepy hamlet. She briefly examined its occupants before encasing them in a clear dome. People started to panic. Some of them pointed out Masters, blaming her and her Grimm for their predicament. Alicia was obviously innocent of any wrongdoing and called out for Ben.

Ben was fly fishing and had just landed a great catch that he wanted to show to Alicia when he turned and noticed the dome behind him. While he was trying to break inside, Morrow observed the people outside. He looked at his old costume and wondered if it was time for the Blue Diamond to return. 

Meanwhile, Grimm was doing everything he could to try to crack the dome's surface. He had just made some progress when a gun was pointed at Alicia's head. Fortunately, before anything more could be done, the Blue Diamond intervened. He kept the growing, angry mob at bay while the Thing continued to hammer away at the artificial structure.

The heroes' efforts eventually gained Shanga's attention. She placed Masters in a transparent bubble, away from her attackers. She then engaged in a battle with Grimm across the town. The Blue Diamond finally stumbled up to the Thing, stating that he knew how to defeat his foe. He asked Ben to toss him at the alien, which Grimm did gladly. The duo collided and fell to the ground.

Alicia was released from her bubble and ran to her lover's arms. Shanga lashed out at the Thing once more, before Morrow offered himself as a sacrifice. Shanga examined the Blue Diamond and transmuted his physical form, so that he now looked more like a being comprised of actual diamond. They took each other's hand and lifted off into space. Shanga was no longer lonely. Afterward, Ben and Alicia talked about the beauty of that day, including Grimm's prize catch. 

Knowing when this was written, I'm assuming that Tom DeFalco drew some inspiration for this issue's plot from contemporary films like Flashdance or Fame, and added a science-fiction twist. To the best of my knowledge, Shanga has never appeared in another Marvel publication. That's too bad, because I could see her squaring off against comparably powered beings like the Silver Surfer. Blue Diamond was eventually returned to his traditional superhero form, but no explanation has been given as of yet as to why or when that happened. I think that this issue was a kind of test to see how Blue Diamond and Shanga resonated with readers. Apparently, it wasn't enough to merit any additional stories that featured them.

I am going to take the rest of the day off and enjoy this beautiful Saturday. I'll return tomorrow with a synopsis of the sixth Marvel Two-In-One Annual. We'll see the debut of another new character, and Ben being joined by several very familiar faces. Until then, have a great weekend and don't forget to be kind to one another. 

Retro Comic Recap: Marvel Two-In-One #78

Well, we made it to Friday, folks!

Time to cap off another busy week with a synopsis of the seventy-eighth issue of Marvel Two-In-One. The cover showed Wonder Man battling the Thing on a Hollywood set. The story was titled "Monster Man!" The issue had a publication date of August 1981.

On the first page, we see the rocky hand of Ben Grimm holding a tabloid that was open to an advertisement for a new television program called "Monster Man." The lead character, played by Simon Williams (aka Wonder Man), looked very similar to the Thing. Ben went on a rant about the plot and how he never got credit or was even asked to be involved with the program. 

Ben's friends and teammates tried to convince him to let the whole affair go, but Grimm wasn't about to do that just yet. He soon set off for the studio in Queens, New York, to set things straight. Meanwhile, at the studio, production of that show was proceeding as planned. Executive Ted Silverberg was calling the shots, and the show's star was questioning the plot of his latest script, but was advised by his director to proceed with his instructions anyway.

A short while later, the Thing arrived on the lot. He made sure that Silverberg was well aware of his disappointment that the show was being made. After turning a camera into a ball of junk, he tossed the debris to Wonder Man before leaving the stage. As Williams chased Grimm, Silverberg retreated to a trailer at the back of the lot. Once inside, he explained his predicament to Mr. Moses. The elder gentleman reassured his employee that things would be okay. Ted went off to take a nap while the old man noticed how Ted and others of his kind had no clue what was really going on. Moses' true intentions had implications for the entire human race.

The next morning, at Avengers Mansion, Williams was letting out his frustrations on a device meant to test his strength. He discussed the situation with his close friend, Hank McCoy (aka the Beast). as he pounded on the large tackling dummy machine. The more Simon punched, the angrier he seemed to get, until one mighty blow demolished the device. 

Meanwhile, at the law offices of Murdock and Nelson, Matt and Foggy conferred with their client Grimm. Murdock gave his friend some bad news. The characters were somewhat similar to him, but different enough so as not to be identical. Ben walked out of the office with several young children swarming him, thinking that he was their TV idol, Monster Man. Grimm explained that he wasn't their idol, but would let him know if he saw him, something which he then set out to do.

Back at the studio, Williams was busy submitting his resignation. Silverberg didn't take the announcement very well. He pointed out the contract that Simon had signed. Wonder Man agreed to fulfill the rest of the contract, but planned to leave immediately after that. Afterward, Silverberg shared the news with Moses, who then felt that he had to become personally involved sooner rather than later. 

Moses stood in his office and transformed into his true form, that of the alien being known as Xemnu the Titan. He thought back to his initial arrival on this world and defeat at the hands of the original Defenders. He knew that the show had to continue if his plans for world conquest would be successful. To accomplish that goal, he would need a star who was a bit more willing to comply.

He then looked through his one-way window into the makeup room. Simon was sitting in the chair as the makeup man was applying a concoction that made him look like the tacky character he was portraying. Surely this was part of Xemnu's plan.

By then, Ben was back in the Baxter Building, sulking about his situation with his lady love, Alicia Masters. He was still upset about the Monster Man show that his godson, Franklin Richards, was now watching. He even became a bit enthralled by the program until the next commercial ran. That incident was enough to convince Grimm that there was more going on, and he was determined to find out just what that was.

A short while later, the Thing returned to the TV studio in Queens, and burst into the soundstage. All he found was a motion picture camera. He examined it and noticed an unusual-looking device inside. Before he could look at it further, Williams arrived. He didn't acknowledge his old friend, and seemed to be hypnotized. 

Williams lashed out at Ben, who fell to the floor before Simon's puppet master stepped behind him, Xemnu. Ben evaded Wonder Man and the other threats that the titan threw at him. As his tussle with Simon continued, Reed Richards (Mr. Fantastic) tried to reassure Alicia that her boyfriend would be all right. Little did they know the dangers that Xemnu had in store for Grimm.

Ben grabbed the heavy barbell that Simon had been using earlier, but Xemnu used his ability to change inanimate items to twist the metal contraption into a trap. Williams then grabbed it and tossed it at the nearest wall. Ben finally broke free, and their conflict continued through the studio landscape. 

The trio interrupted a taping of the popular game show "The Survive and Win Show." During the fracas, Ben spied a camera that was very similar to the one he'd just examined minutes before. He tossed Williams at the camera, and the Avenger soon came to his senses. Silverberg then knew that something was up, but before he could confer with Moses again, Xemnu was already holed up inside his office, and by the time Ben and Simon arrived, he was blasting off in his own miniature spaceship that was part of the studio trailer.

Silverberg was enraged by the destruction and the damage done to the show. That didn't last long, though, as he soon came up with a new idea. Ben offered to buy Simon a root beer, and the two comrades walked off together. A few months later, Ben checked in on young Franklin, who was enjoying a new program called the Xemnu the Titan show. 

Xemnu is a longstanding Marvel character. He was originally called the Hulk, years before Bruce Banner was created. He would eventually return to torment the Defenders and other gamma-powered heroes. I'm kind of surprised that he usually acts alone, because he could easily pair up with other similarly-minded and powered villains. 

Wonder Man was in his actor phase at the time, before he changed significantly and joined the Avengers' West Coast branch. He recently had his own Disney+ show. I'm not a huge fan of the character, but I don't mind seeing him every now and then. The premise of this story reminded me a bit of the short-lived Thing Hanna-Barbera cartoon, which had the Thing as a teenager who could transform into the rocky member of the Fantastic Four. 

Well, that's all I have for you for now. Tomorrow, I'll cover the seventy-ninth issue of Marvel Two-In-One. The Thing will pair up with another Marvel character from long ago to tackle a new menace. Until then, have a great week and don't forget to be kind to one another. 

Retro Comic Recap: Marvel Two-In-One #77

Happy Thursday, folks!

Today, I'll be summarizing the seventy-seventh issue of Marvel Two-In-One. The cover's artwork depicted the Thing with the Man-Thing behind him, underneath which was a banner talking about a tale from Ben Grimm's past that had him working with Nick Fury and his legendary Howling Commandos. The tale was titled "Only the Swamp Survives!" The issue had a cover date of July 1981.

The story started, like most FF epics, in their Baxter Building headquarters in New York. Reed Richards (Fantastic Four leader who also went by the moniker Mr. Fantastic) was using another one of his machines to test Ben's strength. The Thing was pushing against a pair of large panels with all his might as Reed and Johnny Storm (aka the Human Torch) looked on. Grimm was only supposed to press his palms lightly against the titanium steel panels, but he exerted enough force to destroy them. 

While Reed was lamenting the work he'd put into creating the machine, Johnny noticed that the guest scanner had buzzed. He turned to a monitor and saw Nick Fury standing alongside an older gentleman. The trio greeted their guests moments later. Fury's associate introduced himself as Dr. Hansdor, one of the top SHIELD (Supreme Headquarters International Espionage and Law Enforcement Division) scientists. Hansdor wanted Ben's help to test-pilot a new experimental plane that could go Mach 6 and beyond. Its flight radius had not been learned yet, but the duo knew that Grimm was the best man for the job.

Ben took his time pondering his decision. A heart-to-heart talk hours later with his girlfriend Alicia Masters convinced him to accept the offer. Grimm endured several physical and mental tests before boarding the rocket that would be tracked by NASA's existing systems. As the jet took off from Cape Canaveral, Florida, several poachers not far away were about to experience a bit of karma. They stopped setting alligator traps long enough to notice the macabre Man-Thing shuffling toward them. The hunters became afraid, and as diehard Marvelites know, whosoever knows fear is bound to burn at the Man-Thing's touch. 

At the same time, Ben's rocket had just reached Mach 6 when one of the turbine intakes experienced an electrical issue. The starboard rockets were still working, unlike the now inoperative portside engines. Ben managed to level the craft, but didn't eject, knowing that at the speed he was traveling, a concussion could very likely end his life. As systems shut down, Grimm kept bringing the ship down until it landed not far from the Man-Thing and the two poachers.

The creature wandered off to investigate the fiery crash as Ben opened the hatch and crawled outside slowly. He was very weak and weary, but trudged on nonetheless, with the Man-Thing sauntering behind him. Reed, Johnny, Alicia, and the ground control crew members frantically scrambled to try to regain contact with the downed jet, as Grimm's travels reminded him of a time during the Second World War when he embarked on a notable adventure with Fury and his Howling Commandos. 

Ben could feel bullets whizzing by, but thought they were part of his memories, not knowing that they were from the hunters who were still pursuing the Man-Thing. The creature lunged with one arm and took out that threat. Meanwhile, Nick, Johnny, Reed, and his wife Susan Richards (aka the Invisible Girl) had found Ben's downed plane. They figured that Grimm must have escaped on foot, and the Human Torch took to the air to try to find his teammate.

Grimm was still lost in his memories of yesteryear, thinking back to another time during the war when he, Nick, and company came across a house where several prisoners were being held. The heroes were able to free them before the building was destroyed. Grimm then started to choke and fell to the swampy ground. The Man-Thing watched as Ben's mind was filled with more recent images of people he loved and trusted, including Alicia. 

Fear rose in the Thing, which roused the interest of the beast. Ben instinctively waved his fist behind him, quelling the fear for the time being in the process. The Man-Thing stood there silently as Ben got to his feet and ventured deeper into the swampland. Johnny finally caught up with him and made sure that Ben received proper medical attention not long thereafter.

Some time later in a hospital room, Ben was surrounded by his friends. His right leg was set in a sling, but Grimm was happy to see his guests. He admitted that he'd never felt alone on his long walk, not knowing that the Man-Thing had been gently walking behind him almost the entire way. 

I'm not usually a big fan of flashback stories, but I didn't mind this one. It was a nice bridge between heavier plots in more recent issues. More of these exploits with the Howling Commandos would be published years later in a miniseries. Even though the Man-Thing didn't do much more than react and observe, his presence was enough for the type of tale that was told. For some, he's a character that they either love or despise, but I'm ambivalent about him. I see him in enough issues to appreciate the Man-Thing for who he is. 

That's all I have for you today. Tomorrow, I'll cover the seventy-eighth issue of Marvel Two-In-One. Ben returns to Hollywood to join forces with an Avenger against one of the Defenders' earliest enemies. Until then, have a great week and don't forget to be kind to one another. 

Retro Comic Recap: Marvel Two-In-One #76

Happy Wednesday, folks!

We made it halfway through the week already! Time to celebrate with a synopsis of the seventy-sixth issue of Marvel Two-In-One. The cover showed the Ringmaster leading several of his associates against the Thing and Iceman, with a special appearance by Giant Man. The tale was titled "The Big Top Bandits." The issue had a cover date of June 1981.

The story started at a circus, where Ben Grimm, Alicia Masters, and Ben Foster (aka Giant Man) were having a grand time. Ben had already won several prizes and was thoroughly enjoying himself. The trio stopped for ice cream when Grimm overheard a fellow patron complaining that a strength competition might be rigged. He went over to the booth and decided to put one fist down, causing the weight to knock the bell at the top of the tower off its mooring. Ben then asked that his prize be given to the people who had complained earlier.

Alicia chided her boyfriend for showing off, which was observed by a clown riding a unicycle. The circus worker then hightailed it to the big top, where he met fellow members of the Ringmaster's Circus of Crime: Tarrax the Tamer, the Flying Gambonnos, Cannonball, the Firebreather, and Princess Pythona. The clown asked where their leader was and was informed that he was in the back working with his new machine.

The clown made his way to the Ringmaster, who was tinkering with a large device that had one of his trademark hypnotic discs affixed to it. He informed his boss that the Thing was there, news that set his employer off instantly. The Ringmaster thought back to their humble beginnings in a small family-owned circus in Europe before the Second World War changed things drastically and caused his move to America.

After losing his parents in the Blitzkrieg, the Ringmaster started over in a new country, but eventually found himself resorting to crime to survive. He and his crew ran across other heroes like Daredevil, Spider-Man, and the Incredible Hulk over the years. The Ringmaster was defeated every time, but he swore this would change, confident that his new hypnotic eye would catapult him to criminal greatness.

Unlike his previous similar weapons that relied on visual contact, this new weapon would prey on brain waves, making it much easier for the Ringmaster and his associates to loot the unsuspecting public at large. He was determined to not let the clown's news interrupt his progress. After all, as he declared, the show had to go on.

Elsewhere in New York, a refrigerated truck stopped long enough to let its rear passenger, the former X-Man and Champion known as Iceman (real name: Bobby Drake), exit. He rode a slide of ice into a nearby alley before changing to his human form. A few minutes later, Bobby arrived at Terri Sue Bottoms' front door in time for their date. Drake was trying to live a normal life, but secretly longed for the excitement of his superhero days. 

Back at the circus, Ben was excitedly describing the events in the big top to Alicia. Things grew quiet once the Ringmaster turned his hypnotic eye on the crowd. This eye still depended on visual contact, so the blind Ms. Masters was unaffected. She tried to revive the enthralled Grimm and Foster as the Ringmaster's lackeys were removing money and other valuables from the patrons. 

Tarrax grabbed Alicia at one point. Her screams broke Ben out of the trance, and his anger quickly grew. Tarrax soon found him flying through the air, right toward the acrobatic Gambonnos. Alicia's scream was heard outside the tent by Drake and Bottoms, who were trying to enter even though the show inside had already started. Bobby ordered Terri to run, letting a small ice slick out behind them, which the attendants barring their entry slipped on. Drake asked his date to call for help, while he sought to assist in a different way.

Iceman soon appeared inside the big top, and went right to work attacking the Circus of Crime members. Pythona's pet wrapped its slender body around the Thing, while the performer named Cannonball aimed right for Grimm's rocky hide. All he received was a dented helmet for his efforts.

That distraction gave Ben enough time to use the snake to play crack the whip before the animal served as a temporary bond to wrap up a trio of circus workers. Iceman was doing well until the Firebreather melted his ice slide. He landed inside a net set for him by the Gambonnos, but it was child's play for him to freeze the net enough to make it shatter. Drake then froze the swings that the aeralists used, causing them to collide in mid-air.

Iron Jack Baker ran at the Thing holding a heavy dumbbell, not realizing how easily the Thing could lift him and the weight together. Tarrax dispatched his jungle cats at the heroes, as the Ringmaster summoned the clown to take Alicia as a hostage. A gas globe enabled him to elude the Iceman and nab the girl. 

Stilt walkers weren't enough to stop Drake, but by then Grimm saw his lady love in the Ringmaster's clutches. He ran for her as the villain released his trance on the crowd just as the rest of the circus animals were let out of their cages. Foster was among those awakened, and he didn't hesitate to grow in size and don his Giant Man costume. His secret identity wasn't worth much to him then, knowing he was slowly dying of radiation poisoning. He caught the Cannonball with one large fist and sent him hurtling through a newly-made hole atop the circus tent.

Ben was handling the beasties long enough for Bobby to create ice cages to contain them. The Ringmaster was now activating his hypnotic eye machine. It made moving difficult for the heroes, but Iceman managed to coat the eye's surface long enough for it to explode spectacularly. 

The Ringmaster barely had enough time to mourn the loss of his latest creation before the clown persuaded him to escape. Ben threw a circus tent peg at their van, preventing it from ever working again. A few minutes later, Bottoms arrived with members of the local police. Things were swiftly wrapped up. Foster felt a bit envious of Ben's life, but knew that his efforts meant something that day.

Bobby reunited with Terri. Both were thankful to be together again, as were Ben and Alicia. Foster joined them for the trek home. 

This issue and ROM: Spaceknight #19 were my first non-Star Wars Marvel comics. I remember reading these issues at the doctor's office where my mom was waiting for a prenatal exam a few months before my brother was born. I loved the storytelling and the artwork in both, and they introduced me to the Marvel Universe. This was a good jumping-on point for me, and it fueled my desire to collect the entire run, a goal that took several years to accomplish, but was well worth the effort. 

Jerry Bingham never drew many comic books, having abandoned the field in the 1990s for more commercial art projects, but I always felt that he was a very underrated artist. He could have easily been a regular on a newspaper comic strip or comic book title if he wanted to. Iceman was between teams at the time. He was a founding member of the X-Men and the short-lived Champions. A few years later, he would become part of the New Defenders before helping to form X-Factor and returning to the X-Men fold.

The Ringmaster and his recruits still appear in different Marvel mags from time to time. I later saw them in issues of Ghost Rider and the Sensational She-Hulk. Their appearances are usually light-hearted and resolved quickly. 

That's all I have for you today. Tomorrow, I'll talk about the seventy-seventh issue of Marvel Two-In-One. Ben volunteers for another test flight, one that takes him to Florida, where a certain swamp-dwelling character lives. His adventure will remind him of another excursion back in his younger years that had him fighting alongside another guest whom we've seen in this series before. Until then, have a great week and don't forget to be kind to one another. 

Retro Comic Recap: Marvel Two-In-One #75

Howdy folks,

Hope all's well on this fine Tuesday. Time for me to talk about the seventy-fifth issue of Marvel Two-In-One. The cover art depicted the Thing and his Avengers allies Iron Man, Captain America, the Wasp, the Beast, and Hawkeye battling the Super Adaptoid, Annihilus, Blastaar, and other villains. The tale was titled "By Blastaar..Destroyed!" The issue had a publication date of May 1981.

Things started innocently enough with Ben Grimm doing a little light cleaning around the Baxter Building in New York as his teammate, the Human Torch (Johnny Storm), flew around him. Ben had invited some of his friends from the Avengers over for a poker match. Johnny flew off just before Sue Richards (the Invisible Girl) and her son Franklin met Ben in the hall. They were planning to go away for the weekend, but were waiting for Reed Richards (Mr. Fantastic), who was late as usual.

Grimm found his old college roommate lingering in the space-time lab. He apologized after seeing Ben, noting that he'd been so caught up in his latest experiment that he'd simply lost track of time. His space-time viewer had detected something unusual, but Reed didn't stay around long enough to investigate it. Grimm always had an uneasy feeling about the Negative Zone, but he was looking forward to the upcoming festivities once the Richards' plane departed. Ben's girlfriend Alicia Masters was at an art fair out of town, so Grimm would have the whole headquarters to himself for a while.

Meanwhile, in the Negative Zone, a trio of winged creatures returned to their master empty-handed. Disappointed with their failure, Annihilus ended his lackeys' lives with a single power burst. He then turned to his current project, which was restoring a very powerful artifact acquired after it had been drifting near the far reaches of his territory. It was almost ready, but unfortunately for Annihilus, not in time to help him fend off an attack from Blastaar.

The entity known as the living bombburst used his legendary power to strike at his old enemy. Blastaar lured Annihilus further into the Negative Zone before explaining the reason for his intrusion. He was there to offer him wealth beyond his wildest imagination. Blastaar said that he came from a planet that hosted many fierce warriors. He was eventually cast out from his world, left attached to an asteroid to drift helplessly (as shown in Fantastic Four #62). 

Blastaar longed for his lady love back home and offered to serve as Annihilus' general in upcoming combat. Annihilus knew of the dangers Blastaar's soldiers posed, thinking that he alone could not defeat their considerable defenses. He agreed to the proposition, and the two villains joined their life forces to seal the deal. Annihilus called for a celebratory feast as he flew off, knowing full well that he intended to betray his new temporary ally as soon as he got the chance to do so.

Back on that world, Blastaar's lady Nygla and others were being herded into the area of no return. They were being led into a sort of gladiatorial arena, one where a large octopus-like beast called Sascra already occupied space on Annihilus' behalf. He and Blastaar watched the combat until Blastaar spotted his love in the pit below.

Blastaar leapt down to save her, swiftly defeating the large creature and sending it out into the depths of the Negative Zone. Annihilus then flew down and vanquished all the remaining contestants except for Nyglar and Blastaar. He then brought them back to his compound to display his latest weapon: a robot called the Super Adaptoid. Annihilus had captured the machine after it floated by following recent defeats by the Avengers and Captain Marvel. 

The Adaptoid's artificial intelligence was now controlled by Annihilus. The two titans walked on with the robot, but Nyglar stayed behind. Even though she loved Blastaar dearly, she knew that she couldn't let them bring their evil plans to fruition. She found a communications console and sent an emergency transmission.

On Earth, Grimm was engaged in his poker contest with the Beast, Captain America, Iron Man, the Wasp, Hawkeye, and the Avengers' faithful butler, Jarvis. Things were going well for some players and worse for others when an alarm interrupted the game. It came from Reed's space-time lab. The heroes made their way to that part of the floor, and Ben manned the controls to ensure that the message came across clearly. 

The connection didn't last long, but Nyglar was able to communicate Blastaar and Annihilus' intentions before fading out. The Avengers disputed the proper course of action to take until Ben got their attention. He had reason to believe that the call was legitimate and eventually convinced his friends to join him on a quest into the Negative Zone.

The heroes donned power packs, and Ben explained to Jarvis that they had seven hours to investigate before the power packs ran out. Jarvis stayed at the console to watch the clock, as his comrades crossed through the barriers and encountered the first threats along the way. Meanwhile, Nyglar expressed her concern for Blastaar's safety, but was brushed aside as her love moved forward with their plans of conquest.

By then, Annihilus had gathered his troops, which were dispatched against the Negative Zone newcomers moments later. The Thing and the Avengers fought bravely against the aliens and their ship. Blastaar soon arrived on the scene and tussled with Grimm once more. After Ben was blasted through several asteroids, the Beast and the Wasp renewed the attack on Blastaar, while Iron Man concentrated his efforts on the alien ship and its crew.

Hawkeye was later captured along with the Wasp and the Beast and brought to Annihilus' vessel. He ordered the Super Adaptoid to bring the sphere they had been encased in to his private cruiser for further study. Afterward, Nyglar expressed her unhappiness with her love's intentions to steal from undiscovered portions of the Negative Zone.

Jarvis maintained his watch on Earth as more enemy ships were launched in the Negative Zone. Ben was later found by Cap and Iron Man, who were resting on another small asteroid. Blastaar once again led the raiding forces, unaware that Nyglar was eavesdropping on his new ally, and learned of his plans to dispose of him once his usefulness was at an end.

Iron Man led the charge against the reinforcements, followed by the Thing and an injured Captain America. Annihilus was observing everything from his ship and ordered the Super Adaptoid to join the fight. As he and Blastaar were attacking the heroes, Nyglar worked to free the captured Avengers. She returned Hawkeye's gear to him and guided them to safety, unaware that Annihilus was lurking from behind a corner. 

He retaliated against her by striking a deadly blow right before Blastaar returned. He grabbed his lady before her body could grow cold, but still wouldn't seek revenge against his host. Ben and Cap finally defeated the Adaptoid before reuniting with the rest of their colleagues.

In the meantime, Annihilus' invasion forces were nearing Blastaar's homeworld. What they didn't know was that the warriors who had been trapped in the bowels of that planet were merely political prisoners who had been sentenced to death. The real danger was the native Balluans on the world's surface who had lain in wait, anticipating just such an attack.

It was something that had been planned for months, after Blastaar regained leadership. He grabbed his rival's cosmic control rod before flying homeward. The Avengers returned to the Baxter Building with minutes to spare and the Super Adaptoid safely under wraps. Ben observed that in life, unlike poker, you sometimes had to play the game as best as you could, even if you didn't know the rules right away. 

I was somewhat surprised to learn that this was the first meeting between Blastaar and Annihilus. Both of them had menaced the Fantastic Four before, and it was clear that Annihilus was the superior intellectual of the two. I find both characters intriguing, for different reasons. This was my first time seeing the Super Adaptoid, and his abilities remind me of those of the villain Taskmaster, who can easily imitate the fighting styles of heroes he sees. Although the art for the house ads for this issue was better than the art for the actual issue, it was still an interesting story, one that began with the familiar poker matches with Ben and his Avengers friends.

That's it for today. Tomorrow, I'll discuss the seventy-sixth issue of Marvel Two-In-One. The Thing tries to have a nice, relaxing day off, until trouble starts. He manages to overcome the obstacles set before him, thanks to the timely assistance of a couple of guest stars. I'll also talk about why this is one of my favorite issues of the series next time. Until then, have a great week and don't forget to be kind to one another.