Retro Comic Recap: Marvel Two-In-One #72

Happy Sunday, folks!

Starting the day with a summary of the seventy-second issue of Marvel Two-In-One. The Thing was held by the neck by the villain known as Maelstrom, as his Inhuman allies Gorgon, Black Bolt, and Karnak were swept up in a strange energy field around them. The story was called "The Might of Maelstrom." The issue had a cover date of February 1981. 

The tale began at Hydrobase as Ben Grimm, Reed Richards, Gorgon, and Karnak looked at the recently defeated Helio, Gronk, and Phobius, who had been placed in restraints. Not much was known about the three strangers, who made off with the canister of anti-Terrigen that Reed had been using to cure the island's residents. Gorgon was certain that their captives were not fellow Inhumans. Reed left the room to ponder what to do next. He was about to assign a security detail to search for the missing canister, leaving his companions to try to obtain any useful information from the prisoners.

What none of them knew at the time was that the canister in question was already on its way to the intruders' master. The self-propulsion module that had been attached to it was working perfectly. After a few hours, the canister made its way into the hidden undersea base, where it was passed on from the lackey Falon to Maelstrom's hands. He ordered an analysis and duplication of the gas, before commanding his subordinate Deathurge to his side. The arrival of the canister without chaperones meant that Maelstrom's soldiers had failed. It would be up to Deathurge to administer their penalties.

The loyal servant agreed and took to his staff to set flight toward Hydrobase. He arrived before long and tossed his weapon at his inactive colleagues, essentially draining their life forces before any of them could react. His presence was noticed by Ben, Gorgon, and Karnak, and the trio struck. Deathurge avoided their attacks before phasing out of the building.

Afterward, in analyzing Gronk's body, he confirmed that tissue samples showed that his powers were Terrigen-based. He asked the Inhuman Nadar if anyone else could have accessed Terrigen without their knowledge. Nadar doubted that possibility, stating that the mist was securely locked up and traveled with them as they changed their home locations over the years. Reed still wasn't about to dismiss it, and suggested a team go to investigate old Atillan, just in case.

Grimm volunteered to join that expedition with Gorgon and Karnak. He felt responsible for letting the canister slip into enemy hands. Reed was focused on transporting the remaining hydromen back to the US. A small sea vessel carrying Ben and his friends departed not long thereafter, and a small opening in the former spot of Atillan was detected. They passed through it and unknowingly entered Maelstrom's base.

The villain was ready for them, and a series of hypersonic rays left them unconscious. As several soldiers carried the trio away, Reed was contacting Black Bolt, leader of the Inhumans. He informed his old ally of the recent happenings and promised to keep him updated as new information became available. The oft-silent ruler walked away from the transmission thinking that it was probably best that he join his companions on their search.

Meanwhile, Grimm and his friends were now being led before Maelstrom. He ordered that the captives be brought to the vivisection area before leaving the room. He headed toward a back room, where his elderly father, Phaeder, laid in bed. He told his father about the intruders and thought back to the initial conflict between Agon and Phaeder began more than a century before. Maelstrom's father had been banned from the council after his genetic experiments had been discovered.

The elder Phaeder eventually made a duplicate of himself, which was left behind for Agon to find. Agon mistakenly thought that the inert form was his old rival, not knowing that Agon and his offspring would spend many years continuing their research. During that time, Maelstrom acquired the ability to steal kinetic energy from others. Their work went on so that they could retaliate against Attilan at some point. 

Maelstrom then returned to visit his new prisoners. They had just awoken. Maelstrom confirmed that he was responsible for the anti-Terrigen canister's theft, and that he was behind Dr. Hydro's actions that turned Dr. Henry Croft and his fellow passengers into hydromen in the first place. Karnak continued to struggle against his bonds, and finally broke free moments before Black Bolt arrived.

The leader of the Inhumans battled against Maelstrom, and in the process learned that a large bomb filled with anti-Terrigen capsules had been launched at his home. Ben eventually took Black Bolt's place in the conflict, allowing the Inhuman to speed toward the bomb. He managed to cause the rocket to veer off course, just as Ben found several anti-Terrigen capsules hiding behind a wall that Maelstrom had just knocked him through.

 Grimm threw a capsule at his foe, who immediately started to weaken. He ran toward his father, admitting his failure. Maelstrom then called for Deathurge once more, who dutifully slew his master as Agon passed on in his sleep. The complex started to crumble after Gorgon struck the floor with a mighty blow from one of his hooves. As the heroes escaped, we could see several stasis tubes marked with some of the names of the base's occupants.

Maelstrom and his retinue would return from time to time. This storyline was a bit too brief to delve into his full origin story, but I'm glad he wasn't one of those one-and-done villains that we've seen far too often in Marvel mags. I would like to see him and his crew have a full-on battle royale against the Inhuman city at some point. 

That's it for now. Later today, I'll cover the seventy-third issue of Marvel Two-In-One. The Thing battles beasts from the past with the assistance of someone who was featured prominently in the Pegasus Project saga. Until then, have a great day and don't forget to be kind to one another. 

Retro Comic Recap: Marvel Two-In-One #71

Happy Saturday, peeps!

Today's topic is the seventy-first issue of Marvel Two-In-One. The cover depicted the Thing and Mister Fantastic squaring off against three unidentified foes, the last of which seemed to be emanating concentric circles of energy toward them. The first part of the tale was titled "The Cure!" The issue had a cover date of January 1981.

The story started in the Inhuman home of Atillan high in the Himalayan Mountains, as Ben Grimm and his friend, the Inhuman known as Triton, stood on an observation deck and watched Mr. Fantastic (Reed Richards) work with a few Hydrobase technicians on setting up machinery where Dr. Henry Croft was resting. Croft had arrived at the Baxter Building (with Walter Newell/Stingray back in issue #65) to see if a cure could be found for his affliction.

Croft and his fellow passengers on board a commercial flight had their plane commandeered by a man named Dr. Hydro. The villain set Hydrobase as their new destination. Once there, the passengers disembarked and were led to a chamber where they were subjected to strange mists that altered their physical characteristics. Their skin changed color, and those affected were able to breathe underwater.

Inhumans had confirmed that Croft and the others had been subjected to Terrigen Mists, a compound that may have been stolen from their home. While Triton and the Thing were talking, Ben noticed that a large machine was detaching from the wall, about to fall on the hapless scientists. He jumped down from the observation deck and used his strength to prevent the machine from falling onto anyone. 

The device had jarred loose after a small explosion. Reed suggested that Ben and Triton investigate its source, while he continued his work. Triton thought it might have been another airquake (which had been happening since the fourth Marvel Two-In-One Annual). Their causes were as of yet unconfirmed. Triton led Ben to see his old friend (and sometimes FF ally) Crystal. She was about to give birth at any time, but she and her husband Pietro (aka the Avenger Quicksilver) welcomed Grimm warmly. 

They were soon joined by Karnak and Gorgon. The group was getting a bit bored waiting for Richards, so Gorgon invited Ben to join them in a friendly game of inertia-ball. The contest was designed to eliminate any advantages that each player's natural abilities would have, as Ben would soon learn. He thought he'd win easily, but was quickly outmatched. 

Meanwhile, Richards had finally isolated an anti-terrigen compound. He tested it on Croft, who stepped into a chamber. The capsule was filled with the gas, and moments later, Henry emerged back to his usual human self once more. All that remained was to test for any possible side effects before administering the compound to the rest of those who had been afflicted.

None of them knew that such efforts were being monitored by a figure shrouded in shadows. The man sat behind his console before calling his associates Helio, Gronk, and Phobius to his side. The master wanted the new compound and dispatched his lackeys to fetch it for him.

Chapter 2 of this plot was called "Hydro-Base." It began with one of the Fantastic Four's jets arriving at the aforementioned Hydrobase. Reed and Ben were met by the island's governor, Joe Jennings. Croft, Triton, Gorgon, and Karnak had also made the trek from Atillan with Richards and Grimm. They were soon met by Stingray, who was pleased to see Croft's transformation. 

Following a hearty meal, the populace of the island was gathered so that Jennings and Richards could give them the good news and announce their plans to help the hydromen. A chamber was set up so that one person at a time could be treated. This left little for Ben and his companions to do until the Thing posed the question of another game, one that he was much more familiar with.

They wandered outside the complex until they had enough space for a game of American-style football. Grimm told his Atillan friends the rules of the game, and teams were decided upon. They used a borrowed inertial-ball for the contest, unaware that their game was about to be interrupted.

Chapter Three of the story was named "The Raid!" Helio, Gronk, and Phobius emerged from the waters near the shore and soon came across the football game. They crept past the unsuspecting heroes and reached the pavilion. Gronk carried the diminutive Phobius on his back as he scaled the wall, while Phobius hovered nearby. After Gronk removed a window pane, Phobius used his mind-altering power to cause one of the women in line to doubt the treatment.

That brief hesitation was enough of a distraction for Helio to swoop in and grab the gas canister. Reed attempted pursuit, but was trapped in a bubble of very dense air. That allowed the crooks to get away unnoticed by others, at least until Stingray spotted the flying foe. He soon learned how dangerous his quarry was.

Gronk was strong enough to fell Karnak, and Grimm's mighty fists plunged into his opponent's torso as if his body was made of gelatin. Ben was finally able to squeeze Gronk enough to force him to release him, but the Thing, Karnak, and Gorgon were soon struck by Helio, who had left the purloined canister with Phobius. 

Helio levitated the unconscious Gronk before Gorgon, and Karnak teamed up to use the inertia-ball to knock their flying foe out of action. Phobius momentarily had Gorgon and Ben enthralled until Grimm snapped out of it. He tossed the ball toward Stingray, who batted it at the back of Phobius' head. The trio had defeated the invaders, but the canister started to sink in the nearby waters.

A self-propulsion system attached to the canister set the gas on a new course. It soon disappeared from sight before we saw the master's face. It was a strange humanoid named Maelstrom. It seemed like his plans to dominate Attillan were now one step closer to becoming reality. 

I knew a bit about the hydromen thanks to reading earlier issues of the Sub-Mariner's book and Super Villain Team-Up. This storyline was a kind of resolution for them after those titles were cancelled. This issue was a fun read and the beginning of one of the series' last multi-part storylines. 

That's all I have for you today. Tomorrow, I'll cover the conclusion of this storyline, which was published in the seventy-second issue of Marvel Two-In-One. We'll see how the Thing and his friends fare against Maelstrom and another mystery menace. Until then, have a great weekend and don't forget to be kind to one another. 

Retro Comic Recap: Marvel Two-In-One #70

Happy Friday, folks!

Today's topic is the seventieth issue of Marvel Two-In-One. The cover showed the Thing turning around as he was walking with Alicia Masters when he noticed a pistol being pointed at him by a pair that he'd thought he'd seen the last of. The story was titled "A Moving Experience." The issue had a publication date of December 1980.

The tale began on a sunny day in New York. Ben Grimm was buying a snow cone from a street vendor, as kids behind him were playing a game of stickball. The ball bounced away and knocked the treat from Grimm's hand. He was angered until he saw the three boys trying to retrieve their ball, which had rolled underneath a parked car. Ben walked up and lifted the vehicle so the boys could get their ball back. One of them presented the Thing with another snow cone as an act of gratitude.

A short while later, outside Alicia Master's apartment building, a pair of men looked on as Ben ascended the steps to the complex. She greeted Ben warmly before welcoming him in and introducing her art dealer, Mr. Burge, to him. He was the man Grimm had spotted Masters with earlier, and assumed that he was her paramour. She insisted that her relationship with Burge was only professional.

Ben apologized for his reaction, and the two set out together. As they did, the two strangers walked by, talking about their plans. Sometime later, Ben and Alicia arrived at the Baxter Building, home and headquarters for the Fantastic Four. Ben's teammates Reed Richards (Mister Fantastic), Sue Richards (the Invisible Girl), and Johnny Storm (the Human Torch) were working on one of Reed's machines. 

Grimm announced to his friends his request to move Alicia into their headquarters, at least on a temporary basis. Reed was fine with that suggestion, adding that he'd upgraded their security system for reasons like this. He welcomed Alicia to the Fantastic Four and she and Ben were the happiest that they'd been in quite some time.

The next day, the two strangers whom we saw earlier were perched on the roof of Alicia's apartment building. Grimm was helping her move, a process that was complicated by the interference of the mystery men who we know now were Shellshock and Livewire, a pair of two-bit hoods who once aided the Psycho-Man (in Fantastic Four Annual #5). They took out some of the moving men, and took their places.

Ben insisted on riding on the bumper of the moving truck, not knowing that the villains were inside, and weren't about to let the FF strongman have a smooth ride. After being tossed off the back of the moving vehicle, Grimm later recognized it as the paint from its new coating started dripping onto the road. He caught up with his foes and managed to vanquish him, with a little help from his fellow Yancy Streeters. 

After confirming that Alicia and her belongings were safe, Ben recruited the police to round up the would-be robbers. Grimm entered the van to follow the officers to the station to press charges against Shellshock and Livewire. What he didn't know was that the Yancy Street Gang had left one of their familiar trademark insults spraypainted on the back of the moving truck before Ben and Alicia left. 

This felt like a bit of a fill-in issue, even though Ben and Alicia's relationship issues were resolved in the plot. The foes Grimm faced would probably fit in well with the Enforcers, who have battled the likes of Spider-Man, Daredevil, and others over the years. I wasn't too impressed with them, as they seemed sort of generic to me. 

That's all I have for you today. Tomorrow, I'll cover the seventy-first issue of Marvel Two-In-One. Reed and Ben venture to Hydrobase to check in on Dr. Henry Croft. They'll run into some familiar faces and be alerted to a new threat. Until then, have a great week and don't forget to be kind to one another. 

Retro Comic Recap: Marvel Two-In-One #69

Happy Thursday, folks!

Time for me to discuss the sixty-ninth issue of Marvel Two-In-One. The cover showed the Thing, along with several members of the original Guardians of the Galaxy, battling in a strange fog. The tale was titled "Homecoming!" The issue had a cover date of November 1980.

The story started in the Baxter Building in New York. Ben Grimm was making pancakes on the stove while talking with his Fantastic Four teammate Sue Richards (aka the Invisible Girl) about his recent breakup with his girlfriend, Alicia Masters. Sue's son Franklin was playing with his action figures on the floor, and his Human Torch toy flew under the stove. It was child's play for Ben to lift the stove to retrieve the figure. Sue's force field kept the flapjacks in the air while Grimm helped her son.

They had no sooner sat down to breakfast when a strange blue light illuminated the middle of the table. A few moments later, Ben's old friend Starhawk stood before them (they met in issue #61 of this series). Starhawk explained that he and his fellow Guardians of the Galaxy were making repairs on their ship that was orbiting Earth so that they could return to their time period. During that work, one of their members, Vance Astro, went missing. Starhawk feared that he might seek out his younger self from this era, which could have serious ramifications.

Little did anyone know that the meeting in question was about to take place. The older Vance approached the younger one, who had just been walking down the street. The lad was surprised by the things that the stranger knew about his life. As they walked along together, the Fantastic Four were on alert. Johnny Storm (aka the Human Torch) noticed a swift-moving fog bank on radar, and wondered if it might be connected to the current situation. Their team leader, Reed Richards (Mister Fantastic), wasn't sure, but he led his group to investigate.

As the Fantastic Four travelled via Fantasticar, they came across an Avengers Quinjet occupied by Captain America and the Vision. Cap allowed Reed's vessel to take the lead, with the quinjet staying back in case the FF needed assistance. The Fantasticar separated into its individual components for each member after entering the fog bank.

Ben spied something through his scope as the two Vance Astroviks continued to converse. The older Vance tried to persuade his younger version not to take the same course of action he took. The growing fog eventually distracted the superhero long enough for the young Astrovik to escape his company. Ben set his section of the Fantasticar down and soon found their fugitive. 

Grimm related his own experience with trying to go back in time to warn his younger self (as recounted in the classic MTIO #50) and how it created an alternate timeline. Astrovik heard his words, but was still determined to proceed with his mission. In the meantime, the fog continued to spread across New York, affecting characters like Spider-Man, Captain Marvel, Daredevil, Storm, and the Aquarian.

The older Astrovik reached his childhood home, where he was greeted at the door by fellow Guardian Charlie-27. A battle soon ensued between the bulky warrior from the future and the Thing. Yondu and Martinex came to Charlie's defense and were able to bring their comrade back to the ship before Ben could find him.

On the space station, Vance faced Starhawk, Charlie-27, Yondu, and Martinex and explained the reasons for his sojourn. He added that he had nothing to do with the strange fog that had suddenly appeared seemingly out of nowhere. The quintet was soon transported to the Astrovik home, where Ben was trying to sort things out with the younger Vance and his family.

The elder Astrovik was convinced that his younger version was responsible for the weather malady. He tried to coax the lad to control his abilities, but all he did was blast the heroes from the future out of the domicile. The boy felt a bit of remorse after hearing from Ben what his future had in store. 

A short while later, Grimm went to check on the Guardians, who were now joined by their teammate Nikki. Everyone was fine, and the fog had lifted. The boy's father blamed the older Vance for the problems, to which the intruder simply stood before him and revealed the face underneath his mask before he and his group returned to their ship. 

By the time the rest of the Fantastic Four had reunited with Ben, Grimm still had a few more questions than answers. Back on the Guardians' ship, Astrovik sat back with confidence. He was pleased that his suit had some regenerative capacity that prevented him from disintegrating after lifting his mask. Vance was certain that his younger version would grow up to be a fine Guardian someday. 

Even though this plot was a one-off, it was kind of a prelude to the next storyline. I prefer the original Guardians roster to the recent lineups. I just think they were a more diverse but effective team as a whole. They have appeared from time to time in different Marvel mags, and even had their own short-lived series, but really weren't too popular until getting another title of their own in the 90s. The recent Guardians movies skyrocketed their fame, although not many of the fans of those films know the original/classic team makeup.

That's it for now. Tomorrow, I'll close out the workweek with a discussion of the seventieth issue of Marvel Two-In-One. This one's a bit of a fill-in yarn, as Ben attempts to reconcile with Alicia and runs into a familiar duo that he hadn't seen in years. Until then, have a great week and don't forget to be kind to one another. 

Retro Comic Recap: Marvel Two-In-One #68

Happy Wednesday, folks!

This article concentrates on the sixty-eighth issue of Marvel Two-In-One. The cover depicted the Thing and Angel battling several armored warriors. The story was called "Discos and Dungeons!" The issue had a publication date of October 1980.

The tale began at a new disco club in New York. Ben Grimm and his Fantastic Four teammate Johnny Storm (aka the Human Torch) were on the dance floor before deciding to take a break. They stepped away to the bar. Johnny returned to the action after finding a new dance partner, Candy Southern, who was there as a guest of Warren Worthington III (the Angel). Ben and Warren spent some time catching up before Warren fell ill.

Grimm took Warren to the restroom. Moments later, a worker put an "Out of Order" sign on the men's room door as nozzles inside the restroom started emitting gas that was strong enough to knock the heroes out. A short while later, the bathroom ascended up an elevator shaft until it reached the building's rooftop. There, it was picked up by a large grappling claw affixed to a helicopter.

When Ben awoke, he saw that he and the Angel were hanging upside down over vats of corrosive chemicals. Warren was the first to free himself. He swooped by, and Ben grabbed one of the Angel's wings, enabling him to break his bonds and swing to safety. Afterward, the two were talking about their predicament when a metal version of Magneto entered the room.

The robot forewarned the heroes about a series of traps that had been laid for them. Ben and Warren fought their way through all of them, until they finally reached the false master of magnetism, standing before his superior: the founding Brotherhood of Evil Mutants member known as the Toad. He was seeking vengeance on those who'd ridiculed him in the past, and engaged in battle with his captives.

Angel and the Thing evaded the artificial soldiers and other dangers that sprang forth as the Toad bounced around between them. The robot informed the Toad of an incoming call, which informed the diminutive mutant that his financier was ending his support. After defeating their opponents, the heroes felt bad for their foe. 

Warren suggested an alternative, and several weeks later, the castle that he and Grimm had been imprisoned in was turned into an amusement park. Worthington, Southern, and Grimm bought tickets to the attraction from the Magneto robot, and Warren figured that his investment in the venture would pay off before long. Ben was just sour that they weren't given complimentary tickets after all they'd been through. 

This story was written while the Angel was a sometime guest of the current version of the X-Men and before his days as one of the New Defenders. The Toad is a villain who we don't see very often on his own. I didn't see him again until a notable issue of the Amazing Spider-Man, where Spidey had to get in the middle of a dispute between him and Frog-Man. Warren's solution was unique, but I don't think that the amusement park lasted long, because I didn't hear about it after this issue was published.

That's all I have for you today. Tomorrow, I'll cover the sixty-ninth issue of Marvel Two-In-One. A new multi-part storyline begins, as Ben pairs up with several guests from the future who appeared in some of this title's early issues. Until then, have a great week and don't forget to be kind to one another. 

Retro Comic Recap: Marvel Two-In-One #67

Happy Tuesday, peeps!

Today's topic is the sixty-seventh issue of Marvel Two-In-One. The cover depicted the Thing battling the superhuman from another world known as Hyperion, as Ben Grimm's sometime friend and sometime foe Thundra looked on from the ground. The tale was titled "Passport to Oblivion!" The issue had a cover date of September 1980.

The story started at Project Pegasus in upstate New York, where Grimm was about to hand over the Serpent Crown to Quasar and the other project personnel. He explained how he'd come into its possession to Quasar before tossing the object in a stasis field. Afterward, Ben and Quasar went to the commissary for a bite to eat.

After filling his tray, Grimm sat down. The duo was soon joined by Giant Man (Bill Foster). Foster was in a dour mood after learning that there was no known cure for the radiation poisoning that was slowly killing him. Ben felt bad for his friend. The conversation then turned to Thundra.

None of them knew of her current whereabouts. The attention then shifted to the female strongwoman from another universe. She was traversing the city streets of New York with her new tag team partner, Hyperion, another superbeing from an alternate Earth. They were headed to the secret location of Roxxon Industries. On the way, Hyperion explained that he was from a subatomic planet that was demolished by a cyclotron. He was found by the Grandmaster, a powerful being who placed the lad in a group called the Squadron Sinister, which later battled the Avengers.

Hyperion had seemingly lost all thoughts of revenge at one point, but he revealed that had just been a ruse. He tried to lure a duplicate of himself from an alternate world into his plan to obtain a weapon that he could use to destroy both Earths, but a robot and the mighty Thor defeated him. Hyperion was placed in a cell that sapped his strength until a stranger offered to free him and return him to his homeworld. All he had to do was bring them Thundra.

Once inside the complex, the duo were soon greeted by a businessman who showed them to the portable Nth projector. Thundra hoped the device could send her home, but feared that might not ever be possible, because her planet had been eliminated by a rival world that eventually merged the two spheres into one. One of the technicians brought up the fact that alternate realities existed, including one in which that merge never happened. He offered to start up the projector and show Thundra that planet. It appeared on the monitor moments later. Thundra confirmed that it indeed was her homeworld, and the technician offered to send her there right away.

By then, Ben Grimm had returned via pogo plane to the Baxter Building in New York City. He was greeted by his old college roommate and Fantastic Four teammate, Reed Richards (Mister Fantastic). Ben filled his buddy in on his recent exploits, including his decision to break things off with his girlfriend Alicia Masters because of his concern for her well-being.

Their conversation encouraged Grimm to give things another try with Masters, and he set out a bit later to her apartment. As he neared her home, Ben saw Alicia in the arms of another man. Thinking they were through for good, Ben toseed the bouquet of flowers he'd picked up in the closest trash can and walked away.

At the same time, Thundra and Hyperion watched the scientist use the Nth projector to transport himself to the planet on the viewscreen. Thundra grabbed the device before more could be done, aiming it at anyone who stood in her way. Hyperion pursued her, as did several armed guards in a small flier. 

By the time Ben returned home, the two superpowered beings from other universes crashed up from the subway underneath the street before the Baxter Building. Ben tried to speak to Thundra, but Hyperion interfered. While they fought, Thundra took matters into her own hands, defending herself against the soldiers. 

Not even a strong net could hold the female warrior. She forced the lackeys to desert their ship moments before it crashed. By the time Grimm was back on his feet, Thundra was setting up the projector. She thanked Ben for her help, moments before stepping into the portal. Hyperion flew into the beam seconds later, as Grimm stood by and watched everything happen. He briefly thought about joining them, before realizing that it was probably better to see the people who pained them walk out of his life instead of following them.

This was another of the first several MTIO issues that I picked up as a kid. I now know that Hyperion was Marvel's answer to Superman, but he was still impressive. This version of Hyperion would return in the Squadron Supreme limited series from the 1980s. Like Namor, Thundra rotates from friend to foe from time to time. She was a member of the Frightful Four and an ally of Ben and the rest of the FF every once in a while. It would be nice to know a bit more of the backgrounds of both this Hyperion and Thundra at some point. 

That's all I have for you today. Tomorrow's focus will be on the sixty-eighth issue of Marvel Two-In-One. This one-off story has Ben pairing off with an original X-Man as they go up against menaces sent forth from another character from the Sixties supercharacter era. Until then, have a great week and don't forget to be kind to one another. 

Retro Comic Recap: Marvel Two-In-One #66

Happy Monday, peeps!

Time for me to talk about the sixty-sixth issue of Marvel Two-In-One. The cover depicted the Thing and the Scarlet Witch wrapped in tentacles emanating from the Serpent Crown, which was being worn by an unidentified politician between them. The story was called "The Serpent Crown Affair Part Three: A Congress of the Crowns!" The issue had a publication date of August 1980. 

The tale began in the waters off the coast of San Francisco, as Ben Grimm, the Inhuman named Triton, Stingray (Walter Newell), and Dr. Henry Croft were convening at the Fantastic Four's pogo plane, which was floating there. The heroes had battled the Serpent Squad, who had escaped with the Serpent Crown. Now they had to pursue the villains before they could wreak more havoc. 

On the way, Ben called the Baxter Building. His nephew Franklin's sometime caretaker, Agatha Harkness, answered the call. She explained that Grimm's teammate Reed Richards (aka Mister Fantastic) was at a manufacturers' meeting and his wife Sue (aka the Invisible Girl) and brother-in-law Johnny (Storm, aka the Human Torch) were out with the lad. She was there to "mind the store," as she put it. 

Grimm told Harkness to tell Reed to keep an eye out for the Serpent Crown. Upon hearing that, Agatha exclaimed that it was an item that dated back to Lemuria and was capable of granting tremendous psychic abilities while enslaving the mind of whoever wore it. She promised to give her former pupil, the Scarlet Witch (Wanda Maximoff) a call to assist.

Before Ben could protest, Harkness ended the call. She then focused her mental energies on the Avenger. Wanda answered the psychic summons, and her thoughts drifted to the crown's evil potential. A few minutes later, Agatha's astral image appeared beside the pogo plane, instructing Ben and his crew to head for Washington D.C., where the crown was now located. 

The Serpent Squad's leader, Sidewinder, had the idol in his possession and used his teleportation ability to send himself to the headquarters of his employer, a Roxxon Oil excecutive named Hugh Jones. Sidewinder was surprised when Jones stepped out of the shadows, revealing another Serpent Crown already on his head.

Jones explained that he'd acquired this one, which he originally received from the first Serpent Squad. It had been lost but later returned to him. The crown in Sidewinder's hand came from an alternate Earth, one which the Avengers thought they'd eliminated by throwing it into the ocean. He eagerly discussed his evil intentions before his employee left the scene.

Just outside the nation's capital, the Thing and Stingray walked toward the Washington Monument. They were met by the Scarlet Witch near that landmark. The trio entered the Capitol building to find Jones standing before a pulpit, with simulacrums of other people who had once worn a Serpent Crown flanking him. 

An obvious confrontation ensued. As Grimm and Newell battled the artificial humanoids, Wanda became locked in her own conflict with the Serpent Crown itself. The crown on Jones' head thrust its twin heads at the Avenger. As their fangs locked onto her forehead, the Witch entered a psychic battle with the crown's master.

At one point, Grimm noticed the two standing a few feet away. He realized that he might be able to help and went to wrest the crown from Jones. As he tried, he slowly changed back to his human form. This was enough to give Wanda the advantage she needed, and Ben was finally able to remove the crown.

By the time he did so, Grimm held the Serpent Crown in one hand as it slithered around his arm and rested atop Ben's head. By this time, the Thing was back to his usual rocky self, so it wasn't able to penetrate his skull or influence him as it did Jones. Ben threw the idol to the floor before wrapping it up safely so it couldn't influence anyone else. He left the building with Wanda and Stingray carrying the unconscious oil executive, who apparently was affected by the separation from the ancient relic. Ben was eager to get out of there before the next danger entered the facility, namely the elected politicians. 

This was one of the first handful of MTIO issues I read as a kid. I liked the artwork and the story pacing, even though I didn't know a lot about the characters at the time. The Serpent Crown would soon reappear in a Marvel Two-In-One annual, and the crowns still pop up from time to time. It's an interesting relic that reminds me of some of the ones in the Indiana Jones epics. 

That's all I have for you today. Tomorrow, I'll cover the sixty-seventh issue of this series. This storyline is over, but the Thundra subplot still has a few loose ends to wrap up, which I'll discuss with a breakdown of that issue. Until then, have a great week and don't forget to be kind to one another.