Retro Comic Recap: Marvel Two-In-One #27

Hi there,

Today's topic is the twenty-seventh issue of Marvel Two-In-One. The cover showed The Thing and the rest of his teammates in the Fantastic Four (Reed Richards/Mr. Fantastic, Sue Richards/The Invisible Girl, and Johnny Storm/The Human Torch) fighting Deathlok, a warrior from the future, along with current-day villains Mentallo and the Fixer. The first part was called "Day of the Demolisher!" The issue had a cover date of May 1977.

The tale picked up right where the previous issue left off. Ben had returned to his team's home, the Baxter Building in New York City, with the Fixer and Mentallo and had been forced to fight his old friend Nick Fury. Fury eventually removed the control device, and Ben Grimm was back to his old self. When the two allies went to face the ones responsible for the predicament, they found the cyborg Deathlok blocking their path.

It became quite clear early on what side Deathlok was on. He listened to the Fixer's words without hesitation and engaged in battle with the stars of the last issue. Mentallo's imagery was impressive, but it wasn't enough to convince Ben or Nick that the dinosaur that suddenly appeared before them was real. Before long, the trio escaped via the Fixer's flying discs before Grimm or Fury could chase after them.

As the longtime colleagues were still trying to figure things out, their opponents were on their way back to Mentallo and the Fixer's mountainside retreat. Mentallo confessed to his partner how he'd learned about their new ally from probing Spider-Man's mind. The web-slinger had just returned from a journey using Doctor Doom's time platform into the future, where he encountered Deathlok (as shown in Marvel Team-Up #46). Mentallo was nearby emptying a vault's contents when he saw Spidey's reappearance and soon realized that Deathlok might be a powerful comrade, one that they might just need for their next objective, which was in Washington, D.C., for the inauguration of U.S. president Jimmy Carter.

Chapter two of the story was called "War in Washington!" The Fantastic Four had arrived to ensure that the inauguration would go smoothly. While Grimm was struggling with his tuxedo and Storm was out on flying around to get a break from the tension in the room, the Fixer and Mentallo were equipping Deathlok with a rifle and instructing him on his next task. Fury and the rest of his SHIELD (Supreme Headquarters Intelligence and Law Enforcement Division) were also on the scene, taking no precautions after allowing the villains to enter their helicarrier (in the last issue).

Deatlhok reached his assigned perch and started thinking about his predicament. He thought back to the circumstances that led to his current state as a half-human, half-cyborg. Deathlok was still a soldier at his core. He obeyed orders, but this time he started to question the legitimacy and morality of his latest assignment.

Chapter 3, "Battle With the Bionic Berserker!," began outside the White House, as the members of the Fantastic Four stood around in their formal wear before making long, careful strides toward the nation's capital building. They were greeted by Fury, who informed them that their old foes (from issue #26) were in the area and had something sinister planned for the elected president. That news inspired Reed to excuse himself and make a phone call to someone who would soon be on their way.

Deathlok returned to the Fixer and Mentallo, confirming that he had reconnoitered the area as instructed. He then returned to the ledge, where he could get a clear view of President Carter and the Fantastic Four. Deathlok had the leader in his gunsights before he opted for a different tactic. The cyborg from the future made his way through the crowd and broke through a wooden barrier before taking a shot at the president.

The Fantastic Four lashed out against the assailant, and Sue went to the president to assess his condition. The Fixer and Mentallo then joined the conflict. Johnny's flame melted a projectile that had been fired from the Fixer's gun that was directed toward Reed. The Torch's heat shield prevented Mentallo from being able to thought probe the heroes. 

Johnny then tossed a ring of fire around the podium that Deathlok was now on. The cyborg duked it out with the Thing until Sue formed an invisible bubble around Deathlok to prevent him from harming anyone else. The Fixer boasted that they'd affixed a special mind-control device that not even Richards could remove as he and Mentallo were being herded off into SHIELD custody.

Afterward, the president was revealed to be the Impossible Man in disguise. He was the person that Reed had called earlier. Ben was a bit embarrassed by the fact that the alien had saved them again (the last time was in Fantastic Four #175), but his assistance allowed the inauguration to continue uninterrupted.

The surprise twist at the end was amusing, especially if you're a fan of the Impossible Man, a good-natured being who sometimes does more harm than good. It wrapped up the Mentallo/Fixer epic nicely, and we learned that Deathlok really didn't want to proceed with his mission, but apparently felt compelled to do so. 

That's it for this article. Next up is the twenty-eighth issue of this title. The mysteries behind Deathlok's appearance in this timeline are studied, but before much can be learned, Ben embarks on a quest to save someone close to him from the clutches of another villain, with the assistance of one of Marvel's oldest characters. Until then, have a great weekend and don't forget to be kind to one another. 

Retro Comic Recap: Marvel Two-In-One #26

Good afternoon,

Hope all's well with everyone. It's time for me to talk about the twenty-sixth issue of Marvel Two-In-One. The cover depicted the Thing breaking through the glass windows of a skyscraper, apparently seeking revenge on Nick Fury. The tale was titled "The Fixer and Mentallo are Back!" The issue had a cover date of April 1977.

The story started inside what might look like an ordinary pizza parlor on the outside. Ben Grimm and Fury were chatting at a table before Nick's colleague, Tim "Dum Dum" Dugan, joined them. Moments later, the row of seats started to descend deeper into the headquarters of the worldwide organization known as SHIELD (Supreme Headquarters Intelligence and Law Enforcement Division). 

A hovercraft was waiting for the trio, which they took to SHIELD's floating helicarrier. Fury led their guest to a screening room, where their associate was briefed on the latest acts of violence committed by the criminals known as Mentallo and the Fixer. The duo had been a thorn in SHIELD's side, and Nick wondered if Grimm knew anything about their whereabouts. Ben had never seen them until just then.

Their opponents were hiding out in a mountain retreat. Mentallo was mastering the Fixer's flying disks while they plotted their next moves. A short while later, they made a beeline for the helicarrier. It was child's play for the criminal masterminds to break into the heavily guarded compound. By the time Dugan, Fury, and Grimm were alerted to their intrusion, the villains had overpowered several SHIELD soldiers with electronic mask gadgets that would place their targets in their command.

Ben and Nick took matters into their own hands and took on the subjugated SHIELD agents before falling t to the same devices that did to their comrades. A few extra flying disks were attached to the Thing before his foes spirited him away. By the time Dugan helped Fury up, their opponents and Grimm were long gone. 

While Ben's new masters were taking him back to the Fantastic Four's headquarters at the Baxter Building in New York City, Fury was hot on their tail, thanks to the radar scanner he'd attached to Ben before the attack. The Fixer and Mentallo barely had enough time to gloat over their supposed triumph before Fury burst through a set of windows and launched his own assault on his rivals.

The Fixer ordered that Grimm retaliate, and the two longtime friends engaged in a battle until Nick was able to grab the control beacon from Ben's forehead. The Thing was back to himself again, and they turned to the intruders. However, before anything else could be done, the humanoid from the future called Deathlok the Demolisher stood in our heroes' path. 

Mentallo and the Fixer were a criminal team for some time in the Marvel Universe. I've read about their exploits in this magazine, as well as others like the Micronauts. The Fixer later became a founding member of the Thunderbolts, a team that was comprised of former villains with new hero identities. Mentallo has appeared in various titles from time to time. His costume reminded me a bit of Magneto's initial uniforms. 

Deathlok is another interesting character who has appeared in his own solo tales, as well as Marvel Team-Up, Captain America, and other issues of this series. I prefer this version of Deathlok to the one that was popularized in the 1990s, because it seemed a bit more flawed and human to me. 

If you want to know what happened next, tune in for my next article. That one will cover the twenty-sixth issue of this title. The reasons for Deathlok's emergence in this particular timeline will become clear, and Ben tries to stop him, with the timely assistance of a few familiar faces. Until then, have a great week and don't forget to be kind to one another. 

Retro Comic Recap: Marvel Two-In-One #25

Hi folks,

Today's topic is the twenty-fifth issue of Marvel Two-In-One. The cover showed the Thing and Iron Fist trapped between sword-wielding enemies on a narrow rope bridge and flames beneath them. The story was called "A Tale of Two Countries!" The issue had a cover date of March 1977.

The issue began at Shea Stadium in New York, where Ben Grimm and Alicia Masters were at a football game. Neither of them knew that Grimm was being watched from a blimp overhead. A beam soon struck the Fantastic Four member, and grappling hooks carried him skyward until he was aboard the vessels. His captors. stated that their act was for their queen, before going to tell the Dragon what had happened.

Some time later, Ben awoke to see Iron Fist locked up in chains before him. Fist (real name: Danny Rand) presumed that both of them had been hit by the same type of knockout beam before being transported to the blimp that now held them. Danny summoned his reserves and broke free of his bonds before finding the button that would release Grimm. 

The duo then peered out a nearby window and saw that they were flying over an ocean. The lower part of the blimp soon detached, and Danny confessed that their captors had approached him before about taking sides in their conflict. Rand had no interest in getting involved, but was apparently being forced into the conflict anyway. Ben added that the same group had wanted to obtain some of Reed Richard's weaponry, which he promptly denied. 

Before the heroes could say much more, the floor opened up underneath them, and they were sent hurtling toward the ground below. Trees broke their falls, and they learned, thanks to speakers that arose near their landing site, that the warring factions were forced to train their own soldiers, after Grimm and Rand turned down their offiers. The message had no sooner ended when the stars of this story found themselves under attack.

The armed trio were hardly a match for the Thing or Iron Fist, but they provided them with details as to their next destination. The pair soon arrived just outside of the Temple at the Ridge of Four Hells. It was a massive combined structure, one that bordered multiple volcanoes. Rand used a rope for them to glide down gently before busting down the front door.

Once inside, they were accosted by more soldiers, but they still weren't much of a match. One man ordered the cessation of hostilities, before explaining the reason for their conflict. Their highest ranked military member opposed the idea of their queen marrying the emperor of the opposing side, and kidnapped her. Both nations would be forced into war if the queen was not returned within 24 hours. 

That revelation changed Ben and Danny's minds. They followed their hosts until more warriors arrived. After a brief battle, the queen emerged. She ran to the leader named Prince Sen and embraced him. They were in love, but the queen had volunteered herself to the other side for the sake of her country. In the end, she was returned to that nation and honored her commitment. It was an important lesson in sacrifice, even if that sacrifice involved a thing called love. 

This was another morality tale that didn't have a happy ending, but it was okay. We didn't learn a lot about the opposite forces, and I felt like they might have fit in better with Shang-Chi and his companions' involvement. The script was a good excuse for Ben and Danny to interact, although I just wish they would have had more suitable foes to face. 

That's all I have for you for now. Next time, I'll discuss the twenty-sixth issue of Marvel Two-In-One. The Thing allies himself with someone who's been a staple in the Marvel universe for many decades. Until then, have a great week and don't forget to be kind to one another. 

Retro Comic Recap: Marvel Two-In-One #24

Hello all,

It's time for me to talk about the twenty-fourth issue of Marvel Two-In-One. The cover depicted Black Goliath trying to shield the Thing from green tendrils of gas as the Hijacker loomed behind them in one of his large contraptions. The tale was titled "Does Anyone Remember...The Hijacker?" The issue had a cover date of February 1977.

The story started in a lab, where Ben Grimm was begging to be let out of the atmospheric chamber he was in, whose conditions were supposed to mimic those that existed on the planet Venus. Bill Foster was monitoring the situation and wasn't ready to let Ben free just yet. The lab was in Los Angeles, and Foster's employer, Tony Stark, checked in on the test via video monitor from New York. He was confident that the strongest member of the Fantastic Four could endure whatever was thrown at him.

A short while later, a guard outside the research facility was stunned by something that appeared behind him. By the time Foster returned the test conditions to those resembling Earth, he and his colleagues were hit with gas grenades. Grimm watched helplessly as the scientists started to struggle. He then saw the man behind their woes, as the villain called the Hijacker emerged from the gaseous clouds.

Gas was seeping into every chamber except Ben's. Foster was down on the floor below most of the gas clouds, but was still a bit off his game when he grabbed at his foe's foot. He still managed to hit the release button that freed Grimm before succumbing to the mists. Ben rushed inside to save Foster and tore off Stark's exo suit before going after the Hijacker. 

Foster had enough time to recover and donned his Black Goliath costume before his body began to expand. By then, the Hijacker had discovered a weapons cache full of items that he could sell to the highest bidders. However, Ben arrived on the scene before he could take anything. Not even a barrage of missiles could deter the star of this book.

Black Goliath stepped into the room minutes later, and the Hijacker's heat gun provided a brief window for him to retreat and enter his massive armed fortress on wheels. The vehicle was impressive, but not indestructible. Ben and Bill's combined efforts were finally enough to stop the car from moving forward. Foster tore open its canopy, and Grimm wrenched the utility belt from their opponent. Without his weapons and helmet, the Hijacker was no longer a threat. A simple flick of one of Ben's mighty fingers sent their assailant flying. 

This was the first of several team-ups that the Thing would have with Black Goliath (who would later change his superhero name to Giant Man). Ben and Bill also forged a friendship that would last throughout most of the remainder of this series' run. Black Goliath had his own title that lasted five issues in the 1970s. He also appeared in ongoing series like Luke Cage, Power Man, and the original Champions. It's a shame that he's not around anymore. He was one of those underrated characters that we needed to see a lot more of. 

That's all I have for you today. Next time, I'll talk about the twenty-fifth issue of this title. Ben pairs up with Cage's future partner in a yarn that spans across multiple nations. Until then, have a great week and don't forget to be kind to one another. 

Retro Comic Recap: Marvel Two-In-One #23

Hello there,

It's time for me to talk about the twenty-third issue of Marvel Two-In-One. The cover showed the issue's stars, the Thing and Thor, squaring off against a giant green baddie. The story was called "Death on the Bridge to Heaven!" The issue had a publication date of January 1977.

The story began right where the previous issue left off. Ben Grimm and the mighty Thor were fending for their lives against a skeleton army that had been summoned from Heliopolis by the god Seth. After vanquishing the troops, their foe faded from view. Shortly afterward, Grimm and Thor felt themselves drifting off, presumably to follow their attacker.

They left the Human Torch (Johnny Storm) and Janice Lightner behind at the hospital where the duo had arrived with the Thing (last issue) to seek medical assistance for Janice's brother Tom (also known as the menacing Blacksun) from Doctor Don Blake (Thor's alter ego). Johnny continued to carry Tom as they walked on in search of help. 

By then, Thor and the Thing had arrived at the Golden Paths of the Gods. There, Seth proclaimed that the heroes would fight their final battle. The Asgardian had been there once before and had defeated the foe with the aid of Seth's brother. That same sibling was now hanging by his arms from atop the entrance to a nearby building. Not even Thor's Mjolnir could break the chains that bound him.

Ben was briefly hypnotized by Seth before breaking free of his control and lashing out at their captor. The villain then brought forth the Devourer, a giant green creature that burst through the doorway and grabbed Horus. Thor swung his mighty hammer at the beast, while Ben preferred a direct assault on their foe. The creature's tail eventually swung wildly, striking Seth at one point and knocking him to his feet.

Seth realized that his associate was now beyond his control. He took a few moments to ponder his options before freeing his brother. Horus was too weak to protect them, and the Devourer soon knocked Thor out of the fight. Ben wasn't about to give up the cause, and he swiftly grabbed Horus as he leaped from the walkway.

Thor recovered in time to hurl his Mjolnir toward his friend, who caught it in time to evade the Devourer, who plummeted into space. Ben and Horus returned safely. A while later, the Thing returned to the hospital and rejoined Johnny and Janice. He was flanked by Blake, who now had his attention directed toward the man also known as Blacksun. 

I felt that this was a fair conclusion to this two-parter. It would have been nice to have had just a bit more background for Seth and Heliopolis, but for a shorter tale, I guess this was okay. I also wondered if the Devourer met his demise, or if he returned in other Marvel mags. Thor was the second hero to guest-star in this title (and the first one to appear twice or more in Marvel Two-In-One, with Iron Man's debut in this series appearing in Marvel Feature #12). 

Next time, I'll cover the twenty-fourth issue of this title. Ben teams up with a character that was created in the 1970s and became a trusted friend that would appear semi-regularly throughout portions of this series' remaining run. Until then, have a great week and don't forget to be kind to one another. 

Retro Comic Recap: Marvel Two-In-One #22

Hello there,

Today's topic is the twenty-second issue of Marvel Two-In-One. The cover showed the Thing and the mighty Thor battling an army of skeleton warriors with an unidentified villain gloating in the background. The tale was titled "Touch Not the Hand of Seth!" The issue had a cover date of December 1976.

The story started with Ben, Johnny Storm (aka the Human Torch), and Janice Lightner huddled together before the form of Janice's brother Thomas, who had engaged the Fantastic Four members and others in his identity of Blacksun in the previous issue. The unconscious form before them didn't move.

Although they'd just fought him not long before, Ben and Johnny knew they had to do something to help Thomas. Johnny used his flame powers to send bursts of concentrated heat at the body in front of him. They weren't sure if his efforts were effective, but thankfully, Johnny knew the name of a physician that the Avengers trusted.

That man was Doctor Don Blake, who was focused on an urgent surgical procedure at the moment. His presence was detected by a cloaked stranger, who stepped out of the hospital elevator and immediately demanded to see the doctor. She was scared enough to fall down. Her scream brought other medical personnel to the front desk, only to be accosted by the intruder.

The masked man then burst into the operating room, still insisting on seeing Blake. He encountered more resistance until he broke through the windows that overlooked the surgical chamber. Fortunately, Blake and his associates were able to wheel their patient to safety. Once he was finally alone, Blake took his walking stick and tapped it on the ground to transform into the Avenger Thor.

Thor's mighty Mjolnir whirled in the air, revealing that the stranger was the Egyptian god of death (last seen in issue numbers 240 and 241 of the Asgardian's own mag). Meanwhile, the Thing and the Torch were traveling with the Lightners via Fantasticar to the same hospital where Thor's confrontation was taking place. Ben landed the craft perfectly on the roof, and the trio walked in, carrying Thomas as they went. 

 None of them expected the chaos that they found inside the building. Grimm grabbed one of the fleeing employees, and learned that Blake had disappeared and that Thor had arrived minutes later. Thor was still locked in battle with his one-handed foe. Seth had his eyes set on revenge for the loss of his right hand (during combat with Thor's father Odin) and the imprisonment of his brother.

Once Thomas Lightner was secure with Johnny and Janice, Ben went to investigate the source of all the commotion. He burst through a wall and launched a few blows at Seth. The angered god soon opened a portal between Earth and his native Heliopolis, unleashing a horde of skeleton soldiers at his enemies. 

This was the first chapter of a two-part epic. I'm not a huge fan of Marvel's Thor, but I can appreciate and enjoy some of his tales obtained from a comic book store's discount bin. One of the earlier issues from my collection was part of Thor's earlier meeting with Seth, so of course I found this Bill Mantlo-penned script interesting. My only question was how or if Blacksun would be connected with all the goings on in this issue. 

Next time, I'll cover the conclusion of this saga, which was published in the twenty-third issue of Marvel Two-In-One. We'll see how the Avenger and FF members fared against the undead forces, and learn what other suprises the villain had in store for our heroes. Until then, have a great week and don't forget to be kind to one another. 

Retro Comic Recap: Marvel Two-In-One #21

Happy Sunday, peeps,

I started this article yesterday before running errands and going to a baseball game, but I'm back to complete my summary of the twenty-first issue of Marvel Two-In-One. The cover showed the Thing and Doc Savage bursting through a wall together. The story was called "Black Sun Lives!" The issue had a cover date of November 1976. 

The tale began in two different time periods: 1976 and 1936. In 1976, the Thing was at home in the Baxter Building in New York City when his teammate Johnny Storm (also known as the Human Torch) went to answer a request to use their private elevator. Their guest was a woman named Janice Lightner. She had no sooner entered when she fainted. 

Ben and Johnny placed her on a nearby couch. Johnny recognized her as the daughter of Raymond Lightner. She admitted that, adding that her twin brother Tom was now running the family estate since their father's passing, and was running the family and the estate into the ground. Tom Lightner was an engineer who was rather proud of his work and grew to resent others who were only trying to help him. Tom turned to alcohol to ease his pain, and soon wasted much of the family fortune on gambling and women. Soon, all that was left were the two siblings and the house itself.

During one of their arguments. Tom showed his sister the sky cannon he'd been working on. He had reconstructed it from their father's notes. It was designed to attract stellar energy that Tom intended to transfer into a human receptacle. He was planning his first test of the weapon that evening, using himself as the host. 

A brilliant light near where the Lightner manor stood illuminated the evening sky. It was enough to convince the trio to check out the source. They soon boarded the Fantasticar to follow their presumption. Tom was awaiting their arrival and used his weapon to strike at the intruding vessel. 

In 1936, the man known as Doc Savage and his companions were in their quarters in the 86th floor of the Empire State Building when a female caller arrived. She was let through security, and also collapsed soon after her entrance. She was Raymond Lightner's wife. Lifting the woman's veil revealed a bruised face. She explained that her husband had grown angry after learning that his wife was with child. 

Raymond lusted after power, which he believed he could achieve through the activation of his sky cannon that he'd been developing. The older Mr. Lightner later activated the weapon, and its flash was observed by Savage and his friends that night. They also flew to check out the source, and their aircraft was also fired upon by a beam that emanated from the same location.

The two incidents apparently seemed to bridge the two generations, as members of both vehicles suddenly found themselves staring at one another as they fell from the sky from their damaged planes. It also connected the Lightner father with his son. The two soon merged into a being called Blacksun.

Meanwhile, Doc Savage, the Thing, the Human Torch, and their retinue were occupied with ensuring everyone's safety. They had no sooner accomplished that goal when they found themselves under attack by Blacksun. The heroes shielded the younger female Lightner before engaging the enemy. Ben and Johnny's attacks were nullified by the hybrid villain.

Doc Savage led the second wave, and the Torch and the Thing later joined him. The trio tried to anchor their opponent, who was drawn toward the skies above. Blacksun reached a point where it could no longer breathe, and plummeted to the ground. The temporal field that had combined the timelines began to dissipate, and soon sent the adventurers from the 1930s back to their own era. Ben and Johnny were left to help Janice find medical assistance for her brother, Tom. Fortunately, they knew of a professional named Don Blake who just might be able to help.

Aside from a tale in a Giant-Size Spider-Man mag (that separated Spidey and his counterparts by their respective decades) and the Giant-Size Doc Savage Marvel comic (that reprinted several of his own title that only lasted eight issues), I didn't know much about Doc Savage and his allies before reading this issue. The good doctor and his crew have had some of their exploits published by various comic book companies over the years. I think that this tale was the first one that brought Savage and friends to the present day. It was a fun yarn that ended too soon, in my opinion. 

If you're wondering what happened to Blacksun, all you have to do is stay tuned for my next article, which covers the twenty-second issue of this series. Ben and Johnny deliver Lightner to Doctor Blake, and we'll see what happens when Blake's alter ego encounters the Thing once more. Until then, have a great day and don't forget to be kind to one another.