Retro Comic Recap: Marvel Two-In-One #54

Hello there,

It's time for me to talk about the fifty-fourth issue of Marvel Two-In-One. The cover had Deathlok, a cyborg warrior from the 30th century, standing over an injured Ben Grimm, with shadowed images of Quasar, a stranger standing before the man-child Wundarr, and Herkimer J. Oglethorpe watching Titania battle a mystery opponent in a boxing ring in the background. The tale was titled "The Pegasus Project Part II: Blood and Bionics." The issue had a cover date of August 1979.

The Thing was walking down an empty corridor of the Project Pegasus compound, not knowing that Deathlok was waiting around the next corner. He fired at the Fantastic Four strongman, and his laser was actually powerful enough to wound Grimm. Ben pulverized the weapon and the hand that had held it. Deathlok defended himself, and eventually fled after Quasar and other security staff arrived on the scene.

Quasar helped Ben to his feet as Deathlok ventured further into the complex. He finally found the location he'd been looking for and started assembling a strange device. Quasar was hot on the intruder's trail and confronted him. The Thing had been patched up and assisted his new ally. Deathlok blasted Grimm once more and was eventually reduced to a pile of smoldering ash by Quasar's powers and the laser rifles that were fired by security guards.

While the heroes were pondering the reasons for the strange attack, the female powerhouse known as Titania was at a gym in Manhattan's Lower East Side. She was preparing to face off in the ring against a female wrestler. Titania bested her opponent easily, but the opponent's manager summoned his employees Leta, Titania, and Mimi to attack.

The titan from an alternate timeline quickly tossed all subsequent attackers from the ring. She then jumped out and talked to Oglethorpe. The diminutive manager soon realized that he'd have more things to consider if he wanted Titania to be his marquee attraction. Meanwhile, Tom Lightner was continuing to proceed carefully toward the machine that Deathlok had constructed. His superior from Nth Command reminded Lightner that it was essential that the Nth projector not be discovered by anyone else.

At the same time, Quasar and Ben were four levels above, talking with lab assistant Bill Foster (who we also know as Giant Man). While Grimm was having his ear bent by Foster, Lightner inched closer to Nuklo's quarters. He entered the room and freed the powerful being, who, like Wundarr, was also a powerful adult with the mind of a child. 

After reading this issue for the first time, I wondered if this Deathlok was the same as the one who appeared earlier in this series' run. It's possible that, similar to Thundra, this cyborg emerged from an alternate reality. It also made me anticipate a possible showdown between Wundarr and Nuklo. The art team of John Byrne and Joe Sinnott really meshed well with writers Ralph Macchio and Mark Gruenwald. This was a cleverly laid out storyline that left plenty of readers in suspense after each chapter's end. 

Well, that's it for today. Tomorrow, I'll chronicle the third part of this saga with a recap of the fifty-fifth issue of Marvel Two-In-One. We'll see Foster's alter-ego come to the project's defense. We'll also learn more about Thundra's new career and find out what happened to Wundarr. Until then, have a great week and don't forget to be kind to one another. 

Retro Comic Recap: Marvel Two-In-One #53

Happy Monday, folks!

I'm kicking off a new week with a discussion of the fifty-third issue of Marvel Two-In-One. The cover depicted the Thing squaring off against the character known as Quasar, with an inset drawing that promised an update on Ben Grimm's old friend, Wundarr. The story was called "The Pegasus Project Part One: The Inner War!"

The tale began with Grimm flying a plane, heading for Project Pegasus. Ben was concerned about his old friend Wundarr, who was at the facility. After landing the Pogo Plane, the Thing was greeted by a staffer who walked him through their security procedures. 

After being cleared, Ben was about to be introduced to the new security chief, who Grimm mistook for the Crusader (who fought the Fantastic Four in issues #163 and 164 of their own mag). His rival defended himself, and eventually caged the FFer temporarily before stating that he was not the same person who Ben had fought before. 

He did wear the same energy bands as the former Marvel Boy who battled the Fantastic Four and presumably blew up during the aforementioned confrontation. Wendell Vaughn was given those baubles after they'd been examined by his father Gilbert. Wendell soon learned that he couldn't remove the bracelets and later paired up with other super-agents at SHIELD (Supreme Headquarters International Espionage and Law Enforcement Division). 

After that role ended, Wendell was recommended for his current role at Project Pegasus. He then gave Ben a tour of the facility. Along the way, Grimm ran into Tom Lightner (last seen in Marvel Two-In-One #42). Afterward, Ligthner retreated to his quarters to transmit a message to his superior at Nth Command.

At the same time, the female warrior from another universe known as Titania was walking the streets of Manhattan. She broke up a robbery, and the victim was so impressed by her acts of heroism that he offered her a job. Titania walked with Herkimer J. Oglethorpe toward his place of business.

Wendell (known in his superhero identity as Quasar) led Ben past the cells for known super-villains like Nuklo and Solarr before approaching the entrance to Wundarr's quarters. The boy trapped in a man's body was curled up in the fetal position on his bed, with his therapist, Dr. Jeannine O'Connell, standing beside him. After being linked with a cosmic cube (in MTIO #42), Wundarr remained alive but unconscious after the connection was detached.

Wundarr continued to lie motionlessly, but as he did so, lights around him suddenly went out. It appeared that the cube had strengthened his own abilities to the point that anything powered by electricity that came within ten feet of the lad would cease functioning normally. 

Grimm tried lifting the bed, but not even his mighty strength could do much more than budge it. Quasar was confident that the doctor could help the troubled youth. Afterward, he showed Ben to his quarters on the base. 

Ben was settling in when Lightner used his neural jammer on a pair of guards. As he did so, another figure cloaked in shadows roamed the rooftops of Project Pegasus until he found a way inside the complex. Grimm was restless, and after a while, decided to take a walk to see if anyone was interested in a friendly game of poker. With each step, he grew nearer to the shadowed figure from before, which we soon saw to be the futuristic cyborg known as Deathlok. 

The last content page of this issue was a diagram of the Project Pegasus compound. Regular readers know I love a good comic that was illustrated by John Byrne, and this one was no exception. It was a good start to a multi-part storyline, and one of the longest scripts this series had. It was good to see both Wundarr and Deathlok again, and we all know that Lightner was probably up to nothing good. 

Quasar is one of those characters who was searching to find his own niche at the time. He'd guest-starred in the Incredible Hulk and Captain America before receiving his own title about a decade later. His costume has changed enough to really differentiate him from Marvel Boy and is now usually associated with some of the more cosmic characters in the Marvel Universe.

That's all I have for you today. Tomorrow, I'll cover the second part of this tale, which consists of the fifty-third issue of Marvel Two-In-One. Byrne and inker Joe Sinnott return to pair up with co-plotters Ralph Macchi and Mark Gruenwald to tell us more about why Deathlok is skulking around. We'll also see where Oglethorpe took Titania and see yet another familiar face right before Lightner launches the next phase of his plan. Until then, have a great week and don't forget to be kind to one another. 

Retro Comic Recap: Marvel Two-In-One Annual #4

Good afternoon,

I'm winding down the weekend with a recap of the fourth Marvel Two-In-One annual. The cover depicted the Thing and Black Bolt, leader of the Inhumans, taking on Graviton, although the version of this villain in this story is different than what most readers are likely accustomed to. The first part of this tale was titled "A Mission of Gravity!"

The 1979 annual began with Black Bolt, Medusa, and their faithful teleporter Lockjaw arriving at the Baxter Building in New York, headquarters of the Fantastic Four. The room they entered was empty, and it seemed that the superteam members were gone for the moment. Black Bolt took the elevator down until he used his powers to conjure an image of Ben Grimm's hand holding a picture of his beloved, Alicia Masters.

Black Bolt used a phone book to find Masters' address and left the building to find her. Medusa and Lockjaw had left to return to their home of Attillan to address the airquakes that threatened their populace and forced them to seek assistance from their friends in the first place. He made his way to Alicia's apartment, and she used her hand to identify the stranger.

Masters assumed that Black Bolt wanted to know about her boyfriend's whereabouts, and mentioned that Ben was going to renew his driver's license. Sure enough, Grimm was in line at the local DMV trying to do just that. He frightened a fellow person in line, who bolted past the Avengers' butler Jarvis and his friend Judy, who had been rescued from a recent encounter with the villain Graviton.

As the duo left the building, a stranger accosted them. He made off with Judy, leaving Jarvis stuck behind, feeling as if his feet weighed tons. Black Bolt and Alicia had taken a cab and left the vehicle after hearing about such commotion. By then, Ben had left the DMV. He saw the Inhuman (who was still in disguise) leading his girlfriend and immediately assumed the worst.

The Thing attacked Black Bolt, unaware that they were merely trying to save Judy. It didn't take him long to recognize his mistake, and the cries of the still-stuck Jarvis soon grabbed their attention. Judy's assailant had gotten away with her and revealed himself in a nearby alleyway to be Graviton himself. He'd lost his memory and was seeking answers.

He also knew very little about his powers, but he displayed them enough to bring the heroes running toward him. Graviton reacted defensively by instinct and continued to lash out while Judy told Grimm about the man who was once Frank Hall. Hall had worked with Judy until his accident, which let him control gravitational forces after he absorbed an experimental anti-gravity element by accident. Hall soon donned a new costume and the Graviton identity. He created his own floating island that was his base of operations for his attack against the Avengers (as shown in issue #159 of that title). 

Graviton faltered after seeing what he believed to be Judy's fall from that island to her own demise. Enraged, the villain destroyed his sky island and drew all of the mass from that island into a ball around his person. Graviton had, in effect, become a living black hole. After making that realization, Hall began to change and grow until he looked like a living, flaming brick wall. 

He asked for sanctuary from Black Bolt, but was angered by the refusal. Graviton lashed out and forced the heroes to protect themselves and those around them. Graviton shot bursts of energy that penetrated Earth's atmosphere on a course toward Atillan. He also summoned small black holes at his opponents.

The second part of this saga, entitled "Black Hole...Black Heart...Black Holocaust!" began with the Thing and Black Bolt facing that new danger. Black Bolt was able to control electrons enough to draw the projectiles away from his friend and up into the air where they couldn't harm anyone. The mad titan continued to tear through the city, as SHIELD (Supreme Headquarters International Espionage and Law Enforcement Division) agents grew concerned that the flare was headed right for their own space station.

As Black Bolt flew spaceward to extinguish that threat, Judy returned to Avengers Mansion as Jarvis and Alicia made it back to her apartment. Black Bolt returned in time to help Ben try to find a way to defeat their common enemy. He flashed a series of characters into the air. A physics professor named Charles Herkowitz explained to Grimm that they may be able to pull Graviton into the other universe that he claimed to be from. 

The task could be accomplished by throwing a large amount of antimatter at Graviton. There would be an explosion, and the villain would subsequently be pulled into the resulting dimensional rift. It was worth a try, at least. Black Bolt and the Thing worked on devising such a quantity of antimatter as Jarvis returned to his home to assist his friend and guest.

Graviton had continued to grow in size and menace. He was nearing the United Nations building when Ben and Black Bolt approached. Grimm hurled the projectile that was powered by Black Bolt, only to see it bounce harmlessly off of their foe. Graviton said that he failed to stop the weapon because he himself wanted to perish. 

Hall's body gradually began to dissipate into nothingness, leaving the heroes behind. They were in awe of what had happened, and Ben talked about the tortured soul. Graviton may have been a bad guy, but it seemed like he may have finally found a home of his own after all.

I'd seen Graviton in a few issues of the Avengers books, but I had to read this annual a few times before I fully understood him. As far as I know, he wasn't nearly this different in other Marvel comics. I was surprised by his transformation, and by how he redeemed himself in the end. If he had the right motivation, he could have been a powerful force for good. Time will only tell if that ever happens in the future, I guess.

That's all I have for you this weekend. Tomorrow, I'll begin a new week with a recap of the fifty-third issue of Marvel Two-In-One. John Byrne returns to pencil the start of a new storyline that has Ben headed back to Project Pegasus to meet a new ally and learn of a potential danger. Until then, have a great week and don't forget to be kind to one another. 

Retro Comic Recap: Marvel Two-In-One #52

Good morning, peeps!

Hope everyone's been having a great weekend. I'm starting the day with a discussion of the fifty-second issue of Marvel Two-In-One. The cover showed the Thing being fired upon as Moon Knight tossed projectiles at Ben Grimm's attackers, with the villain known as Crossfire looking on from a viewscreen behind them. The story was called "A Little Knight Music!" The issue had a publication date of June 1979.

The tale began at a lavish gala, where a Daily Bugle newspaper headline held by a man in the foreground announced that Fantastic Four leader Reed Richards had won an award, and that his teammate Ben Grimm was going to accept the honor on Reed's behalf. Ben was already being approached by many, not knowing that the man holding the paper was also a hero in his own right, namely the adventurer known as Moon Knight.

A few moments later, several gunmen in bright red and yellow costumes swarmed the area, grabbing one man and gunning down another right before the elder gentleman reached the Thing, asking for help in his final words. Ben retaliated against the attackers while Marc Spector took advantage of the confusion to change into his hero guise. Moon Knight swooped in and helped the Thing.

The dying man had given the Thing an address. Moon Knight asked about it before calling his trusty associate Frenchie for a lift via his specially modified helicopter. Spector left Grimm to deal with the local authorities while he changed to his Jake Lockley identity. Out on the street, Ben hailed a cab that was driven by Lockley.

Lockley took his passenger to the address the old man had given Ben, which appeared to be in a rundown part of town. Ben burst into the warehouse and found more of the same characters who'd invaded earlier. He fought them once more, again with Moon Knight's assistance after the cabbie had time to park and change again.

The brawl continued until every lackey was defeated. Afterward, the heroes learned that the scoundrel known as Crossfire was responsible for the attacks. His face appeared on a screen behind them right before nozzles on the bottom of the monitor started to emit a gas that was strong enough to knock Grimm and Spector out. 

A short while later, Moon Knight and the Thing awoke. Each of them had been chained up and was under gunpoint by more of Crossfire's hired goons. Crossfire was determined to eliminate all super-powered heroes in New York. Moon Knight knew a bit about their foe's history. William Cross had established a reputation as an impressive member of the CIA when Spector was freelancing for that organization. He knew how to manipulate people and acquire resources for his own sinister purposes.

Cross then showed his captives the sonic mind-warper that he intended to use to turn hero against hero. Grimm and Spector soon broke free from their bonds and raced toward the chamber where Crossfire was overseeing everything. A potent punch from the Thing gave him access, but Crossfire was still able to activate the machine.

The device temporarily weakened Grimm, but he still mustered up enough strength to grab the floor beneath him and pull it up to destroy the machinery. Moon Knight tussled with their foe until Crossfire escaped in a nearby elevator. He took out a canister of nerve gas, but it went off before he could toss it at the heroes.

The elevator was empty when it opened again, but Moon Knight and the Thing assumed that Crossfire had to have been affected by the gas. They were determined to defeat him again. Ben was concerned about getting a taxi to Manhattan at that time of night, but Moon Knight was confident he could find one. 

This issue introduced Moon Knight to the Thing. I've read the first dozen-plus issues of his first title, and watched the Disney+ show. Moon Knight is an interesting character who has grown in his individual identities more and more over the years. Crossfire is an intriguing villain who appears from time to time. I first heard about him in a confrontation with the Avenger Hawkeye. He reminds me a little of the DC comics character Deadshot, who's more well-known for his involvement in the Suicide Squad. 

That's it for this morning. Later today, I'll cover the fourth Marvel Two-In-One annual. The Thing pairs up with a member of the Inhumans to confront a menace who debuted in the pages of the first Avengers title. Until then, have a great day and don't forget to be kind to one another. 

Retro Comic Recap: Marvel Two-In-One #51

Happy Saturday, peeps!

Today's topic is the fifty-first issue of Marvel Two-In-One. The cover, illustrated by George Perez and Joe Sinnott, showed the Thing leaping into action, with the issue's co-stars, the Beast, Ms. Marvel, Wonder Man, and Nick Fury, flanking him. The tale was titled "Full House..Dragons High!" The issue had a cover date of May 1979.

The story started with Ben Grimm being scanned by an automated security camera. After his identity was confirmed, a panel on the rooftop he was on started to lower. Grimm was met by SHIELD (Supreme Headquarters International Intelligence Law Enforcement Division) director Nick Fury, and the duo entered the kitchen where the Beast (Hank McCoy), Ms. Marvel (Carol Danvers), D.A. Tower, Wonder Man (Simon Williams), and the Avengers' butler Jarvis were waiting for the poker game to begin.

Meanwhile, at a local SHIELD arsenal, a shipment was being scrutinized by security guards right before the trucks' occupants made their move. After taking out the sentries, the intruders infiltrated the base. Moments later, a full-scale assault began.

Back at Avengers Mansion, the friendly contest continued. It was briefly interrupted by an alarm on Fury's wristwatch. It was alerting him to the danger that was now pervading the SHIELD arsenal, as the attackers continued on toward Hangar Alpha and broke through the heavy security doors. 

As the enemies' sky forces went into action, Ben conferred with Jarvis. He was upset about Danvers' addition to the game, mainly because she was winning. The break gave Fury time to catch up with "Dum Dum" Dugan and learn the extent of the danger his forces were in.

Nick called his friends to action, and the group sped toward the SHIELD helicarrier in the Fantasticar. There was a large ship known as the Sky Dragon, owned by the nefarious Yellow Claw, hovering nearby. Ms. Marvel, Wonder Man, and the Beast were the first ones to jump from the Fantasticar and join the fray. 

Ben and Nick joined the fracas after landing the vehicle. Nick recognized the instigator as a man named Pollock, someone he'd crossed paths with before during the Nuklo affair (chronicled in Avengers Annual #6). He was after the last part of the Yellow Claw's ultimate annihilator, which was housed at the helicarrier. 

Fortunately, the villain's plans never came to fruition. Nick, the Thing, and the Avengers who'd joined the cause helped to defeat Pollock and his men. Afterward, they returned to Avengers Mansion to finish the match. Wonder Man made some hot coffee, but by the time it was ready, everyone else at the table had already dozed off after a busy night.

Some collectors pursue this issue because it was drawn by future Daredevil artist/writer Frank Miller. It's a fun story that highlights one of Ben's legendary poker games with other fellow heroes. It showcased several prominent members of the Avengers at the time, and the foes were rather secondary to the plot. I liked this story because it was a lighter yarn after the seriousness of the fiftieth issue's story. 

That's all I have for you today. I'm off to do a little volunteering in a bit, and then making the most of a busy Saturday. I'll start Sunday with a recap of the fifty-second issue of this series. Ben pairs up with a character who was relatively new to the Marvel Universe at the time to take on an enemy who had rather grand plans for conquest. Until then, have a great weekend and don't forget to be kind to one another. 

Retro Comic Recap: Marvel Two-In-One #50

Happy Friday, peeps!

I'm finishing the work week with a synopsis of the fiftieth issue of Marvel Two-In-One. The cover showed the Thing fighting an older, less rocky version of himself. The story was called "Remembrance of Things Past!" The issue had a publication date of April 1979.

It all began in the Baxter Building, headquarters of the Fantastic Four. Ben Grimm was attached to an apparatus that was being monitored by their team leader, Reed Richards (aka Mister Fantastic). Reed was conducting a series of tests to see how Ben's body had become accustomed to his rocky exterior. His appearance evolved over time, and he very rarely reverted back to his human form anymore. 

Richards guessed that Grimm was more comfortable as the Thing, and was doubtful that any serums he could compose would cure his friend of that affliction. Reed left the room thinking he'd have to try a new approach. Ben stayed behind until he got the idea to use Doctor Doom's time machine. He set the controls for a time just before the fabulous foursome went up in a rocket and received their powers from cosmic rays, and entered the platform.

Before he knew it, Ben was in the Baxter Building, which was still up for rent. He ducked into an elevator moments before the Reed from that era and the landlord could spot them. Grimm descended the elevator and got out at the first floor, not knowing that his counterpart from that era was not far away.

Ben went to help a woman who had fallen before him, and was struck by her husband before meeting the Thing from that time period. It was a less evolved version, but still quite as powerful as him. A battle began, one that spread across the street. Grimm tried to explain that he'd arrived from the future using Doom's time machine, forgetting that the Ben from that year had yet to meet the Latverian leader.

The titans tussled for some time, until the Ben we all know won out. He knelt beside his opposite and gave him a formula, which turned the Thing from that time back into his human self. A few minutes later, the time platform reappeared to take Ben home. After his disappearance, the Ben from that era awoke and was amazed to find himself to be human once more. He started to believe the stranger's words and wondered what happened to him. 

Reed was waiting for Ben when he returned to his own time. Grimm looked in a mirror and saw that he was his same rocky self. Richards postulated that his old friend's actions had created another reality. Ben was okay with the results and considered his looks to be an improvement over the version from his past. 

This was one of John Byrne's first Marvel comics as both writer and illustrator. It was an interesting tale, one that would be part of the background of part of his future runs on this title and its follow-up, The Thing, as well as his five-year run on the Fantastic Four title. This won't be the last that we'll see the alternate reality that Grimm created, either. 

Well, that's all I have for you today. Tomorrow, I'll cover the fifty-first issue of Marvel Two-In-One. Ben tries to have a friendly game of poker with some of his superhero friends. All goes well, until a bit of trouble pulls them away from their contest. Until then, have a great week and don't forget to be kind to one another. 

Retro Comic Recap: Marvel Two-In-One #49

Happy Thursday, peeps!

Today's topic is the forty-ninth issue of Marvel Two-In-One. The cover depicted the Thing and Doctor Strange battling baddies on the physical and metaphysical levels. The tale was titled "Curse of Crawlinswood." The issue had a cover date of March 1979.

The story started on a boat named Olive off the New England coast. Ben Grimm asked his guide Doyle to steer the boat back to shore, since he'd had no luck fishing that day. He was initially opposed to staying at the creepy-looking hotel up ahead until Ben noticed a woman parked in front of the inn who was having a bit of car trouble. Grimm offered his assistance, and as he did so, he saw someone very familiar enter the building.

Ben followed him inside after the job was done and secured lodging after talking to a rather suspicious couple at the front desk. Meanwhile, in his own room, Doctor Stephen Strange was thankful that Ben was there, although he didn't want to reveal himself just yet. At the moment, Grimm was in the tea room with his hosts and other guests, wondering what had happened to the young woman that he'd assisted earlier.

She was out for a walk. Moments later, her terrified screams sent Ben running through the room to rescue her. Her assailant turned out to be nothing but a pile of driftwood, but the woman swore that there was more to it than that. The old woman from the inn appeared behind them moments later and dismissed Jill's concerns as superstition, adding that she would bill Grimm for the damages to the property in the morning.

Meanwhile, Strange was afraid that things were set in motion. Mystic forces in that region began almost two centuries prior, when a ship that was carrying a necromancer was caught in a violent storm at sea. The wizard Ennis and his target Kemo both perished that evening, but the living spirit of that crewman had been retained by the magician. The legends were all but forgotten once the Crawlins family settled in the area and established roots there.

Stephen postulated that recent geologic activity could unearth the vessel and set the mage and his servant free after all those many years. He was afraid that he couldn't do much more than watch. As Jane Crawlins was tending to her pet cat, the long-dead crewman burst through her door. Ben was summoned to her side by Strange's astral form. 

The Thing was evenly matched against the intruder, and they soon became involved in a battle. Jane pitched in, hurling a vase at Ben's attacker. The constellations were finally in alignment to allow for the wizard Tremellyn's release, and Strange tended to that danger while the physical confrontation continued.

Jane was chased upstairs before Ben figured out that the ruby on his foe's neck might be the key to victory. He grabbed the gem, and the wizard and the mighty warrior vanished. Before the villains were vanquished, Kemo appeared briefly in his original form to thank his challenger for freeing his soul. Strange's astral form stayed behind Ben and Jane, noting that he'd hoped to guide Grimm along, but that the Thing had triumphed by following his own instincts instead. 

It was good to see Doctor Strange in this series again for the first time in more than three years, but the overall plot seemed a bit half-baked. We didn't learn a lot about the bad guys, and by the time we did, they were gone. I got the impression that this issue was facing the "dreaded deadline doom" and rushed to press. The artwork was fine, and things all worked out in the end of the yarn.

That's all I have for you today. I'll close the work week with a summary of the fiftieth issue of Marvel Two-In-One. The Thing faces someone you'll probably never expect in a landmark story for this title. Until then, have a great week and don't forget to be kind to one another.