Happy Tuesday, peeps!
Today's topic is the ninetieth issue of Marvel Two-In-One. The cover depicted the Thing and Spider-Man stunned as a large monster emerged from beneath the ground. The tale was titled "Eyes of the Sorcerer." The issue had a cover date of August 1982.
The story started at the Central Park Renaissance Fair. Among those in attendance were Peter Parker and his date Debra Whitman, and Ben Grimm and his longtime girlfriend, Alicia Masters. Ben's arrival garnered attention from others among the crowd, including a young boy who wanted the Thing to demonstrate his strength.
Deb wanted to speak with Alicia, but unnoticed among those at the fair was a rather unsuccessful magician named Phil, who had suddenly been enthralled by a sorcerer named Sardeth who was about to face a dire fate several years in the past. He connected with the young magician and inhabited his mind shortly after his corporeal form faded away. Phil brushed his associate aside as Sardeth took up residence in his brain.
Grimm was continuing to entertain people nearby while Parker struck up a conversation with Masters. The blind sculptress picked up on how Peter was ignoring his date, something that he wasn't aware of at first. At the same time, Sardeth was examining his new surroundings through the young man's eyes, and he definitely didn't like what he saw.
The magician used his ancient abilities to bring a maypole to life, ensnaring several people in its ribbons. The Thing went to intervene, while Parker made an excuse to get away from Deb so that he could change into his superhero costume. While Pete was changing, Sardeth put a jouster under his power, and he rode toward the Fantastic Four's strongman.
Parker ducked into a tent as soon as he saw Deb herd Alicia away from the danger. He then swung onto the scene as Spider-Man and assisted his longtime friend. The rider had been knocked from his mount, but the armed and armored warrior swung his sword at Spidey like a man possessed, which he actually was.
Spider-Man and the Thing defeated the knight, who soon returned to normal. Seeing Whitman and Masters walking together momentarily distracted the heroes, but the danger was far from over. Sardeth sailed over the busy city streets and conjured a spell that brought a mighty creature rumbling up from underground.
Ben took on the beast, while Peter went after the magician. The urging of Phil's girlfriend convinced the heroes that the young magician was not acting under his own power. Grimm grasped the boy firmly, and Sardeth's spirit finally left his body. Now all that remained was the creature, stuck in the middle of the pavement. Ben wondered if the Central Park Zoo would appreciate another donation.
This was an enjoyable one-off story. Spidey and the Thing work well together, and it was good to see them pair up to tackle a rather easy villain to defeat. It was set in a place where both characters could reasonably be at the same time as civilians, and the situation was resolved rather quickly. My only regret is that we've yet to see Sardeth reappear in another Marvel mag.
That's it for today. Tomorrow, I'll discuss the ninety-first issue of Marvel Two-In-One. Ben is recruited by an old friend to take on one of his deadliest foes. Until then, have a great week and don't forget to be kind to one another.
