Marvel Two-In-One launched in 1974, teaming the Thing with a different hero each month. This guide will tell you everything you wanted to know about the series – and more!
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Date: January 1975
Cover Price: 25¢
Writer: Steve Gerber
Artist: Sal Buscema
WHO stars in this issue?
the Thing – Benjamin J. Grimm was bombarded by cosmic rays in a space exploration flight, alongside three friends. The cosmic rays gave each of them different powers, and they formed the Fantastic Four. Ben underwent the most physical change of the foursome: his skin mutated into orange rock and, as a result, he gained super-strength.
Valkyrie – the strongest of all Valkyrior (a group of Asgardians warrior goddesses who bring the worthy fallen warriors to Valhalla, the land of the honored dead). At this time in Marvel continuity, the Valkyrie had possessed the body of Barbara Denton and joined the super-hero team, the Defenders.
WHAT happens?
After the events of last issue, Doctor Strange suggests the Thing venture to Cobbler’s Roost, Vermont to find Valkyrie. Meanwhile, Strange intends to find the derelict, Alvin Denton, who was present at last issue’s subway event – for his destiny may need to be tended to, as well (see last week’s post, if you’re confused).
Before he can reach his destination, the Thing is ambushed by the Enchantress and Skurge the Executioner (who have already captured Alvin Denton). The villainness reveals that it was she, disguised as Valkyrie, who took the harmonica. But, she cannot yet harness its power until the course of Destiny, which was altered by last issue’s events, has been put right. Once Destiny’s will has been worked out, the villains intend to utilize the harmonica’s power to seize control of Asgard. So, they take their leave (with the harmonica), to allow Destiny to play through – their captives now freed.
Immediately, the world is destroyed and only those five nearest the harmonica are still left in existence. The Thing and Valkyrie move quickly to stop the Executioner and the Enchantress from grabbing the powerful instrument. Whoever gains control of it will have the power to set everything right – but if the villains get it, they can recreate the world without the heroes (or other heroes like Thor, the Avengers and the Defenders). In the final battle, the heroes narrowly defeat the Asgardian renegades and the Thing uses the harmonica to put everything back the way it was. But, it is a hollow victory – for Alvin’s heart gave out during all the excitement. Valkyrie’s last remaining link with humanity has now been severed.
WHERE does the story take place?
Most of the events of this issue take place in Cobbeler’s Roost, Vermont – the hometown of Barbara Denton.
WHEN do the Enchantress & Executioner next appear?
They next appear in the Defenders #20 (cover date: February 1975), as Valkyrie continues her quest to unlock her own identity. Doctor Strange and the Thing can also be found in that issue.
WHY is Valkyrie the guest-lead?
The very next month, Steve Gerber took over as writer of the Defenders so this was a fun attempt at getting more people interested in that book.
HOW was it?
This was certainly a neat way of turning MTIO fans into potential Defenders fan. Or, at least getting them interested enough to pick up the first issue of Gerber’s run on that title. But, it was a strange story. It was very much about Valkyrie, although she doesn’t actually do all that much in the issue. On the other hand, a most of the action is focused on the Thing but, he doesn’t get any character development. As for the stakes, they’re sky high! Essentially, the entire planet is destroyed – and then neatly put back into place just five pages later. Ahhhhh the days before comics were decompressed into six-issue storylines.
On Ebay: Marvel Two-In-One | the Thing | Valkyrie
On AtomicAvenue: Marvel Two-In-One | the Thing | Valkyrie
- CONTACT >>
