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Essential Marvel Two-in-One #3
Essential Marvel Two-in-One, Vol. 3
Life's not one thing after another, it's the same THING over and over again! Join Benjamin J. Grimm, Quasar, Giant-Man, and FF members and X-Men alike against foes old and new, all-powerful and somewhat less powerful! With several sensational storylines in one volume, including Project: PEGASUS, the Beyonder, and the Serpent Crown! Plus: the fate of the Hydro-Men! War in the Negative Zone! Time paradoxes, secrets of alien procreation, dinosaurs, disco, dementia, and more! Guest-starring the Avengers, the Guardians of the Galaxy, the Inhumans, the Howling Commandos, and others! Collects Marvel Two-In-One #53-77 and Annual #4-5.
592 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 1981
2 people are currently reading
49 people want to read
About the author
Mark Gruenwald
919 books44 followersGruenwald got his start in comics fandom, publishing his own fanzine, Omniverse, which explored the concept of continuity. Before being hired by Marvel, he wrote text articles for DC Comics official fanzine, The Amazing World of DC Comics. Articles by Gruenwald include "The Martian Chronicles" (a history of the Martian Manhunter) in issue #13 and several articles on the history of the Justice League in issue #14.
In 1978 he was hired by Marvel Comics, where he remained for the rest of his career. Hired initially as an assistant editor in January 1978, Gruenwald was promoted to full editorship by Marvel editor-in-chief Jim Shooter in 1982, putting Gruenwald in charge of The Avengers, Captain America, Iron Man, Thor, Spider Woman, and What If. During this period, he shared an office with writer/editor Denny O'Neil, whom Gruenwald considered a mentor.
In 1982, Gruenwald, Steven Grant, and Bill Mantlo co-wrote Marvel Super Hero Contest of Champions, the first limited seriespublished by Marvel Comics. As a writer, Gruenwald is best known for creating the Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe and his ten-year stint as the writer of Captain America during which he contributed several notable characters such as Crossbones, Diamondback and U.S. Agent. He made a deliberate effort to create villains who would be specific to Captain America, as opposed to generic foes who could as easily have been introduced in another comic.
His 60-issue run on Quasar realized Gruenwald's ambition to write his own kind of superhero. However, he considered his magnum opus to be the mid-1980s 12-issue miniseries Squadron Supreme, which told the story of an alternate universe where a group of well-intended superheroes decide that they would be best suited to run the planet
In 1978 he was hired by Marvel Comics, where he remained for the rest of his career. Hired initially as an assistant editor in January 1978, Gruenwald was promoted to full editorship by Marvel editor-in-chief Jim Shooter in 1982, putting Gruenwald in charge of The Avengers, Captain America, Iron Man, Thor, Spider Woman, and What If. During this period, he shared an office with writer/editor Denny O'Neil, whom Gruenwald considered a mentor.
In 1982, Gruenwald, Steven Grant, and Bill Mantlo co-wrote Marvel Super Hero Contest of Champions, the first limited seriespublished by Marvel Comics. As a writer, Gruenwald is best known for creating the Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe and his ten-year stint as the writer of Captain America during which he contributed several notable characters such as Crossbones, Diamondback and U.S. Agent. He made a deliberate effort to create villains who would be specific to Captain America, as opposed to generic foes who could as easily have been introduced in another comic.
His 60-issue run on Quasar realized Gruenwald's ambition to write his own kind of superhero. However, he considered his magnum opus to be the mid-1980s 12-issue miniseries Squadron Supreme, which told the story of an alternate universe where a group of well-intended superheroes decide that they would be best suited to run the planet
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
July 11, 2019
Nice collection of these Classic Marvel team-ups. Good art and story. Recommended
May 26, 2020
As ever, the true challenge of ruling lies in decision, not action.
Action! Suspense! Underwater!🌊
🧐
I’ve never read The Inhumans, hence the low rating.
September 10, 2015
A book that's been solid since it started continues it's reign of solidness here. A mix of unique character work (the gimmick of a new partner for the Thing each issue helps), solid action storylines, and a little bit of a sense of humor make for a good overall mix of Marvel bad guy bashery.
In "Two-In-One #53", the Thing begins a unique and interesting idea, becoming a security guard at the high tech government Pegasus Project to protect his friend Wundarr. Joining Quasar's security team, he faces espionage from both Thundra and Deathlok. The broad cast of characters is emblematic of writers Mark Gruenwald/Ralph Macchio to experiment. Art from John Byrne does not hurt either.
In "Two-In-One Annual #5", the extra pages go to good use as the Thing and the Hulk battle Pluto (God of the Netherworld, naturally), forced into doing so by the Stranger. The action is pretty good, as all three heroes battle Pluto's endless hordes of hell demons, there's talk of a black hole type thing in Hell, it's a lot of interesting dynamics that are different than other superhero mags. Alan Kupperberg does a solid job writing/drawing. In fact, I don't think any art team was bad, very solid artwork.
The Stranger brings up a general theme of the book, as the Thing gets involved with a lot of astral heroes and space people and God types, like most comic books in the early to entire 80s. It's hit or miss some times, some times it seems to sit on its hands and gloat at being able to have ghostly characters who don't do a lot and float through space, but at times it really creates beautiful imagery and tries (in superhero comics terms) to challenge the generic narrative of comics.
"Two In One # 77" has the Thing wander through the Florida swamp after a plane crash with the Man-Thing right behind him, with Thing reminiscing about a WWII adventure with Nick Fury. Not the strongest issue, only because the double narrative causes Nick Fury's adventure to seem rushed and predictable, and the already limited characterization of Man-Thing (a mindless swamp sludge who goes where he senses emotion) seems very limiting.
That being said, I think Tom Defalco of that issue is probably the best writer in the book, he's got a good eye for unique story structure and writes good dialogue. And Ron Wilson's art, not the best, but def also solid like everything else.
If you like generic Marvel beat up bad guy stuff, Two-In-One is an easy recommendation.
5/5
In "Two-In-One #53", the Thing begins a unique and interesting idea, becoming a security guard at the high tech government Pegasus Project to protect his friend Wundarr. Joining Quasar's security team, he faces espionage from both Thundra and Deathlok. The broad cast of characters is emblematic of writers Mark Gruenwald/Ralph Macchio to experiment. Art from John Byrne does not hurt either.
In "Two-In-One Annual #5", the extra pages go to good use as the Thing and the Hulk battle Pluto (God of the Netherworld, naturally), forced into doing so by the Stranger. The action is pretty good, as all three heroes battle Pluto's endless hordes of hell demons, there's talk of a black hole type thing in Hell, it's a lot of interesting dynamics that are different than other superhero mags. Alan Kupperberg does a solid job writing/drawing. In fact, I don't think any art team was bad, very solid artwork.
The Stranger brings up a general theme of the book, as the Thing gets involved with a lot of astral heroes and space people and God types, like most comic books in the early to entire 80s. It's hit or miss some times, some times it seems to sit on its hands and gloat at being able to have ghostly characters who don't do a lot and float through space, but at times it really creates beautiful imagery and tries (in superhero comics terms) to challenge the generic narrative of comics.
"Two In One # 77" has the Thing wander through the Florida swamp after a plane crash with the Man-Thing right behind him, with Thing reminiscing about a WWII adventure with Nick Fury. Not the strongest issue, only because the double narrative causes Nick Fury's adventure to seem rushed and predictable, and the already limited characterization of Man-Thing (a mindless swamp sludge who goes where he senses emotion) seems very limiting.
That being said, I think Tom Defalco of that issue is probably the best writer in the book, he's got a good eye for unique story structure and writes good dialogue. And Ron Wilson's art, not the best, but def also solid like everything else.
If you like generic Marvel beat up bad guy stuff, Two-In-One is an easy recommendation.
5/5
July 6, 2024
Marvel's Essential line of black and white phonebook sized trades have had an uptick in price of $3 while simultaneously having a slightly lower overall page count (from 500-560 to about 500). They are still the biggest bang for your entertainment buck that you will get in spite of this. I just wish that Marvel would follow DC and Dark Horse, who put page numbers on their phone books. The bulk of this book is written by the team of Ralph Maccio and Mark Gruenwald who provide excellent characterization for Benjamin J. Grimm, a/k/a the Thing, the anchor character for this title. Lots of great arcs here, lots of great artists here, this is just a lot of fun Bronze Age goodness.
April 14, 2025
Mark Gruenwald writes most of these Thing stories and they are pretty spectacular. Project Pegasus has a 6 parter where he teams up with Goliath and Quasar. Really really enjoy the Thing adventures. Looking forward to part 4.
November 24, 2018
Certain things about the format kind of tickled and irritated me. The basic pitch is "What if Spider-Man Team-Up tried to tell a cohesive story over many years and starred the Thing instead of Spider-Man."
You get a lot of weird guest star/guest villain choices. You get some out of character behavior.
What's also weird it that there are real connections between this book and other elements of Marvel history. For instance, it seems like this is the origin of Quasar and the second Squadron Supreme series.
The Thing is a beautifully designed character. There's something about the way his eyes do not match the rest of his design that is especially compelling.
What feels a little silly is how often he retreats into a few sad sack mannerisms when he should have learned better by now. Maybe he has clinical depression? That seems like the real story. But if he doesn't, then it's not clear why he has such self-defeating behaviors and why his friends seem to let him engage in them.
Also, I have to say that the title drove me nuts. Why wasn't it just "The Thing?"
And when the Thing teamed up with Mr. Fantastic or the Human Torch -- that just felt like a Fantastic Two book, right?
Also, the cover scene with a burning World Trade Center . . . . .
You get a lot of weird guest star/guest villain choices. You get some out of character behavior.
What's also weird it that there are real connections between this book and other elements of Marvel history. For instance, it seems like this is the origin of Quasar and the second Squadron Supreme series.
The Thing is a beautifully designed character. There's something about the way his eyes do not match the rest of his design that is especially compelling.
What feels a little silly is how often he retreats into a few sad sack mannerisms when he should have learned better by now. Maybe he has clinical depression? That seems like the real story. But if he doesn't, then it's not clear why he has such self-defeating behaviors and why his friends seem to let him engage in them.
Also, I have to say that the title drove me nuts. Why wasn't it just "The Thing?"
And when the Thing teamed up with Mr. Fantastic or the Human Torch -- that just felt like a Fantastic Two book, right?
Also, the cover scene with a burning World Trade Center . . . . .
January 21, 2018
The team-up adventures of the Fantastic Four's Blue-Eyed Benjamin Grimm continue in the pages of Essential Marvel Two-In-One, Volume 3.
This book begins with a massive story about The Thing becoming a security adviser at Project Pegasus. The Marvel equivalent of Project Cadmus, The Thing teams with a number of superheroes such as Quasar and Goliath as an odd assortment of villains try to break in and out of the research center.
After his tenure at Pegasus is complete, Grimm teams with an assortment of characters from the Marvel Universe including the Avengers, the Howling Commandos, and the original Guardians of the Galaxy. That last crossover will result in a strain in the relationship of the Thing and his gal pal Alicia Masters. Thus, the last third of the book gets a little sappy.
Featuring Tom DeFalco, Chris Claremont, John Byrne, George Perez, and many more from the Marvel Bullpen, this was an great collection of issues from the late 70s rolling into the early 80s despite the corny lost love angle. Fans should really study the Claremont and Byrne issues as they highlight the gelling partnership between the duo that would most redefine the X-Men to become the most popular superhero group for a generation.
This book begins with a massive story about The Thing becoming a security adviser at Project Pegasus. The Marvel equivalent of Project Cadmus, The Thing teams with a number of superheroes such as Quasar and Goliath as an odd assortment of villains try to break in and out of the research center.
After his tenure at Pegasus is complete, Grimm teams with an assortment of characters from the Marvel Universe including the Avengers, the Howling Commandos, and the original Guardians of the Galaxy. That last crossover will result in a strain in the relationship of the Thing and his gal pal Alicia Masters. Thus, the last third of the book gets a little sappy.
Featuring Tom DeFalco, Chris Claremont, John Byrne, George Perez, and many more from the Marvel Bullpen, this was an great collection of issues from the late 70s rolling into the early 80s despite the corny lost love angle. Fans should really study the Claremont and Byrne issues as they highlight the gelling partnership between the duo that would most redefine the X-Men to become the most popular superhero group for a generation.
February 8, 2025
When people talk about Marvel Two-In-One, whether they read them off the rack in the 70s and early 80s, found them in cheap boxes in the mid 80s to late 90s, or in various reprints throughout the decades... this is the era they are most likely talking about.
There is a lot of good stuff in this one. You have some top notch writers on this volume. Mark Gruenwald and Ralph Macchio. And artists like George Perez. It includes Project Pegasus Saga, The Search for Adam Warlock, and Pegasus Revisited. You have some other classics like the team up with the original 31st Century version of the Guardians of the Galaxy. However... much like so many of these team up books... you have a few that aren't exactly big names. And weirder still, you have team-ups that really could have (and maybe should have) taken place in Fantastic Four.
But overall... this book is a lot of fun. Especially if your favorite member of the FF is Aunt Petunia's favorite nephew.
There is a lot of good stuff in this one. You have some top notch writers on this volume. Mark Gruenwald and Ralph Macchio. And artists like George Perez. It includes Project Pegasus Saga, The Search for Adam Warlock, and Pegasus Revisited. You have some other classics like the team up with the original 31st Century version of the Guardians of the Galaxy. However... much like so many of these team up books... you have a few that aren't exactly big names. And weirder still, you have team-ups that really could have (and maybe should have) taken place in Fantastic Four.
But overall... this book is a lot of fun. Especially if your favorite member of the FF is Aunt Petunia's favorite nephew.
March 27, 2022
The Thing is the anchor of the Fantastic Four; despite his inhuman appearance, he's the closest to the everyday person and the most relatable member of the Fantastic Four. I do not read comics the way I used to, but picking this up from the library reminded me of how great the Thing is, and his adventures are always enjoyable.
November 10, 2015
La testata dedicata alle avventure della Cosa è stata a lungo di qualità altalenante; questo terzo Essential contiene però il suo periodo migliore con le saghe del Progetto Pegasus, della Corona del Serpente, della Sparizione della ControTerra. Inoltre alcuni punti cruciali per la continuity, tra cui la divergenza tra la Terra futura dei Guardiani della Galassia e la Terra ufficiale Marvel (691 e 616 rispettivamente); l'evoluzione di Aquarian, personaggio interessante ma mai sfruttato decentemente, e altre piccole grandi storie.
May 16, 2013
A good volume in the Essentials series, featuring some excellent stories from MTIO. The Project Pegasus saga is reprinted here, as is the Serpent Crown and Maelstrom storylines. Great artwork by Ron Wilson, Gene Day, John Byrne. and George Perez abounds.
November 4, 2016
I nearly always love any comic that has the Thing. This volume of Marvel Two-in-One has the Project Pegasus saga and the Serpent Crown story. I had some of the issues as a kid, but not all of them. I was very happy to finally read the entire story.
June 21, 2015
This is for issue #68 only. I should have seen the bad guy coming- there were plenty of clues. The ending was amazing!
November 2, 2020
The night of malestrom
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews