Who doesn't have a soft spot for Marvel's hero made of rock? I'm talking of course about the Thing. Since 1961, Ben Grimm has been one of the cornerstones at the House of Ideas as a member of the Fantastic Four. Personally, in my younger years I was enthralled with him. Throw downs with the heaviest hitters were always a big draw. Any issue trading punches with the Hulk were an absolute event.
Marvel recognized his popularity and gave him a team up book in 1974. Thanks to the Two in One series, I get to wax nostalgic here on Two Staple Gold and it's Clobbering Time... all the time.
Here's the best part though, If your like me you may have lost track of the "Ever Lovin' Blue Eyed" Thing over the years. No biggie. He's like a friend that remained unchanged and will always be there for you. Revisiting his adventures is always a comforting experience. Or so I liked to believe.
Time to take our meds and see if this ish makes us sick or cures our blues. I present Marvel Two in One #96 "Visiting Hours" cover dated February 1983. Written by Tom DeFalco and penciled by Ron Wilson.
Here's a tough pill to swallow, the Thing got his ass whooped. Boxing with the Champion is generally a bad idea and he's landed in the local Hospital. Reed Richards has decided that is the best place for him citing the Baxter Building's lack of "medical facilities to asses the true extent of his injuries". This is the first of many odd decisions to fit the narrative, considering Mr.Fantastic discovered the Negative Zone but can't handle some boo boo's. Even worse, Reed acknowledges Ben is a sitting duck if his enemies decided to strike. Most intelligent man on earth my ass, more like world's biggest dick.
"Well, you could have tried other options Nurse but Yancy Street is one way only."
Like Richards, the Mad Thinker is a prognosticator. The classic FF foe seems to believe he has Orange Hides obituary ready for print. He has no intention of doing it himself but who can blame him? I would never leave my lair with a lousy haircut like that. It's cool though, as we are about to find out the rest of the Marvel Universe will pick up his slack.
"Villainy 101: Get pissed and throw shit."
Spider-Man is on his way to visit his pal Benjy when he encounters the first nefarious nasty to crawl out of the woodwork...MECHO-MARAUDER! Never heard of him? Then your life is short on finger blasts. The dude is a straight up joke and Spidey makes quick work of him. It's worth noting this battle is the start of instances with sexual innuendo that litter this issue. I'm sure if I asked Tom DeFalco if my suspicions of sneaking in some naughty dialogue were on purpose, he would probably punch me in the face. I wouldn't fault the guy though, who didn't get a little randy watching Valerie Bertinelli on One Day at a Time back in the 80's? Sexy sweaters Tom! Who can resist?
"Didn't Aunt May warn you about palm tapping? You could go blind Pete!"
I'm going to skip over a few guest appearances during my summary. There's just way too many. One that can't be ignored is the debut of Nurse Hasslebutt. Aptly named and tough as nails, she takes no gump. The Web Slinger and Mr.Fantastic are no match for her mouth while she kicks everyone out of the Thing's room despite their pleas to stay. Hard to find characters in comics that command such consternation. I imagine her origin includes a bite from a radioactive Amanda Waller.
"She's gotta be Hydra...or hungry."
Crash... Boom...Bang! Loud noises are another foil to this script. Everyone needs to make a grand entrance and how better to do that than smashing through a concrete wall. That's all fine and dandy, problem is the Thing never notices. Actually, NONE of the Hospital staff notices. Time for a full scale evacuation maybe? Seriously, check out Mole Man here just rolling up in an underground death tank. Is this a Healthcare facility or a drug den where everyone is so doped up on morphine they pay no attention subterranean slime balls?
"I'm not having my blood work done here, those needles are outrageous!"
Why let the men have all the fun? The Grapplers, a team of female wrestlers led by the miserably monikered Poundcakes, have a bone to pick with the Thing. Unlike some of the other interlopers, they can't manage to break in thanks to Captain America standing watch. This battle is boring as all get out but I really just needed an excuse to include this panel in the article. "Dirty DeFalco" strikes again or should I seek professional help?
"Last time I answered to Poundcakes was back in Prison sweetheart"
What of Marvel's malevolent dictator Dr.Doom? He's aware of his adversaries recent ailments courtesy of the Daily Bugle. That's quite a haul, New York to Latveria, hope he tips the paper boy. Surely, he of all people would love to take advantage of this situation. Nah, he'd rather go flirt with an oil can or something.
"Villainy 102: Stay pissed and continue to throw shit. Congrats, you graduated"
Back to those so called "Jackals". Looks like they brought Secret Wars to the streets. There is one criminal who has a more sensible plan. The Sandman is one sneaky dude. Slithering through the shafts, he has found success where all others have failed and enters our preferred patients room. What's he going to do? Smother him with a pillow, fill his cracks with granules of gloom until he snaps? Heck no! Sandy has shown up to pound some brews and smoke some stogies. You see, unlike the other barbarians at the gate, Sandman doesn't have a grudge but rather gratitude towards the Thing for turning his life around.
"You guys go ahead and duke it out, I'll be dry humping a vent"
That's how this comes to a close. Sandy and Ben enjoying some cigars while chaos reigns in the parking lot. I hate being the person to bring this up but If the bad guys really wanted to send Ben Grimm to the graveyard, they should have reached across company lines and hired the Joker to do the job. Experience matters.
"Somebody get Nurse Hasslebutt a Snickers!"
The Verdict? The Doctor is out. Overall, It's ok. The humor is alright but far from Bwah Ha Ha funny. The art is decent enough for the time period. If your not a completionist there really is no reason to seek this out. To be fair, if you can find it in a dollar bin, there are worse ways to spend a buck. Consider this baby Rated Meh.
"Villainy 102: Stay pissed and continue to throw shit. Congrats, you graduated"
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