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November 12, 2005
Need a Team-UP? Got a Man-Thing!
Based on the strength of Steve Gerber’s writing, Man-Thing was popping up elsewhere in the Marvel Universe as well. The best of these guest appearances was Marvel Two-In-One #1, the debut issue of the Thing’s team-up title. Upset that some fella in Florida has stolen his name, Ben Grimm takes a trip down south for some tough-lovin’ diplomacy. This story was written by Gerber and masterfully drawn by Gil Kane.
The two monsters wind up fighting Molecule Man, who zaps them both into humanity. Grimm becomes one of the few people to learn that Ted Sallis exists under all that muck. Grimm ended up feeling sorry the creature and not so bad about himself—after all, he still had a brain!
The other standout appearance was in Master of Kung Fu #19. Writer Steve Englehart had obtained permission to use the creature and he had the perfect premise. Shang-Chi, the titular hero, has been drugged while trying to escape his father, the infamous Fu Manchu. He wanders into the swamp and encounters Man-Thing.
A kung fu battle is pointless as Shang-Chi only winds up getting stuck inside the muck monster. But since he feels no fear, Shang Chi remains safe.
When a pair of assassins has Shang-Chi cornered, their fear angers Man-Thing so violently that he engulfs them in flames.
Man-Thing made an extra-special appearance in Giant-Size Spider-Man #5. Doc Curt Connors has had another self-esteem attack, turns into the Lizard, and runs down to Florida.
Spidey runs into Man-Thing on the way to catch ol’ Lizzie. Apparently Editor Len Wein couldn’t figure out why Spidey didn’t get stuck inside Manny the way that Shang-Chi did a few months ago.
Lots of heroes took trips to scenic Citrusville, Florida. Including Matt Murdock, on the trail of some dude called Death Stalker. I’d rather stay at home keeping the Black Widow warm and cozy.
Man-Thing’s guest spot in Hulk #197 was sweet justice because it connected him with the creators of DC’s rival Swamp Thing. Bernie Wrightson drew the cover, while Len Wein wrote the story—which also featured the return of the Glob.
Man-Thing and Glob subdue the Hulk in a rather novel and disgusting way by suffocating him.
The Hulk has had many appearances by Man-Thing over the years. “Hulk like muck monster even if he smells funny.” Nuff said.
See also:
Man-Thing Part I: My Man-Thing Was Very Versatile
When Giant-Sized Man-Things Walked the Earth (Man-Thing Part II)
Man-Thing Wikipedia Entry
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