TITLE: Marvel Feature presents The Thing and the Incredible Hulk
YEAR: September 1973
COMPANY: Marvel Comics
WRITER: Len Wein
ARTISTS: Jim Starlin & Joe Sinnott
LETTERER: Artie Simek
COLORIST: Glynis Wein
EDITOR: Roy Thomas
Back in 1973, several years after the world was introduced to the “Fantastic Four”, Marvel Comics decided to test out solo stories featuring the Thing in “Marvel Feature”.
While the Thing would have his own solo stories in “Marvel Two-in-One” and his own self-titled series years later, “Marvel Feature” issue #11 would feature another major fight between the Thing vs. the Hulk.
The issue begins with the Thing (Ben Grimm) destroying another invention by Reed to make Thing human again.
For Ben, it’s been tough and the failures have made him more depressed and angry.
Meanwhile, Kurrgo the Master of Planet X (last seen in “Fantastic Four” issue #7) has reappeared and he wants his revenge against the Fantastic Four.
But along with him is the Hulk’s nemesis, the Leader! And the two have made a wager of who can win in a battle. The Thing or the Hulk.
They transport Thing to a ghost town and tell him that there is an Ultrex Bomb capable of destroying all life in the planet and it will detonate in 29 minutes unless destroyed in time. If he doesn’t destroy the bomb, he will be responsible for the annihilation of Earth.
So as Thing goes to find the bomb, reappearing out of nowhere is the Hulk. And the Hulk blames the Thing for transporting him to a strange place and Hulk wants to fight, while Thing wants to find the bomb and destroy it.
So, a battle ensues between the Things vs. the Hulk, as the Thing tries to look for the bomb, but each time the Hulk is in his way wanting to fight.
Needless to say, it’s another fascinating battle between the two powerhouses but does this issue count as a win for the Thing? Considering he gets a little help from Kurrgo’s robot.
But 1973 was indeed a big year for the Thing, as “Marvel Two-in-One” kicked off the series earlier that year and now he was getting the spotlight on “Marvel Feature” as well!