Issue Contents:
Enter: The Watcher!
Story Featuring Human Torch , Story Featuring The Thing
Credits
- Script: Stan Lee
- Pencils: Jack Kirby
- Inks: Frank Giacoia
- Colors: Stan Goldberg
- Letters: Sam Rosen
The Challenge of...The Watcher!
Story Featuring Human Torch , Story Featuring The Thing
Storyline
Though he is not permitted to interfere, The Watcher tells Ben & Johnny of how Kang time-travelled to the days of King Arthur, imprisoned Merlin, and took over the country. In order for the timestream to remain intact, The Watcher sends the pair back in time to defeat Kang. After a hard battle, they send Kang packing, and The Watcher returns them to the present. Later, relaxing after a hard day's fighting, Reed & Sue accuse them of being "loafers."
Credits
- Script: Stan Lee
- Script: Bob Powell
- Pencils: Bob Powell
- Inks: Lina Neidestam
- Colors: Stan Goldberg
- Letters: Artie Simek
Story Notes
Kang's previous appearance in THE AVENGERS #11 (December 1964); next appearance in THE AVENGERS #23 (December 1965). The Watcher's own series, where he sometimes acted merely as narrator, ran in TALES OF SUSPENSE #49-58 (January-October 1964); previous appearance apart from that in FANTASTIC FOUR #29 (August 1964); next appearance in FANTASTIC FOUR ANNUAL #3 (November 1965). Last episode of the series. The Human Torch and the Thing would be replaced in the next issue with "Nick Fury, Agent Of S.H.I.E.L.D." The Torch later became an occasional co-star beginning in MARVEL TEAM-UP #1 (March 1972). The Thing received his own team-up series in MARVEL FEATURE #11-12 (September-November 1973), then MARVEL TWO-IN-ONE #1 (January 1974). Eventually, Ben would get a solo series in THE THING #1 (July 1983).
Earth Be My Battleground
Story Featuring Doctor Strange
Storyline
Dr. Strange returns to earth but remains in hiding. Mordo's spirits discover Strange and pursue him. Meanwhile Clea distracts Dormammu by freeing The Mindless Ones. They attack, causing Dormammu to leave Mordo on his own. Strange flies into space and straight into the sun, the spirits fleeing and Mordo worried that it might spell his doom. Strange returns to The Ancient One, who in his weak, delirious condition, speaks of "Eternity." Dormammu secures his domain but wonders if someone has betrayed him. Clea fears she may be found out while Dr. Strange begins to search for "Eternity."
Credits
- Script: Steve Ditko
- Script: Stan Lee
- Pencils: Steve Ditko
- Inks: Steve Ditko
- Colors: Stan Goldberg
- Letters: Artie Simek
Story Notes
Part 5 of 17. Strange would finally find Eternity in STRANGE TALES #138 (November 1965). This episode (and the next one) were inadvertently skipped in sequential reprints in MARVEL COLLECTORS' ITEM CLASSICS in 1970.
Letter Column Featuring Strange Mails
Credits
- Script: Stan Lee
Story Notes
includes letters by Robert Strezelecki, Jimmy Mills, Michael Arden, Richard Willis and the Mighty Marvel Checklist, listing Fantastic Four #40, Spider-Man #26, Avengers #17, X-Men #11, Daredevil #8, Thor #117, Suspense #67, Astonish #69 and Sgt. Fury #19.