Marvel Two-in-One #15
Published and © by Marvel, May 1976
Title: “The Return of the Living Eraser!”
Synopsis: Morbius and the Thing go from fighting each other to tangling with the Living Eraser, winding up in Dimension Z.
Writer: Bill Mantlo
Penciler: Arvell Jones
Inker: Dick Giordano
Review: Wow, this one is a mess from the get go, with a story driven by coincidences and lacking clear character motivations. Morbius first happens to attack Alicia Masters – has any character been traumatized more often in the MCU? – then randomly picks the Living Eraser for his backup meal. What is the Living Eraser doing in New York? Something about a coup in Dimension Z, but not in any way that makes sense. And there’s a romance subplot for Morbius, until there isn’t. Whatever. The art is also below average, despite a rare Marvel appearance by Dick Giordano.
Grade: D+
Second opinion: “Highlights are Ron Wilson and Arv Jones on art.” – Richard Ashford, Comics Unlimited #44, June 1977 … “We like this book, it’s real honest-to-goodness comics. … 3 out of 4 stars.” – Marvel Art Review #1, 1976
Cool factor: Though uncredited, there appears to be some early background inks by Terry Austin in this issue.
Not-so-cool factor: Not much else. This one is a stinker.
Notable: The “Avengers Assemble!” letters page includes LoCs from future comics pros Paul Dini and Ralph Macchio.
Collector’s note: Beware, this issue contains Marvel Value Stamp (Series B) #79. … According to the Grand Comics Database, there is a 30¢ variant and a 9p British variant of this issue. … According to MyComicShop.com, there is also a Mark Jewelers variant.
Character quotable: “You are no more than an usurper who has failed to usurp – and a feast for a living vampire!!” – Morbius, always a little peckish
Editor’s note: This review was written July 11, 2022.
