Marvel Two-In-One #7
Writer: Chip Zdarsky
Penciller: Ramon K. Perez
Colorist: Federico Blee
Letterer: VC’s Joe Caramagna
Price: $3.99
Release Date: 06/27/18
Rating: T+
Plot: The latest stop in Ben & Johnny’s multiverse tour is Battleworld. Unlike the one from Secret Wars, this is a Mad Max world with a colosseum run by Spider-Man. During their gladiator match, Ben, Johnny, and Doom discover Rachna Koul’s real motivation for their trip. Rachna attempts to flee with the Multisect with Doom barely reaching her, which leaves Ben and Johnny stranded.
Story: Chip Zdarsky writes entertaining dialogue that captures each character’s voice perfectly. The best example would be Doctor Doom. There’s a scene in the beginning where Doom explains why he’s tagging along with Ben and Johnny. Doom states that he’s only helping them because he’s turned over a new leaf. Also when Ben makes a comment about how the Fantastic Four can’t be killed, Victor replies he knows but someone else beat him to it. The reader easily hears the arrogance in Doom’s voice. Also it shows that even doing the right thing, Victor Von Doom can still be an asshole.
This issue features Ben and Johnny learning about Rachna’s real motivations. This development helps bring the title to a more conclusive direction. With the Fantastic Four’s return only a month away, wrapping up Marvel Two-In-One makes sense. Also supporting this idea is a teaser involving the Mad Thinker forming his own Fantastic Four. This Mad Thinker plot line really hasn’t gained any development since it’s introduction issues ago.
Also this issue’s ending sets the stage to deal with another lingering plot line, Ben’s lie to Johnny. At the start of the series, Ben lied to Johnny about Reed and Sue being alive so he’d come with Ben to travel the multiverse. Since the duo’s stranded in a desert after learning a major secret, next issue would be the perfect time for Ben to come clean.
Art: This issue’s artwork was pretty good. The first page was a fun montage showing the variety of adventures experienced by the heroes. Also the final shot of Ben and Johnny alone in the desert really sells the whole stranded angel. Another fun thing about this series is the multiverse travels which show creative alternate versions of Marvel characters. This issue was no exception with this universe’s versions of Doctor Strange and Spider-Man. I really liked how this Doctor Strange lost an eye and uses the Eye of Agamotto as a replacement.
Verdict: This issue was pretty entertaining but nothing special. Granted it had some great dialogue and artwork but it’s starting to rush it’s conclusions. Plus I think it’s odd Marvel would release the next Fantastic Four title before this one officially ends. However if you need some more Thing and Human Torch, Marvel Two-In-One is worth a read.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5