Marvel Two-In-One annual #7- continues

Round Three

Champion says that Thing has outlasted every opponent that he has ever faced. Champion asks how long Thing’s endurance can last. Thing says that his endurance abandoned him last round. Thing charges Champion around the waist. The ref calls foul, but Thing pushes Champion into the ropes with a series of blows. Champion says that he has spent eons looking for a foe worthy of his full fury. Thing says that he is very happy for Champion. Thing hits Champion in the ribs and Champion says that blow cracked one of his ribs. Thing says that Champion must be real happy now. Thing suggests stopping the fight. Champion shouts “no!” as he unloads with a left hook that sends Thing spiraling all the way to the other end of the ring. Champion says that he will not stop until one of them is crushed or eliminated. Thing gets to his feet. Champion nails Thing with a right. He says that the others possessed strength and courage, but that only Thing had the skill and desire to play by the rules. Champion hits Thing again and says that only he had the hunger to win no matter the cost. Thing stands leaning against the ropes bleeding and drooling. The bell rings.

Thing says that he lasted the full three rounds. The ref says that Thing would never survive a fourth. The ref says that he is stopping the fight. Thing collapses in the ring. Champion holds his belt high above his head and says that he searches worlds for competition. He says that those he finds worthy are allowed to continue their existence, but that the others must be purified. Champion is about to pass judgement on Earth, but Thing interrupts him. Thing says, “Hold it! This fight ain’t over yet… not by a long shot! Ya only won on a technicality! Ya didn’t really beat me! Ya’ll never beat me! I’m just too stupid… and ugly… ta know when to quit!” After a full ten seconds of silence, Champion helps Thing to his feet. He says that he knows now that he could never beat him. Champion says that he could crush his bones and break his body, but he could never break his spirit. Champion says that any world that could spawn one like him is the worthiest of all. Champion says that he senses that their two people will one day battle for supremacy of the entire cosmos. Champion says farewell and that he has infinite worlds to offer his gift. He says that they will never meet again, but that is a pity as for the Thing alone he would grant a rematch. Champion disappears and Thing collapses in the ring. The superheroes charge the ring to help their unconscious champion.

Leader's Lair rating: 10 out of 10

This is a book that shows the true spirit of a hero. Fighting on despite the fact that you have no chance of survival. Willing to pay the ultimate sacrifice. The style of the book is one of the reasons that I miss the old Marvel. This book probably would have been at least four books today to show bigger pictures. And while that does actually sound appealing Ron Wilson does such a good job portraying the action in a way that displays the true power of Champion. Champion himself is a fantastic creation, sadly, in later appearances he loses his noble qualities and just becomes a cosmic level thug.

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