The Mighty World of Marvel #2

Dates

Cover date

October 14, 1972

Pages

40

Editions and covers

• Original edition

  Source ↗

Creators

Stories

• The Search for the Hulk · 12 pages

  Igor, the captured spy, secretly contacts his master, the malformed Soviet scientist known as the Gargoyle, and informs him of the Hulk's existence. At nightfall, Banner's worst fears are realised and he transforms again, only to be captured by the Gargoyle, and he and Rick are taken to Russia. Journeying east towards the rising sun, however, triggers the Hulk's change back to Banner. Dr Banner realises he can cure the Gargoyle's affliction, and in return the now-normal scientist gives Bruce and Rick their freedom. After they leave, the Gargoyle destroys his stronghold and seemingly himself.

• The Fantastic Four Meet the Mole Man! · 12 pages

  Atomic plants disappear all around the world. Reed Richards pinpoints a place which is at the same distance from them all: Monster Isle. Travelling there in their private jet, the team soon discover the island lives up to its name. A cave-in sends Reed and Johnny plummeting into the realm of the man behind the monsters and the plants' destruction: the Moleman, an embittered, half-blind refugee from the surface world. He reveals his plan to destroy that world to his captives, just before Ben and Sue stage a rescue; the FF escape, and the Moleman destroys the island, sealing himself below.

• The World's Wildest Free Gift Offer! · 2 pages
• Spider-Man · 6 pages

  After thinking over his origin, Peter Parker contemplates using his powers to commit crimes, when he realises how impoverished his Aunt May has become without Ben. Deciding instead to return to his performing act to raise money, he soon discovers that keeping his identity secret is a major barrier to cashing checks. Meanwhile, publisher J. Jonah Jameson begins his campaign against the "public menace" of Spider-Man, presenting his test-pilot son John as a "real" hero. Jameson's editorials put paid to Spidey's TV career, leaving Peter frustrated at his inability to help out his aunt.