WHO IS 3D MAN?
From the 1950s all the way into the ‘70s, comic book writers used the space age and nuclear radiation to explain pretty much everything. It became the new magic, just like nanotechnology is in today’s comics. In this case, the original 3D Man was like Firestorm in a sense; two people fused into one body. Then again, shouldn’t it have been three people? Such a missed marketing opportunity.
At any rate, brothers Chuck and Hal Chandler were NASA test pilots. One day, good ‘ol Chuck was piloting an experimental craft when he was abducted by aliens (it happens to the best of us). Those weren’t just any aliens; they were the Skrulls. Chuck managed to escape, and he blew up a Skrull spaceship in the process. He also was exposed to radiation, which sent him into a parallel dimension.
When Hal shows up, somehow Chuck’s image is burned into Hal’s glasses. Hal discovered that if he wore the glasses and concentrated hard enough (kind of like wearing 3D glasses or staring at a 3D hidden image picture, get it?), Chuck would appear in a green and red costume with superpowers. What can I say? Comic books were weird in the ‘70s.
MARVEL PREMIERE #35
Wouldn’t you know that the first 3D Man story arc was three issues long? If you know your Marvel history, you’ll understand how fitting it was to have that story unfold in Marvel Premiere #35.
The 1970s were a time of experimentation at Marvel. The company used titles like Marvel Premiere to try out new characters and concepts that didn’t fit the norm. With anything new and different, there’s always a risk. That’s why characters like 3D Man began life in MP.
Since 3D Man has such a small fan club, you can find copies of MP #35 for next to nothing, even for graded copies. While the 9.8 has averaged nearly $300 for a 9.8, a 9.4 sold for the low price of $27 on April 3.
AVENGERS #8 (1998)
Before 3D Man was given another chance at stardom, there was Triathlon. Another ill-advised naming, Triathlon would later become the second incarnation of 3D Man.
Of course, neither character would exactly endear themselves to fans. Still, oddball characters like these always find a cult following.
That is what could make Avengers #8 a sleeper pick.
Like the Guardians of the Galaxy and Peacemaker, Triathlon/3D Man could be an unlikely star in the right hands. When you can find raw copies for $5 or less, there’s practically no risk.
AVENGERS: THE INITIATIVE #12
A decade after Triathlon ran, swam, and biked his way into the Marvel-616, he would transition into the all-new, all-different 3D Man. Despite having so much new happening for him, the results would be the same.
Just like before, 3D Man would fall into obscurity. As I said about Avengers #8, I’ll say again here: this could be the most unlikely future MCU star. There’s so much fertile ground for comedy here, and audiences love their comedy. Odds are, you can find a copy in the dollar bins of your local comic shops.
THE BIG PICTURE
You may think that a character like 3D Man/Triathlon would be too dated for the MCU, and you would be right, but that is precisely what gives him potential. Marvel Studios loves making jokes out of superheroes, and putting 3D Man in a movie or Disney+ show would be great for the comedy writers. His name alone is so undeniably ‘70s that he might as well have been named Disco Dancer. It makes him a quirky character that could be just right for an MCU cameo.
