Issue(s): Marvel Two-In-One #86
Cover Date: Apr 82
Title: "Time runs like sand! / Farewell, my lummox!"
Credits:
Tom DeFalco - Writer
Ron Wilson - Penciler
Chic Stone - Inker

Review/plot:
The Sandman and Hydroman finally separate after their mudman combo, and they awkwardly part ways.

Sandman heads to a bar.

The bartender calls the police to let them know the Sandman is in his bar, but they don't believe him.

Seems very odd for them to be so dismissive. The bartender calls the Thing next. He doesn't really believe the bartender either, but figures he could use a drink so he heads to the bar anyway.

Instead of getting into a fight, the Thing and Sandman have some drinks together and the Sandman tells his life story. Ben decides not to try and take him in. This is the beginning of a reformation for the Sandman that lasts through the 90s.

Unfortunately, while this issue has a lot of potential, DeFalco doesn't have the writing ability to really pull it off, and it's a little stiff with lots of exposition and not much in the way of characterization. But it's still interesting.

There's a back-up story featuring the Impossible Man, and those always suck.

Quality Rating: C

Historical Significance Rating: 4 - beginning of the reformation of the Sandman.

Chronological Placement Considerations: The Thing is still rocky and he's just returned from visiting Giant-Man in Los Angeles, placing this soon after Marvel Two-In-One #85 and before Fantastic Four #238. Mr. Fantastic also says he's not sure where Dr. Doom is currently, suggesting that this takes place before Fantastic Four #236.

References:

• Sandman and Hydroman were last seen merged into a mud monster in Amazing Spider-Man #217-218.
  
• The Impossible Man's wife first appeared in Marvel Two-In-One #60.
  
• The Impossible Man's race was eaten by Galactus in Fantastic Four #175.

Crossover: N/A

Continuity Insert? N

My Reprint: N/A

Which issue was it where every super villain tries to attack Ben in the hospital but only Sandman gets through only to give him beer or something? Can't find it.

That's #96, ten issues from now.