Warning: Major Spoilers for Marvel's Clobberin' Time #1!Marvel Comics has a new Watcher unlike any who has come before him. The Marvel Universe is not only home to costumed superheroes like the Fantastic Four but an expansive galaxy of cosmic beings responsible for directing order throughout the multiverse. One such group is the Watchers, who are responsible for observing as well as recording the most important battles and events to occur within the Marvel Universe... from the coming of Galactus to Earth's superhuman Civil War.
Marvel's debut issue of writer and artist Steve Skroce's standalone anthology series Clobberin' Time series finds longtime rivals the Thing and the Incredible Hulk temporarily putting aside their differences to survive their banishment to a distant alien planet far off in time. The two powerhouses quickly acclimate to their new surroundings while steering clear of new dangers. The planet finds itself on the brink of collapse, due to the region's Sorcerer Supreme being kidnapped and used by a group of demonic Deviants. Unbeknownst to Thing and Hulk, a lone and armored Watcher known as Tuvah Tu aka the Banished One narrates the heroes' journey through this unpronounceable alien world.
A New Watcher Has Appeared
Before action between the Thing and the Incredible Hulk is showcased in all its artistic splendor, Tuvah Tu greets readers with his opening narration of a story that occurs during the "Age of Marvels." Though not much is given concerning Tu's backstory or personality, this Watcher is banished from his greater race for unknown circumstances. True to Watcher form, Tuvah prepares to give readers a crash course on the history of the planet's alien beings, which are affectionately nicknamed "Nub Nubs." Following Thing and Hulk's lengthy battle and return trip home courtesy of a lone Celestial, Tu concludes the issue by offering optimism for the Nub Nub race.
Though other races and cosmic beings have begun to take precedence, the Watchers have remained an integral aspect of the Marvel Universe since the early '60s... particularly Uatu the Watcher, who has formed close ties with superheroes such as the Fantastic Four and Thor. Though they are sworn to remain true to their oath of non-interference, not every member of the Watchers holds their vow as tightly. In 1975's Captain Marvel #39 by Steve Englehart, Al Milgrom and Tony Isabella, readers are introduced to Uatu's nephew Argon the Watcher, who grew tired of his race's ancient practices and became a villainous figure in the eyes of his race.
Given the anthology nature of the series and unveiled comic solicitations, Tuvah Tu will certainly make subsequent appearances in future issues of Clobberin' Time. The solicitation for the upcoming fourth issue even teases Tu's inevitable intervention to aid Thing and Fantastic Four archenemy Doctor Doom in their battle against Ogdu Fraize aka Psychopomp. Hopefully these stories will shine more light on the history of the latest Watcher to grace the pages of Marvel Comics.
Clobberin' Time #1 is available now from Marvel Comics.