The Dual Origins of Marvel’s 3-D Man
To understand the hero, one must first look at the brothers who brought him to life. The original iteration of the character is a fascinating blend of atomic-age adventure and classic comic book science fiction, a concept that feels perfectly at home in the era it portrays. This foundation was later built upon, giving rise to a new hero with a direct connection to the original, proving that a good heroic identity can always be reinvented for a new age.
Chuck and Hal Chandler: The Original
The story starts with Chuck Chandler, a daring test pilot for NASA in the late 1950s. During a high-stakes test flight of the XF-135 aircraft, Chuck was abducted by Skrull invaders. He managed to fight back and escape, but not before his plane was destroyed in an explosion. Back on Earth, his disabled brother, Hal, watched in horror. As Chuck was exposed to strange radiation from the exploding Skrull ship, an image of him was imprinted onto the lenses of Hal’s glasses.
Hal soon discovered something incredible: by concentrating, he could merge with this two-dimensional image and manifest a superhuman version of his brother—the 3-D Man. This new hero possessed three times the physical abilities of a peak human athlete, making him three times stronger, faster, and more durable. The catch was that this heroic form could only exist for three hours at a time before Chuck would return to his ethereal state within the glasses. Together, the Chandler brothers became a formidable force, using their unique connection to fight crime and thwart Skrull plots, becoming one of Marvel’s classic heroes from a bygone era. The entire creative team for his debut included Roy Thomas (Writer), Jim Craig (Artist/Inker), Glynis Wein (Colorist), Joe Rosen (Letterer), and Archie Goodwin (Editor).
Delroy Garrett Jr.: A New Generation
Decades later, the legacy of the 3-D Man was reborn in Delroy Garrett Jr. Initially introduced as the hero Triathlon, Delroy was an Olympic track medalist who was disgraced after it was discovered he used steroids. Seeking redemption, he joined the secretive Triune Understanding, which granted him powers derived from the original 3-D Man’s abilities. For a time, he even served as a member of the Avengers, though he often felt like an outsider among the team’s titans.
However, Delroy’s true destiny was realized during the Skrull’s Secret Invasion. He discovered that the energies he possessed gave him a unique power: the ability to distinguish Skrulls from humans, as the aliens appeared distorted in his vision. Embracing his connection to the past, Delroy took on the costume and title of the 3-D Man. He became an essential operative for the Agents of Atlas, a team dedicated to fighting threats from the shadows. His journey from a disgraced athlete to a pivotal hero in an alien war is a testament to the enduring power of redemption that defines so much of comic book history. You can find many stories like his in various new comics released each week. The character’s striking visual design has also helped him remain memorable.
In conclusion, the legacy of the 3-D Man is a powerful reminder of how heroic ideals can transcend time. From the Chandler brothers’ fight against hidden alien threats in the 1950s to Delroy Garrett Jr.’s crucial role in a modern intergalactic war, the mantle has stood for courage and perseverance. It’s a dual story of brotherly bonds and personal redemption, solidifying the 3-D Man as a truly unique, if underrated, champion in Marvel’s vast pantheon.
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