A Mutated Octopus Wreaks Havoc!

1960’s TALES OF SUSPENSE #8 introduced the world to a mutated octopus by the name of Monstro. Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, this particular beast made his massive presence felt on the shores of “a small Iron Curtain nation.” Appearing out of nowhere, Monstro smashed a few buildings and ships with his huge tentacles, but then just waited with his giant eyes staring down on anyone getting close enough to see the creature.

The next day, officials gathered and decided to call in American scientists for help in an effort to not completely lose this important seaport location. Several hours later, Professor Faraday landed in the unidentified country. Without wasting any time, he witnessed the creature, then grabbed his wet suit and rowed out to get a better look at Monstro.

Hoping he’d be too small for the creature to notice, Faraday swam around and investigated, but the town leaders didn’t appreciate his recommendation of just letting the thing be for another 24 hours. Faraday snuck himself out of town onto a freighter as the governing body sent its own ships after Monstro. Upon returning home the professor explained that his hypothesis that the creature started as a regular sized octopus that had been enlarged by radioactive testing, turned out to be true.

He also said that he didn’t come right out and say this to “the Reds” because he assumed they’d destroy the entire port as a cover-up. Faraday did say he would return and explain all this to the Russians, even hoping that it could do some good.

“Maybe when the Reds’ secret atomic testing is exposed, they’ll realize it’s time for them to stop abusing nature…and to start living with their neighbors in peace, instead of secretly plotting against them.” And, maybe in one of the many multiple universes out there, that’s exactly how a giant octopus and a scientist ended the Cold War!