"'TIS BETTER TO GIVE..."

Date: February, 1985

Writer: Louise Simonson
Pencils: Greg LaRocque
Inker: Mike Esposito

Feature Characters: Spider-Man, The X-Men, Juggernaut, Black Tom Cassidy

Favorite Quote: "What's the matter Pete? You don't like girls?" -One of Peter's wacky neighbors

The Story: What do you get a criminal mastermind for his birthday? How about the power of the Juggernaut? That's what Cain Marko decides when shopping for his buddy, Black Tom Cassidy's, upcoming b-day. The Juggernaut goes back to Korea and retrieves the Ruby of Cyttorak, to bring to his best buddies Birthday party. The X-Men catch TV footage from Korea of Juggernaut holding a giant ruby, and immediatly begin tracking him with Cerebro. Eventually Juggs gives Black Tom the ruby, and lets just say Tom is less then pleased that none of his clothes fit anymore. The two take their argument outside, where the damage they cause attracts both the X-Men, and Spider-Man. Of course Black Tom and The Juggernaut learn there's not enough Cyttorak to go around, each are half as powerfull, and twice as vulnerable, as Juggernaut used to be. The X-Men also quickly realize this and using some teamwork Rogue sucks both of them dry of the Juggernaut power. Defeated Cain Marko takes advantage of the distraction a huge Rogue/Juggernaut provides, and grabs the Ruby of Cyttorak. The ruby restores his power, and then like a wuss, he runs from Spidey and the X-Men.

The Grade: A+