Who the Clix? is a series of articles featuring information on comic book characters that have been made into figures for the popular tabletop game Heroclix. These articles are meant to help Heroclix players learn more about the characters behind their favorite pieces.

Today we look at the brothers that join together to form: 3-D Man

Appearances in Heroclix: Avengers Assemble

First Appearance: Marvel Premiere #35

Team Affiliations: N/A

Created By: Roy Thomas and Jim Craig

Chuck Handler was born in Los Angeles, California along with his brother. As a test pilot for NASA in 1958, Chuck was piloting an experimental rocket plane when he was captured by Skrulls. They attempt to interrogate him but Chuck escapes and damages the Skrulls’ warp drive. The Skrulls’ ship explodes as Chuck flies away exposing him to a barrage of radiation. He crashes the experimental ship in the Mojave Desert and disappears when his brother Hal appears to rescue him. Hal, a research scientist, discovers that Chuck had been imprinted as a two-dimensional image onto his glasses. With enough concentration from Hal, a dimensional shift occurs that causes Chuck to materialize in three-dimensional space. Chuck has the speed, strength and durability of three men and adopts the moniker of 3-D Man before fighting crime. Hal eventually retires from adventuring and leaves Chuck stranded in another dimension. Eventually Hal summons his brother one more time to fight the Hulk after which Chuck vows to never return.

Jonathan Tremont, founder of the Triune Understanding, kidnaps Hal Chandler and drains the “tri-power” from Hal and his other dimensionally stranded brother. He then uses this power to transform Delroy Garrett into Triathlon. Triathlon eventually learns the secret of his powers and after reaching their pinnacle, rescues Hal from captivity and returns Chuck to a full human form. Chuck eventually gives Delroy his blessing to take on the 3-D Man moniker and gives the younger man his costume and goggles.