BOB DIXON
Real Name: Bob Dixon
Identity/Class: Human, citizen of the United States of America (Pre-Modern era)
Occupation: Television repairman
Group Membership: None
Affiliations: couple who owned the tv set, unidentified doctor, "Joan Talley"
Enemies: None
Known Relatives: Mr. Dixon (unidentified father)
Aliases: None
Base of Operations: Unrevealed
First Appearance: Marvel Tales I#145/5 (April, 1956)
Powers/Abilities: Bob Dixon exhibited no superhuman powers, but he was a highly experienced and skilled television repair technician, described as a "top man in his field" and a "veteran of a thousand TV sets." He had extensive technical knowledge of electronics, particularly cathode ray tube televisions, and carried a full supply of components and diagnostic tools.
Height: Unrevealed
Weight: Unrevealed
Eyes: Unrevealed
Hair: Black
History:
(Marvel Tales I#145/5 (fb) - BTS) - As a boy, Bob Dixon often sat nearby while his father watched TV and laughed boisterously. Bob, however, focused more on the technical side of things, reading electronics magazines and studying the performance of the equipment rather than the shows themselves. This early fascination would shape his future outlook.
(Marvel Tales I#145/5 (fb) - BTS) - As an adult, Bob became a devoted television repairman, known for taking late-night service calls and priding himself on never leaving a customer unsatisfied.
(Marvel Tales I#145/5 (fb) - BTS) - During a routine medical checkup, Bob was struck by how impersonally the doctor examined him, paying attention only to data and measurements, not to who Bob was as a person. The encounter left him feeling disconnected, as though he barely existed.
(Marvel Tales I#145/5) - That evening, Bob was sent to repair a 21-inch TV set for a couple hoping to catch a quiz show. Though the set had no image, only a thin vertical line, all the internal components appeared intact. As he worked, Bob began to see miniature human figures moving in the rear of the TV, not on the screen, but behind it. One appeared to be famous actress Joan Talley, who appeared to speak directly to him. The surreal experience ended in a commercial break where the actress reminded Bob of the morning's doctor visit, urging him to truly pay attention. Bob switched the TV to Channel Three as instructed and was stunned to see Joan Talley performing live, something he couldn't have known in advance. After the show ended, he repaired the television with remarkable speed.
(Marvel Tales I#145/5) - That night, Bob reconsidered his relationship with his work. He realized that televisions were not just machines. From then on, he vowed to be more like the performers who gave life to the screen, and less like the doctor who treated people like impersonal data. He resolved to understand not just how TVs functioned, but why they mattered.
Comments: Created by John Forte.
Bob's story functions as both a metaphor and a warning: even the most skilled technician can miss the soul of a thing by focusing too narrowly on its function. His mysterious experience, real or imagined, serves as a wake-up call to approach his work with more human understanding. It also cleverly critiques the passive consumption of media.
The Test was a 2-page text story which was reprinted as T.V. or...? in Amazing Adventures I#5/2 (October, 1961), which also showed a new image showing Dixon looking at the miniature people.
Profile by MarvellousLuke
CLARIFICATIONS:
Bob Dixon has no known connections to
Bob's father appeared briefly in Bob's memory. He was shown enjoying television at home, often laughing heartily while watching programs. During these moments, Bob would sit nearby, not watching the screen but instead reading electronics magazines. Though his father seemed fully immersed in the performances, Bob remained focused on the technical workings of the set.
--Marvel Tales I#145/5 - BTS
An unidentified medical professional who examined Bob in a cold, clinical way, checking vitals, organs, and reflexes, but never addressed Bob's sense of self or individuality.
--Marvel Tales I#145/5 - BTS
Famous television actress Joan Talley appeared as a tiny figure inside the broken TV set Bob was repairing. She spoke to Bob as if she were aware of his situation, even referencing his earlier doctor's visit. Whether a hallucination, a supernatural vision, or a symbolic manifestation, Joan's presence helped Bob reassess his perspective. She later appeared in a commercial break on Channel Three, confirming her reality within the story's.
--Marvel Tales I#145/5 - BTS
An unidentified couple who called for TV repair service when their 21-inch set malfunctioned. The man was curious but patient, while the woman expressed mild concern. They welcomed Bob and suggested he stay for a sandwich and quiz show. Though confused by Bob's behavior, they remained cooperative throughout the visit.
--Marvel Tales I#145/5 - BTS
Images: (without ads)
Amazing Adventures I#5, p20, pan1 (main image)
Marvel Tales I#145, p21, pan1 (the miniature people)
Appearances:
Marvel Tales I#145/5 (April, 1956) - John Forte (artist), Stan Lee (editor)
Amazing Adventures I#5/2 (October, 1961) - John Forte (artist), Stan Lee (editor)
First Posted: 04/18/2025
Last Updated: 04/18/2025
Any Additions/Corrections? please let me know.
Non-Marvel Copyright info
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