The Claws Of The Cougar! Using his human guise of Paul Ranklin, one of the Cat People gained a researcher's position with Conklin Industries. His goal was to obtain the Null-Bands. Tigra learned of his ambitions and warned Ben Grimm. Ranklin learned that Tigra was aware of his activities and sent henchmen to the Baxter Building to capture her. Tigra and the Thing defeated the henchmen, but when they went to Conklin Industries they were captured. Ranklin tried to use the Null-Bands to steal the Thing's powers, but was foiled when his fiancee, Sheila Conklin, turned against him. She had been desperate for his scientific knowledge, but became disgusted by his actions. She shot him in the back.