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Marvel Comics Presents launched in 1988 as an ad-free anthology showcasing four eight-page features, stuffed inside a wrap-around cover. This guide will tell you everything you wanted to know about the series – and more!

Cover Date: 1991 | Cover Price: $1.25 | Cover Artist: Barry Windsor-Smith (front); Mark Chiarello (back)

Wolverine in “Weapon X” part 9 written by Barry Windsor-Smith art by Barry Windsor-Smith A squad of armed men manage to remove the Professor from his lab before he’s mauled to death by Weapon X. However, he doesn’t escape unscathed – his hand has been sliced off! He’s intercepted by Doctor Abraham Cornelius, and they run off to hide in the Adamantium Reactor Hold along with Hines. The Professor commands Cornelius to shoot Weapon X’s power supply, which would shut him down. He reveals that Weapon X is currently in the control of someone else – but he won’t reveal who. Meanwhile, Weapon X has decimated the squad of men and cut the power to the Adamantium Reactor’s turbines. As the Reactor begins to overheat, Weapon X breaks through and comes face to face with the Professor.

Captain America in “Wargod” conclusion written by Steve Ditko art by Steve Ditko Captain America comes to (after his gassing last issue by Mora) and takes on Wargod’s men. After he gets through them, he comes face to face with Wargod but, he’s got Senator Weason and General Hager at his mercy – trapped within a glass case hooked to lethal gas. It’s up to Cap to defeat Wargod before the villain can kill the captives. And, as the battle draws to a close, the villain’s helmet is knocked off … revealing Mora, the General’s daughter.

Ant-Man in “Time Bomb“ written by Dana Moreshead art by James Fry Ant-Man‘s been called in to defuse a bomb planted by terrorists. Shrinking down to ant-size, he’s able to get inside the bomb to disconnect the wires. Unfortunately, he steps on a floor failsafe and, if he shifts his weight off, it’ll trigger the bomb! So, he enlists the aid of some local ants to get out of the jam.

Daredevil in “the Call“ written by Robert Denatale art by Marshall Rogers Tony and Bruno have been hired to intimidate Audrey and her Gra’ma to leave their home. They’re the only two remaining in a tenant building that the owner wants to demolish. Gra’ma believes herself to be a powerful witch – so, later that night she casts a spell to summon a demon to protect her and her granddaughter from the enforcers. When Daredevil shows up to save the day, she’s still convinced that her magic worked and that DD is the demon she summoned to protect her.

The mystery of who the Professor is working with continues as the Weapon X action heats up. Ditko’s Cap tale concluded and I’m still quite confused by the motivation of all these characters. Too much exposition and too many new characters … only 16 pages. It just didn’t work for me. Although, I must point out that Ditko’s artwork actually looks decent here, enhanced by Terry Austin’s inking. It was nice to see the spotlight shine on Ant-Man II (Scott Lang) – a character who doesn’t get much solo limelight. It was a fun, small-scale adventure with wonderful artwork. The Daredevil story had a fun hook … but, at the same time, it kind of makes you feel bad for the senile old woman. It’s kind of cool when a story can inspired two conflicting emotions like that.

On Ebay: Marvel Comics Presents | Wolverine | Captain America | Ant-Man | Daredevil
On AtomicAvenue: Marvel Comics Presents | Wolverine | Captain America | Ant-Man | Daredevil

Marvel Comics Presents launched in 1988 as an ad-free anthology showcasing four eight-page features, stuffed inside a wrap-around cover. This guide will tell you everything you wanted to know about the series – and more!

Cover Date: 1991 | Cover Price: $1.25 | Cover Artist: Barry Windsor-Smith (front); Rodney Ramos (back)

Wolverine in “Weapon X” part 8 written by Barry Windsor-Smith art by Barry Windsor-Smith Weapon X is on the loose and neither Doctor Abraham Cornelius nor the Professor can get him back under control. As the situation spirals out of control, it appears the Professor is reporting the trouble to some unknown person. Meanwhile, Weapon X continues to make his way toward the Professor’s lab – it appears that he knows exactly where his target is. By the end of the issue, the Professor is savagely attacked by Weapon X.

Captain America in “Wargod” part 1 written by Steve Ditko art by Steve Ditko Captain America answers an urgent call from Jake Bage, semi-retired FBI officer. When he gets to Jake’s apartment, he discovers the agent’s dead body and is attacked by the killer, Wargod. The villain overpowers Cap and tosses him out a window. By the time our hero can make his way back to the apartment, Wargod has made his escape – but not before he destroyed some mysterious files. At the apartment, Cap discovers a recording by Jake that explains some leads about Wargod. It leads him to seek out Agent X-4, who is timely attacked by a squad of masked goons. Later, Captain America follows up on a lead that X-4 discovered, and meets up with the now-resigned General Hager. After the meeting, the General’s daughter, Mora, renders Cap unconscious with a dose of gas! It appears that she’s one of Wargod’s aides.

Daughters of the Dragon in “Child’s Play“ written by Jo Duffy art by Chris Tsuda Mr. and Mrs. Peters have hired the Daughters of the Dragon to find their missing daughter, Shana. A little girl calling herself Tok leads them to where the kidnappers are. After some daring maneuvers, the girls manage to incapacitate all four goons … but the missing girl is nowhere to be found. Nowhere, that is, until her parents show up and we find out that “Tok” is just Shana’s nickname! Somehow, the little girl managed to break free and then lead the Daughters of the Dragon to the kidnappers (without revealing that she was, indeed, the kidnapped child).

Mr. Fantastic in “Fantastic Foray“ written by Danny Fingeroth art by Dennis Jensen Mr. Fantastic is trying to analyze the Thing’s hide in order to get a fix on its DNA structure. After days of laboring on it with no results, he decides to take a walk in hopes of clearing his thoughts. He decides to wander into an arcade where he ends up playing Flight to the Stars and racks up the high score with ease. But, the locals don’t take kindly to an outsider coming in and breaking their record, so the gang jumps him! In the ensuing battle, an arcade machine is busted up and a supply of cocaine, that was hiding inside, is revealed! Mr. Fantastic subdues all of the drug-dealing villains and, in the end, befriends the neighborhood boy whose record he just beat. The two of them strike up a friendship and head to another arcade to battle it out over high scores.

This chapter reveals a new thread to the Weapon X storyline: just who is the Professor working with … or for? Ditko’s Captain America story seems somewhat political … but I’m not really sure what he’s driving at yet. The Daughters of the Dragon tale was a bit of a stretch – just how could that girl break free from four armed thugs? Finally, the Mr. Fantastic story was nothing special until the last page where he has a bonding moment with a talented youth who has given up on school.

On Ebay: Marvel Comics Presents | Wolverine | Captain America | Daughters of the Dragon | Fantastic Four
On AtomicAvenue: Marvel Comics Presents | Wolverine | Captain America | Daughters of the Dragon | Fantastic Four

Marvel Comics Presents launched in 1988 as an ad-free anthology showcasing four eight-page features, stuffed inside a wrap-around cover. This guide will tell you everything you wanted to know about the series – and more!

Cover Date: 1991 | Cover Price: $1.25 | Cover Artist: Barry Windsor-Smith (front); Mike Mignola (back)

Wolverine in “Weapon X” part 7 written by Barry Windsor-Smith art by Barry Windsor-Smith After a brief test run, Weapon X seems to be fully in their control – although, he needs to be suited with the clunky helmet and a couple of 10lb. battery packs in order to maintain that control. The Professor feels that Weapon X is ready for the “great test” – hunting the most dangerous game: man. But, before they can set up the test – Weapon X breaks free!

Sgt. Fury/Dracula in “Rumanian Rumble” conclusion written by Doug Murray art by Tom Lyle Dino and Pinky return to Nick Fury and the rest of the Howling Commandos to let them know that their host is actually Count Dracula. After a heated discussion, the team decides that as long as Dracula is interested in defeating the Nazis, they’ll stick with him. Nick Fury, two Howlers and Count Dracula enter the Nazi camp to free Dracula’s people. At the site of their lord, Dracula, the villagers turn against their Nazi captors. Dracula’s people are freed – and Nick Fury signals the bomb squadron that flies in to destroy the Nazis’ most important source of fuel. Both parties have achieved their goals and part ways with mutual respect.

Sunspot in “the Tender and the Vulgar“ written by Daryl Edelman art by John Byrne In the Brazilian rainforest, Sunspot rescues his friend, Christina Aguilar, from a felled tree that nearly landed upon her. Later that evening, Sunspot is invited to have dinner with the Aguilar family – but it is rudely interrupted by vicious, mutant-hating thugs. Although Sunspot had not absorbed enough solar energy to summon his powers, the attack spurs his anger, which sparks his solar energy powers. The attackers are quickly defeated once Sunspot’s powers kick into full gear.

Doctor Strange in “A Nightmare on Bleecker Street“ written by Robert Campanella art by Steve Geiger Sara Wolff takes Doctor Strange to the movies to see A Sleepless Night on Sequioa Street (essentially, A Nightmare on Elm Street … but they can’t call it that due to copyright issues, naturally). Later that evening, Doctor Strange‘s home is attacked by Eddy (from the horror movie). The Master of the Mystic Arts will need to figure out the secret behind Eddy’s attack if he’s to save the lives of Sara and Wong!

I’m really enjoying the character development of Doctor Abraham Cornelius, who is growing more concerned about the Professor’s intention for Weapon X. The Nick Fury/Dracula team-up as a neat addition to Marvel’s WWII history. The Sunspot story was a big sulk-fest with lots of “boo hoo, I’m a mutant”. Also, somehow, Sunspot was able to utilize his anger to spark his solar energy powers. Seems to me that the writer just invented this for the story (are there any New Mutants fans out there that let us know if this has a basis anywhere else?). And finally, the last tale is probably the closest thing you’ll ever get to Doctor Strange vs Freddy Krueger!

On Ebay: Marvel Comics Presents | Wolverine | Doctor Strange | Sunspot | Nick Fury | Dracula
On AtomicAvenue: Marvel Comics Presents | Wolverine | Doctor Strange | Nick Fury | Dracula | New Mutants

Marvel Comics Presents launched in 1988 as an ad-free anthology showcasing four eight-page features, stuffed inside a wrap-around cover. This guide will tell you everything you wanted to know about the series – and more!

Cover Date: 1991 | Cover Price: $1.25 | Cover Artist: Barry Windsor-Smith (front); Al Milgrom (back)

Wolverine in “Weapon X” part 6 written by Barry Windsor-Smith art by Barry Windsor-Smith The Professor is upset to learn that his control over Weapon X only extends as far as a three-mile radius. He demands a ten-mile radius, even though Doctor Abraham Cornelius explains that Weapon X will need to be weighed down by larger batteries to power the extended range. Days later, Cornelius demonstrates that when the power is on, the Professor has complete control over Weapon X within a nine-mile radius. When the power is off, Weapon X’s body shuts down – essentially “dead meat”. Testing the shut down body, the Professor pours a hot cup of coffee on Logan’s face without receiving a reaction.

Sgt. Fury/Dracula in “Rumanian Rumble” part 2 written by Doug Murray art by Tom Lyle When Nick Fury and his Howling Commandos land within the Nazi-occupied town, they’re set upon by a large force that was expecting them. In the battle, they discover that the town is a paper mache facade and then they’re rescued by Dracula. The Lord of Vampires introduces himself as Count Tsepes, leader of the Underground, and convinces them that they’re on the same side. He leads them to the real town of Ploesti, where the Nazis have taken his people captive, and asks for their help in freeing them. With the dawn approaching, Dracula takes Fury and his men back to his castle to rest while they prepare for their siege under the next night’s cover. But, while the men sleep, two of them (Dino and Pinky) decide to do some snooping – and they discover that Count Tsepes is the legendary Count Dracula!

Iron Man in “Games“ written by Doug Murray art by Ken Steacy James Rhodes downloads an unlicensed Avengers computer game and unknowingly allows a virus to infect Iron Man‘s armor. Flying above Disneyland, the armor malfunctions and nearly destroys some famous attractions. When he finally regains full control of the armor, Iron Man devises a way to pay back the unlicensed game’s programmers.

Hulk/Selene in “Not Interested“ written by Dwight Zimmerman art by Brian Stelfreeze Selene, the Black Queen of the Hellfire Club, is bored … a dangerous thing for one so powerful as she. She notices a group of men being tossed out of a bar and suspects that the person who has thrown them out may be able to alleviate her boredom. That bouncer? The Hulk! Selene buys the Hulk a pitcher of beer for, she has selected him to be her consort for the evening. Much to her surprise, he responds: “Not interested”. When she approaches him in an even more forthcoming manner, he still has the same reply. Can this powerful woman, who’s used to getting what she wants, get the Hulk to relent to her advances?

The tension over how far the Professor’s control over Weapon X extends is really starting to mount here. This issue marks the first meeting between Nick Fury and Count Dracula. Iron Man’s story was quite bland but the Sadie Hawkins’ style Selene-on-Hulk story was a quick, fun read.

On Ebay: Marvel Comics Presents | Wolverine | Iron Man | Hulk | Nick Fury | Dracula
On AtomicAvenue: Marvel Comics Presents | Wolverine | Iron Man | Nick Fury | Dracula | Hulk

Marvel Comics Presents launched in 1988 as an ad-free anthology showcasing four eight-page features, stuffed inside a wrap-around cover. This guide will tell you everything you wanted to know about the series – and more!

Cover Date: 1991 | Cover Price: $1.25 | Cover Artist: Barry Windsor-Smith (front); Larry Alexander (back)

Wolverine in “Weapon X” part 5 written by Barry Windsor-Smith art by Barry Windsor-Smith Testing their new creation, the Professor has Logan sent out into the snow-covered, Canadian woods with a pack of hungry wolves on his trail. Weapon X displays to his onlookers that he’s the ultimate killing machine, as he massacres the entire pack of animals. When the damage has been done, the hits a trigger that shuts Logan down. An important part of any weapon, naturally, is having the ability to deactivate it.

Shanna in “The Bush of Ghosts” conclusion written by Gerard Jones art by Paul Gulacy As Shanna enters Sir Guy Cross-Wallace’s complex, it has become apparent that his followers have lost faith in him. The final battle is left between the two of them – and Shanna comes up the victor. Now, even though Cross-Wallace is no longer alive – there are still many problems facing Africa. Unfortunately, Shanna just doesn’t have all the solutions … but she’s willing to work for them.

Sgt. Fury/Dracula in “Rumanian Rumble” part 1 written by Doug Murray art by Tom Lyle Dracula awakens from his coffin in Late July 1942 to discover his servants have been killed by invading Nazis. From his castle, he sees the newly constructed Nazi camp that has captured his people – the gypsies. But, he cannot penetrate their walled-in camp – he must be invited in. And, their Swastika is a holy symbol … a dangerous weapon against a vampire. He’ll need help if he’s to defeat these invaders. Meanwhile, Nick Fury is sent on a mission to blow up the Nazis’ largest oil supply in the town of Ploesti, Romania. He and his Howling Commandos parachute down into the Nazi-occupied town – the very same village that Dracula has been watching.

Sub-Mariner in “the Tides That Bind“ written by Robert Campanella art by Grant Miehm Dr. Barnabus Lucian Cross believes that sharks contain the cure for cancer – and what better specimen to study than the shark/humanoid, Tiger Shark? He hires Mr. Dice and his men to capture the super-villain. In a curious move, Namor the Sub-Mariner comes to the aid of his long-standing enemy.

This issue we get a taste of Wolverine’s bestial nature and Shanna’s story draws to a rather anti-climatic end. Although, Nick Fury and Dracula have yet to meet – the set up is rather well done. And, finally, Namor’s story raises some interesting questions about his relationship with Tiger Shark.

On Ebay: Marvel Comics Presents | Wolverine | Sub-Mariner | Shanna | Nick Fury | Dracula
On AtomicAvenue: Marvel Comics Presents | Wolverine | Shanna | Nick Fury | Dracula | Sub-Mariner

Marvel Comics Presents launched in 1988 as an ad-free anthology showcasing four eight-page features, stuffed inside a wrap-around cover. This guide will tell you everything you wanted to know about the series – and more!

Cover Date: 1991 | Cover Price: $1.25 | Cover Artist: Barry Windsor-Smith (front); Bryan Hitch (back)

Wolverine in “Weapon X” part 4 written by Barry Windsor-Smith art by Barry Windsor-Smith Dr. Abraham Cornelius gives the Professor a headset that gives him a direct link to Logan. To say that it allows him control over Mr. Logan would be a stretch – but it certainly allows for … suggestions. Logan regains consciousness and begins thrashing about the lab. The Professor is unable to control the raging beast so a squad comes in armed with tranquilizers. As the sedated Wolverine sleeps, the lab is able to see what is in his head through a complex hookup that projects images on to a screen. And, what does this man-beast dream of? The bloody death of the Professor.

Shanna in “The Bush of Ghosts” part 9 written by Gerard Jones art by Paul Gulacy In a tribute to the fallen jaguar that came to her aid, Shanna adorns her face with its blood. Back inside the complex, the captive Dubose Wilson attempts to persuade the tribe to unleash themselves from Sir Guy Cross-Wallace‘s control. Meanwhile, Shanna fights her way back to the complex to face Guy.

Death’s Head in “the Deadliest Game“ written by Simon Furman art by Bryan Hitch The bounty-hunter, Death’s Head, has traveled to the planet Yel-Jek to find his target: Thaddeus Soul. But, to defeat this big-game hunter, he’ll need to enlist the aid of someone seeking revenge against Soul. Fighting for revenge? This is a strange concept to our “hero” – who’s only motivated by financial gain.

Woodgood in “Lonely At The Top“ written by Robert Campanella art by Dave Cockrum Woodgod‘s genetically-engineered kingdom of the Changelings is endangered! The jealous Leoninus has captured all of the females and brought them to Roxxon’s Dr. Malachi Oz. Oz intends to cross-breed the Changeling females with common animals and Leoninus has happily handed them over because they’ve all spurned his advances. Soon after, the Changelings alert their leader, Woodgod, of the missing females. Using their radioactive aura-trails, Woodgod tracks them to the Roxxon lab and frees them all – Leoninus realizes that he will no longer be welcome amongst his people and runs away. After these events, Woodgod asserts that he must remain aloof from his people because of what Leoninus’ jealousy has wrought.

The Professor’s character continues to develop as we see more and more how much of a compassion-less, control-freak he is. Shanna’s feature leads up to the final stretch with a possible setup of a rebellion of Cross-Wallace’s troops. Death’s Head’s story is quick but the character is just plain fun, engaging and likeable – despite being a bounty-hunter. Woodgod’s self-imposed distance from the rest of his people seems like a forced plot point – in order to make him a “tortured soul”.

On Ebay: Marvel Comics Presents | Wolverine | Death’s Head | Shanna | Woodgod
On AtomicAvenue: Marvel Comics Presents | Wolverine | Shanna | Death’s Head

Marvel Comics Presents launched in 1988 as an ad-free anthology showcasing four eight-page features, stuffed inside a wrap-around cover. This guide will tell you everything you wanted to know about the series – and more!

Cover Date: 1991 | Cover Price: $1.25 | Cover Artist: Barry Windsor-Smith (front); Mark Badger (back)

Wolverine in “Weapon X” part 3 written by Barry Windsor-Smith art by Barry Windsor-Smith Logan burst forth from the lab but collapsed once the life-support lines were torn from his body. As the scientists look in on their subject, it becomes clear that the Professor had long since suspected Logan’s mutant origins – and he fills Doctor Abraham Cornelius in on his theory about homo superior. The Professor also reveals Logan‘s past as a government agent which stands in sharp contrast to the animal-like beast he’s become. The Professor charges Dr. Cornelius with the task of training and “programming” Logan.

Shanna in “The Bush of Ghosts” part 8 written by Gerard Jones art by Paul Gulacy Mchele is quickly gunned down by Sir Guy Cross-Wallace‘s troops but, in the chaos, Shanna breaks loose. In the conflict that arises between Shanna and Cross-Wallace’s men, a jaguar is killed that came to her aid.

Meggan/Shadow Cat in “Charmed Lives“ written by Sue Flaxman art by Gavin Curtis In the waters off the shore of Excalibur’s lighthouse, Shadow Cat and Meggan rescue two men: Mischa and Yuri. They reveal that they are scientists who were working for Roxxon when they made a discovery that, they realized, could be turned into a biological weapon. They escaped before Roxxon could get their hands on the formula but an assassin had been sent after them. The killer, Cypress, has followed them to Excalibur’s base where Meggan and Shadow Cat aid in defeating him … but at what cost?

Doctor Doom in “Triumph“ written by Dave Cockrum art by Dave Cockrum Doctor Doom … is bored. And, in his boredom, he decides to create a device that allows him to harness cosmic energies. Armed with new-found power, he strikes out at New York City where he’s met with resistance in the form of heroes. Many heroes! Spider-Man, the Fantastic Four, the Avengers – and more! But, eventually, they all fall to the power of Doom. Even the Silver Surfer is reduced to human form before Doom’s new powers. And, just as Doom is about to conquer the entire Earth – we discover it’s all a dream. Actually, a nightmare – of Franklin Richard’s.

In the Weapon X feature, we start to see some strong personalities emerge from the Professor and Doctor Cornelius. The Professor is revealed to be manipulative while Cornelius seems to be a concerned and sympathetic character. Shanna’s story spotlights a lot of action this issue, as she is chased through a herd of hippos by Africans armed with guns. The Excalibur story is mostly a throw-away tale … and, even worse, the fate of the Russians isn’t entirely spelled out – leaving the reader hanging. With all the recent ____ vs the Marvel Universe series we’ve seen, this Doctor Doom short seems like an early prototype. And, before you complain about it “being a dream” – remember, those other stories aren’t in continuity either – so they count just as much.

On Ebay: Marvel Comics Presents | Wolverine | Excalibur | Shanna | Doctor Doom
On AtomicAvenue: Marvel Comics Presents | Wolverine | Excalibur | Shanna | Doom

Marvel Comics Presents launched in 1988 as an ad-free anthology showcasing four eight-page features, stuffed inside a wrap-around cover. This guide will tell you everything you wanted to know about the series – and more!

Cover Date: 1991 | Cover Price: $1.25 | Cover Artist: Barry Windsor-Smith (front); Sam Kieth (back)

Wolverine in “Weapon X” part 2 written by Barry Windsor-Smith art by Barry Windsor-Smith As the adamantium-infusing process continues, the Professor finds out that Logan is a mutant – armed with a healing factor. They also discover an excess drain of adamantium at his hands and wrists (we know it’s because of his claws – he’s got more bones there than average humans). Logan pops his claws and begins writhing in pain. The Professor sends the status-tech worker from lab two in to try to help Logan but the boy is quickly murdered by Logan. Doctor Abraham Cornelius is horrified by the death but the Professor seems oddly … impressed.

Shanna in “The Bush of Ghosts” part 7 written by Gerard Jones art by Paul Gulacy Sir Guy Cross-Wallace is alerted to Shanna and her friends’ attack on his citadel. He orders his troops to take them all alive – and, soon after they do, Shanna is prepared for a ceremony to be made Cross-Wallace’s bride. Cross-Wallace summons forth the wedding meal – which is revealed to be the body of Shanna’s friend, Eric Heller! At this disturbing sight, Mchele goes berserk, grabs a gun from a nearby guard and starts slaughtering Cross-Wallace’s soldiers.

Constrictor in “the Freebie“ written by Scott Lobdell art by Scott McDaniel Years ago, when Frank Schlichting was a young boy, his mother and sister were killed by his mom’s boyfriend, McAvey. The man frightened the young boy into not testifying – so he went free. In the present, Schlichting is the villain known as the Constrictor. And, when he finds out that McAvey has returned, the Constrictor decides to make the murderer as frightened of living each day as young Frank was.

Iceman/Human Torch in “Absolute Zero“ written by Dan Mishkin art by Joe Staton The villain, Firebomb, kidnaps the Humans Torch’s wife, Alicia, and straps her to a time bomb. It’s a race against time as the Human Torch and Iceman have to free her before she’s blown to bits.

It’s important to remember that, at this point in Wolverine’s history, we didn’t know whether his claws were created by Weapon X or just enhanced by them. This issue doesn’t make the distinction, but you could make the case for either proposal. What was done to Shanna’s friend Eric Heller was truly gruesome! Constrictor’s tale of revenge was a successful way of building some empathy towards this adamantium-enhanced villain (just how many people have access to this rare metal?!). The Torch/Iceman team up offers nothing in the way of character development and it doesn’t even show the villain mentioned throughout the story – totally skippable. It’s very cool to see a Sam Kieth cover on this issue. And, while his Human Torch is kind of funky looking, the other three came out really well.

On Ebay: Marvel Comics Presents | Wolverine | Iceman | Shanna | Constrictor | Human Torch
On AtomicAvenue: Marvel Comics Presents | Wolverine | Iceman | Shanna | Human Torch

Marvel Comics Presents launched in 1988 as an ad-free anthology showcasing four eight-page features, stuffed inside a wrap-around cover. This guide will tell you everything you wanted to know about the series – and more!

Cover Date: 1991 | Cover Price: $1.25 | Cover Artist: Barry Windsor-Smith

Wolverine in “Weapon X” part 1 written by Barry Windsor-Smith art by Barry Windsor-Smith We’re witness to a recently shaved man in a lab tank. To the surprise of the lab assistants, the man’s body hair is beginning to grow back. We hear the voices of two onlookers, the Professor and Doctor Cornelius, as the subject’s body is injected with adamantium. As the process continues, the onlookers are amazed at Logan‘s healing factor.

Shanna in “The Bush of Ghosts” part 6 written by Gerard Jones art by Paul Gulacy After a long search, Shanna and her companions (Jeremy, Dubose and Mchele) discover the African village that Sir Guy Cross-Wallace appears to be in charge of. It appears that he is up to much more than smuggling and killing. From this citadel he’s forged, he intends to create a new religion and spread its power and influence across the continent.

Sub-Mariner in “The Sea Enemy“ written by John Morelli art by Jim Mooney While enjoying being amongst the sea creatures on a coral reef, the Sub-Mariner is sucked up into a Soviet fishing vessel that is violating the American Coastline’s fishing limits. After a brief tussle with the crew, the captain realizes they will not be able to best the Sub-Mariner so they surrender to his orders to abandon the ship. He sinks their ship with the intention that it’s hull will form the basis for the coral reef (that was destroyed by their powerful vacuum) to reform upon.

Black Knight in “Sands Of Time“ written by Jason Balgobis art by Russell Lyman Doctor Strange brings a weapon to Dane Whitman, hoping he’ll be able to identify. The Black Knight, in his secret identity, quickly recognizes it – the sword of the man who led the Muslim armies to victory against the Crusaders during the Holy War. It’s a war that Whitman took part in while his consciousness resided in his ancestor, Eobar Garrington. He recounts the tale of the Third Crusade to Stephen Strange. In the year 1191 AD, King Richard Lionheart commissioned the Black Knight to kill the enemy’s leader, Saladin. It had already come to pass that Saladin had led his forces to victory over the Crusaders at Daron. So, lest history be forever altered, Dane Whitman can only hope that his ancestor fails in his mission.

This issue marks he first appearance of Doctor Abraham Cornelius one of the scientific geniuses behind Weapon X’s adamantium-bonding process. Not much happens in Shanna’s story – although, we get a sense that Cross-Wallace has more in mind than drug-dealing and murder. The Black Knight tale was a strange one indeed – to have the hero rooting for defeat. This Sub-Mariner short reminds me the Captain Planet cartoon. A bit preachy – but a neat premise.

On Ebay: Marvel Comics Presents | Wolverine | Sub-Mariner | Shanna | Black Knight
On AtomicAvenue: Marvel Comics Presents | Wolverine | Sub-Mariner | Shanna | Black Knight

Marvel Comics Presents launched in 1988 as an ad-free anthology showcasing four eight-page features, stuffed inside a wrap-around cover. This guide will tell you everything you wanted to know about the series – and more!

Cover Date: 1991 | Cover Price: $1.25 | Cover Artist: Barry Windsor-Smith

Wolverine in “Weapon X” prologue written by Barry Windsor-Smith art by Barry Windsor-Smith Logan’s holed up in a sketchy hotel called the Prophecy. His night of hard drinking is calling up some painful memories of being experimented on in a laboratory.

Shanna in “The Bush of Ghosts” part 5 written by Gerard Jones art by Paul Gulacy Jeremy‘s after poachers. Dubose is after diamond smugglers. And, Shanna‘s after the zoo animal slaughterers. She suspects that they’re all looking for the same person: Sir Guy Cross-Wallace. Her suspicion is that he is having animals captured alive and stuffing diamonds into their throats. Then, when they’re exported overseas, they’re slaughtered and the diamonds are sold. The three of them head down the river together towards their target, led by their guide, Mchele. On the way, they discover a Tanzanian border patrol that has been slaughtered. Further down the river, a tribe of Africans lay dead in their village.

Daredevil in “Redemption Song” conclusion written by Sandy Plunkett art by Sandy Plunkett with Dwayne Turner DJ Travis T. Hipp (aka Ellington) promised something wild and explosive at dawn. Before the sun begins to break, Daredevil discovers the wild dogs who had invaded the city have all died. He suspects they were killed by the experimental intelligence-boosting drugs they were injected with. And, if the drugs eventually killed the dogs – it’s safe to assume they’ll do the same thing to Ellington, soon. Out in the harbor, Ella Pinkwater, the President of Octagon, is searching for Ellington and she’s joined by Daredevil. They finally find his boat as the first rays of sunlight begin to hit the city. Ellington’s voice travels the radio-waves, summoning the New Yorkers out of their apartments – inviting them to unite hands as they extend around the island of Manhattan. Back at Ellington’s boat, Daredevil breaks in and discovers the radio transmitter is playing a tape of Ellington’s voice – a note is attached begging Daredevil not to stop the tape. On cue, with hands clasped, the New Yorkers raised their voices together in song – creating a blanket of peace that had long evaded the city worn down by the recent heatwave. This was to be Ellington’s legacy.

Red Wolf in “Flesh of my Flesh“ written by Fabian Nicieza art by Javier Saltares William Talltrees, the Cheyenne super hero known as Red Wolf, weeps for the death of his companion, Lobo at the hands of Bengal. Now, Red Wolf uses Lobo’s hide as his “costume”. He and his wolf-brother are forever bonded in this symbolic outfit. Nearby, some rednecks have gone out shooting at a mother wolf and her cubs. The shots catch Red Wolf‘s attention and he arrives on the scene to avenge the deaths of the wolves. Only one wolf cub remains alive – it seems that will be Lobo’s replacement at Red Wolf’s side.

This issue begins the investigation into how Logan was turned into Wolverine. Shanna’s story has a clear, central focal point now and the Daredevil feature ended on an inspirational note. It appears the death of Lobo happened “off-screen” as it’s only mentioned here in a flashback. With that in mind, this issue is important for Red Wolf fans – he finds his new “Lobo”.

On Ebay: Marvel Comics Presents | Wolverine | Daredevil | Shanna | Red Wolf
On AtomicAvenue: Marvel Comics Presents | Wolverine | Daredevil | Shanna | Red Wolf