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: June 1989 | Cover Price: $1.25 | Cover Artist: Walter Simonson
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Cyclops in “the Retribution Affair” part 5 written by Bob Harras art by Ron Lim Cyclops unleashes his optic beam on Conscience and we’re then treated to a rare sight – Cyclops has his visor off … but no power is coming out! No doubt, this is an effect of the Retribution Virus that has infected him and other nearby mutants, including Callisto. Conscience reveals that as the virus kills you, your mutant powers begin to fade. Meanwhile, back at the hospital where the disease was found, we discover that it has begun infecting humans, as well! In an ironic twist, the virus designed to kill only mutants has, itself, mutated. Conscience bids that Master Mold intercept the virus’ complete infection of Earth for fear of killing humanity along with mutants. But, Master Mold has decided to continue with the plan, coldly calculating that all mutants will die … and almost all humans will die from it. But, since not all of humanity will perish (a measly 7.6% will survive), it is an acceptable cost to win the war against mutation. |
Black Panther in “Panther’s Quest” part 9 written by Don McGregor art by Gene Colan Eugene Van Der Merwe has just shot the Black Panther . But, our hero is strong enough to fight through the flesh wound in his waist to challenge the soldier – man to man! He quickly defeats Eugene and subjects him to the tear gas that was just being inflicted upon the village. And, as he turns around, the Panther comes face to face with militia reinforcements. |
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Paladin in “Let’s Take It From Where I Swing In And Rescue You …“ written by Scott Lobdell art by Ron Wilson One job leads Paladin to another that leads him to another and so on and so forth until he comes face to face with intergalactic warlords who plan to use Earth as an armory. And, using his wits, he’s able to make them beat a hasty retreat. But hey! Who’s going to foot the bill for saving the entire planet? |
the Thing in “The First Cut” written by Peter Gillis art by Ron Lim A super-powered man named Rico has returned to his life to discover his girlfriend, Maria, is now marrying his friend, Tony. So, Maria seeks out someone who will understand their situation – the Thing (he went away for a while during the Secret Wars – when he returned, his girlfriend, Alicia, had married the Human Torch). When the Thing finds Rico (who’s now going by the name Ripper), he discovers that the young man isn’t interested in having a heart-to-heart. More like a fist-to-face! |
I must say I’m not a huge fan of characters breaking the fourth wall – and it was even stranger to see Paladin doing it in his solo tale. I thought the Thing’s story had a lot of potential for characterization but ultimately failed to live up to it.
On Ebay: Marvel Comics Presents | Cyclops | Black Panther | Paladin | the Thing
On AtomicAvenue: Marvel Comics Presents | Cyclops | Black Panther | Thing