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: November 1989 | Cover Price: $1.25 | Cover Artist: Paul Ryan
|
Excalibur in “Having A Wild Weekend” part 3 written by Michael Higgins art by Erik Larsen This issue spotlights Captain Britain‘s imprisonment by the Loonies. They’ve trapped him on an island surrounded by an ocean of alcohol, where he’s besieged by doppelgangers of himself. Meanwhile, the freed Kitty Pryde ransacks the control center. Back on the island, the copies are done-in by two bullet wounds – Cap is rescued by the Beverly Hillbillies! And, after they part ways, he finds himself on Oz’s Yellow Brick Road that takes him to Cheers (the famous bar!). In the last panel, it’s revealed that all of this is being played out in his mind – as the Loonies look on. |
Black Panther in “Panther’s Quest” part 21 written by Don McGregor art by Gene Colan Doeke Riebeeck’s men come across the Black Panther’s glider and they begin to destroy it. And, as the Black Panther and Zanti Chikane travel through the forest (towards the glider), the Panther begins to analyze the events of the recent days. He explains to Zanti how he came to believe that Pretorius had his mother. The only thing he hasn’t put together yet is what motive Pretorius would have to capture her. As they near the glider, the Panther hears the men attacking it, and he leaves Zanti behind to rescue the machine that can carry him quickly to his mother’s prison. Unfortunately, when Zanti arrives on the scene, he is struck by a barrage of bullets! |
|
Coldblood in “Rise and Shine” part 8 written by Doug Moench art by Paul Gulacy As Coldblood-7 continues to advance towards Mako’s headquarters, he comes to realize that his computer’s sensory input is malfunctioning and he cannot rely on it anymore. Eventually, he comes across Gina and it appears that she’s a robot, too! But, is it really Gina? Is she really a robot? Coldblood can’t trust anything now that his visual input is in doubt. |
Sub-Mariner in “Dying in Paradise“ written by Don McGregor art by Jim Lee On a leisurely outing, Namor the Sub-Mariner playfully frollicks amidst a tropical paradise. But, he comes across an oil spill that is ruining the land. As powerful as he is, he’s helpless against the incoming tide of blackness that is devastating the water and its inhabitants. |
This Excalibur story continues to expand upon TV/movie themes. The Erik Larsen art is great to look at but, I’m not really sure why there are so many pop culture nods or if we’re supposed to suspect there’s a known villain behind the Loonies. I’m excited that the Black Panther feature is nearing its end. As powerful and epic as it has been, I’m ready for it to be over – it’s extremely serious with no real signs of humor or joy. Kind of depressing to read – especially since there are so many chapters of it! The new twist in the Coldblood feature is very cool – can you imagine not being able to trust that what you’re seeing really exists?! And, I should mention that the Namor solo was wordless. That can be a tricky thing for the comics medium, but Jim Lee handles it well and tells McGregor’s story without needing words to convey the emotions that Namor is experiencing.
On Ebay: Marvel Comics Presents | Black Panther | Coldblood | Excalibur | Sub-Mariner
On AtomicAvenue: Marvel Comics Presents | Black Panther | Excalibur | Sub-Mariner
I remember that Jim Lee story! It prompted me to write him a fan letter, and I was surprised to see a letter back from him months later! It’s a 2-page, hand written letter, mailed from Italy, which is where he was living at the time! My taste in art has change considerably from 20+ years ago, but man, getting that letter was pretty cool. If nothing else, he was nice guy who appreciated his fans.
Comment by Dara — October 28, 2011 @ 6:29 pm
That is pretty impressive that he actually took the time to write you back. Very cool!
Comment by Doorman — October 31, 2011 @ 10:04 am