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!
Marvel Comics Presents #40
Cover Date: Mid-December 1989 | Cover Price: $1.25 | Cover Artist: Marshall Rogers
Wolverine in "Black Shadow, White Shadow" part 3
written by Marv Wolfman
art by John Buscema
Wolverine gets knocked out by a flash of light resulting from the battle between Black Shadow and White Shadow. While he's unconscious, Wolverine's brain flashes back to reveal why he came to Hong Kong in the first place: to find the murderer of his friend, Linn. When he comes to, he departs for China with Mai, Hsiao and Ch'un.
Wonder Man in "Stardust Miseries" part 3
written by Michael Higgins
art by Javier Saltares
With Wonder Man going on a rampage, his good friend, the Beast, tries to talk some sense into him. Unfortunately for Hank, Wonder Man's not quite himself just now - he's being incited to rage by the Enchantress' ... er ... enchantment. It's a fact that the Beast deduces when he notices that Wonder Man's movements seem to be a bit sluggish.
Hercules in "All In The Family" part 2
written by Bob Layton
art by Bob Layton
Layana's plan to take back the throne of Wilamean is in full force as her elite Assassins' Guild (Akooti, Malicon and Viperus) launches an attack on the current king, Arimathes (her son), Hercules (his father) and the Recorder. In the battle, Arimathes is blown up with one of the assassins! Will he survive the blast?
Overmind in "...Anything"
written by Scott Lobdell
art by Don Heck
Two government agents warned of a toxic waste leakage near Millwood, New Hampshire - but to no avail. Now that it's killed the town's inhabitants, they've been sent to investigate - clothed in radiation suits, naturally. To their surprise, they see a healthy rabbit bounding by them. But, do they really see it? Lurking in the shadows is the Overmind, and it appears that he's using his mental powers to convince them that everything is fine. When, in fact, it's not. Moving on to the inner parts of the town, they see a functioning society with normal-looking humans. They're told if they want information, they're welcome to talk with Mr. Overmind at the schoolhouse. They discover that the Overmind has been using his mental powers to convince the town's citizens that they're healthy. He's also been teaching them the power of positive thinking. But, when the townspeople are confronted with the truth - will they choose to return to their ignorant bliss or accept the desparity of their situation?
In this issue, the Enchantress mentions that she's adopted her sister's name (Lorelei) as part of her charade. So, that clears up last week's curiosity. This anthology's diversity and far-reaching nature are truly proven when even the Overmind can get a solo feature. And, what a powerful story, it is! Unfortunately, the Wolverine and Wonder Man features continue to be bland. Hercules, on the other hand, is all out action! Too bad he looks ultra-cheesy on this cover, though. On Ebay: Marvel Comics Presents | Wolverine | Wonder Man | Overmind | Hercules On AtomicAvenue: Marvel Comics Presents | Wolverine | Wonder Man | Hercules