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: January 1990 | Cover Price: $1.25 | Cover Artist: Steve Purcell
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Wolverine in “Black Shadow, White Shadow” part 4 written by Marv Wolfman art by John Buscema Sailing East out of Hong Kong, Wolverine catches a shark to feed himself and his friends. They stop on the shores of China to share a shark-meat meal and his companions (Mai, Hsiao and Ch’un) reveal how the Black Shadow has negatively affected their lives. The Shadow attacked Ch’un’s school and murdered his students. It scorched Hsiao’s farm, leaving his grandparents dead. And, Mai’s husband and child were killed by the creature. After gaining a better understanding of why his new-found friends want to take down the Black Shadow, Wolverine discovers a stampede of horses headed their way. |
Wonder Man in “Stardust Miseries” part 4 written by Michael Higgins art by Javier Saltares The Enchantress convinces Wonder Man that Iron Man has been manipulating him for years and is not a true friend of his. So, Simon pays a visit to Stark Enterprises to engage Iron Man in battle. During the fight, Wonder Man manages to tear Iron Man’s chestplate from his armor! The Beast saves the day by knocking Wonder Man out with the blast from a Stark weapon but, Wonder Man disappears in a blink before they can do anything to contain him. |
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Hercules in “All In The Family” conclusion written by Bob Layton art by Bob Layton Hercules carries his son, Arimathes, to the med-alert flyer and discovers that he’s suffering from internal bleeding and burns over 75% of his body. While Arimathes recuperates, Hercules launches an attack against to Layana to avenge his son and keep her from claiming the crown. He captures her and brings her to their son, lying in his hospital bed. And, when faced with the consequences of her bid for power, she breaks down and begs for forgiveness. |
Freedom Force in “Forced Fed!“ written by Scott Lobdell art by Dave Cockrum Freedom Force has been commissioned to rescue Senator Robert Kelly. He’s been captured by Señor Muerte, who isn’t fond of Kelly’s bid to shut down his Drug Empire. The rescue is a sore point, considering Kelly’s anti-mutant sentiments – but a job’s a job. Freedom Force (Mystique, Avalanche, the Blob, Pyro, Destiny, and Spiral) wasn’t forewarned of Muerte’s super-powered enforces, the Grip (Napalm, Vice, Windmill, Uzi, and Sprint), but this mutant government task force certainly has enough muscle, powers, and experience to save the day. |
Sending Freedom Force to rescue someone who hates their kind was a neat way to prove their dedication to their government role. Hercules’ story ended on a powerful note but I’m still waiting for the Wolverine and Wonder Man stories to get interesting.
On Ebay: Marvel Comics Presents | Wolverine | Wonder Man | Freedom Force | Hercules
On AtomicAvenue: Marvel Comics Presents | Wolverine | Wonder Man | Hercules