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: 1990 | Cover Price: $1.25 | Cover Artist: Fred Butler
|
Wolverine in “the Wilding” conclusion written by Rob Liefeld with Fabian Nicieza art by Rob Liefeld It takes eleven days of tracking but Wolverine finallys hunts down Wildchild. During the battle, the two accidentally plunge into a fast-moving river. Wildchild is able to use this as a diversion and makes his escape before Wolverine can learn why he was on a murderous rampage. |
Comet Man in “A Family Affair” conclusion written by Bill Mumy with Miguel Ferrer art by Kelley Jones Comet Man savagely attacks the Superior but stops short of killing him, lest he lower himself to his brother’s level. But, his son Benny, who sees the world in black and white uses his powers to force his villainous uncle to kill himself. |
|
Stingray in “Family Matters” part 1 written by Len Wein art by Jim Fern When Stingray and his wife, Diane, return to the Newell Oceanographic Institute after a dangerous swim through the ocean, they’re met by one of the Guardsmen. He reveals that Diane’s brother, Tiger Shark, appears to be dying. With Stingray’s approval, the unconscious Tiger Shark is brought to the N.O.I., so a cure can be sought. After a work-break, Stingray returns to the lab to discover Tiger Shark has awakened, defeated the Guardsman and taken Diane hostage! |
Black Widow & Silver Sable in “Heads I Win, Tails You Lose“ written by Fabian Nicieza art by Rob Liefeld The Black Widow has been hired by seven agencies to bring in Yves Chevrier for counts of gun-running, drug dealing, fraud and grand larceny. Chevrier played an important part in the death of three Symkarian agents, spurring Silver Sable to hunt him down for her personal vendetta. In France, both women manage to track Chevrier down at the same time – which lethal lady will get to take the prize home? |
While there was plenty of action to be had, I wish Liefeld would have revealed why the usually-heroic Wildchild was on a murderous rampage. The Comet Man story ended on an interesting note with his son displaying a solid control over his powers. It’s also thought-provoking to consider a child armed with such powers who’s still young enough to see the world in black and white (read: “bad guys should die”). I’ve always liked Stingray from his appearances in the Avengers. Probably because he’s an oceanographer first (not really a super-hero) who occasionally gets swept up in their adventures. It’s nice to see him get the spotlight, here. Finally, the Black Widow/Silver Sable feature was excellently illustrated by Liefeld and a fun, quick read. Overall, this issue was really enjoyable!
On Ebay: Marvel Comics Presents | Wolverine | Comet Man | Stingray | Black Widow | Silver Sable
On AtomicAvenue: Marvel Comics Presents | Wolverine | Comet Man | Black Widow | Silver Sable
Publisher: 
The Blood Brothers return for a rematch in Iron Man #88 (cover date: July 1976). So, it’s safe to assume that Thanos didn’t kill them for their failure in this issue.
Publisher: 
The selected champions? Why, none other than the Thing (Kurrgo’s selection) and the Hulk! Both “monsters” are teleported to a deserted ghosttown in a South-Western state, where the Thing is told that an Ultrex Bomb is primed to go off in 30 minutes, destroying the entire Earth. Unfortunately for him, the Hulk stands in his way! Fortunately for us, the Hulk stands in his way! So, we’re treated to eight Starlin-illustrated pages of Hulk vs Thing battle!
The story starts out in the Baxter Building (in New York City), where Mr. Fantastic has just finished the latest in his long line of devices intended to cure the Thing of his rocky form. Later in the book, the Thing and the Hulk are transported to a deserted ghosttown in what looks to be a Southwestern state. 
Although, it should be mentioned that it’s not quite a fair fight since Kurrgo enhanced the Thing’s strength. But, creating unfair fights is the easiest way for a writer to get around upsetting the fans. Y’see, if it was a fair fight and the Thing lost – Thing fans wouldn’t be happy. And, the same would be true for Hulk fans if he lost. But, in this case, it seems like fans of both can easily enjoy this story. And, it makes for a great first issue of the Thing’s first solo series.