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: 1991 | Cover Price: $1.25 | Cover Artist: Barry Windsor-Smith (front); Mike Mignola (back)
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Wolverine in “Weapon X” part 7 written by Barry Windsor-Smith art by Barry Windsor-Smith After a brief test run, Weapon X seems to be fully in their control – although, he needs to be suited with the clunky helmet and a couple of 10lb. battery packs in order to maintain that control. The Professor feels that Weapon X is ready for the “great test” – hunting the most dangerous game: man. But, before they can set up the test – Weapon X breaks free! |
Sgt. Fury/Dracula in “Rumanian Rumble” conclusion written by Doug Murray art by Tom Lyle Dino and Pinky return to Nick Fury and the rest of the Howling Commandos to let them know that their host is actually Count Dracula. After a heated discussion, the team decides that as long as Dracula is interested in defeating the Nazis, they’ll stick with him. Nick Fury, two Howlers and Count Dracula enter the Nazi camp to free Dracula’s people. At the site of their lord, Dracula, the villagers turn against their Nazi captors. Dracula’s people are freed – and Nick Fury signals the bomb squadron that flies in to destroy the Nazis’ most important source of fuel. Both parties have achieved their goals and part ways with mutual respect. |
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Sunspot in “the Tender and the Vulgar“ written by Daryl Edelman art by John Byrne In the Brazilian rainforest, Sunspot rescues his friend, Christina Aguilar, from a felled tree that nearly landed upon her. Later that evening, Sunspot is invited to have dinner with the Aguilar family – but it is rudely interrupted by vicious, mutant-hating thugs. Although Sunspot had not absorbed enough solar energy to summon his powers, the attack spurs his anger, which sparks his solar energy powers. The attackers are quickly defeated once Sunspot’s powers kick into full gear. |
Doctor Strange in “A Nightmare on Bleecker Street“ written by Robert Campanella art by Steve Geiger Sara Wolff takes Doctor Strange to the movies to see A Sleepless Night on Sequioa Street (essentially, A Nightmare on Elm Street … but they can’t call it that due to copyright issues, naturally). Later that evening, Doctor Strange‘s home is attacked by Eddy (from the horror movie). The Master of the Mystic Arts will need to figure out the secret behind Eddy’s attack if he’s to save the lives of Sara and Wong! |
I’m really enjoying the character development of Doctor Abraham Cornelius, who is growing more concerned about the Professor’s intention for Weapon X. The Nick Fury/Dracula team-up as a neat addition to Marvel’s WWII history. The Sunspot story was a big sulk-fest with lots of “boo hoo, I’m a mutant”. Also, somehow, Sunspot was able to utilize his anger to spark his solar energy powers. Seems to me that the writer just invented this for the story (are there any New Mutants fans out there that let us know if this has a basis anywhere else?). And finally, the last tale is probably the closest thing you’ll ever get to Doctor Strange vs Freddy Krueger!
On Ebay: Marvel Comics Presents | Wolverine | Doctor Strange | Sunspot | Nick Fury | Dracula
On AtomicAvenue: Marvel Comics Presents | Wolverine | Doctor Strange | Nick Fury | Dracula | New Mutants