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 #86
Cover Date: 1991 | Cover Price: $1.25 | Cover Artist: Sam Kieth; Chris Marrinan (back)
Wolverine in "Blood Hungry" part 2
written by Peter David
art by Sam Kieth
Cyber is brought to meet with General Coy, personally. At Tyger Tiger's request, Wolverine is spying in on the meeting - although, Cyber catches on to him quickly and launches into an attack. When the two come face to face, it's clear that they know each other - there's a shared history, here. Cyber slices open Wolverine's gut but Logan manages to escape.
Firestar in "Life During War Time" part 5
written by Marie Javins with Marcus McLaurin
art by Dwayne Turner
Firestar delivers Mystique to the Arms of Salvation in exchange for the donor lung for her father. Before she leaves, Cross invites the young mutant to join his organization. Meanwhile, Freedom Force decides to use their tracking device to locate their leader, Mystique. Back at the Arms of Salvation's base, Firestar turns the offer down - in response, Cross has her electrocuted and knocked out. Before he can do any further damage, Freedom Force breaks into their base! Firestar comes to and tries to find her way out of the base but stumbles upon their organ harvesting program. Sick with guilt for bringing someone into their program, she frees Mystique - just in time, as they're cornered by Cross.
Beast in "Just Friends" part 2
written by Scott Lobdell
art by Rob Liefeld/Jae Lee
As the Beast flies to Brussels, he manages to recall fond memories of his youth spent with Jennifer Nyles. When he arrives at the hotel, he's pleased to discover that his childhood friend is going to be the keynote speaker at the Symposium on Mutant Research. Soon after that revelation, he's attacked by the Constrictor (it's becoming painfully obvious that someone doesn't want him going to that symposium, isn't it?).
Paladin in "Take Me Out To The Bomb Game"
written by Eric Fein
art by J. Adam Walters
Paladin has been hired to protect Metro Stadium from a bomb threat that's been called in. Rather than pay the bomber the $20 million he was asking for, the owners of the stadium hired protection. Paladin stops the bomb from going off - AND he discovers the identity of the bomber!
Not a very admirable way to end a battle in the Wolverine story - but it goes to show how powerful Cyber is. The forced alliance between Firestar and Mystique could prove to be an interesting twist. The artwork in the Beast's feature is extremely eye-catching and Lobdell has an excellent knack for crafting the Beast's dialogue. Paladin was the snoozer, this issue. Note: the inside back cover features a full-page Weapon X pin-up by Sam Kieth. I love his artwork! On Ebay: Marvel Comics Presents | Wolverine | Firestar | Beast | Paladin On AtomicAvenue: Marvel Comics Presents | Wolverine | Firestar | Beast