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); Al Milgrom (back)

Wolverine in “Weapon X” part 6 written by Barry Windsor-Smith art by Barry Windsor-Smith The Professor is upset to learn that his control over Weapon X only extends as far as a three-mile radius. He demands a ten-mile radius, even though Doctor Abraham Cornelius explains that Weapon X will need to be weighed down by larger batteries to power the extended range. Days later, Cornelius demonstrates that when the power is on, the Professor has complete control over Weapon X within a nine-mile radius. When the power is off, Weapon X’s body shuts down – essentially “dead meat”. Testing the shut down body, the Professor pours a hot cup of coffee on Logan’s face without receiving a reaction.

Sgt. Fury/Dracula in “Rumanian Rumble” part 2 written by Doug Murray art by Tom Lyle When Nick Fury and his Howling Commandos land within the Nazi-occupied town, they’re set upon by a large force that was expecting them. In the battle, they discover that the town is a paper mache facade and then they’re rescued by Dracula. The Lord of Vampires introduces himself as Count Tsepes, leader of the Underground, and convinces them that they’re on the same side. He leads them to the real town of Ploesti, where the Nazis have taken his people captive, and asks for their help in freeing them. With the dawn approaching, Dracula takes Fury and his men back to his castle to rest while they prepare for their siege under the next night’s cover. But, while the men sleep, two of them (Dino and Pinky) decide to do some snooping – and they discover that Count Tsepes is the legendary Count Dracula!

Iron Man in “Games“ written by Doug Murray art by Ken Steacy James Rhodes downloads an unlicensed Avengers computer game and unknowingly allows a virus to infect Iron Man‘s armor. Flying above Disneyland, the armor malfunctions and nearly destroys some famous attractions. When he finally regains full control of the armor, Iron Man devises a way to pay back the unlicensed game’s programmers.

Hulk/Selene in “Not Interested“ written by Dwight Zimmerman art by Brian Stelfreeze Selene, the Black Queen of the Hellfire Club, is bored … a dangerous thing for one so powerful as she. She notices a group of men being tossed out of a bar and suspects that the person who has thrown them out may be able to alleviate her boredom. That bouncer? The Hulk! Selene buys the Hulk a pitcher of beer for, she has selected him to be her consort for the evening. Much to her surprise, he responds: “Not interested”. When she approaches him in an even more forthcoming manner, he still has the same reply. Can this powerful woman, who’s used to getting what she wants, get the Hulk to relent to her advances?

The tension over how far the Professor’s control over Weapon X extends is really starting to mount here. This issue marks the first meeting between Nick Fury and Count Dracula. Iron Man’s story was quite bland but the Sadie Hawkins’ style Selene-on-Hulk story was a quick, fun read.

On Ebay: Marvel Comics Presents | Wolverine | Iron Man | Hulk | Nick Fury | Dracula
On AtomicAvenue: Marvel Comics Presents | Wolverine | Iron Man | Nick Fury | Dracula | Hulk

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); Larry Alexander (back)

Wolverine in “Weapon X” part 5 written by Barry Windsor-Smith art by Barry Windsor-Smith Testing their new creation, the Professor has Logan sent out into the snow-covered, Canadian woods with a pack of hungry wolves on his trail. Weapon X displays to his onlookers that he’s the ultimate killing machine, as he massacres the entire pack of animals. When the damage has been done, the hits a trigger that shuts Logan down. An important part of any weapon, naturally, is having the ability to deactivate it.

Shanna in “The Bush of Ghosts” conclusion written by Gerard Jones art by Paul Gulacy As Shanna enters Sir Guy Cross-Wallace’s complex, it has become apparent that his followers have lost faith in him. The final battle is left between the two of them – and Shanna comes up the victor. Now, even though Cross-Wallace is no longer alive – there are still many problems facing Africa. Unfortunately, Shanna just doesn’t have all the solutions … but she’s willing to work for them.

Sgt. Fury/Dracula in “Rumanian Rumble” part 1 written by Doug Murray art by Tom Lyle Dracula awakens from his coffin in Late July 1942 to discover his servants have been killed by invading Nazis. From his castle, he sees the newly constructed Nazi camp that has captured his people – the gypsies. But, he cannot penetrate their walled-in camp – he must be invited in. And, their Swastika is a holy symbol … a dangerous weapon against a vampire. He’ll need help if he’s to defeat these invaders. Meanwhile, Nick Fury is sent on a mission to blow up the Nazis’ largest oil supply in the town of Ploesti, Romania. He and his Howling Commandos parachute down into the Nazi-occupied town – the very same village that Dracula has been watching.

Sub-Mariner in “the Tides That Bind“ written by Robert Campanella art by Grant Miehm Dr. Barnabus Lucian Cross believes that sharks contain the cure for cancer – and what better specimen to study than the shark/humanoid, Tiger Shark? He hires Mr. Dice and his men to capture the super-villain. In a curious move, Namor the Sub-Mariner comes to the aid of his long-standing enemy.

This issue we get a taste of Wolverine’s bestial nature and Shanna’s story draws to a rather anti-climatic end. Although, Nick Fury and Dracula have yet to meet – the set up is rather well done. And, finally, Namor’s story raises some interesting questions about his relationship with Tiger Shark.

On Ebay: Marvel Comics Presents | Wolverine | Sub-Mariner | Shanna | Nick Fury | Dracula
On AtomicAvenue: Marvel Comics Presents | Wolverine | Shanna | Nick Fury | Dracula | Sub-Mariner