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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: John Byrne

Wolverine in “Acts of Vengeance” conclusion written by Howard Mackie art by Mark Texeira After Deathwatch finds out that Langley has commandeered his forces, he snaps the man’s neck – ridding himself of the dissension in his ranks. Now that that problem’s been solved – he’s still faced with Wolverine, Ghost Rider and Brass looking to save some innocent hostages. Deathwatch makes Ghost Rider an offer: kill Wolverine and Brass … and the innocents go free. Feigning compliance, Ghost Rider tosses Wolverine around through many walls until they find where the hostages are being kept. With their friends located, the group beats a hasty retreat before Deathwatch blows the building up.

Shanna in “The Bush of Ghosts” part 4 written by Gerard Jones art by Paul Gulacy Looking for Sir Guy Cross-Wallace, Shanna meets up with Dubose Wilson (he’s also after Cross-Wallace since the man took his money but failed to deliver the diamonds in their deal). Meanwhile, journalist Eric Heller is on the trail of black market diamond dealers, as well. So, he recruits a local named Jeremy to help him. Jeremy’s on the trail of poachers but, Heller convinces him that they may be searching for the same people. By the end of this issue, Shanna joins Jeremy on his search down-river.

Daredevil in “Redemption Song” part 3 written by Sandy Plunkett art by Sandy Plunkett with Dwayne Turner Daredevil breaks into the Octagon building to find out more about their involvement in the deaths of three of their scientists. And, after a quick battle with the security force, he comes face to face with Octagon’s President: Ms. Pinkwater. When he confronts her about Ellington and the other scientists, she reveals that Ellington is the mysterious DJ, Travis T. Hipp. He’s been using the radio and his powers to amass a following. A following that he’s urging to gather together tomorrow … but for what?

Warlock in “Warlock and the Fleshtones“ written by Scott Lobdell art by Scott McDaniels F.B.I. agent, Patty Kurlychek, is injured in a car chase, trying to capture a trio of renegade scientists. Fortunately for her, Warlock is nearby and rescues her before her care explodes. She recruits him in her mission to find the scientists, but she fears they’ve already injected themselves with their illegal bio-toxins. She reveals that Doctors Mason, Moore and Most were conducting experiments that would give them complete control over their every molecule (kind of like Warlock!). And, it turns out her fears are not unfounded: they have, indeed, mutated and are now calling themselves the Fleshtones. He’s able to defeat them by luring them into some tar pits and then drying the tar around them quickly, keeping them from shapeshifting.

Although the Wolverine/Ghost Rider story took a neat turn at the end, it wasn’t enough to make it all that interesting. Although, Mark Texeira’s art was a nice treat. The Shanna story continues to come together as the Daredevil feature is primed for its conclusion. Scott Lobdell turns in an all-ages, fun Warlock tale that’s a little cheesy – but, since it’s Warlock, it really seems to work. He’s got the voice of the character down perfectly. I enjoyed this the most of the four features this issue.

This issue included the USPS Statement of Ownership, Management and Circulation that revealed some interesting numbers:

Total Number of Copies Printed (net press run). Average number of copies each issue during preceding 12 months. 230,744 (down 18% from the previous year). Single issue nearest to filing date: 214,528 (down 12.5% from the previos year).

Paid Circulation:
1) Sales through dealers and carriers, street vendors and counter sales: Average number of copies each issue during preceding 12 months: 131,788 (down 19% from the previous year). Single issue nearest to filing date: 124,100 (down 6% from the previous year).
2) Mail subscriptions: Average number of copies each issue during preceding 12 months: 413 (up 79.5% from the previous year). Single issue nearest to filing date: 500 (up 66.67% from the previous year).

Copies Not Distributed:
1) Office use, left-over, unaccounted, spoiled after printing: Average number of copies each issue during preceding 12 months: 600. Single issue nearest to filing date: 600.
2) Returns from News Agents: Average number of copies each issue during preceding 12 months: 97,843 (down 16.75% from the previous year). Single issue nearest to filing date: 89,228 (down 22% from the previous year).

On Ebay: Marvel Comics Presents | Wolverine | Daredevil | Shanna | Warlock
On AtomicAvenue: Marvel Comics Presents | Wolverine | Daredevil | Shanna | Warlock

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: Rob Liefeld

Wolverine in “Acts of Vengeance” part 7 written by Howard Mackie art by Mark Texeira Ghost Rider and Brass take the easy way to the top of the building while Wolverine and Yuji (Brass’s father) take the stairs up. They both meet in the middle and find Brigitte and Jack bound in a room – surrounded by dozens of armed men. Their leader, Langley, claims to have orchestrated the whole thing. But, before the men can kill our heroes, Deathwatch comes across the scene – wondering why his men have been commandeered without his approval. Bad news for Langley!

Shanna in “The Bush of Ghosts” part 3 written by Gerard Jones art by Paul Gulacy Dubose Wilson, jive-talkin’ black marketeer, tries to find the leader of the black diamond market in Zanzibar but doesn’t get much help from the locals. Meanwhile, his quarry, Sir Guy Cross-Wallace, prepares for Shanna to find him. And, as predicted, Shanna is currently breaching his mansion.

Daredevil in “Redemption Song” part 2 written by Sandy Plunkett art by Sandy Plunkett with Dwayne Turner   Daredevil quickly subdues Ellington and demands a further explanation of his experiment-gone-wrong. He explains that he tested the intelligence-boosting formula on himself and it had granted him the ability to read minds. Now his company, Octagon, has a warrant out for his arrest and the experimental dogs are after the scientists who created their torment. Ellington doesn’t want this power to fall into Octagon’s hands because he feels it’s run by greedy men without morals. When the dogs arrive at the lab, Daredevil confronts them – and, with DD and the dogs distracted with each other, Ellington slips off into the night with his notes.

Dark Star/Starlight/Black Widow in “One Into Three Won’t Go!“ written by Robert Campanella art by Larry Alexander Sergei Krylov, the Presence, believes himself to be so powerful that he considers himself a god. And, after all, shouldn’t a god be granted multiple female companions? It’s with this in mind, that he takes possession of Starlight and sends her to capture the Black Widow and Darkstar to be his love-slaves. The Black Widow and Darkstar win the ensuing catfight by freeing Starlight’s mind. Interestingly enough, her heart still belongs to the Presence.

I know a lot of people like to hate on Rob Liefeld but, this is one cool-looking cover! Finally, the title of the Wolverine/Ghost Rider story starts to make sense. Acts of Vengeance was a crossover where villains took on heroes they didn’t normally fight in an effort to disorient and defeat them. It’s finally made clear here that, although Deathwatch’s goons were being used, Deathwatch wasn’t the one giving the orders. That was a neat twist to the story – especially after so many issues seeming to imply that Deathwatch was in charge. The elements of the Shanna story all seem to be coming together nicely – and the same goes for Daredevil’s. The events of the Black Widow story take place after events in Quasar #19-24. This story goes to show how, clearly, the Presence is completely out of his mind. He sends Starlight to make Darkstar one of his female concubines – even though she’s his daughter! Yick!

On Ebay: Marvel Comics Presents | Wolverine | Daredevil | Shanna | Black Widow
On AtomicAvenue: Marvel Comics Presents | Wolverine | Daredevil | Shanna | Black Widow

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: Sandy Plunkett

Wolverine in “Acts of Vengeance” part 6 written by Howard Mackie art by Mark Texeira Brass reveals his hatred for the Mandarin due to his involvement in the death of his girlfriend, Theresa. Wolverine remembers a run-in that he had with the Mandarin recently and they decide that the villain is probably the connection. After their brief respite, Wolverine, Brass, and Ghost Rider continue to battle Deathwatch‘s men. In the last page, Ghost Rider and Brass have taken off for an unknown destination.

Shanna in “The Bush of Ghosts” part 2 written by Gerard Jones art by Paul Gulacy Shanna tracks down the animal killers … or, at least, the bottom rung of the ladder. At the top of that ladder? Sir Guy Cross-Wallace. The search for his trail has begun. Also, in this issue, we follow Dubose Wilson (who seems to be in on the black market for diamonds) and Heller (a reporter attempting to expose the diamond thefts).

Daredevil in “Redemption Song” part 1 written by Sandy Plunkett art by Sandy Plunkett with Dwayne Turner There’s a heatwave in New York this July and a pirate radio station has hit the airwaves. It’s all the rage with the locals. The DJ, Travis T. Hipp, warns his listeners of a wild pack of dogs roaming the streets. Daredevil attempts to save a man from the dogs and even though he manages to beat them away, he’s too late. Before the man gives up the ghost, though, he beseeches Daredevil to seek out a scientist named Ellington and warn him that the dogs will be after him. Daredevil manages to find Ellington’s lab and his private journals. The writings reveal that Ellington was one of four scientists hired by Octagon to develop intelligence-boosting drugs. They used stray dogs as test subjects. The animals developed higher intelligence, escape and have been systematically hunting and killing the four scientists. After Daredevil has learned all of this, Ellington returns to the lab and confronts the vigilante for trespassing.

Silver Surfer in “A Howling in the Void“ written by Len Wein art by Hugh Hayes The tranquility of deep space is interrupted by a heartwrenching moan that lures the Silver Surfer to a derelict spaceship. The ship has clearly been ravaged and left to the abuses of drifting in space. Upon closer inspection, the Surfer finds the dead bodies of the crew. Unexpectedly, the corpses rise and attack the Silver Surfer. Using the power cosmic, he defeats them all – but, they rise again. This cycle continues until the Surfer is herded into the ship’s control room. The ship reveals itself to be a sentient being – one who has suffered much damage. It’s wounds are irreparable and it siphons the Surfer’s power cosmic to end its long-suffering agony through self-termination.

The Wolverine/Ghost Rider tale continues to be quite uninteresting and Shanna’s feature hasn’t quite hit its stride yet, either. The Daredevil story caught my attention and the one-and-done Silver Surfer space horror was touching, poignant and mournful.

On Ebay: Marvel Comics Presents | Wolverine | Daredevil | Shanna | Silver Surfer
On AtomicAvenue: Marvel Comics Presents | Wolverine | Daredevil | Shanna | Silver Surfer

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: Paul Gulacy

Wolverine in “Acts of Vengeance” part 5 written by Howard Mackie art by Mark Texeira Wolverine, Ghost Rider and Brass take on Deathwatch‘s goons in the hopes of rescuing Brigitte (Brass’s sister) and Jack (Ghost Rider’s friend).	Shanna in “The Bush of Ghosts” part 1 written by Gerard Jones art by Paul Gulacy In London, Shanna discovers that some hippos and rhinos have been killed solely for their ivory – and, she has a feeling that she knows who did it.
Fantastic Four in “Dark Dimensions” conclusion written by Robert Denatale art by Tom Morgan All the original members of the Fantastic Four are reunited in this issue. Using their powers together, they’re able to free the Exile from the web of energy he was trapped within.	Lockjaw in “Sparky the Wonder Dog“ written by Scott Lobdell art by Jose Delbo Lockjaw helps a local policeman rescue some homeless people from a burning building.

The Wolverine/Ghost Rider feature seemed like a waste of eight pages … and the Lockjaw story fell flat, too. The Fantastic Four concluded this issue but it was quite anti-climactic. Although, it should be noted that reuniting the original team was kind of a special event since, at this point, the Fantastic Four series was devoid of Mr. Fantastic and the Invisible Woman (they had temporarily retired). Finally, it’s nice to see Shanna get a little limelight. With art by Paul Gulacy, it’s sure to look good so I’m just hoping that Jones has a good story cooked up.

On Ebay: Marvel Comics Presents | Wolverine | Fantastic Four | Shanna | Inhumans
On AtomicAvenue: Marvel Comics Presents | Wolverine | Fantastic Four | Shanna | Inhumans

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: Mark Texeira

Wolverine in “Acts of Vengeance” part 4 written by Howard Mackie art by Mark Texeira Yuji explains to Wolverine that Deathwatch is after his son, Sean, as well as Logan, himself. In this issue, Deathwatch’s men capture Yuji’s daughter, Brigitte, in order to lure Sean Watanabe (who goes by the codename Brass) and Wolverine into their clutches. They’ve also kidnapped Jack D’auria – a friend of Dan Ketch (aka Ghost Rider).

Poison in “Vandals of the Heart” conclusion written by Steve Gerber art by Cindy Martin Imbued with the power of Mrinhä, Joe Trinity launches an assault on Dallas in the Slug’s home. But, before he loses total control to the powerful entity, Poison steps in to stop him. Her power tempts Mrinhä into leaving Joe’s body in the hopes of possessing hers – but she is able to finally defeat the mysterious force.

Fantastic Four in “Dark Dimensions” part 4 written by Robert Denatale art by Tom Morgan The Human Torch arrives at the Baxter Building and is attacked by the Mad Thinker’s FF androids. Meanwhile, the Thing learns that the green alien that appeared last issue calls itself the Exile. It is trapped within a web of “opposite” energy that could explode if it makes contact with the alien. The Exile reveals that the events of the past few days were arranged by him to test these super-powered beings to ensure that they had the ability to rescue him.

Spider-Man in “Slow Burn“ written by Len Wein art by Dean Ormstron A firefighter named Jerry steps into Roxie’s Diner and notices the latest Daily Bugle headline. True to form, it implicates Spider-Man may have been responsible for a building being burnt. But, Jerry was there – so he knows the truth. He then recounts the events of how he and Spider-Man stopped Blowtorch, the highest paid arsonist on the East Coast.

So, we finally get some insight into what Deathwatch is after, in this issue. The Poison solo ended without providing any insight into the mysterious force named Mrinhä. It seems like there’s more to be discovered about the Exile from the Fantastic Four story and the Spider-Man tale was kind of fun but nothing deep.

On Ebay: Marvel Comics Presents | Wolverine | Fantastic Four | Spider-Man
On AtomicAvenue: Marvel Comics Presents | Wolverine | Fantastic Four | Spider-Man

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: Jim Valentino

Wolverine in “Acts of Vengeance” part 3 written by Howard Mackie art by Mark Texeira Standing over the knocked-out bodies of Ghost Rider and Wolverine are three figures: a father and his son and daughter. The next night, Wolverine wakes up in a hospital while Ghost Rider is fighting Deathwatch’s assassins again.

Poison in “Vandals of the Heart” part 7 written by Steve Gerber art by Cindy Martin Foxy, who’s now missing his left hand, recruits Dallas to take out Trinity Joe. And, though it would appear he’s helpless in his hospital bed, he is now inhabited by Mrinhä – a mysterious, powerful force. Foxy invades Joe’s hospital room with gun blazing – but, when he exits the room, he’s now missing both arms! Poison looks on – fearing that Mrinhä is slowly but surely taking over Joe.

Fantastic Four in “Dark Dimensions” part 3 written by Robert Denatale art by Tom Morgan Mr. Fantastic calls the Baxter Building to alert the Thing that the Mad Thinker’s androids have been reactivated (see last issue). Just at that moment, the Thing is the victim of the first of many explosive forces. But, where are they coming from? He investigates the origin of the energy blasts to discover … a green-skinned alien!

Volstagg in “The Thief of Asgard“ written by Sholly Fisch art by Sam Grainger The Enchantress enchants Volstagg, implanting a mission in his mind. That mission? Steal the gem that Karnilla, Queen of the Norns, gave to Balder. The oafish Asgardian then embarks on a hazardous journey through distracting treasure (kegs of wine), dangerous terrain (winding stairways), and wild beasts (ok – it’s just a cat) – all to grab the emerald gem for the Enchantress. But, before he can hand off the jewel, it’s intercepted by his fellows: Hogun, Fandral and Balder himself. It appears that the voluminous one is not quite as stealthy as he’d like to believe.

The Wolverine/Ghost Rider feature was nearly a waste. It seems as if nothing significant happened. This Mrinhä spirit is quite powerful … I hope we learn what it is next issue (the conclusion). It appeared as if the FF story was not going to be one large story but this issue clearly sets that notion aside. The green alien looks like a mix between the Impossible Man and the Infant Terrible. Finally, the Volstagg feature was excellent! It was truly the most enjoyable MCP story I have read yet. To be honest, I don’t know if there is a more perfect Volstagg solo story. This captures the character’s self-congratulation brilliantly!

On Ebay: Marvel Comics Presents | Wolverine | Fantastic Four | Volstagg
On AtomicAvenue: Marvel Comics Presents | Wolverine | Fantastic Four

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: David Ross

Wolverine in “Acts of Vengeance” part 2 written by Howard Mackie art by Mark Texeira Wolverine follows the trail of Deathwatch’s men to Brooklyn where he discovers they’ve captured a young woman. He lunges into action to save her! Ghost Rider stumbles onto the scene and assumes that Wolverine is one of Deathwatch’s assassins. This results in a big battle between the two of them. At the end, they defeat each other and a mysterious figure stands above them.

Poison in “Vandals of the Heart” part 6 written by Steve Gerber art by Cindy Martin Poison threatens Dallas and Sally for their self-serving ways. Meanwhile, “Myrna” finds Trinity Joe and merges with him (she’d been inhabiting his mop) – she reveals her name is Mrinhä. Poison has an uneasy feeling that Mrinhä is also self-serving and will end up hurting Joe.

Fantastic Four in “Dark Dimensions” part 2 written by Robert Denatale art by Tom Morgan In this odd story, the Mad Thinker’s replacement Sue Richards android is re-animated. It seeks out the Invisible Woman and steals her memories/mind/persona – its new programming is so strong that it begins to think it is truly the original Sue. But, when a realization is triggered that it is not, in fact, the real Sue – it makes a surprising move and re-awakens the real Sue. Even though it means it will be reduced to an inert android again.

Starfox in “Wang Dang Doodle“ written by Peter Gillis art by Ernie Chan Starfox takes his girl, Heater Delight, on a vacation to the lavish planet, Kotzwinkle. Dark Roger, a previous potential suitor of Heater’s, has tracked her down in order to propose marriage … again. When she turns him down … again, he transports the club into the Caverns of Silence on a mystery planet. Don’t worry – he’ll bring it back once she changes her answer to “yes”. But, Starfox and his pal, Howlin’ Wolf, just ain’t gonna stand for it. So, the womanizing Avengers (he’s Thanos’ brother, too) and the legendary dead blues musician team up to take down the desperate suitor.

Well how about that?! The first meeting between Ghost Rider and Wolverine takes place in this very issue! Poison’s feature introduces some interesting questions about this Mrinhä that I truly hope are explained before it ends. The Fantastic Four and Starfox features are very skippable although, it should be noted that Howlin’ Wolf is a tribute to Chester Arthur Burnett.

On Ebay: Marvel Comics Presents | Wolverine | Fantastic Four | Starfox
On AtomicAvenue: Marvel Comics Presents | Wolverine | Fantastic Four

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: Mike Thomas with Klaus Janson

Wolverine in “Acts of Vengeance” part 1 written by Howard Mackie art by Mark Texeira In Madripoor, Logan gets caught up in a bar fight but gets out of it by upping the tough guy posturing. Over in Brooklyn, Dan Ketch is attacked by three rowdy drunks but rescued by his karate-trained friend, Jack D’auria. After the bar-fight, Logan is attacked by ninjas that look like the Hand. And, similarly, when Jack takes Dan to meet his sensei, they’re attacked by the same type of ninjas. Dan recognizes them as Deathwatch‘s goons – he transforms into Ghost Rider to defeat them. Why has Deathwatch sent his men after Wolverine? That’s what Logan intends to find out since his next destination is now New York.

Poison in “Vandals of the Heart” part 5 written by Steve Gerber art by Cindy Martin Foxy tracks down Trinity Joe and assails him with gunfire. Poison feels the attack through the psychic thread that binds her to Joe (although he is unaware it exists). A short time later, Trinity Joe shows up in the hospital – he’s still alive. And, at the Slug‘s estate, we discover that Joe’s magical mop has melted Foxy’s right hand! Through her connection, Poison feels that the mop (which Joe has named “Myrna”) is searching for him – it was left behind when he was taken to the hospital. Poison seeks out Sally and Dallas – to make them pay for their involvement in Joe’s misery.

Fantastic Four in “Dark Dimensions” part 1 written by Robert Denatale art by Mike Harris In a lab experiment, Mr. Fantastic is conducting an experiment with his molecular regenerator. Somehow, the device manages to deposit a naked, white-skinned humanoid right into his lab! He acts quickly to subdue the confused, distorted-looking being that has launched into attack mode – perhaps due to its strange, new surroundings. Reed creates a brain analyzer in the hopes of communicating with the being. It reveals that the creature brain’s is set up to process a completely different set of sense from humans. That infers that it comes from a universe completely different from ours. Ever the explorer, Reed can’t pass up the opportunity to look into such a strange, new place as he returns the being to its home.

Blade in “Vampires“ written by Marcus McLaurin art by Malcolm Davis What’s a vampire hunter to do once all the vampires have been destroyed (as they were in Doctor Strange #62)? Well, while his vampire-hunting partners (Hannibal King & Frank Drake) are out hunting the Darkholders, Blade goes on a talk show. But, the host, Tony Hubris Jr., is very skeptical about Blade’s claim that he played a part in destroying all vampires – let alone that vampires even existed. But, while he was on the show, Darkholders broke into the green room and stole his girlfriend, Safron. King and Drake burst onto the scene – they reveal the Darkholders have regained control of the Book of the Darkhold – it contains the spell that can unleash vampires on the world again. The spell requires a blood sacrifice – Safron’s capture begins to make more sense with that in mind. But, fortunately for Safron, Blade reaches them in time to stop her death.

The Wolverine/Ghost Rider story gets off to an interesting start – after all, what beef does Deathwatch have with Wolverine? After last issue’s set-up, it’s nice to see the Poison feature make some progress. I’m not sure where the Fantastic Four tale is going – it seems like it might be a series of spotlight stories … or, it might be one continuous story. I guess I’ll find out with next issue. The Blade solo was quite anti-climatic. I suppose it’s kind of hard to write a story about a vampire-hunter when all the vampires are dead.

On Ebay: Marvel Comics Presents | Wolverine | Fantastic Four | Blade
On AtomicAvenue: Marvel Comics Presents | Wolverine | Fantastic Four | Blade

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: Bret Blevins

Wolverine in “Sign of the Beast” conclusion written by Dwight Zimmerman art by Paul Ryan Sheik and his crew discover Archie Corrigan’s ripped up shirt on a bloody patch of ground and assume Wolverine has killed him. Left with their only other captive, Tyger Tiger, they continue to march through the jungle towards civilization. But, as they proceed, Wolverine begins picking off the assassins one by one. First Barrett … then Rhys … followed by the twins: Stump & Scarface. Finally, after Dumas runs off, Sheik is quickly defeated by Wolverine. Tyger Tiger has been freed from captivity and their friend, Archie reveals that he’s fine, too. His death was just a ruse to frighten the assassins.

Poison in “Vandals of the Heart” part 4 written by Steve Gerber art by Cindy Martin We’re introduced to Ferdinand “Foxy” Pertierra – an assassin who has just gunned down Weldon Leek. Meanwhile, Trinity Joe is warned that Foxy is going to be sent to kill him next, on orders from the Slug.

Scarlet Witch in “Separate Lives” conclusion written by Richard Howell art by Richard Howell Thanks to the assistance of her ancestor, Red Lucy, the Scarlet Witch‘s spirit has returned to her own time but she’s dismayed to find that her astral form hasn’t automatically merged with her physical body. She seeks out the Past Master‘s apartment and discovers he’s trapped her body within a mystical shield that keeps her spirit out. Summoning her mutant hex powers, she launches an attack on Past Master that causes him to dissipate the mystic shield – allowing her to merge with her body! But, by the time she’s re-acclimated herself to physical existence, the Past Master has made his escape.

Thor in “Horse Blood“ written by Len Kaminski art by Don Heck Thousands of years ago, a sixteen year old girl called out for help – her people consumed by a plague of darkness. In response, Thor descended upon the Earth – but not in time to keep her from being captured by the dark beings. As he entered the village, he discovered half of them had been turned into vampires! But, they are easily defeated – for a vampire burns at the touch of that which it worships … and Thor was indeed worshipped by the Norse people. However, there is a vampire amongst them that does not worship the Norse gods – one that claims he’s been known by many names through the ages: Baal (in Babylonia), Croatoan (in America) and Varnae (in Atlantis). In the Marvel Universe, he is often considered the first vampire – predating Dracula. The battle raged on into the night but Thor devised a plan to defeat the Lord of Vampires. Using his enchanted hammer, Thor opened a whirling vortex in the very fabrice of outer space, itself. Through the vortex, he was able to summon the pure light from the very surface of our sun – for no lesser light seemed to have an effect on Varnae. Forseeing his death, Varnae took his leave – rather than succumb to oblivion delivered by the sun’s rays. With the villain gone, Thor then turned the sun’s light on the Norse people – utterly destroying all of those who had succumbed to the vampiric curse. Well, almost all … 121 were left alive but they soon left their colony on the island of Roanoke, Virginia in search for their dark lord. The only thing they left behind? “Croatoan” carved into a tree…

The Wolverine tale was a quick rumble in the jungle episode that features him struggling with his bestial side but I think it’s easily topped by Blevins incredible front cover. How cool does Wolverine look there?! Poison’s feature was all set up and no pay off. The Past Master was quite a lame concept for a mystical villain – I’m happy to see this adventure over and done with. The Thor story was a very neat battle: the Norse God of Thunder vs the First Vampire! And, the icing on the top of that cake was the attempt to explain the mystery of the 121 missing English settlers from Roanoke, Virginia.

On Ebay: Marvel Comics Presents | Wolverine | Scarlet Witch | Thor
On AtomicAvenue: Marvel Comics Presents | Wolverine | Scarlet Witch | Thor

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: Paul Ryan

Wolverine in “Sign of the Beast” part 1 written by Dwight Zimmerman art by Paul Ryan In the wilds of Madripoor, Wolverine challenges a pack of dogs hunting a deer. In the skies above, a low-flying airplane zooms by. Logan recognizes the plane – it’s owned by his friend Archie Corrigan. Inside, Archie and Tyger Tiger are being held prisoner by Sheik and his crew (Stump, Rhys, Barrett, Dumas and Scarface). The prisoners are going to be brought to Sheik’s master – Abdul Alhazred. A scuffle breaks out and the airplane is brought crashing down but, everyone survives. Lost in his bloodlust, Wolverine makes his way to the crash sight, grabs Archie and flees into the jungle. Is he in control of himself? Has he rescued his friend or taken him away to be the latest victim of his animal nature?

Poison in “Vandals of the Heart” part 3 written by Steve Gerber art by Cindy Martin At the Slug‘s behest, a gunman is sent to threaten Trinity Joe into leaving Sally alone. Poison happens upon the scene and takes the merc down. With his trust earned, she gets to hear Trinity Joe’s story. About how he was offered a great banking job. How he was fired when he couldn’t, in good conscience, continue working on one of the bank’s biggest accounts for it belonged to Ulysses X. Luggman and the money coming in seemed suspicious (to say the least). About how his wife Sally left him when his financial surety took a dive. And, how his assistant, Dallas Kerr, took his job … and his girl.

Scarlet Witch in “Separate Lives” part 3 written by Richard Howell art by Richard Howell Red Lucy seeks out Valmoora the Seeress to free her of the Scarlet Witch’s inhabiting spirit. After collecting her payment (a handful of jeweles), Valmoora offer her assistance but first, Red Lucy will need the Stones of Merlin to complete the spell that will return Wanda’s spirit. Soon after, Red Lucy and her crew lead a raid on the Earl of Darwell‘s castle – for that is where the Stones are held. Within the castle, she is separated from her men from a fiery blaze summoned by the Earl’s demon protector. Harnessing Wanda’s mutant hex power, Lucy is able to defeat the demon. He stands revealed as a charlatan – not a demon at all but, rather, the Earl of Darnell, himself! Lucy grabs the Stones of Merlin and returns to Valmoora, who aids in sending Wanda’s spirit back to her proper time period. The knowledge of her future descendants inspires Lucy to call an end to her pirating ways … and her crew seeks out a new captain (the editor’s note implies that these are the same pirates seen in Fantastic Four #5 – that makes their soon-to-be-new captain Blackbeard [Ben Grimm – it’s another time-travel story]).

Deathlok in “Test Run“ written by Dwayne McDuffie with Gregory Wright art by Jackson Guice At Cybertek Weapons, Harlan Ryker introduces Mr. Burr to Deathlok – a super-soldier cyborg piloted by one of the country’s greatest fighting men, Colonel John Kelly. In his latest test, Deathlok is armed with a paintgun and set against twelve top mercenaries brandishing real guns. An internal struggle between Kelly’s brain and the computer causes the programming to fry the brain. And, when Deathlok runs out of paint ammo, his computer switches over to a lethal weapon. It seems that Cybertek has a few “kinks” to iron out with their Deathlok program as they begin to discuss finding a new brain for the cyborg.

This Wolverine story already seems better than the previous one – will he win out over his animal instincts? In the Poison feature, the Slugg gets a bit of a spotlight – showcasing his vile nature. It’s also rewarding to learn of Trinity Joe’s back story. Tying the Scarlet Witch feature into a classic silver age Fantastic Four issue was an easy way to get me more interested in the story. And, finally, this issue’s main importance comes from its final feature: the first appearance of Deathlok (the John Kelly version who later becomes Siege). Months later, the same writing team started up the Deathlok ongoing series and debuted another version of Deathlok (manned by Michael Collins’ brain). This story serves as a neat prelude to that series (which I’d recommend giving a read).

On Ebay: Marvel Comics Presents | Wolverine | Scarlet Witch | Deathlok
On AtomicAvenue: Marvel Comics Presents | Wolverine | Scarlet Witch | Deathlok