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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: 1990 | Cover Price: $1.25 | Cover Artist: Richard Howell

Wolverine in “On The Road” conclusion written by Michael Higgins art by Dave Ross Wolverine and the Mimic unite to take down the rampaging Hulk before he destroys Seattle. But, a mysterious signal sootsh the beast and he transforms back into Bruce Banner. The three then follow the signal to discover the Mimic’s father’s lab. A holographic image of the deceased man appears but, it taxes the lab’s energies and dissipates. Mimic’s father had devised the lab so that it would help him control his powers. Unfortunately, the lab only has a certain range – and Mimic would like to not be bound. He’d also like to be in control of himself. And, at Wolverine’s suggestion, Mimic embarks upon a trip to Japan to study the art of meditation in his search for control.

Poison in “Vandals of the Heart” part 2 written by Steve Gerber art by Cindy Martin In this issue, we get a taste of all our major characters’ lives. Cecilia Cardinale (aka Poison) sends her boy off to school. Sally’s husband Dallas heads off to a meeting with Luggman (aka the Slug). Trinity Joe is skulking around … with his mop in hand. And, later, at his meeting with the Slug, Dallas asks for him to take Trinity Joe out of the picture.

Scarlet Witch in “Separate Lives” part 2 written by Richard Howell art by Richard Howell With her spirit sent back in time by the Past Master, the Scarlet Witch finds herself in the body of her ancestor, Red Lucy Keough – the Pirate Queen. It is 1587 and Red Lucy is leading a raid on a Spanish ship with a cargo full of spices, silks and pearls. When she decides to spare the life of the crew she has raided, her men turn against her. Led by Aaron, they claim she’s gone soft and is no longer fit to lead. But, Aaron is quickly defeated and Red Lucy makes it clear that they will no longer kill the men they plunder from. Months later, Red Lucy steals away from her ship to ther Normandy Coast. There, we discover that she has two young children that are watched by a caretaker named Vivienne. As she returns to her ship, she’s ambushed by a group of men led by the very first Spanish captain whose life she spared. Tapping into the Scarlet Witch’s mutant hex powers, she’s able to defeat the men.

Dr. Strange in “the Librarian“ written by Peter Gillis art by Chris Tsuda When visiting a library, Doctor Strange discovers that the librarian is an old flame of his, Marjorie Brink. The two take off for lunch to catch up – and Marjorie reveals that she thinks she’s immortal. She can’t gain weight or muscle, her hair hasn’t grayed and she heals quickly. This discovery has led her to many attempts at ending her life – to no avail. Doctor Strange summons up a vision of her future – wherein she is mankind’s last hope. Showing her this massively important moment in her life gives her the strength to continue living – even though she’s cursed to live forever.

The Wolverine/Hulk/Mimic story was extremely contrived and very uninteresting – although, it was an important part in the Mimic’s continuity. Scarlet Witch’s time-travel story seems to be turning into a non-important snoozer. Poison was the most interesting – it offered a lot of character development. The Doctor Strange feature took a very bizarre turn when exploring the future but, in the end, it tried hard to be an inspiring story.

On Ebay: Marvel Comics Presents | Wolverine | Scarlet Witch | Doctor Strange
On AtomicAvenue: Marvel Comics Presents | Wolverine | Scarlet Witch | Doctor Strange

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: Kieron Dwyer

Wolverine in “On The Road” part 7 written by Michael Higgins art by Dave Ross After a brief tussle between Wolverine and Mimic, the three (Hulk being the third) of them all get on the same page and hitch a ride with the people from the beginning of this story. Once they arrive in Seattle, the Hulk loses it. He hops on top of the Space Needle to start his rampage.

Poison in “Vandals of the Heart” part 1 written by Steve Gerber art by Cindy Martin A man called Trinity Joe is playing vigilante in the city. Tonight he has killed two men who were torturing a stray dog. Afterwards, he calls his ex-wife, Sally, to tell her about it. She isn’t happy to hear from him – she threatens to tell Dallas he has called, and then she hangs up. Poison calls upon Joe to explain about Sally and Dallas but he shrugs her off. Poison won’t just let this lay since she senses an inner strength within him that piques her interest.

Scarlet Witch in “Separate Lives” part 1 written by Richard Howell art by Richard Howell The Scarlet Witch has traveled to Harvard University to research some antique texts in the Houghton Library. After the library closes, she meets Professor Alder Revery – he invites her to his place to see his collection of books that fit within her research. But, when he gets her to his residence, he traps her within a mystic force shield. This professor of all things past is largely opposed to progress and things of the future – including those products of the “Nuclear Age” – Mutants! And, as he reveals himself to be the Past Master, he sends her spirit back in time to merge with her ancestor.

Captain America in “The American Way“ written by John Figueroa art by Tom Lyle Captain America discovers that Senator Tate has been setting things up in Central America so it appears that the Communists there are leading terrorist attacks on the U.S. And, when Tate sets up a staged assassination on himself, Cap steps in to save him – but, his actions only serve to further Tate’s agenda. Sometimes it seems there’s just no way of defeating political manueverings.

Now that the mystery villain has been revealed in the Hulk/Wolverine feature, the story reverts back to an uninteresting and contrived mess. I’m impressed that Gerber got his character, Poison, her own feature (and an 8-parter, no less!) since she had only been seen once before! I’m usually quite interested in his work but, the story hasn’t grabbed me just yet. As for the Scarlet Witch’s tale – it’s gotten off to a cheesy start. The “Past Master”? Really? Sounds like a villain created in the 1970s … not the 1990s. Cap’s story is short but poignant. Is there no defeating politicians and what they’d have us believe? It poses a truly interesting question that will take longer to answer than this 8-pager can even begin to solve.

On Ebay: Marvel Comics Presents | Wolverine | Scarlet Witch | Captain America
On AtomicAvenue: Marvel Comics Presents | Wolverine | Scarlet Witch | Captain America

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: Brad Vancata

Wolverine in “On The Road” part 6 written by Michael Higgins art by Dave Ross The mysterious Wolverine imposter reveals to the Hulk that he is … Calvin Rankin! That’s the Mimic, for those of you in the dark. He recounts his life as the Mimic – from the development of his powers, to joining the X-Men, to his near-death at the Hulk‘s hands. And, finally, his story leads to his regeneration by absorbing Wolverine’s powers. He surmises that his new, permanent state is a result of absorbing Wolverine’s powers in combination with the Hulk’s gamma radiation. And, as his story concludes, Wolverine finally catches up with them.

Werewolf in “Children of the Beast” conclusion written by Len Kaminski art by James Fry In the Silver Dagger‘s raid on the Braineaters, his strike force (the Sword of the Lord) destroys the werewolf pack with silver bullets. Enraged by the senseless death of the werewolves, the Werewolf by Night takes on Silver Dagger, himself. Biting him in the neck! Normally, this would infect the victim with lycanthropy but, now that Jack Russell is in control, he can control the passing. And, he decides not to infect Silver Dagger … but, the Sword of the Lord doesn’t realize this. So, assuming Dagger has been infected – they turn on their former leader! Meanwhile, Jack Russell rides off into the night with a new purpose in life: find others who have been touched by the paranormal and help them adjust.

Sub-Mariner in “Neptune’s Eye” conclusion written by Robert Denatale art by Mike Collins Namor and Sandra emerge from Neptune’s Eye and return to their base, to discover it has been ravaged! Venturing further, they find Sandra’s comrades have fled into a sub-aquatic rover that is surrounded by creatures from the Eye. It seems that the closer the old man gets to death, the more frenzied the creatures become. They blame humans for his impending death but, their rage is quelled when Namor displays the amulet to them and recites his incantation. The old man’s embrace of his destiny inspires Namor to get over the death of his beloved Marrina.

Punisher in “the Real Thing“ written by Marcus McLauren art by Dan Reed Mr. Ling sets the Punisher up by having him follow a false trail in order to unleash his men on the elusive vigilante. He even enlists a young boy to enter the scene to distract the Punisher. The Punisher must work through all of Ling’s enforcers and save the boy, before the mobster can kill him (after all, Ling can’t have any loose ends that point back to him, can he?).

The Wolverine/Hulk story has now revealed the mystery villain: the Mimic. This story marks his return to the Marvel Universe since his supposed death in the Incredible Hulk #161 (cover date: March 1973). As Werewolf By Night’s story concludes, it sets up a new direction for the character. It could have led to a very interesting ongoing series, with Jack Russell helping out other Marvel Monsters – but, alas, it wasn’t to be (although, he’ll return in future issues of MCP). My hopes for the Namor feature to be about exploring an unknown undersea world have been dashed. In the end, it was more about getting over the death of Marrina than finding a new locale. Punisher’s 8-page story was absolutely forgettable but the art was decent for the time.

On Ebay: Marvel Comics Presents | Wolverine | Werewolf | Sub-Mariner | Punisher
On AtomicAvenue: Marvel Comics Presents | Wolverine | Werewolf | Sub-Mariner | Punisher

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: Dave Cockrum

Wolverine in “On The Road” part 5 written by Michael Higgins art by Dave Ross After a big battle between the Hulk and the imposter Wolverine, the copycat retreats and the gray behemoth is able to release the hostages. Later, the Hulk catches up with the villain and discovers his true identity – but is shocked by it, because he’s supposed to be dead!

Werewolf in “Children of the Beast” part 5 written by Len Kaminski art by Jim Fry Bloody and beaten from his fight with the Braineaters, Werewolf By Night finds the nearest hole and crawls in to rest. And, as his body recuperates, his alter ego’s spirit has an out of body experience. Or is that in body experience? His consciousness and the wolf’s come to an agreement. Instead of this constant warring, they come together – Fusion. The Werewolf emerges from the desert cave healed and complete – for the first time! The Braineaters return for round two but, in a surprise attack, all of the werewolves are gunned down by the Silver Dagger and his strike force – the Sword of the Lord.

Sub-Mariner in “Neptune’s Eye” part 2 written by Robert Denatale art by Mike Collins Inside Neptune’s Eye, Namor and Sandra discover an underwater pocket of air – although “pocket” indicates a small area … but this is like a whole new world! After a minor disagreement separates them, an old man appears and grabs Namor’s attention. The mysterious man reveals he’s dying and the sea is reacting in turmoil – as are the strange creatures that reside in Neptune’s Eye. He gives Namor an amulet that is intended to serve as a sign to the humans to depart from the Eye – to keep them safe from it.

Iron Man in “Neutralizing Effects“ written by Steve Ditko with Hollis Bright art by Steve Ditko After a guard fell asleep on the job, Iron Man was dispatched to a research lab to make sure it was still secure. But, an armored thief has broken in, overpowered Iron Man, and stolen the top-secret Energizing Module. Since knowledge of the Module was limited to a handful of people, Tony Stark suspects a traitor in his company so he charges Pepper Potts and Happy Hogan with the task of outing the turncoat. When Pepper turns up a lead, Iron Man jumps in to investigate and finds the villain (who he’s taken to calling the Neutralizer). Using his new technology, Iron Man is able to counteract the Neutralizer’s armor and reveal his true identity – someone on the Stark board!

The Wolverine/Hulk feature plays to its strengths in this issue: battle and mystery. Just who is this mystery copycat villain? Hopefully it’s revealed soon. This new merger of man and beast presents some interesting opportunities for character growth – assuming the werewolf will survive the attack by the Silver Dagger! The old man in the Namor story has caught my interest – I hope they’ll delve into who he is in the next issue. And, finally, I was prepared to be totally turned off by Ditko’s Iron Man story but it was actually fun in a “Silver Age” way – it even takes place early on in Iron Man’s career (he’s in his Mark II armor).

On Ebay: Marvel Comics Presents | Wolverine | Werewolf | Sub-Mariner | Iron Man
On AtomicAvenue: Marvel Comics Presents | Wolverine | Werewolf | Sub-Mariner | Iron 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: Dale Keown

Wolverine in “On The Road” part 4 written by Michael Higgins art by Dave Ross Logan wakes up in Springfield General Hospital after his seeming death at the hands of the police (in between this and last issue). Meanwhile, the Hulk is driving a car he stole right out from under the police’s noses when he hears over the police band that a man has hostages holed up in a pharmaceutical factory – and the man fits Wolverine’s description. Hulk rushes to the scene to confront the man who looks like Wolverine – complete with crazy hair and claws – but isn’t Wolverine. However, the man hints that he and the Hulk have met in the past.

Werewolf in “Children of the Beast” part 4 written by Len Kaminski art by Jim Fry Layla reveals why she was referring to Jack Russell as “dad”. Years ago (back in Werewolf by Night #6), she and the rest of her pack (“the Braineaters”) challenged his territory. Jack, in werewolf form, tore through them – when they came to, they realized they had inherited his “blood gift”. And, while Jack still hasn’t accepted his lycanthropy, the Braineaters revel in it! It is this dangerous, revelry that has attracted Silver Dagger’s condemnation. This embrace of evil has also turned off Werewolf by Night – as the moon rises and Jack gives into the beast, he rages against the group. And, when the moment presents itself, he runs away from the pack – an outcast among his own kind.

Sub-Mariner in “Neptune’s Eye” part 1 written by Robert Denatale art by Mike Collins Mourning the loss of his beloved Marrina, Namor ventures near Neptune’s Eye – a violent and dangerous whirlpool raging in the Atlantic Ocean. As he ponders delving into its mysteries, a nearby underwater film crew is attacked by sea beasts. Namor comes to the rescue but not in time to save Peter. He brings the survivor, Sandra, back to her base to meet with the leaders of her project. They reveal that they’re part of a joint international project that has come to Neptune’s Eye to determine if they can tap it as a new energy source. Sandra Rains, who was commissioned to film the project’s work, convinces Namor to lead an expedition right into the eye. Unfortunately, she can’t convince the rest of the project to join them – so it looks like it’ll be a small team: just her and Namor.

Black Cat in “The Crown Jewel Caper“ written by Dwight Zimmerman art by Mike Harris The Black Cat has been hired to find the lost Crown Jewels of France but she soon discovers she’s been set up as her shady dealings have landed her in hot water with the local police. She uses her physical prowess and good luck powers to get away and then figures out a way to get back at the man who set her up.

The Wolverine/Hulk feature still hasn’t gotten any better but the promise of a mystery identity of the villain has piqued my curiousity. I’m still enjoying the Werewolf feature and I really dig that it ties into his previously established continuity. Sub-Mariner’s story looks like it might be a neat adventure filled with a mysterious locale and strange deep sea creatures. The Black Cat story was completely forgettable and had poor, unfinished-looking art. Fortunately, the cover features work by a more accomplished artist.

On Ebay: Marvel Comics Presents | Wolverine | Werewolf | Sub-Mariner | Black Cat
On AtomicAvenue: Marvel Comics Presents | Wolverine | Werewolf | Sub-Mariner | Black Cat

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: Steve Lightle

Wolverine in “On The Road” part 3 written by Michael Higgins art by Dave Ross Logan wakes to find himself imprisoned but, he quickly busts out. His body is in immense pain and he tracks down large amounts of pain killers to stop it. Meanwhile, Bruce Banner has been picked up by four teenagers in a red convertible. When they get caught speeding, Bruce tries to flee the scene but he’s picked up by the local police. On their way back to base, they’re called to another scene by the dispatcher. When they arrive, they discover Logan has been surrounded by police – they think he’s wanted for murder. And, as the sun sets, Banner turns into the Hulk, who rushes to Wolverine‘s side.

Werewolf in “Children of the Beast” part 3 written by Len Kaminski art by Jim Fry As the Silver Dagger lunges in for the kill, Jack Russell transforms into the Werewolf By Night. Sensing the potential killer’s outfit covered in actual silver, the Werewolf runs off into the woods with Silver Dagger chasing behind. Wounded and exhausted, the Werewolf passes out but not before his eyes are met by a large pack of werewolves with the female in front referring to him as … her father?!

Stingray in “Family Matters” conclusion written by Len Wein art by Jim Fern Stingray attempts to dig his wife out from the collapsed cavern but his suit doesn’t have the strength left to do it alone. His only hope is to convince Tiger Shark to help by reaching the human side of the villain that he has been trying so hard to suppress.

Speedball in “Any Number Can Play“ written by Steve Ditko with Jo Duffy art by Steve Ditko Springdale has an ordinance against costumed heroes and villains but, Speedball doesn’t seem to give it much credit. Nor do the masked men he’s just discovered each with unique mask displaying different die configuration (one, two, three, four, etc). They also appear to be double-crossing each other – Trio is killed first! Can the Masked Marvel defeat the others and leave the scene before the police show up? You betcha!

I’m still not convinced that this Wolverine/Hulk story will be all that interesting, let alone coherent. Werewolf by Night got kicked up another notch – I’m really interested to see if this is an actual daughter or “figurative” offspring. After Stingray’s less-than-appealing story last issue, this one really makes up for it and shows a side of Tiger Shark that we don’t often see. And, finally, Speedball was pretty terrible. After suffering through all ten issues of the Masked Marvel’s ongoing series, I thought I’d never have the displeasure of reading another Ditko-Speedball story. Unfortunately, I was wrong.

On Ebay: Marvel Comics Presents | Wolverine | Werewolf | Stingray | Speedball
On AtomicAvenue: Marvel Comics Presents | Wolverine | Werewolf | Speedball

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: June Brigman

Wolverine in “On The Road” part 2 written by Michael Higgins art by Dave Ross Thinking that the Hulk has the size advantage, Wolverine launches into an attack. And, after a quick romp through the woods, the two discover that they’re really fighting over nothing. They split a meal in the forest and then return to the nearest town. Bruce Banner starts to hitch a ride but Wolverine is stopped by the nearby gas station attendant who suspects Logan is a wanted murderer.

Werewolf in “Children of the Beast” part 2 written by Len Kaminski art by Jim Fry The next morning, Jack Russell decides he needs to do something about his lycanthropy. He trades a patch of his werewolf fur to his pal, Zontar, in return for Lemarchand’s Mourning Call. Within the parcment lies a powerful spell that he hopes will cure his curse. Using the spell, he calls forth the spirit of his father who reveals that he cannot bid rid of the werewolf. However, he does reveal that lycanthropy can be honed so that a finer balance can be struck between man and wolf. And, as his dad’s spirit departs, Isaiah Curwen (the Silver Dagger) kicks in Jack’s door!

Stingray in “Family Matters” part 3 written by Len Wein art by Jim Fern Stingray finds his wife and her kidnapper (her brother, Tiger Shark) in a cavern formerly used as a headquarters by Doctor Dorcas. Unfortunately, during their battle, part of the cave collapsed – on Diane!

Collective Man in “The Sons of Mary Tao-Yu“ written by Scott Lobdell art by Greg Laroque The Collective Man‘s request to leave his military base was denied – so he highjacked a helicopter and made his escape to visit his dying mother. Moments after he arrives, Ho Ti (the self-proclaimed god of happiness) shows up to take the Collective Man back to his superiors. But, the Chinese hero’s love for his mother overcomes Ho Ti’s commands.

Unfortunately, the only feature that really caught my interest was the Werewolf by Night tale. The other three were pretty bland – although it was neat to see the Collective Man featured in his own solo story. The Wolverine/Hulk story seems to be all over the place (and not in a good way) and it’s really hard for me to believe that Stingray can survive a one-on-one fight against the crazed killer, Tiger Shark – let alone hold his own.

On Ebay: Marvel Comics Presents | Wolverine | Werewolf | Stingray | Collective Man
On AtomicAvenue: Marvel Comics Presents | Wolverine | Werewolf

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: Dave Ross

Wolverine in “On The Road” part 1 written by Michael Higgins art by Dave Ross The rest of the world thinks the X-Men are dead but Wolverine knows better and he’s ventured to the Carolinas to find them. On the road, he rescues a man from a bear attack but the ungrateful man wanders off into the woods. Wolverine decides he can’t leave the man alone so he chases after him to discover .. the Hulk!

Werewolf in “Children of the Beast” part 1 written by Len Kaminski art by Jim Fry Jack Russell (the Werewolf by Night) wakes from a nightmare to find himself in the Howling Room. That’s the cage he locks himself in during the full moon to prevent his lycanthropic curse from getting out of hand. As the moon’s light shines down through the metal bars, he transforms into the werewolf. Finding itself chained, the beast begins to gnaw its own arm off to escape – but, it’s quickly knocked unconscious by the thorazine that Jack took just prior to transforming. Meanwhile, a puritan named Isaiah Curwen has made his way to the city and decided that the monster named Jack Russell has to die.

Stingray in “Family Matters” part 2 written by Len Wein art by Jim Fern As Stingray is talking to Tiger Shark (in the hopes of him releasing his hostage, Stingray’s wife), the Guardsman comes to and launches a sneak attack on the villain. We’re then treated to quite a battle! But, the inexperienced heroes are ultimately defeated by Tiger Shark who takes his hostage and flees the scene. After he hooks the Guardsman up to the facility’s life support system, Stingray sets out to find Tiger Shark – and more importantly, his wife!

Shroud in “The Dark Light of Kali“ written by Steve Ditko with Hollis Bright art by Steve Ditko At a new exhibit, the Shroud notices that a woman (named Firefly) is attempting to smash the Kali statue. The Shroud, believing it to be the actual Statue of Dark Powers, steps in to prevent the destruction. Firefly exhibits light powers that disorient the Shroud and allows her to get away. Later, we find out that the Cult of Kali murdered her family – and she seeks revenge on the Cult’s High Lord: Krago. The Shroud recognizes Krago as an abuser of Kali and attempts to join forces with Firefly – but, it appears that she would rather die than ally herself with the Shroud for she believes him to be as evil as Krago.

The Wolverine vs Hulk feature seems open to lots of possibilities right now. They look like they’re about to square off but, that could just be a dramatic cliffhanger ending. I’m interested to see how this will progress. Werewolf by Night’s feature was very cool. Kaminski did a wonderful job of portraying Russell’s fears of becoming the werewolf AND the werewolf’s disdain for his human side. This was really enjoyable and I’m excited to see how this story pans out. Stingray’s feature was a big battle but little actually happened in those eight pages. And, with the final story, I find yet another Steve Ditko feature that fails to truly capture my interest (ever read Speedball? *snooze).

On Ebay: Marvel Comics Presents | Wolverine | Werewolf | Stingray | Shroud
On AtomicAvenue: Marvel Comics Presents | Wolverine | Werewolf | Shroud

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

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: Rich Howell

Wolverine in “the Wilding” part 2 written by Rob Liefeld with Fabian Nicieza art by Rob Liefeld Wolverine stakes out Wildchild’s apartment and discovers that Heather Hudson has stopped by. She’s looking for Wildchild, too – after reading reports of a killer on the loose. Once inside the building, Wildchild sneak attacks her and knocks out her costume’s circuitry – leaving her powerless. Luckily for her, Wolverine leaps to her rescue. After a brief tussle, Wildchild makes a hasty retreat, betting that Wolverine will stay behind to see to Heather’s wounds. He gets her to the hospital where her injuries are treated in time to save her – now, the hunt is on!

Comet Man in “A Family Affair” part 3 written by Bill Mumy with Miguel Ferrer art by Kelley Jones Comet Man uses his recently-honed “thought pitching” ability to bring his son out of his catatonic state. Back in Los Angeles, Max uses his powers to gain fame and fortune on television, in concerts and in Major League Baseball! Now that everything seems to be going well, Comet Man has one last mission: to take down his brother, the Superior. And, when Max comes to visit, he reveals that Jonathan is actually the Superior!

Rick Jones in “Last Resort“ written by Rich Howell art by Rich Howell Rock Star, Rick Jones, heads to San Juan, Puerto Rico to enjoy a quiet vacation. But, when he discovers Mr. Cansino (he owner of the inn he’s staying at) is getting the shakedown from four goons in animal masks, he can’t help but get involved. Rick proves to Cansino that crime can be fought without flashy costumes and super-powers.

Hulk in “Kids Will Be Kids“ written by Ron Wilson art by Ron Wilson Alien kids playing games in space cause an asteroid that is twice the size of our planet, to be put on a head-on course for Earth! Utilizing experimental anti-magnetic jet-propelled fortified rocket springs (no…. seriously), the Hulk leaps into space to smash the asteroid into tiny bits. Upset that he diverted the collision, they beam him onto their ship and send one of their giant robots to fight him for more entertainment. After smashing the robot, he yells at them for endangering an inhabited planet. The aliens, ashamed that they neglected to check for lifeforms, bring the Hulk back home before racing back into space for their next round of games.

OK – This is kind of weird. So Comet Man’s sister ran off to be with her new boyfriend, Jonathan. This issue, it’s revealed that Jon is actually her brother! Talk about a Luke & Leia thing going on! Wolverine’s tale had some action but it looks like next issue’s will have much more. The Rick Jones story was a fun story – and the Hulk’s tale reminded us that kids will be kids … no matter what alien species they are. It also reminded me that writers will come up with the lamest ideas to get their protagonist somewhere they normally wouldn’t be able to go. Super-Springs sending the Hulk into space? Really? Yeesh!

On Ebay: Marvel Comics Presents | Wolverine | Comet Man | Hulk | Rick Jones
On AtomicAvenue: Marvel Comics Presents | Wolverine | Comet Man | Hulk