Marvel Comics Presents #6

If you've ever wondered how Wolverine came to utilize the Patch persona, this story set in Madripoor is the origin story you've been looking for. Having read some of Logan's exploits as his alter ego, it's really cool putting those pieces together with this storyline.

Speaking of alter-egos- the one-and-done fourth story involves the Incredible Hulk as that Vegas tough, Mr. Fixit. I've really wanted to read some of this era of Hulk lore. This story involving a version of the Hulk completely unknown to me was a pleasant surprise. 

The Man-Thing story is still very odd and yet really good. 

The Master of Kung-Fu story is still a bit of a chore to read. But! The cliffhanger has peaked my interest. So hopefully the forthcoming penultimate chapter will not disappoint! Fingers crossed but expectations are low.

Killer wraparound cover utilizing the biological abilities of Man-Thing!

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.

Marvel Comics Presents #5

Thanks to an energy vampire, Wolverine is in some of the worst shape I have ever seen the mutant in this side of the live action Logan film.

With Man-Thing, things are getting even more weirder with this cult of Satan worshipers who have accepted the muck monster as a demonic answer to their prayers. Still not sure what they've got to do with selling weapons to fund rebels in South America. But I just can't put these 8 pages down!

I hate, Hate, HATE the Master of Kung-Fu story. An old frienemy of Shang-Chi's has joined forces in hopes of rescuing an old flame. But the kidnapper's overall objective, which involves selling drugs to fund rebels in South America is just too freakin' similar to the Man-Thing story. Why didn't the editors wait on this story until after the Man-Thing saga wraps up?

Lastly, in the 8-page closer, Daredevil comes across a teenager, mangled to a pulp, in an alley. The boy claims that someone is trying to kill him. The Man Without Fear persuades the lad to seek out Matt Murdock for help from the tormentor. But who the lawyer discovers is behind the stalking will shock everyone- including this reader!

Three very solid stories. And then there's the Master of Kung-Fu. Such a disappointment. Especially, considering how much I was looking forward to this tale. But I push on...

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.

Essential Doctor Strange, Vol. 2

This second volume of Doctor Strange stories were published from 1968-72. The Comics Code is beginning to relax it's rules on horror. During this time period, vampires, ghouls and demons are no longer on the no-no list. And Marvel Comics embraced these loosened guidelines with a gusto!

In volume 1, Doctor Stephen Strange battled demons like Dormammu. But those arcane foes were more outlandish like a Doctor Doom or The Red Skull. Their motivation was more power hungry than occultish. Now, we see the Master of the Mystic Arts take on the cultists who worship Doctor Strange's arch-enemies.

I like horror comics. But demons and devils just isn't my thing. And this collection is chock full of fallen angels. But, the stories were still pretty compelling as they are masterfully written by the likes of Roy Thomas and Gerry Conway. Artwork by Gene Colan and a host of others was rather good too.

I love the B&W beauties. But I found a print problem among the last dozen or so issues of the first series of Doctor Strange books. Those issues were originally illustrated and colored as a sort of reverse negative with white ghostly outlined renderings of either the hero or his opponents looming over the action. As a result, the retouch team had to reverse the negative yet again in order to be printed without color. This not only whitewashes the art, the excessive inks turn lovely streamlined works of art into blobbish works of art. 

Remember that fresco of Jesus that some lady did a poor job retouching to the effect than the Christ looked more Muppet than Son of Man? That's what happened with those covers.

Along this time period, Doctor Strange was cancelled. Maybe the readers didn't like the newer, darker approach. It wasn't for almost 3 years until Strange would return to print in the first 10 issues of Marvel Premiere. When he does show up, his foes become even more demonic. But by now, the renaissance of Marvel Horror titles had gained full steam and it seemed that an America now enthralled by William Peter Blatty's Exorcist were ready for a more mature Doctor Strange. 

Will the world be ready for another Doctor Strange title? Find out in volume 3!

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 7 out of 10 stars.