Thursday, May 19, 2022

Marvel Comics Presents #101

After an epic centennial issue, a quartet of new stories and segments appear in between the Sam Kieth illustrated flip covers.

The X-Man Nightcrawler is summoned back to the circus he called home in Old World Germany. Seems that some strange things have been happening. As a back-up, Kurt Wagner calls upon Wolverine to assist in the investigation. 

Ghost Rider begins a team-up with the Sorcerer Supreme, Doctor Strange, to take on a demon called Gorn. And we're not talking about the reptilian alien race from Star Trek!

In the lone single issue segment, The Punisher takes on a gang of gun runners. This story had a very powerful message that involves a youth torn between following the straight and narrow or the luxurious life of a thug. Fantastic Ron Marz (DC Vs. Marvel Comics) scripted tale!

Then we've got a multi-parter starring characters called the Young Gods. This diverse team of heroes is kinda like a third rate version of the Eternals. Since the Celestials are involved, I think I'm kinda right about my summation. Maybe they're second rate. Dunno.  

Otherwise, an ancient evil has awakened on Earth and the Young Gods have asked the Celestials for the chance to save their former home planet. The ancient ones allow them to intervene. But should they fail, they will die and die really brutally. 

I normally am a fan of Gerry Conway (Superman). But I felt like the story was a little contrived. Really riding on the coat tails of the great Jack Kirby here. But the artwork of Tom Sutton (Amazing Adventures) was fantastic. The men each looked like an Adonis. The women are drawn like super models. Definite early 90s eye candy.

An uneven mix of stories. A pair are really good. One, pretty forgettable. And another only superior in terms of art appeal.

Rating: 6 out of 10 stars.

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