Marvel Comics Presents #170

I never really cared about the Iron Man villain known as the Mandarin. I just never found his quest for world dominance all that compelling. But after having read the second chapter of his quasi-origin story in the pages of this comic, I feel like I am a little more sympathetic to the character but not much.

In this story, the Mandarin is fighting psychic manifestations of his past selves. While he takes a deadly trip down memory lane, the villain is reminded of the woman who got away. Her story reminded me a lot of Anakin Skywalker and Padme Amidala, if that tells you anything. Clearly, I am much more sympathetic towards her...

The Mandarin's story doesn't quite end with his allotment of 8-pages. The Force Works team is back with another one-and-down segment. But once again, the team is more of the second string than featured players. The main character of this segment is a cyber-genius by the name of Suzi Endo and the Mandarin might have a considerable amount of interest in the girl. Remember the ill-requited love who got away from the Mandarin? Well Suzi Endo might be related to that woman and the prospect of such has got the villain thinking some very icky things...

In a new Vengeance multi-parter, the events in Los Angeles with the Revengers has got Michael Badilino thinking that he needs therapy. Enter Doctor Leonard Samson. Expect this couch trip to be anything but normal.

Then in the lone one-shot story, the Native American hero Red Wolf defends the tribal leaders of a Native American owned casino from the Maggio; the Marvel Universe's version of the Mafia. The last appearance of Red Wolf resulted in an unforgivable number of deaths (small, adorable animals). Thankfully, there's no loss of life in this story- 4-legged or otherwise.

A fairly decent issue. Not the best Marvel has to offer. But at least all 4 segments had something to offer me in terms of enjoyment. 

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 7 out of 10 stars.