Marvel Comics Presents #172

We're down to the last 4 issues of MCP. Things kick off with the debut of a brand new character called Lunatik. Created by Keith Giffen, Lunatik is hundreds of millions of years old. The last of his race, because he consumed all of his planet's people, animals and resources, Lunatik now travels the galaxy as a mercenary with little scruples and a love of space dolphins. 

Yeah, you heard me. Space Dolphins and if that little clue reminds you of a big bad bastiche from the pages of the Distinguished Competition, then reward yourself with a few credits from petty cash. Keith Giffen created the character of Lobo in the pages of Omega Men #3 (1983) and his origin reads an awful lot like that of Lunatik's. Though Lobo did come first, mind you. 

One thing very different between Lobo and Lunatik is that Lunatik has a sidekick. Skreet is a chaos sprite who acts a little bit like Lunatik's conscience as well as his secretary and bookkeeper. Illustrated by Giffen and inked by Charlie Adlard (The Walking Dead), Skeet is kinda punk and kinda alluring. But for Lunatik, as good intentioned as Skreet is, she's a boil on his backside.

Vengeance appears in a single issue story set in San Francisco. In this episode, Badilino and his task force are responding to reports of a super-powered killer in the City by the Bay. It might just be the extremely misguided vigilante, Foolkiller, behind the murders. Or there could be something even more sinister in the works...

The other two segments are POV stories from members of Force Works. Despite last issue being told that we needed to by the latest issue of Force Works to learn how the team survives the crash of the Pegasus, the stories here pick up immediately after the accident. Miraculously and shamelessly, everyone survives. This leads to U.S. Agent going off on his own, half-cocked of course, to stop the Mandarin while the Scarlet Witch tends to the injured.

While the Force Works stories follow the same formula of one incident told from 2 perspectives, neither is framed from a Point of View like in the last issue. I think omitting such a concept takes away from the unique theme of the Force Works stories.

The Vengeance story was kinda comedic. Though the loose ending scares the pants offa me. I don't really know what to think of the Lunatik story. It's classic Keith Giffen fare. But it also  looks a lot like a Lobo swipe...

A good issue that just has some flaws to it.

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 8 out of 10 stars. 

Marvel Comics Presents #171

There are only 5 issues left of Marvel Comics Presents. But I don't really feel like the creators are pulling out all the stops just yet. But that doesn't mean that this wasn't a thrilling issue.

Michael Badilino is undergoing a therapy session with Doc Samson. This happens to take place at a top level facility for mentally ill patients with super powers. A blackout results in one very troubled patient getting free and going rogue. Enlisting the help of Vengeance, Doc Samson has to make one very important house call.

In a one-shot story, one of my all-time favorite characters returns. That's right! It's Nick Fury, Agent of SHIELD. In this adventure, he's in Alaska where there are reports of a Hydra base that's doing their very best- and worst- to create their version of a super solider!

The second half of this issue is rather interesting. It's comprised of 2 single issue stories that tell of 1 event but from two points of view. The first POV is that of War Machine. The second is of the Force Works team. Both parties are in Hong Kong fighting the Mandarin and his minions. Rhodey is more directly involved with the villain while Force Works are in the air in their armored transport vehicle, the Hex-Ship Pegasus. The ship has been damaged and it's going down fast and in flames!

I liked the idea of having 1 battle told from 2 points of view. I would have rather liked to have seen the Mandarin's take on this battle instead of Force Works. Plus, I am irked because that segment ends with readers having to grab the next issue of Force Works in order to find out what happened to the Pegasus crew.

Having Badilino going to therapy and having Vengeance have to help Doc Samson was pretty cool. I had a feeling this was going to happen last issue. So, I wasn't quite surprised. But really, was anybody shocked when the Ghost Rider popped up to help save the day?

Lastly, I loved the Nick Fury story. But once again, he's squandered to just 8 pages. Why can SHIELD have a lengthy multi-parter in the pages of MCP? How can anybody hate Nick Fury? This sort of perceived slight is going to affect my rating...

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 7 out of 10 stars.

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.

Marvel Comics Presents #169

There are 3 new segments in this issue. 

First up, fans get the answers to some of their long posed questions about the history of Iron Man's arch-enemy, the Mandarin. As with the back story of any good villain, it's tragic and maybe a little sad. It's enough to elicit a little sympathy above all else.

The other two stories are single-issue 8-pagers. 

The first one stars It, the Living Colossus. I always thought that the character was a golem. But there's a bit more to that. It is a construct of Communist Russia that was imbued with powers after an aborted alien invasion. Somehow after that episode (and probably countless others), the Living Colossus wound up at a Hollywood movie studio and became a sci-fi B-movie star. In this issue, a disgruntled SFX wizard claims to have the newest greatest thing in movies and has his creation challenge It!

The second one-and-done issue has the Force Works team back on duty. The last story was supposed to have the Julia Carpenter Spider-Woman as the feature but the rest of the team had as much a part of the story as she did. Here, Force Works is listed as a featured player on the cover. But again, that's just not quite right. The main feature is a new character called Century. He's an alien construct that claims to be ageless and may know the future. There's a lot of action in this story but it has a ending that requires buying the latest issue of Force Works and those kind of gimmicks irk me to no end!

Rounding things up is the latest Vengeance multi-parter. So I remembered a part of this story wrong. The Revengers aren't in New York. They're in LA and they're causing so much havoc, that War Machine, whose base of operations is in the City of Angels, has taken on the gang himself. Badilino has traveled to Cali in hopes that Vengeance can reel his gang of devotees in. But in true Marvel fashion, War Machine thinks that the Ghost Rider is their leader and a battle of titans ensues.

I would probably rate this issue higher if not for the staff behind the Force Works story requiring readers to get the rest of the story in another book. MCP kinda did this with the 4-issue Midnight Sons epic crossover. But I understood that premise from the start. Here, I was unceremoniously told of needing to buy whatever corresponding issue of Force Works for the rest of the story. I just hate such surprises! It's one of the few things about comic books that I absolutely loathe!

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 7 out of 10 stars. 

Marvel Comics Presents #168

The Revengers: a cult-like gang that dresses as the spirit of vengeance, Vengeance. They've spread throughout the Big Apple like a virus, issuing their own warped sense of justice not just on criminals but their victims as well.

These guys kinda remind me of those vigilante followers of Batman in 2008's The Dark Knight. I wonder if this Vengeance story was in some way an inspiration for those guys to director Christopher Nolan. Regardless if that was the case or not, I'm liking the Revengers inclusion in this Vengeance heavy story that also stars War Machine!

The Julia Carpenter Spider-Woman story comes to a close in this issue and I'm very glad. The plot of a deranged paramour threatening to shoot up the school in which Julia's daughter attends should Spider-Woman reject him is just something that hits way too close to home. Just to clarify, the part about a school shooting is what triggers me. Not the part about having a stalker.

There are 2 one-shot stories that complete this issue's line-up. The Inhuman Blackbolt must choose between the safety of his people or whether to take the life of a group of humans that threaten to disrupt the relative anonymity of the Great Refuge. 

The other 8-pager stars the Asgardian Valkyrie, Brunnhilde. For some reason, Valkyrie has gone the Dr. Bruce Banner route and is wandering around the world. Well it's a good thing she is as the Asgardian warrior stumbles upon a Chinese village being held captive by a despot wielding a set of mystic gems that control the very elements of the earth!

I really didn't feel much of a connection to the 2 short stories. The Inhumans tale was wonderfully illustrated by Jeff Moore (Avengers). But it seemed like a plot that could have been solved much more differently and with much less stress. I honestly don't remember anything about Valkyrie's story. I had to look it up just to do this review. 

The Vengeance story is great. I feel like War Machine's presence is really uncalled for. But the love triangle and terse working environment between Badilino, Sam Buchanan and Rebecca Taylor is worth the price I paid for this issue. 

And yes, I am thankful that the Spider-Woman story came to an end. However, I feel like Marvel should have framed this more as a Force Works story than a Spider-Woman story. It's like the opposite of the New Warriors story that only starred one member of the team. What the heck was going on with the editing team during this stage of MCP's run?

Rating: 6 out of 10 stars.

Marvel Comics Presents #167

After spending the past few issues trying to kill each other, Michael Badilino and Sam Buchanan find themselves both on the NYPD's paranormal task. Add to the fact that both Badilino and Buchanan have the hots for teammate Rebecca Taylor, you know that things are going to run smoothly for the two. 

In the first chapter of the newest Ghost Rider epic, a seedy televangelist is rising public fervor against the demonically powered Vengeance. But on the flip side, a new gang of rowdies that are devoted to the Spirit of Vengeance, called the Revengers, have taken to the streets of the Big Apple. Dressed as the Ghost Rider, these guys enact their own form of vengeance against those who wronged others.

The Man-Thing story comes to an end. After several very good Marvel Horror style chapters, the last chapter got really philosophical. There's a lot of symbolism in this finale and I am sure that a lot of it is the author Simon Jowett's (Black Axe) way of journaling some of his insecurities and fears as a creator of words. At least I understood most of the ending...

The Turbo story also comes to a close. It was only a 2-parter. But it was such an entertaining two-parter that was very wacky. I would've been okay if this story had continued for another couple of chapters. 

Lastly, the Julia Carpenter Spider-Woman is dealing with a stalker who is taking her rejections out on the populace through a series of sniper attacks. Now Carpenter's daughter (and subsequent school) have been named as the next planned assault and Spider-Woman and her Force Works allies must race to find the killer and save her child!

Every story was engrossing enough to have something that I enjoyed. After a very rocky start, I keep finding the character of Vengeance and especially alter-ego Michael Badilino to just keep getting better and better. The Man-Thing story had that gothic antebellum edge that makes me a fan of the character. I'm just not real big on symbolism. The New Warrior Turbo romp could have extended for several more issues. But man, what a fun ride. As for the Spider-Woman story. It's a great psychological thriller. However, being a teacher, I'm finding that the subject matter of mass shootings and potential school violence hitting a little too close to home.

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 7 out of 10 stars.

Marvel Comics Presents #166

4 very thrilling chapters comprise this issue. 

First up, Ted Sallis is getting the chance to live the life he would have lived had he not been tragically transformed into the Man-Thing. Meanwhile, the Man-Thing, now completely devoid of any humanity, wanders aimlessly through a creepy Southern mansion, killing indiscriminately. 

The tag-team duo of Mike Jeffries and Mickey Musashi, who together make up one member of the New Warriors, Turbo, are back. This time, it's Mike's turn to wear the Torpedo costume. A band of alien warriors have come to earth to claim the costume. Too bad it's Mickey who's the brawn of the outfit and nowhere near this super-powered outfit...

In another opening segment, the Julia Carpenter Spider-Woman is the main star. On a brief respite from Force Works, Carpenter has obtained a stalker who promises to do something drastic if the heroine doesn't promise to become his lover.

Lastly, it's a showdown between Vengeance, Psiphon and Sam Buchanan in the closing segment of this Ghost Rider tale. There's an unexpected shift in allegiances here. One that promises to make Badilino's time on the Paranormal Law Enforcement Team hellish for issues to come. 

The Man-Thing story is extremely meta. It's the sort of thing I'd expect of Grant Morrison or Alan Moore. But this is Marvel and not Vertigo. The Turbo story is hilarious. But it could really use some Slapstick. I thought the Vengeance story was a thrill a minute. Those stories have gotten better now that they seem to focus a little bit more on Vengeance's alter-ego, Michael Badilino. 

As for the Spider-Woman tale, its source material of a deranged admirer willing to turn sniper at a local shopping center is just too realistic for 2022 audiences. In 1994, this was still fairly far-fetched stuff even though Mark David Chapman and John Hinckley Jr. were only 15 years prior. Sadly, nowadays, this sort of stuff seems like a daily occurrence. And as a school teacher, it just hits too close to home.

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.

Marvel Comics Presents #159

As the Vengeance story comes to a close, 3 new segments appear in this book. Two are the beginning of multi-parters. One is a one-and-done short story.

The Vengeance story is on fire- literally! As great as the female Spirit of Vengeance known as Phantome is; this 4-parter is her only appearances in the MCU. Why hasn't she returned? This is a matter CB Cebluski needs to fix right away! Bring Phantome back and I'll start buying new issues of Ghost Rider monthly!

The Hawkeye story is actually more of a U.S. Agent and Force Works story. Hawkeye has gone rogue for some reason. Force Works has the chance to bring him in but they refuse. That is except for U.S. Agent who goes all half-cocked and decides to find the Avenger/Thunderbolt/former circus performer on his own.

The New Warriors story actually has New Warriors in it this time. First of all, I hadn't realized that the Namorita/Kymaera story had ended last issue. Oops. But it appears that having the whole team around makes for a much better story. Plus, Slapstick the living cartoon is involved! This looks to be a fun one!

The single issue story stars one of my personal favs- Nick Fury. Again, I don't understand why Wolverine gets over 100 issues of appearances and Fury only gets an occasional one-shot here and there. But it seems that the head of SHIELD can do about a dozen issues worth of action and adventure in just 8 short pages. Kudos to writer Glenn Greenberg (Star Trek: Untold Voyages) for making me feel like I experienced a blockbuster spy thriller with one of my absolute favorite characters!

An all-around fun issue. Full of action but nothing too preachy or sentimental for once. Plus, NO WOLVERINE!

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

Marvel Firsts: The 1990s, Volume 2

The 1990s was a touch and go time for Marvel. Believe it or not, the House of Ideas almost went belly up. It filed for bankruptcy and actually needed DC's help to bail it out. So for all of you who hate DC, just remember if not for the owners of Superman and Batman, who knows if Marvel would still be in existence???

Anyways, there was just as many terrible ideas and stories coming out of Marvel as there were successes. For every Venom or Web of Spider-Man there was The Nightstalkers or Beowulf. X-Men titles dominated but there were so many different X-series, the market was really over-saturated. Yet Cable, Gambit and Generation X managed to overcome the glut of mutant related titles to give the Uncanny X-Men a run for their money. 

There were a few glimmers of hope during the 90s. Iron Man got a chance to be a legitimate team leader with Force Works. Blade got his own solo title right before Wesley Snipes made him a household name. And though not as funny or self-deprecating as he was now, Deadpool was given an early chance to shine thanks to Fabian Nicieza, Wade Wilson's lesser known co-creator. 

Some of these stories were first appearances. Some were first issues of already established characters. And a few were of either completely or partially brand-new teams of heroes or even villains. It was a wild time for Marvel and this edition captures a large chunk of some of the more bizarre works from the Bullpen.

This isn't exactly my favorite time period of not just Marvel but comics in general. Yet, I want the other volume in the series. And for historical (and money saving) purposes, I plan on keeping this volume even if it's wasn't the greatest read of all-time.

Rating: 6 out of 10 stars.

Force Works #8

   I wouldn't have bought this book if I didn't find it in a bargain bin and if it wasn't a holiday themed comic. I've never heard of this comic until now, though a couple of the characters on the cover looked familiar to me- especially Iron Man. Since this is a team that I've never encountered before, I assumed that maybe the Iron Man on the cover was Rhodey and not Tony Stark. But that's not the case.

    The Iron Man on the cover is the real deal original model. So, why's he with this team and not say the Avengers? Well, this comic takes place right after the break-up of the West Coast Avengers (and subsequent cancellation of the series) in 1994. Something happened that caused Tony Stark to dissolve the Pacific branch of the Avengers. Along with Iron Man, the Scarlett Witch, U.S. Agent, and Spider-Woman II gave up their Avengers credentials and formed this team. Marvel Comics of the early to mid-90s is one of my weaker periods of comic book history knowledge and I really don't have a clue what went wrong and caused the end of the Avengers West Coast. But I know from this comic, what I read now has me very intrigued.

   In this issue, the Force Works team hosts a holiday party in hopes of patching things up with the Avengers and members of Stark Enterprises. When an uninvited visitor breaks into the team's headquarters, it's up to the reader to decide if the guest is friend or foe. The reveal was actually pretty cool and it just added to the fire of my interest in learning about this overlooked realm of the Marvel Universe.
 I'm so very glad I didn't pass this book up! You shouldn't either.

   Worth Consuming

   Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.