Marvel Comics Presents #95

MCP really seems to be all over the place at this point. One issue is a stinker. The next is brilliant and then the one after that is just okay. This is one of those ho-hum issues.

The Wolverine story set in 1800s Canada continues to entertain. Although we're dangerously close to seeing Logan's naked hairy butt, I think the artwork of Todd Foxx is actually pretty good.

The Ghost Rider/Cable story is getting a little long in the tooth. We're at chapter 6 and while I like this story, I'm also ready for the ride to end.

The Hulk story set in the days of Mr. Fixit is cute. But I think instead of Danny Fingeroth (Dazzler), I'd rather Peter David write it. I think the whole dynamic with the young boy meeting his hero but the hero being a grump just isn't connecting. It needs the finesse of a P. David or a David Byrne.

Lastly, I just have no recollection of this Frankie Raye version of Nova story. I really thought it was just a one-and-done story. Apparently, it was a multi-parter.

And don't get me started on the covers by Sam Keith. Neither are any good. I went with the Ghost Rider cover for this review just to spite the horrible hairstyle of Pioneer Wolverine.

Rating: 6 out of 10 stars.

Marvel Comics Presents #45

If you are going to own this issue, the reason why is the 8-page one-shot starring the Mr. Fixit Gray Hulk. That's because in this one shot story, the dream of every fan boy of comics and professional wrestling comes true. 

That's right! The Incredible Hulk takes on the Hulkster- Hulk Hogan. In a bizarre twist of art parallels real life, Mr. Fixit wrassles Hulk Hogan for the right to use the name Hulk!

 In real life, Marvel sued Terry Bollea for the name use of Hulk. In 1984, Marvel filed suit the WWF and Bollea. That's because up until that time, Hogan was going by the ring name of Incredible Hulk Hogan. In an agreement, Hogan had to drop the Incredible part. And he had to pay Marvel royalties for use of the Hulk part. 

By 1994, the Hulkster was tired of both the WWF and paying royalties. So shortly after going over to the WCW, the wrestler changed his name to Hollywood Hogan. He also turned from hero to heel.

This was a great story. One in which I am sure that Marvel didn't pay royalties to Hogan for using his likeness in a comic! 

A sure collector's item for any fan of pro wrestling!

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.

Marvel Comics Presents #38

The 25-chapter long Black Panther story 'Panther's Quest' is finally over. And T'Challa's replacement in Marvel Comics Presents is.... drum roll... Wolverine!

Big surprise.

Really, Wolverine. Again?

The story is interesting however. In the middle of Hong Kong, an entire city block has just disappeared. Something so big and sweeping doesn't seem to be Wolverine material. So I am intrigued to know where this one is gonna go. 

Wonder Man, Simon Williams, is the star of another multi-parter. The Avenger actor has been hired to portray the original android Human Torch in a major blockbuster. This is rather ironic since Wonder Man has a connection with the World War II era character in the creation of another Avenger, The Vision. 

Lastly, the Excalibur adventure comes to a close. The 80s Excalibur series was an wild ride and this conclusion is no different. Especially when the heroes create further Warner Bros. inspired android opponents to battle the Loonies. Too bad they didn't create Disney inspired characters. But I am sure such a thing would have been a lawsuit waiting to happen. 

With a Mr. Fixit one-shot rounding out the line-up, this was a pretty good issue. 

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.