Marvel Fanfare #57

 

Another great cover featuring Shanna the She-Devil. In part 2, Infantino’s no longer drawing the book. I guess after a 15-year hiatus, he had something else better to do. The art’s still very good as Shanna’s in a lot of hot water as only she can see what these 'Cat People' are really up to.

Then we’ve got a Monica Lambeau as Captain Marvel story that delves a little into her history as a policeman in the Big Easy. The story was gritty and the realism is a signature Marvel literary device. The art wasn’t as good in this tale. But it’s plotting and writing was far more superior to part two of Shanna’s adventures in LA.

Worth Consuming

Rating: 7 out of 10 stars

Marvel Fanfare #56

This issue marks the beginning of a 4 issue-spanning story involving Shanna the She-Devil. Though it has a similar premise of a young woman who becomes the female version of Tarzan, Shanna is not to be confused with Sheena, Queen of the Jungle. Though I swear the two could be sisters and nobody would blink an eye.

With art from the great Carmine Infantino, Shanna has arrived in LA to undergo therapy to control her wild jungle nature. But a trio of cat-people have a plan to turn Shanna and some of Tinsel Town’s B-listers into trained assassins.

 

The art is very good. But the story, originally drawn in the late 70s, this story never saw the light of day until now (circa 1992.) It’s the cover of this book that’s very visually stunning and an all-time fav.

Worth Consuming.

Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

Marvel Fanfare #55

 As a kid, I hated Power Pack. Now, as an adult, not much has changed. I always thought they had stupid names, stupid powers, and were extremely bratty. Some may say “But that’s how kids are.” Well, I didn’t go for it. Thankfully, the Pack gets some help from New Mutants guest stars Warlock and Magik. So, the first half of Fanfare isn’t a complete loss.

  Then in the second feature, Wolverine’s storyline about a wannabe Dr. Moreau is concluded. Some pretty great actions sequences and as always there is a poignant ending that preaches against hate, bigotry, etc. AND it’s not too overly preachy either.

  Not my ideal read. But it had some pretty good moments and the art in both features was quite good.

Rating: 6 out of 10 stars.

Marvel Fanfare #54

The Black Knight “trilogy” concludes with the former Avenger racing the clock in an attempt to broker peace between the crusading Christian and Muslim forces. However, our hero may find that the honor of a knight to a king is rarely reciprocated. (It also helps explain why Black Knight returns to the modern day after living out his dream to be a real medieval knight.)

Then in perhaps the most shocking twist, X-Man, Wolverine has been delegated to the second string slot. His story, involving a family kidnapped for the purpose of being turned into human/animal hybrids, isn’t the lead. In fact, even the front cover is devoted to the Black Knight at not Logan. I would’ve thought surely Marvel would’ve wanted to spotlight their star mutant.

Worth Consuming.

Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.

Marvel Fanfare #53

Part 2 of the Black Knight’s multi-issue story has the Avenger uncovering a plot to kill Richard the Lion-Hearted. However, his protective ways have just made him the target of a very powerful Arab warlord.

Then there’s a fantastic Iron Man story with a brilliant twist. Told in the perspective of 2 alien bounty hunters, we see their attempts to capture ole Shellhead. The aliens speak “English” and it’s Tony Stark’s dialogue that is all in gibberish. I wonder if what he says was ever really translated. I’d love to know what he had to say. It’s a very funny story.

Worth Consuming.

Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.

Marvel Fanfare #52

This issue kicks off a really awesome multi-part story about the Black Knight’s stint as a soldier during Richard the Lion-Hearted crusade in the middle ages. The story is chop full of adventure and the art and coloring are amazing.

There’s also a Doctor Strange story that’s not bad either. Though I am not sure why he went as Stephen Sanders for a time, I liked this tale of his attempt to free a fellow sorcerer from the snare of black magic. It’s pretty powerful stuff with a shocking ending.

Worth Consuming.

Rating: 9 out of 10 stars

Marvel Fanfare #51

Though it doesn’t go right out and say it, this Fanfare is devoted to a never before used “What If…” With the Watcher as host, we see what might’ve happened if the Silver Surfer stopped a Kree invasion during his exile on Earth.

Silver Surfer’s not exactly one of my favorite superheroes, so I don’t understand much of what’s going on or what should have happened. The art was very good. There’s some great cameos and fantastic action sequences. I am also very happy with the ending.

A must for Surfer fans or like myself, a true devotee to the What If… franchise.

Worth Consuming.

Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.