Category: Marvel Comics

Main Feature Written by Bill Mantlo, with Chris Claremont & Bonnie Wilford. Main Feature Art by Sal Buscema; Mike Esposito; Jim Novak; & Hugh Paley.

Back-Up Feature Written by and Art by Alan Kupperberg, with Bob Sharen & Rick Parker.

Cover Art by Todd McFarlane.

SUMMARY:

Entitled “The Lords of Light and Darkness!,” the first half of 1976’s Marvel Team-Up Annual # 1 is reprinted in Marvel Tales # 235.  Reprinting the story’s second half, Marvel Comics released this issue for April 1990.  In a remote section of the Nevada desert, Spider-Man and the X-Men (Professor X; Cyclops; Phoenix; Storm; Nightcrawler; Wolverine; Colossus; & Banshee) probe the irradiated disaster zone that was once the top secret government facility dubbed ‘The Nest.’ 

Upon their abduction by unstable cosmic beings, the heroes’ fate lies with Jean Grey/Phoenix, as her vast powers are sought by their captors.  For Spidey and his allies, it’s soon desperation time to save Earth from destruction.  An epilogue for this tale subsequently appears in Issue # 262 (as its original source would be Marvel Team-Up # 53). 

In a five-page back-up feature, Peter Porker the Spectacular Spider-Ham becomes the all-mighty Captain Zooniverse.   

Note: An image of artist Dave Cockrum’s cover image for Marvel Team-Up Annual # 1 isn’t included.

REVIEW:

As contrived as the plot is, it’s still a fun read, mostly due to Spidey’s likable chemistry with the X-Men.  The visuals are far closer to sufficient than anything remarkable.  Like the previous issue, Todd McFarlane’s cover image is the artistic highlight.  Re: the Peter Porker tale, the artwork is far better than its eye-rolling bore of a script.  Overall, for a good Spider-Man/X-Men crossover, Marvel Tales # 236 is a likely keeper. 

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The full-page “Bullpen Bulletins” column includes a profile on Marvel assistant editor Danny Fingeroth.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                       6 Stars

Note: Marvel Tales # 234 is also recommended, as Spidey’s guests are the original X-Men (Cyclops, Marvel Girl, Iceman, & Angel, as the Beast makes a cameo appearance). 

Main Feature Written by Bill Mantlo, with Chris Claremont & Bonnie Wilford. Main Feature Art by Sal Buscema; Mike Esposito; Jim Novak; & Hugh Paley.

“Slay Ride!!” Written by and Art by Fred Hembeck, with Paul Becton.

“Spill the Beans!” Written by and Art by Fred Hembeck, with Bob Sharen.

Cover Art by Todd McFarlane.

SUMMARY:

Reprinting the first half of 1976’s Marvel Team-Up Annual # 1, Marvel Comics released this issue for March 1990.  It’s entitled “The Lords of Light and Darkness!”  In a remote section of the Nevada desert, a top secret government base dubbed ‘The Nest’ suffers a catastrophic radiation-related disaster.  At least eight scientists present are presumed dead. 

Sometime later, The Daily Bugle’s Peter Parker and the undercover X-Men (Professor X; Cyclops; Phoenix; Storm; Nightcrawler; Wolverine; Colossus; & Banshee) are present aboard a jet passing overhead to monitor a week-long, airborne scientific conference.  A mid-air emergency forces the heroes to save the jet’s other passengers.  Now stranded, their predicament leads them to investigate the irradiated slag heap once known as ‘The Nest.’  The story’s conclusion is reprinted in Marvel Tales # 236. 

Notes: It’s Spider-Man first-team-up with this generation of X-Men.  An image of artist Dave Cockrum’s cover image for Marvel Team-Up Annual # 1 isn’t included. An epilogue later appears in Marvel Tales # 262 (as its original source is Marvel Team-Up # 53).    

In two three-page comic strips, Marvel humorist Fred Hembeck depicts ‘Petey, the Adventures of Peter Parker Long Before He Became Spider-Man.’  First up is “Slay Ride !!”  Armed with snowballs, Flash Thompson and his pals intend to ambush an unsuspecting Petey at Thrill Hill.  Unbeknownst to the bullies, Petey and a chauffeur come into the crossfire pulling an injuring J. Jonah Jameson to work on Petey’s sled.  In “Spill the Beans!!,” Flash & Liz scheme to use Petey’s math wizardry to win a bean-counting contest.  

REVIEW:

Though Bill Mantlo’s script struggles to give its large cast all something to do, this storyline is still an entertaining read.  In particular, his prologue’s noir-like narration is well-played.  Re: the visuals, the art squad deliver reasonably good work considering how many characters are involved.  As this issue’s highlight, Todd McFarlane’s cover image adds some extra Marvel magic. 

Re:  the two back-up comic strips, suffice to say, they’re mildly amusing.  Above all, the chemistry between Spidey & the classic X-Men is well-played, making Marvel Tales # 235 a welcome find.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The full-page “Bullpen Bulletins” column includes a profile on Marvel assistant editor Marie Javins.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:             7 Stars

Note: Marvel Tales # 234 is also recommended, as Spidey’s guests are the original X-Men (Cyclops, Marvel Girl, Iceman, & Angel, with the Beast in a cameo appearance).   

Main Feature Written by Marv Wolfman. Main Feature Art by Keith Pollard; Mike Esposito ‘& Friends’; Jim Novak; & Bob Sharen.

Back-Up Feature Written by Danny Fingeroth. Back-Up Art by Alan Kupperberg; Joe Albelo; Rick Parker; & Bob Sharen.

Cover Art by Todd McFarlane.

SUMMARY:

Reprinting 1980’s The Amazing Spider-Man # 203, Marvel Comics released this issue for November 1989.  Entitled “Bewitched, Bothered, and Be-Dazzled!,” Spider-Man encounters a rookie Dazzler (Alison Blaire) for the first time.  Initially suspecting Will-O-The-Wisp, Spider-Man soon deduces that Lightmaster intends to escape his extradimensional prison. 

Worse yet, for a captive Dazzler, Lightmaster is siphoning her light-generating energies as a recharging source.  Battling a mind-controlled Dazzler, Spidey must find a way to save her and still thwart Lightmaster’s scheme.   

Meanwhile, Peter Porker, the Spectacular Spider-Ham stars in the first half of a two-part cliffhanger entitled “Cult of Dolts.”  Attempting to rescue his friend, Betty, from a villainous cult, Spider-Ham risks becoming its next mesmerized recruit.

Note: A reprint of Frank Miller’s cover image for The Amazing Spider-Man # 203 isn’t included.

REVIEW:

If Marvel hadn’t mentioned the story’s actual source, one would have thought this is an old Marvel Team-Up.  The script is average, but the art squad does a nice job illustrating Marv Wolfman’s formulaic storyline.  The only gaffe in Todd McFarlane’s eye-catching cover is the lame humor identifying Dazzler as a ‘mutant’ and Spidey as ‘non-mutant,’ as if that topic even matters here. 

Re: the four-page Spider-Ham caper, for non-fans, consider it a shrug.  If anything, Spidey team-up fans (and/or fans of Dazzler’s original persona) will find Marvel Tales # 230 delivers a solid, kid-friendly read.      

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The full-page “Bullpen Bulletins” column includes a profile on Marvel editor D.G. Chichester.        

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                     6 Stars

Written by J.M. DeMatteis

Art by Sal Buscema; Joe Rosen; Bob Sharen; & Rob Tokar

Cover Art by Sal Buscema

SUMMARY:

Entitled “Falling!,” Marvel Comics released this issue for April 1993.  After playtime with the original X-Men (Cyclops; Jean Grey; Beast; Iceman; & Angel) aboard a secret base plummeting out of orbit, Spider-Man hitches a train ride back to New York City. 

Peter Parker’s day deteriorates after an argument boils over with his newly-returned ‘parents’ in Aunt May’s presence.  Returning home, Peter is stunned to find his wife, Mary Jane, chatting with their new downstairs neighbors: Harry Osborn and his young family.  Heavily sweating, an unsteady Harry’s reassurances that all’s well after his unexpected release from prison creeps Peter out. 

Despite Peter’s good intentions, another ugly argument sends Mary Jane storming out for fresh air (ironically, she’s chain-smoking cigarettes).  Peter, suspecting the worst of his ex-best friend, fails to find a sickly Harry resting at home.  Simultaneously, a déjà vu cliffhanger leaves Mary Jane in a dangerous predicament.        

REVIEW:

Aside from the brewing ‘Peter’s parents’ angle, this issue is a mostly blah updating of much better 1970’s Spider-plots, i.e. teasing the Green Goblin’s imminent return.  Punctuated by Spidey & the Beast’s eye-rolling quips, the tiresome X-Men sequence is actually as likable as Issue # 199 gets.  At least, the X-Men’s guest spot concludes with a nice send-off by Jean Grey thanking their longtime Spider-friend. 

As a whole, though, neither the middling script from J.M. DeMatteis nor the art squad’s adequate visuals (i.e. the cover image) merit a second look.  Especially distasteful is depicting Mary Jane casually puffing away in close proximity to Harry & Liz Osborn’s young son, as not even Peter bothers to reprimand her.  Though perhaps it’s meant to demonstrate her occasional vice, Issue # 199 sure doesn’t illustrate an oblivious Mary Jane (facially resembling Jean DeWolff’s chain-smoking) in a responsible light.  While the Peter/Mary Jane argument is tensely played, it’s also one of their most unappealing appearances together as a married couple. 

Another oddity is that neither Peter nor Mary Jane express concern (even if only in a thought bubble) re: little Normie Osborn II bashing around his Spider-Man toy, as if he’s a future super-villain in early training.  Whatever chuckle DeMatteis may have meant by this inference only exacerbates an awful sequence.        

Suffice to say, as far as terrific Spidey/X-Men crossovers go, The Spectacular Spider-Man # 199 isn’t one of them.            

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

There’s a full-page “Bullpen Bulletins” column.  The “Spectacular Spider-Mail” letters-and-answers column include a half-page cover reveal for Issue # 200.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                  3½ Stars

Written by Reginald Hudlin

Art by Billy Tan; Jon Sibal; Avalon’s Ian Hannin; & VC’s Cory Petit

Cover Art by Steve McNiven

SUMMARY:

Entitled “Wild Blue Yonder, Part V of VI,” Marvel Comics released this issue for October 2005.  At The Daily Bugle, Peter Parker is advised by Reed “Mr. Fantastic” Richards the truth re: Ethan Edwards’ vast super-powers.  Confronting a confused Ethan, Spider-Man is no position to pursue him, let alone subdue someone reminiscent of a certain red-caped Kryptonian.  Fleeing to his adoptive home of Hicksville, Iowa, an emotionally distraught Ethan faces off vs. the Fantastic Four. 

Meanwhile, Spidey must contain super-powered drug users experiencing the illicit concoction the Owl is now peddling.  This designer street drug is in fact the Absorbing Man’s own residue.  Seeking vengeance on his opportunistic ex-boss, “Crusher” Creel (aka Absorbing Man) is yet another bloodthirsty threat on the loose.  The question is: who finds the Owl and his razor-sharp claws first?      

REVIEW:

Aside from the loathsome Absorbing Man drug-related angle, writer Reginald Hudlin’s scripting is still remarkably good.  Not only does he coherently juggle a Superman homage, a solid Fantastic Four guest spot, and two feuding villains, Hudlin keeps Spider-Man squarely in the middle of “Wild Blue Yonder.” 

Though faltering a bit from prior issues in this storyline, the art squad’s visuals are still sufficient.  Hence, Marvel Knight Spider-Man # 17 delivers a satisfying read for adult fans.        

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Including the last issue’s cover image, the first page summarizes “Wild Blue Yonder” to date.  Included are cover reveals for both Black Panther # 7 and Marvel Knights Spider-Man # 18.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                    7 Stars

Written by Reginald Hudlin

Art by Billy Tan; Jon Sibal; Avalon’s Ian Hannin; & VC’s Cory Petit

Cover Art by Steve McNiven; Mark Morales; & Molly Hollowell

SUMMARY:

Entitled “Wild Blue Yonder, Part II of VI,” Marvel Comics released this issue for July 2005.  With his conniving female accomplice, “Crusher” Creel (aka Absorbing Man) intends to collect the bounty The Owl has issued on Spider Man.  Elsewhere, at Avengers Tower, a wounded Spider-Man angrily confronts Wolverine after he is gut-stabbed during a New Avengers (Spider-Woman; Luke Cage; Iron Man; & Captain America) workout session.  Spider-Man accuses his teammate that this petty attack is retaliation for Peter witnessing Wolverine hitting on his wife, Mary Jane.  Peter is later consoled by Mary Jane & Aunt May.    

Later, a still-recuperating Peter and his mild-mannered Daily Bugle colleague, Ethan Edwards, stumble upon one of Creel’s ruthless mob raids that The Owl sends him on.  Battling Absorbing Man, Spider-Man witnesses a masked Ethan’s stunning super-powers in action.  Peter ominously realizes that his own secret identity has been compromised.

REVIEW:

Well-scripted by Reginald Hudlin, this issue coherently juggles multiple sub-plots that take some interesting twists.  The art squad’s terrific visuals complete a satisfying read.  Though its mob violence quotient and some drug inferences aren’t kid-friendly, Marvel Knights Spider-Man # 14 is a welcome catch for adult Spider-fans.    

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Including Issue # 13’s cover image, the first page summarizes “Wild Blue Yonder” to date.  Cover reveals are provided for Black Panther # 4; X-23 # 6; and Marvel Knights Spider-Man # 15.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                         7½ Stars

Written by Jim McCann

Art by David Lopez; Alvaro López; Nathan Fairbairn; & VC’s Cory Petit

Cover Art by Paul Renaud

SUMMARY:

Released by Marvel Comics for September 2010, this issue is entitled “Ghosts, Part 2: Rumors of Death.”  Elements of Bobbi Morse/Mockingbird’s murky past are revealed.  Eight years before, a flashback depicts the future West Coast Avenger and S.H.I.E.L.D.’s Nick Fury discussing the logistics of faking her death to protect her mother and brother. 

In the present-day, ex-husband Clint Barton/Hawkeye’s well-intentioned efforts to surprise Bobbi with a family reunion initially proves a poignant disaster.  Unbeknownst to Bobbi and Clint, the Phantom Rider’s vengeful ghost now inhabits his female descendant Jaime Slade’s soul.  Worse yet, Ms. Slade is in league with their old foe: assassin William Cross/Crossfire.  With the W.C.A. providing tactical support, Hawkeye is intent on taking down Crossfire that same night   

Hawkeye desperately tries to reach Bobbi during a heavily-armed raid she thwarts with Dominic Fortune.  In a cliffhanger,  Bobbi’s mother (who possesses her own family secrets) may be the next victim in a very personal grudge.   

REVIEW:

Issue # 2 delivers well-played Marvel entertainment.  Revisiting a pivotal ‘80s West Coast Avengers storyline that initiated Mockingbird and Hawkeye’s eventual divorce, writer Jim McCann has concocted an appealing storyline thus far.  More specifically, McCann smartly integrates Bobbi’s unexplored past and the Phantom Rider vendetta in plausible fashion (vengeful ghosts, aside). 

Equaling and possibly surpassing McCann’s scripting is the art squad’s high-caliber artwork.  For fans of Hawkeye & Mockingbird, the second issue of their shared title is a ‘can’t miss’ prospect. 

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

From the top-secret ‘W.C.A. Files,’ there’s a single-page roster of character synopses for Hawkeye; Mockingbird; the current Dominic Fortune; Crossfire; and Jaime Slade.  A single-page letters-and-answers column overs a cover glimpse for Issue # 3.  Including a cover page, the New Avengers guest-star in a six-page preview of Shadowland # 1.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                             8 Stars

Written by Ta-Nehisi Coates

Art by Brian Stelfreeze; Laura Martin; VC’s Joe Sabino; Manny Mederos; & Rian Hughes

Cover Art by Brian Stelfreeze

SUMMARY:

Released by Marvel Comics for July 2016, this standard-length series opener is entitled “A Nation Under Our Feet, Part 1.”  Having resumed his throne, King T’Challa witnesses his beloved Wakanda besieged by rising internal strife.  T’Challa’s step-mother reluctantly approves the death sentence for Aneka: the ex-captain of the Dora Milaje.  T’Challa vows to kill the mysterious sorceress fomenting hatred within Wakanda. 

During explosive chaos at the prison, Aneka escapes with her lover Ayo’s  help.  Donning the Midnight Angel armor prototypes, Aneka & Ayo initiate their own renegade game plan amidst the insurgency.  Believed dead, Shuri’s potential resurrection is hinted.       

Note: There’s an array of variant covers.  These artists include: Stelfreeze; Olivier Coipel; Felipe Smith (image included at the back of this issue); Alex Ross; Skottie Young; Sanford Greene; Ryan Rook; & Disney Interactive.

REVIEW:

Geared for ardent Black Panther fans, Ta-Nehisi Coates’s vision has impressive potential.  Rather than an onslaught of mindless action or stupid dialogue, Coates’ intelligent approach depicts Wakanda on the brink of civil war.  There’s no mistaking that this story arc exudes the welcome asset of unpredictability.  Coates’ novel-like vision is equaled by the art squad’s stunning visuals. 

All said, this Black Panther # 1 not only continues the character’s tradition of provocative storytelling, but it further ups this franchise’s game.  Suffice to say, Coates’ first try at comic books is top-caliber.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Reminiscent of DVD/Blu-Ray extras, this section redefines what goodies can be found in a comic book.  The first page is a standard synopsis setting up this first issue.  Once well into the story, the credits are artistically depicted black-and-white across a two-page spread.  In the back, there’s a thoughtful message from Coates re: setting up a future letters-and-answers column.  Following it, an interview of Stelfreeze by Marvel.com’s TJ Dietsch discusses his collaboration with Coates, including some sketch work samples for this new series. 

To celebrate the character’s 50^th anniversary, upcoming Black Panther variant covers are previewed for six different series (one per month between January and June): Ultimates # 3; Power Man and Iron Fist # 1; Hyperion # 1; Black Panther # 1 (by artist Felipe Smith); Punisher # 1; and New Avengers # 12.  It’s noted that the July through December covers will be announced at a later time.  Finally, there’s a classy creator bio page for Coates; Stelfreeze; Martin; and Sabino.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                       9 Stars

Written by Brian Michael Bendis

Art by Stuart Immonen; Wade von Grawbadger; Justin Ponsor; & VC’s Cory Petit

Cover Art by Stuart Immonen & Richard Isanove

SUMMARY:

Marvel Comics released this untitled issue for April 2008.  At a nighttime beach party with Peter Parker and his school buddies, guests Bobby “Iceman” Drake & Johnny “Human Torch” Storm are present witnessing Liz Allen burst into flame.  Having abruptly discovered her own mutant powers, a bewildered Liz (now resembling a female Human Torch) flees. 

After Iceman takes off to calm Liz down, Peter discovers that his own secret identity isn’t exactly a secret anymore.  Working together, teenagers Spider-Man & Iceman console Liz.  A surprise encounter will continue this Ultimate X-Men crossover into the next issue.  

Notes: This issue is reprinted in Ultimate Spider-Man, Volume 20: And His Amazing Friends (for the arc of Issues # 118-122).  Also, it’s mentioned that Liz’s fiery transformation has rendered her nude, but Marvel’s artwork stays clean.

REVIEW:

Brian Michael Bendis, to his credit, doesn’t go overboard playing out this contemporary Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends homage.  Hence, Issue # 119 issue benefits from some welcome twists utilizing Liz Allen as Firestar’s stand-in.  The art squad’s visuals effectively work off Bendis’ scripting for a kid-friendly read, making it a solid find for fans of the animated TV series.     

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The first page summarizes recent events in Ultimate Spider-Man.  A full-page interview is conducted with writer Mark Millar.  There’s also a full-page cover reveal for Issue # 120.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                7 Stars