Category: Marvel Comics

Written by Chris Claremont & John Byrne. Art by John Byrne; Terry Austin; Tom Orzechowski; & Andy Yanchus.

Back-Up Tale Written by Steve Mellor. Back-Up Art by Joe ALbelo; Pierre Fournier; Rick Parker; & Andy Yanchus.

Cover Art by John Byrne & Terry Austin.

SUMMARY:

Released by Marvel Comics for February 1988, “Sword of the She-Devil” (including the cover image) is a reprint of 1979’s Marvel Team-Up # 79.  It’s Friday, December 22, 1978, as New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art is the site of the nefarious Kulan Gath’s resurrection. 

As the High Priest of the ancient N’Garai, Gath doesn’t realize the technological advances of the 20^th Century existing outside his new ‘temple.’  Departing The Daily Bugle’s Christmas party, Peter Parker and reporter Charley Snow find that thrill-seeking Mary Jane Watson is a stowaway on their ride over to the Museum.

With the Museum engulfed by ominous crimson energy, a wary Spider-Man is unaware that Mary Jane has followed him inside the building.  Against Gath’s demonic forces, an outmatched Spidey’s only hope is a blade-wielding legend from the distant past: Red Sonja – She-Devil of the Hyrkanian Steppes.  Spider-Man finds himself caught in the middle of a blood feud between these eternal arch-foes.  Even if this unlikely duo can thwart Gath’s scheme, Spider-Man will be stunned at the secret of Red Sonja’s summoning. 

Notes: Marvel goofs on the first page by stating the story is from Marvel Team-Up # 80.  Clark Kent’s single-panel cameo is deliberately muted by inking his hair brown this time rather than black (as seen in the original issue).  Still, Spider-Man briefly offers a homage to one of the Man of Steel’s favorite catchphrases. 

REVIEW:

Considering how formulaic Marvel Team-Up so often was, Issue # 79’s inspired storytelling delivers one of its best-ever adventures.  Not only is Chris Claremont & John Byrne’s co-writing polished, the art team’s visuals are high-caliber for 1979.   This coherent Claremont/Byrne collaboration shines even more once it’s compared to the 2007-2008 Spider-Man/Red Sonja ‘sequel’ mini-series.  Make no mistake: Claremont & Byrne’s team conjures up a far more impressive read than the superfluous, five-part reboot project it inspired almost thirty years later.    

The sole downside to Marvel Tales # 208 is Spider-Ham’s eye-rolling back-up tale.  Otherwise, if a good copy of Marvel Team-Up # 79 isn’t readily available, finding this reprint might be the next best option.    

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The five-page Spider-Ham groaner is entitled “Your Chitlin’ Heart” or “Bacon Up is Hard to Do,” Part 2.  It parodies the Spidey-Mary Jane-Black Cat love triangle, with Black Catfish and Mary Jane Water-Buffalo as Spider-Ham’s rival girlfriends.  Suffice to say, one should read this dubious comedy relief at his/her own risk.  The single-page “Bullpen Bulletins” column includes a brief profile on Marvel editor Bob Budiansky.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                    8½ Stars

Note: Marvel Team-Up # 79 is also included in Marvel/Dynamite’s Spider-Man/Red Sonja trade paperback.

Written by Kelly Sue DeConnick & Warren Ellis

Art by Matteo Buffagni; Paco Diaz; Nolan Woodard; & VC’s Clayton Cowles

Cover Art by Jorge Molina

SUMMARY:

Marvel Comics released this untitled Inhumanity tie-in for February 2014.  Spider-Woman, Black Widow, & Anya Corazon’s Spider-Girl must escape imminent execution as A.I.M.’s captives.  As her presumed dead teacher was a latent Inhuman mutating inside a cocoon, a frustrated Anya needs the Avengers’ help to recover his remains from warped geneticist Dr. June “Toxic Doxie” Carrington.  

While the nefarious Carrington draws closer to implementing her latest self-experiment, Wolverine & Bruce Banner/Hulk help obtain another lead from A.I.M.-affiliated arms dealer Kashmir Vennema, who sold the comatose teacher’s cocoon to Carrington.     

Captain America makes a cameo appearance.

REVIEW:

While the storyline itself isn’t remarkable, the co-writers’ scripting style (including interwoven bits of humor) is amusingly well-played.  In particular, a youthful Spider-Girl’s chemistry mixing it up with seasoned pros Spider-Woman & Black Widow is quite enjoyable to read — especially a good-natured Jessica Drew playing the role like a surrogate aunt.  Bruce Banner’s nonchalant contribution adds to the fun re: his unique method of committing extortion, Hulk-style. 

Equal to the task (and probably even better) would be the art team’s excellent visuals, including the cover image.  Hence, Avengers Assemble # 22 makes a terrific addition to any comics collection.     

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The credits page includes a cast list and a current story arc synopsis.  “The Assembly!” column provides a thumbnail preview of Issue #23’s cover.  Also hyped is Avengers # 24.NOW.  A bonus is a family’s Halloween photo where its six kids are dressed as Marvel heroes.      

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                       7½ Stars

Written by J. Michael Straczynski

Art by Ron Garney; Bill Reinhold; Matt Milla; & VC’s Cory Petit

Cover Art by Ron Garney

SUMMARY:

Concluding the seven-part “The War at Home,” Marvel Comics released this issue for January 2007.  As Marvel’s first Civil War reaches its climax, a fugitive Peter Parker checks on his loved ones before the epic final showdown.  Elsewhere, an incarcerated Wilson “The Kingpin” Fisk has ordered a triple-hit on the Parkers.  As Mary Jane & Aunt May watch hiding out in a secluded motel room, the news media (including The Daily Bugle) solemnly contemplates the super-hero war’s fallout. 

Also patiently biding his time from afar is the anonymous mob assassin, who could soon shatter Spider-Man’s world.  Sudden tragedy will lead into Spider-Man’s Back in Black story arc.       

REVIEW:

One shouldn’t skip this issue upon seeing its lackluster cover.  Unmistakably, the art squad’s excellent interior visuals equal J. Michael Straczynski’s scripting.  Considering its dramatic value, The Amazing Spider-Man # 538 is a definite keeper for Spider-fans.      

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

None.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                   8½ Stars

Written by J. Michael Straczynski

Art by Mike Deodato Jr.; Joe Pimentel; Matt Milla; & VC’s Cory Petit

Cover Art by Mike Deodato Jr.

SUMMARY:

Entitled “Moving Up,” the New Avengers arc begins, as Marvel Comics released this issue for June 2005.  Left with no other viable options, a homeless Peter Parker and his family accept Tony Stark’s gracious offer to move into Avengers Tower.  Meeting the New Avengers, an excited Mary Jane & Aunt May start acclimating to their new surroundings. 

HYDRA discreetly murders an undercover SHIELD operative during a bid to abduct and eliminate several of its own inefficient lieutenants.  Unbeknownst to the New Avengers, a resurgent HYDRA has a new scheme brewing for world domination.  

Along with Jarvis, the other New Avengers (Steve Rogers/Captain America; Luke Cage; Wolverine; and Spider-Woman) make brief appearances.

REVIEW:

Standing out most are the art squad’s terrific visuals, i.e. the occasional use of facial likenesses from Timothy Dalton (for Tony Stark), Liv Tyler (for Mary Jane), and Jason Priestley (for Peter).  J. Michael Straczynski’s plotting holds up well, as his script re-establishes HYDRA as Marvel’s vilest terrorist group.  Still, the script’s back half necessitates pages of lengthy exposition spelling out HYDRA’s current agenda, which may bog down some readers. 

Even so, Issue # 519 is an intriguing read initiating a deep-dive into Peter’s life as a full-time New Avenger.      

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

None.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                          7 Stars

Written by Jeff Christiansen; Ronald Byrd; Jonathan Couper-Smartt; Anthony Flamini; Michael Hoskin; Bill Lentz; Sean McQuaid; Eric J. Moreels; Mark O’English; & Stuart Vandal.

Art by (See Below), plus Pond Scum & Chris Sotomayor.

Cover Art by Greg Land & Justin Ponsor.

SUMMARY:

Released in 2005, this 50-page (including the inside covers) profiles forty-six characters (including biographies, vital stats, superhuman powers, abilities, and weaponry/paraphernalia.  The profiles are for:

Araña (artist: Mark Brooks)                                                 

Yelena Belova/Black Widow (artist: Greg Horn)              

Sharon Carter (artist: Dan Jurgens)                                   

Clea (artist: Paul Smith)                                                       

Crystal (artist: John Byrne)                                                  

Dagger (artist: Takeshi Miyazawa)                                      

Dark Angel (artist: Geoff Senior)                                        

Dazzler (artist: UDON Studios)                                           

Domino (artist: George Jeanty)                                            

Enchantress (artist: Andy Kubert)                                       

Firestar (artist: George Pérez)                                             

Gaea (artist: Trina Robbins)                                                 

Hellcat (artist: Gil Kane)                                                      

Hepzibah (artist: Tommy Ohtsuka)                                      

Jolt (artist: Tom Grummett)                                                  

Jennifer Kale (artist: Mike Deodato Jr.)                             

Misty Knight (artist: Kerry Gammill)                                 

Lucy in the Sky (artist: Adrian Alphona)                          

Jimaine Szardos/Magik (artist: Darick Robertson)            

Maker/Beyonder (artist: Mark Bagley)                               

Medusa (artist: Mark Bagley)                                               

Meggan (artist: Alan Davis)                                                 

Millie the Model (artist: Stan Goldberg & Pat Olliffe)

Moondragon (artist: Aaron Lopresti)  

Moonstone (artist: Barry Kitson)

Mystique (artist: Joseph Michael Lisner)

Namorita (artist: Stuart Immonen)

Nemesis (artist: Clayton Henry)

Zuzha Yu/Puck (artist: Clayton Henry)

Rogue (artist: Rodolfo Migliari)

Roma (artist: Alan Davis)

Satana (artist: Will Conrad)

Scarlet Witch (artist: J.G. Jones)

Sersei (artist: James Fry)

Shanna The She-Devil (artist: Frank Cho)

Silver Sable (artist: Julie Bell)

Sister Grimm (artist: Adrian Alphona)

Snowbird (artist: Ethan Van Sciver)

Songbird (artist: Barry Kitson)

May Parker/Spider-Girl (artist: Ron Frenz)

Jessica Drew/Spider-Woman (artist: Bob McLeod)

Thor Girl (artist: Tom Raney)

Topaz (artist: Mike Deodato Jr.)

Valkyrie (artist: Bob McLeod)

Dallas Riordan/Vantage (artist: Tom Grummett)

Heather Hudson/Vindicator (artist: Ron Garney)

REVIEW:

Marvel Comics deserves applause for the considerable labor cranking out these handbooks.  The production quality for this  particular handbook is high-caliber in both writing and artwork.  Highly recommended! 

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Besides the credits, the front inside cover lists other recent handbooks for specific female characters (i.e. Black Cat, She-Hulk, Phoenix/Jean Grey, etc.) not included here.  An extra portrait of Rogue by Rodolfo Migliari is the cover page. 

Including the back inside cover, there is a two-page supplement listing first appearance, origin, and significant other issue number for each of the profiled characters.  The character power rating chart is also included.  The back cover lists the profiles, as there isn’t a table of contents.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                 9 Stars

SUMMARY:

Released by Marvel Comics for September 1979, this issue is entitled “The Pegasus Project, Part Three: Giants in the Earth.”  At Project: Pegasus, a moonlighting Ben “The Thing” Grimm (nursing an injured arm) joins staff members Quasar & Bill Foster’s Giant-Man in containing the radioactive Nuklo from desperately running amok. 

Amidst this emergency lockdown, another of the Project’s residents: the alien Wundarr (aka the future Aquarian), may become a future threat.  Elsewhere, at Madison Square Garden, pro wrestler Thundra faces an unexpectedly formidable in-ring adversary. Thundra’s ongoing subplot ties into the next issue.  

REVIEW:

What stands out is a decent showcase for the underrated Giant-Man.  His team-up with The Thing is relatively entertaining. Otherwise, including decent visuals, it’s a standard Marvel read for its time.    

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

A “Bullpen Bulletins” column is included. There’s also “The Ever-Lovin’ Blue-Eyed Letters Page” column.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                       5½ Stars

Written by J. Michael Straczynski

Art by  Ron Garney; Bill Reinhold; Matt Milla; & VC’s Cory Petit

Cover Art by Ron Garney

SUMMARY:

Released by Marvel Comics for August 2006, as Marvel’s Civil War approaches, it’s entitled “The Night The War Came Home, Part Two of Six.”  Prompted by Tony Stark, Peter Parker reluctantly conducts a press conference to publicly unmask as Spider-Man.  While Flash Thompson is incredulous at the news, a quietly seething J. Jonah Jameson is not. 

Though Robbie Robertson calmly handles Peter’s shocking revelation, others (i.e. a terminally ill Eddie Brock and Doctor Octopus) gloat sensing potential opportunity.  Supported by his wife, Mary Jane, and Aunt May, Peter contends with the instant repercussions inside and outside the super-hero community. 

Among the harshest reactions is a multi-million dollar lawsuit alleging fraud from The Daily Bugle.  Worse yet, Peter is stunned that, without even asking, Stark announces that Spider-Man has joined his pro-registration task force that will capture those heroes in governmental non-compliance.  After saving Mary Jane’s life from a crazed demonstrator turned gunman, Spider-Man’s personal rift with Iron Man deepens.

Note: On the first page, in the letter left-hand corner, Clark Kent’s face makes a partial cameo (the spit curl is hard is miss).   

REVIEW:

The art squad’s visuals generally come off as more than sufficient rather than anything remarkable. What stands out instead is a momentous storytelling opportunity in the franchise’s history.  Not only does writer J. Michael Straczynski create a genuine sense of unpredictability, the potential for what even long-time supporting characters might do should reinvigorate weary fans to stay tuned in. 

For instance, J. Jonah Jameson’s non-buffoonish take re: Peter’s years of deception is one of his character’s best-ever moments.  The intriguing feud-in-the-making between Peter and Tony Stark is another well-played element.  In that sense, Straczynski’s gamble working this storyline initially pays off big dividends.  The Amazing Spider-Man # 533, for this reason alone, should be a keeper for any Spider-fan.   

Parental note: The script references that the immense influx of ‘Peter Parker’ searches shut down the Internet, even porno sites.   

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

There’s a half-page “Pulse Headline News” checklist of new Marvel issues.     

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                     8 Stars

Note: The image below is taken from the cover for the trade paperback, Spider-Man: Civil War, which re-used the cover image for Issue # 533.