Category: MARVEL’s Hardcovers & Paperbacks

Written by Dan Jurgens & Jose H.P. Armenta

Art by Tom Raney; Joe Bennett; Deon Nuckols; Scott Hanna; Jack Jadson; Tom Palmer; Scott Koblish; ‘RS;’ & Comicraft’s Wes Abbott; ‘Saida!;’ & Avalon Studio’s Dave Kemp

Compilation Cover Art (Issue # 50) by Tom Raney; Scott Hanna; & Dave Kemp

SUMMARY:

Released by Marvel Comics in 2002, this 208-page compilation consists of Mighty Thor (Volume 2) # 45-50, which were initially published earlier that year.  The stories are “To Reach Beyond;” “By Fire Born, Parts I-V;” and “Forever Divided.”  In the wake of Odin’s seemingly permanent sacrifice, Thor has ascended to the throne of Asgard.  Yet, Balder and Sif  (among others) worry that, despite glimpses of wisdom, Thor’s restlessness (i.e. a penchant for seeking needless battle) doesn’t bode well for Asgard’s future. 

Furthermore, they realize their new king’s rival affection for Earth is now a far greater distraction than ever before.  Loki opportunistically plays himself as a concerned voice of reason.  Sensing his people’s unrest, Thor looks to Zeus for guidance. 

On Earth, teenage Tarene (aka the rookie Thor Girl) falls victim to the Gray Gargoyle’s new bid for immortality.  As hints of her own possible destiny unfold, Tarene’s fate may lie with EMT Jake Olsen (the mortal portion of Thor’s soul, who possesses the Thunder God’s sense of humility).  Against both the Gargoyle and Desak – The Destroyer of Gods (Thor’s equivalent of Superman’s Doomsday), Jake is far outmatched, even if he can somehow become Thor.

While waging war in Asgard upon the Frost Giants, a reckless Thor traces his inexplicable power loss to Earth.  Yet, only the Enchantress may realize what legendary weapon can finally vanquish Desak.  Thor must further resolve his split allegiance between Asgard and Earth (aka Midgard).  In a back-up fable entitled “Children of the Gods,” a teenage Thunder God learns a tragic lesson in hero worship, no matter his initially good intentions.  

Note: This particular Thor series ends in 2004 at Issue # 85, where Asgard faces Ragnarok once more amidst the Avengers Disassembled storyline.

REVIEW:

Unquestionably, this trade paperback possesses extraordinary visuals – the artwork alone is worth the price of admission.  Concocting a storyline worthy of this art team, writer Dan Jurgens succeeds in making Thor more god-like than ever  – that is, until late in the game. 

There’s zero logic re: how the almighty Desak easily dispatches both the Gray Gargoyle and Jake Olsen without actually killing them.  Jurgens makes it clear that this Destroyer of Gods has cosmic-caliber power; yet, some of his best shots leave them only temporarily stunned.  If Desak is merely toying with them, then Jurgens should have spelled it out. 

The same standard applies to a climatic showdown vs. Thor himself.  Other than agonized screaming breaking through mystical barriers, how the Thunder God easily withstands a fatal blow isn’t explained.  According to Jurgens’ reasoning, Thor’s Odinforce access is infinite, so the inference is physical invincibility.  It’s just not convincing the way Jurgens plays out this sequence, as if Desak’s dramatic kill shot is at most a paper cut.  Similarly, Tarene’s Supergirl-like sub-plot is disappointingly resolved with more of a shrug than anything poignantly worth catching.   

For Thor’s fans, Lord of Asgard (which, by the way, inspired a Marvel Legend action figure of this Thor) is a high-caliber read.  In that sense, it’s far more Thunder God than avenging super-hero (i.e. Thor in his Donald Blake incarnation).  Yet, for casual readers, this storyline may be closer to a verdict of one-and-done.  This particular Thor compilation is serves an intriguing revelation re: the Thunder God’s true nature close in spirit to Chris Hemsworth’s first live-action film.  That is – the Asgard portion before Odin prescribes his swaggering, battle-happy son to some humility therapy down on Earth.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The full-page covers precede installments.  According to research, the trio of Raney, Hanna, & Kemp created all the covers.  Like bookends, three full-page Thor portraits (possibly meant as variants) end two stories, while the third appears during Issue # 50.  Presumably, the same artistic trio produced them.  Raney also includes his black-and-white design for Thor’s new ‘Lord of Asgard’ costume.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                       8 Stars

Written by Jeff Parker

Art by Roger Cruz; Victor Olazaba; Val Staples; & Nate Piekos

Cover Art by Marko Djurdjevic

SUMMARY:

As a 2007 Target exclusive, this 96-page paperback reprints X-Men: First Class # 1-4 from 2006-2007.  Told in an episodic format, these four X-adventures recast Professor X (Charles Xavier) and his teen operatives: Cyclops (Scott Summers); Marvel Girl (Jean Grey); Iceman (Bobby Drake); Angel (Warren Worthington III); & the Beast (Hank McCoy) in the present-day. 

• “X-Men 101.”  Narrated by Iceman’s letter home to his parents, the team tracks an unknown presence on a journey taking them to the Arctic Circle.

• “The Bird, the Beast, and the Lizard.”  In the Florida Everglades, Professor X sends Beast and Angel out Lizard-hunting to recover a missing Dr. Curt Connors.  Waiting in reserve, Cyclops, Marvel Girl, and Iceman enjoy some beach downtime.

• “A Life of the Mind.”  The X-Men are seemingly trapped within Professor X’s twisting nightmare. 

• “Seeing Red.”  Doctor Strange meets the team, as Cyclops’ visor is crucial to their mission into another dimension vs. an evasive demon.

REVIEW:

Not only re-energizing the original X-Men, writer Jeff Parker’s fresh update devises four terrific tales.  Designed for dual appeal to both kids and adult fans, New Beginnings is exactly that.  Parker readily grasps these characters’ early ‘60s personas and tweaks them just enough for the 21^st Century.  In classy support of Parker’s storytelling, the art squad (including the can’t-miss cover image) is in top form.  Reminding readers how terrific these X-Men were long before far many excessively convoluted storylines took hold, this creative team delivers an ideal homage. 

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Full-page replicas of the covers are included.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                    8 Stars

Note: Even better is X-Men – First Class: Tomorrow’s Brightest.  Featuring the same cover, this gorgeous graphic novel (in hardcover and trade paperback form) has these same four issues, plus Issues # 5-8.

Written by Todd Dezago

Art by (See Credits Below), plus Avalon Studios

Cover Art by Randy Green; Rick Ketcham; & Chris Sotomayor

SUMMARY:

As a 2004 Target exclusive, this 96-page paperback reprints Spider-Man Team-Up # 1-4 from that same year.  These four Spider-adventures are fresh re-imaginings taken from: Amazing Spider-Man # 1 (1963); Marvel Team-Up # 13 (1973); Marvel Team-Up # 135 (1983) and Marvel Team-Up # 7 (1972).

“The Chameleon Strikes!”  Based upon the 1963 Stan Lee/Steve Ditko issue.  Art by Michael O’Hare; Derek Fridolfs; Dave Sharpe; & Digital Rainbow.  Spider-Man’s uninvited effort to ‘audition’ for the Fantastic Four is hampered by Chameleon’s mercenary charade to impersonate him.  Nick Fury makes an appearance. 

“Stars, Stripes, and Spiders.”  Based upon the 1973 Len Wein/Gil Kane issue.  Art by Lou Kang; Pat Davidson; Dave Sharpe; & Digital Rainbow.  Spider-Man inadvertently stumbles upon an A.I.M. scheme that Captain America is counter-striking.   Their combined firepower is needed to combat A.I.M.’s own weapon: the nefarious Grey Gargoyle. 

“Down With the Monsters!”  Based upon the Bill Mantlo/Ron Frenz issue.  Art by Jonboy Meyers; Nathan Massengill; David Newbold; Digital Rainbow; & Dave Sharpe.  Kitty Pryde’s misadventure in babysitting gig goes awry, as she and fellow teen Spider-Man tangle with the Morlocks beneath New York City.  Storm, Professor X, and Wolverine make cameos.   

“Out of Time!”  Based upon the Gerry Conway/Ross Andru issue.  Art by Ron Lim; Scott Koblish; Dave Sharpe; & Digital Rainbow.  With Earth and Asgard both threatened, Thor and Spider-Man join forces to thwart an invasion of this dimension by Kryllk the Conqueror’s troll squad.  Odin makes an appearance. 

REVIEW:

Much like a fresh coat of paint, these rebooted team-ups enjoys a dose of timeless Spider-Man magic.  As a lighter-hearted alternative to Batman’s Brave and The Bold franchise, a down-to-Earth Spider-Man again proves that he, too, is an ideal star for a team-up anthology series. 

In this instance, “Down with the Monsters!” probably gets a slight edge over “Out of Time!” as A Little Help from My Friends’ best effort.  Still, the humor found in the Fantastic Four story, as well as an inspired last-minute gag from Captain America, further ensure that readers receive quality entertainment.  Perhaps writer Todd Dezago’s best inclusion is a ‘Choose-Your-Own-Adventure-’ style finish to wrap this book up.  For a fun read that doesn’t insist upon too much Marvel knowledge, this paperback is worth the price of admission.    

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Full-page replicas of the covers are included.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                  7 Stars

Written by Devin Grayson

Art by UDON Studios; Long Vo; Charles Park; Saka of Studio XD; & Randy Gentile

Cover Art by UDON Studios

SUMMARY:

Based on the same-named Kids’ WB animated TV series (which ran from 2000-2003), Marvel Comics simultaneously produced a short-lived comic book.  This 120-page Marvel Age mass market reprint collecting Issues # 1-5 was released in 2004. 

In an re-imagining of X-Men chronology, college professor Charles Xavier recruits graduate student Storm/Ororo Munroe and the mysterious Wolverine/Logan as his first two operatives, despite misgivings from his friend, Eric (Magneto).  The following issues focus on the assimilation of new X-Men: i.e. teens Cyclops/Scott Summers; Jean Grey; Nightcrawler/Kurt Wagner; Kitty Pryde; and Rogue.  Evidently, Xaxier’s students split their time at his Academy with classes at the local Bayville High School.  Also woven into these freshly rebooted origins are Mystique and Toad.  

Notes: This adaptation series ran only nine issues.  Previously, the series was released in trade paperback form  – hence, its Volume 2 consists of Issues # 5-9.  The individual issues are also available in digital form.

REVIEW:

Not surprisingly, it’s a faithful adaptation (of the TV series, that is).  Both the rudimentary visuals and the Disney teen-style storylines are meant for the show’s young audience.  That’s how X-Men: Evolution should be construed – otherwise, it’s an uninspired kiddie mish-mash that older readers familiar with Marvel’s mainstream X-comics will find silly, if not outright boring.  In terms of creative assets, the predictable dialogue between future X-couple Scott & Jean is well-played for what it is.  The twist re: an inexperienced Scott as Logan’s unwanted sidekick vs. being the first X-Man himself is at best a shrug.  At least, this concept’s awkwardness is nicely offset by Storm/Ororo’s role as Xavier’s mature second-in-command.   

Beyond occasional flashes of genuinely good artwork, this X-Men: Evolution is Marvel’s gift to the elementary school  crowd.  For anyone else, this undemanding compilation merits at most a perusal. 

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The covers for Issues # 2-5 are reprinted as full pages — Issue # 1 appears as this compilation’s cover art.  Also, in full-page format, the covers for Issues # 6 and # 9 are presented.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:               4 Stars

Written by Todd Dezago & Mike Raicht Based upon Original Stories by Stan Lee & Steve Ditko

Art by Shane Davis; Jamal Igle; Gus Vasquez; Lary Stucker; Jay Leisten; Nate Massengill; UDON’s Larry Molinar; Hi-Fi; & Dave Sharpe

Cover Art by Michael Ryan; Roger Cruz; & SotoColor’s J. Rauch

SUMMARY:

Published as a 2004 Target exclusive, this 96-page episodic compilation assembles Marvel Age: Spider-Man # 13-16 from the 2004-2005. The original Stan Lee/Steve Ditko tales updated from the mid-1960’s are:

• “The Grotesque Adventure of the Green Goblin!”  Spider-Man’s greatest foe makes his official debut.  Eager to help with family expenses, Spider-Man agrees to play himself in a movie.  In the California desert, the Green Goblin and the Enforcers make a formidable tag team vs. an unsuspecting Spider-Man.  The Incredible Hulk also encounters Spider-Man for the first time.

• “Kraven the Hunter.”  Kraven’s debut as a new Spider-nemesis is further complicated by the Chameleon’s return. 

• “Duel with Daredevil!”  Spider-Man and Daredevil (in his familiar red costume rather than the yellow-black-and red Silver Age costume) meet for the first time.  Led by the scheming Ringmaster, the Circus of Crime commits an audacious big top heist with Spider-Man as their unwilling pawn.

• “Return of the Green Goblin”  The mysterious Goblin seeks a rematch with his least-favorite wallcrawler.  Of all people, Flash Thompson hosts a public Spider-Man pep rally.  The Human Torch makes a cameo appearance.

Notes: The original Lee-Ditko stories are taken from Amazing Spider-Man # 14-17 (1964). 

REVIEW:

It’s neat seeing Lee/Ditko’s Spider-Man revitalized.  Even with necessary modern tweaks, these tales transport young readers to an uncomplicated world where a rookie Spider-Man is still very relatable.  Meant to be kid-friendly, the mostly rudimentary artwork varies depends upon the issue.  Of them, the stylish Daredevil issue has dynamite visuals. 

For elementary schoolers, Marvel Age: Spider-Man – The Goblin Strikes packs a wallop.  Another upside is that it’s a reasonable alternative to tracking down old Marvel Tales reprints (within Issues # 8-22 and later within # 151-166) re: the original Spider-capers.  Still, adults will might appreciate more the charm of the classic reprints over this version.        

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The Marvel Age covers are included – each in a full-page format. 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                    7 Stars

Written by (See Credits Below)

Art by (See Credits Below)

Cover Art by Todd Nauck & Rachelle Rosenberg

SUMMARY:

Released by Marvel Comics in 2016, this 56-page, 9”x 6” digest consists of nine reprints showcasing pivotal Avengers who star in the live-action Captain America: Civil War film.  Specifically, story content is lifted from: Marvel Adventures Super Heroes # 12 (2008); Marvel Adventures Iron Man # 9; Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes # 1 (2010); Marvel Universe Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes # 6, # 8, and # 12; Marvel Adventure Super Heroes # 17 (2010); and Avengers Vs. # 1. 

Though the stories aren’t related to the movie or even each other, the kid-friendly visual styles are deliberately reflective of the animated Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes TV series. 

The featured stories are:

• Marvel Adventures Super Heroes # 12 (2008): “Web of Deceit,” by writer Scott Gray, with art by Matteo Lolli; Christian; Vecchia; Sotocolor; & Dave Sharpe.  “If This Be P.R.O.D.O.K.!” by writer Roger Langridge, with art by Craig Rosseau; Sotocolor; & Dave Sharpe.  The cover artists are Clayton Henry & Guru-eFX. 

A recently thawed-out Captain America and Rick Jones are sucked into the internet for fun-and-games on HYDRA’s website.  The second tale reveals the Captain and Bucky’s wartime encounter with a pre-M.O.D.O.K. machine the Nazis have evidently unleashed on New York City. 

• Marvel Adventures Iron Man # 9: “The Bunker,” by writer Fred Van Lente, with art by Graham Nolan; Victor Olazaba; Martegod Gracia; & Dave Sharpe.  Cover art is by Tommy Lee Edwards.

To rescue a missing young Nebraska boy from a top-secret underground bunker, Iron Man poignantly uncovers another of his long-missing father’s buried secrets.

• Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes # 1 (2010): “Trust,” by writer Christopher Yost, with art by Patrick Scherberger; Jean-Francois Beaulieu; & Dave Sharpe.  The cover artists are Scott Wegener & Jean Francois Beaulieu. 

New teammates Black Panther and Hawkeye tangle with the female Whiplash in a warehouse showdown.

• Marvel Universe Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes # 8: “Mayhem of the Madbomb!” by writer Elliott Kalan, with art by Christopher Jones; ‘Pond Scum;’ Sotocolor; & VC’s Clayton Cowles.  The cover artists are Khoi Pham & Edgar Delgado.

Defusing HYDRA’s Madbomb in New York City, Black Panther and the Hulk work on more trust issues.

• Marvel Adventures Super-Heroes # 17: An untitled Black Widow tale by writer Paul Tobin, with art by Marcio Takara; Amilcar Pinna; Sotocolor; & Dave Sharpe.  The cover artists are Barry Kitson & Val Staples. 

Protecting a mysterious witness in Prague per Nick Fury’s orders, an increasingly irritated Black Widow runs a gauntlet of assassination attempts until she finally encounters the villain orchestrating this scheme.

• Marvel Universe Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes # 6: “Absolute Zero” by writer Rob Williams, with art by Tim Levins; Karl Kessel; Sotocolor; & VC’s Clayton Cowles.  The cover artists are Khoi Pham & Edgar Delgado.

On a SHIELD mission, Black Widow, Captain America, & Hawkeye face a desperate shoot-out vs. HYDRA to retrieve the long-hidden Zerobomb weapon from the Arctic Circle

• Avengers Vs. # 1: “Bros Before Foes,” by writer Joe Caramagna, with art by Dario Brizuuela & VC’s JC.  The cover artist is Kalman Andrasofzky.

Iron Man and a rookie Falcon team up to thwart an A.I.M. raid on a top secret SHIELD base in Nevada, unaware that M.O.D.O.K. and Loki are watching their every move.  Watch for a subtle homage to legendary Marvel comic artist Jim Steranko on the opening page.

• Marvel Universe Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes # 12: “This Man, That Monster!” by writer Christos Gage, with art by Chris Jones; Victor Olazaba; Sotocolor; & VC’s Clayton Cowles.  The cover artists are Khoi Pam & Pete Pantazis.

The Mad Thinker’s scheme to steal Bruce Banner’s gamma ray-powered abilities goes awry when Captain America is transformed into a Hulk.  Captain Marvel (Ms. Marvel), the Vision, and a now-powerless Banner are left to thwart the Thinker and a raging new Hulk.  

Note: Despite his presence in this book, the Hulk doesn’t appear in the Captain America: Civil War live-action film.

REVIEW:

Aside from its deceptive title, this hodge-podge collection delivers good action-packed stories and varying artistic styles to entertain young Avengers fans.  The best tale is likely “The Bunker,” where readers glimpse Tony Stark’s childhood coping with his estranged father, Howard.  Also, kids may like how the Captain America stories dangles a few loose ends for future use.  A parental note worth mentioning is that a corpse’s skeletal remains (the image is as tame as possible) is seen in the last panel of “Absolute Zero.” 

Otherwise, the book’s bloodless violence quotient is on a par with the cartoon TV series.  As for its potential adult appeal, Marvel Universe: Captain America – Civil War is such a quick one-and done-type read that it isn’t likely a keeper.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

There’s a complete credits page.  A single-page introduction leads off the book.  The cover images are included.  A three-page set of quick profiles are saved for last re: Captain America; Iron Man; Black Panther; Black Widow; Falcon; Hawkeye; Hulk; and Bucky/Winter Soldier.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                5 Stars

Written by Daniel Quantz & Todd Dezago Based upon Original Stories by Stan Lee & Steve Ditko

Art by Mark Brooks; Jonboy Meyers; Michael O’Hare; UDON; Pat Davidson; Derek Fridolfs; UDON’s Danimation; Larry Molinar; Virtual Calligraphy’s Randy Gentile, & Cory Petit

Cover Art by Mark Brooks & Unidentified Collaborator

SUMMARY:

Published as a Target exclusive in 2004, this 96-page episodic compilation assembles Marvel Age: Spider-Man # 5-8 from the same year. The original Stan Lee/Steve Ditko tales updated from the mid-1960’s are:

• “Face-to-Face With the Lizard!”  Anxious for a getaway, Peter Parker cons his way into investigating a mysterious lizard-man in the Florida Everglades.  Unfortunately, for Peter, J. Jonah Jameson tags along for trip.  The tale revisits Spider-Man’s first encounter with the Lizard.

• “The Return of the Vulture.”  Escaping prison, the Vulture seeks revenge on an injured Spider-Man.  Their high-flying feud leads to a showdown inside The Daily Bugle. 

• “The Terrible Threat of the Living Brain!”  Peter contends with an A.I. robot composed of ‘techno-plasm’ gone amok during a demonstration at his high school.  Complicating the matter for Peter is a boorish Flash Thompson trying to egg him into a fistfight.

• “Spider-Man Tackles the Torch!”  The high-profile debut of a metro teen center inadvertently pits friendly rivals Spider-Man and Johnny Storm/Human Torch against each other.

• “The Man Called Electro!”  A major Spider-villain makes his electrifying debut.  Peter also faces a financial crisis trying to pay for a critically-ill Aunt May’s hospital stay. 

Note: The original Lee-Ditko stories took place in Amazing Spider-Man # 6-9 (1963-64).

REVIEW:

The unique magic of Lee/Ditko’s Spider-Man finds some new life.  Even with necessary modern tweaks, these tales transport readers to a far simpler world where a rookie Spider-Man is still a very relatable high school kid.  The rudimentary artwork meant to be kid-friendly is okay, but it isn’t really much of an asset. 

For elementary schoolers, Marvel Age: Spider-Man – Everyday Hero packs a solid read.  The bigger upside is that it’s a cost-effective alternative to tracking down old Marvel Tales reprints (Issues # 3-7 and later within # 138-149) re: the original Spider-capers.      

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The Marvel Age covers are included – each in a full-page format.  The last page has black-and-white sketchbook designs for Peter Parker; Liz Allen; Big Man; and Enforcers Ox & Montana.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:             7 Stars

Written by Tom DeFalco

Art by Pat Oliffe; Ron Frenz; Al Williamson; Bill Sienkiewicz; Christy Scheele; Matt Webb; & Dave Sharpe

Cover Art by Gurihiru

SUMMARY:

Released as a 2004 Target exclusive, this 96-page digest compilation reprints Spider-Girl # 0-3 from 1998. 

In Marvel’s MC2 future alternate reality, a middle-aged and partially-crippled Peter Parker tragically retired his Spider-Man identity years before in a deadly final battle against Norman Osborn’s Green Goblin.  Now a NYPD police scientist, Peter and his wife, Mary Jane, are quietly raising their sixteen-year old daughter, May “Mayday” Parker. 

Amidst her own high school anxieties, May unwittingly discovers that she has inherited her dad’s spider-powers.  Against new threats like Crazy Eight, Mr. Nobody and a third-generation Green Goblin, a rookie Spider-Girl explores a bold new destiny against her concerned parents’ wishes.  Looking on with interest re: the new heroine are The Fantastic Five, the ominous Darkdevil, and this reality’s new generation of Avengers.   

REVIEW:

The creative team, including reliable writer Tom DeFalco, wisely seeks to recreate Spider-Man’s Silver Age as a witty teen crimefighter.  In one sense, they succeed, as Spider-Girl: Legacy is well-constructed for a pre-teen reading audience.  For all intents and purposes, this book should work, but there’s something vitally missing. 

Primarily, the free-wheeling charm of the Stan Lee/Steve Ditko era is copied, but it fall short of the original Spider-Man’s adventures. From an adult’s perspective, both the storytelling and the artwork will mostly seem lackluster.  Relegated to supporting characters as fortysomething parents, Peter and especially Mary Jane are believable enough.  The problem is that their clichéd depiction comes off middling at best, once compared to their established personas.  Even so, this Peter & Mary Jane witness the book’s magical moment re: their Spider-Girl’s official debut in style vs. a former childhood playmate.

Despite its general lack of zip, Spider-Girl: Legacy is still a reliably good read for a new generation of Spider-fans.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

There is a two-page cover gallery, with two covers per page.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                 6 Stars

“New Dawn”   Written by Ben Dunn. Art by Ben Dunn & GURU- eFX

“Avengers Assemble”   Written by Ken Siu-Chong [UDON]. Art by Alvin Lee; Arnold Tsang; Omar Dogan; & Shane Law [UDON]

“Eternity Twilight”   Written by Ben Dunn & Kevin Gunstone. Art by Ben Dunn & GURU- eFX

Cover Art by Taleshi Miyazawa & GURU-eFX

SUMMARY:

Published as a Target exclusive, this 2004 96-page one-shot consists of Marvel Mangaverse: New Dawn # 1 and Marvel Mangaverse: Eternity Twlight # 1 (both from 2002). 

In Marvel’s alternate-reality Mangaverse, ex-SHIELD operative Antoinette “Toni” Stark/Irongirl has assumed control of her missing older brother’s Stark Island.  In a briefing with Nick Fury, Baron Mordo, & U.S. President Steve Rogers/Captain America, she summarizes the backstory.  Presently, with the aid of scientist Dr. Bruce Banner, Stark Industries is reconstructing an ‘energy well’ to gain access to the “Negative Zone,” from which Earth can tap seemingly unlimited energy. 

Dark forces conspire to attack Stark Island to steal this energy well, as secret agendas are revealed.  Marvel’s greatest heroes fight back, but only a miracle might thwart a Godzilla-sized Hulk monster’s rampage. 

Note: Re: his appearance on the cover, the Mangaverse’s Doctor Doom isn’t in this collection.

REVIEW:

This Manga visual style is predictably disorienting, as far as which characters are supposed to be adults or teenagers.  Case in point: Black Panther/T’Challa, Mr. Fantastic, Nick Fury, and Baron Strucker are adults, but the vast majority of characters (i.e. Bruce Banner, Irongirl, Wasp) resemble glorified teenagers.  Also, some revamps click (i.e. a demonic Baron Mordo) and others don’t really amount to much of anything (i.e. Wolverine). 

Re: this Mangaverse’s Mordo, his counterpart ought to replace the original one in Marvel’s primary universe, as this Mordo is a far more interesting threat.  Overall, the stylish artwork is at least unique, in terms of oncoming surprises (confusing or not) for readers.

After overcoming a slow start, the storyline’s various plot twists start making sense.  Due to a surplus of characters, depth is limited, but the writers still find some creative ways to make it all work.  For instance, the final few pages deliver some dynamite ideas that ensure this compilation is an intriguing all-ages read.  

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

None.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                 6½ Stars