Written by Ron Marz
Art by Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez; Kevin Nowlan; Matt Hollingsworth; & Chris Eliopoulos
Cover Art by Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez
SUMMARY:
Entitled “The Decrees of Fate,” this standard-length one-shot was co-published by DC Comics for April 1996, as part of its Amalgam Comics cross-promotion with Marvel Comics. The bewildered dimensional traveler/teleporter, Access, escapes from the sewer-dwelling monster, the ‘Abominite,’ which is an aquatic reptilian mix mostly of the Abomination, the Lizard, and Killer Croc. In his private sanctum, the enigmatic Doctor StrangeFate commands his indentured servant, Myx (Wong/Mr. Mxyzptlk), to summon forth three supernatural operatives: Bruce “The Skulk” Banner (Hulk/Super-Skrull); Frankie “Jade Nova” Rayner (Frankie Raye’s Nova/Jade/Fire/Dazzler/Kyle Rayner’s Green Lantern); and the sultry Wanda “White Witch” Zatara (Zatanna Zatara/Scarlet Witch) to retrieve Access. Ultimately, the sorcerer’s secret identity is revealed.
Note: The one-shot is reprinted in two Amalgam trade paperbacks: first, DC vs. Marvel (where their Us vs. Them series of one-on-one battles splinters into the Amalgam Universe) and then Age of Amalgam Comics.
REVIEW:
DC and Marvel’s mix-and-match gimmick inevitably muddles the plot, but its overall cohesion holds up better than expected. Composite characters like the Skulk, Jada Nova, and Abominite are intriguing prospects, but the flirtatious White Witch steals the show as its most memorable Amalgam. Further, writer Ron Marz imbues this issue with a welcome sense of unpredictability, which negates gaffes in logic during Dr. StrangeFate’s interrogation of Access. Further, a last-minute twist re: StrangeFate is well-played. Supporting Marz is a top-tier art squad, as their nifty visuals (especially these particular Amalgam costume designs) add to the chaotic fun. Doctor StrangeFate # 1 rates among the best Amalgam one-shots, in terms of helping set up this cross-promotion’s conclusion.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
There’s a single-page “Strangefate Letters” mock correspondence column. The single-page “Amalgamnation” column consists of a ‘Carwald’s Cornerbox’ editor’s note and a dozen thumbnail synopses & cover reveals for the second-wave Amalgam Comics issues.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars
