Written by Steve Englehart
Art by Al Milgrom; Dave Hunt; Bill Oakley; & Sharen E. Wright
Cover Art by Al Milgrom & Mike Machlan
SUMMARY:
Released by Marvel Comics for February 1988, the issue is entitled “Dead Run!” Set up by the Shroud, a fugitive Cornelius Van Lunt/Taurus (of the Zodiac cartel) is relentlessly pursued by Moon Knight (and his own multiple personalities) across Los Angeles. As the team (Wonder Man, Mockingbird, Tigra, Iron Man, & an irate Hawkeye) finds out about Moon Knight’s unauthorized solo play, Van Lunt’s desperate escape sets up an extended skirmish aboard a hijacked airplane. It’s also hinted that Mockingbird’s dark secret may be coming back to haunt her.
REVIEW:
It’s far more like an issue of Moon Knight than WCA, but sidelining the team for most of Steve Englehart’s script makes good creative sense. Extra kudos goes to the Shroud’s happy-hunting signal to Moon Knight. Marc Spector/Moon Knight’s personal vendetta against the deplorable Van Lunt comes off well-played – it’s very reminiscent of a Batman-style adventure.
An even better asset comes with the art squad’s generally above-average visuals that haven’t yet faded with time — only their generic depiction of Wonder Man is a disappointment. As a surprisingly good read (especially for Moon Knight’s fans), West Coast Avengers # 29 smartly explores his possibly poor fit as a team player.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
There’s a single-page “West Coast Lines” letters-and-answers column. A full-page ‘Bullpen Bulletins’ column is also included, with a brief profile on Marvel editor Bob Budiansky.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars
