Written by Kurt Busiek
Art by Pat Broderick; Bruce Patterson; Sam De La Rosa; Keith Williams; Tom Smith; & Joe Rosen
Cover Art by Pat Broderick
SUMMARY:
Entitled “Shadow Games, Part 2: Shadowclash,” Marvel Comics released the middle issue of this three-part mini-series for June 1994. Per Issue # 1, Shadowforce is a supposedly reformed group of ex-cons imbued with experimental super-powers and brainwashed into service as U.S. covert-ops commandoes. Joining forces with Spider-Man, X-Factor (Havok, Polaris, Wolfsbane, Strong Guy, & Multiple Man) are now engaged in battle against the renegade Shadowforce.
Forced to abandon X-Factor to pursue Shadowforce’s Mirrorshade, Spider-Man departs their adversaries’ underground bunker outside Washington, D.C. to head back to New York City by train. On a deserted stretch of track, the battle re-commences, as Spidey must face Shadowforce alone (in a rematch from Issue # 1). Despite holding his own, an outnumbered Spider-Man needs reinforcements.
Meanwhile, the elusive Mirrorshade is in New York City stalking Flash Thompson – having committed itself to fulfilling a sarcastic comment it overheard Spidey previously made.
REVIEW:
Despite its routine plot, all the necessary goods are delivered. As writer Kurt Busiek’s kid-friendly script keeps on rolling, the art squad’s visuals are consistently high-caliber. For fans of the classic Marvel Team-Up series, Shadowgames # 2 continues an entertaining Spidey team-up caper.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
Including comments from several industry legends, the “Bullpen Bulletins” column remembers Jack Kirby. The foldout back cover includes plugs for Black Cat # 1; Force Works # 1; Blade the Vampire-Hunter # 1; Galactic Guardians # 1; and a continuing crossover – Night Thrasher # 12, Nova # 7, and New Warriors # 49.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars
