dub@pur-phy.UUCP (Paul Simmington) (08/06/85)
Greetings, I would like to praise two issues that graced my eyes, belonging to the realm of the Marvel universe. The comics were crossovers you might say, West Coast Avengers #2 and Vision & Scarlet Witch #2. The storyline was particularly interesting since the human love that Vision has been looking for is finally realized. A human needs this function and Vision, atleast, has found his real mother. The way they finish the episodes is really good; showing Wonderman and Vision acting towards each other show that Vision is capable of something other than love for the Scarlet Witch (Wanda) or his new found mother. The sibling rivalry between Vision and Wonderman (Simon) can continue to grow and yield new facets to both characters in the long run. Thor #361 [B-] Even though the mighty Odin has fallen into the pot of Musspheheim character development can finally take place. What I mean is that when a redwood is removed, the other trees can grow with more success. Balder the Brave gave us some insight into what happened and even Thor was prepared [aka Iron Gauntlets] for something that might happen! But, of course, using fellow loved ones shows how cunning and calculating the Queen of Death can be; dividing the troops from one mass into more easily defeatable numbers. What I didn't expect was that Hela and Thor would actually wrestle for the souls of mortals. And that Thor calculated he would be safe by placing his cloak over his face... Now injuries have taken their toll and reduced his fighting by some unknown percentage. It could be mere coincidence that Odin had his face badly scarred like Thor's has become! Now it could be mere chance, but you'll notice that the injury is on the same side of the face that Odin's missing eye was. Is this an omen that Thor will become the next ruler of Asgard? X-men #199 [B-] At last the famed Cyclops returns to the X-men for some unknown purpose. Perhaps he will replace Orono and Nightcrawler as leader again. Another interesting point made in this issue is the relationship between Jean Grey and Rachel. She and Jean carry with them the concern the Phoenix may return and that some fleeting moments might return again. The anti-mutant farce was recognized when Magneto unleashed his power on the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants. Of course, the idea that they work for the government is just a bit too unrealistic even for this magazine. But the old ways can't be broken so fast. The action was like we've seen in the old X-men. The only partner missing was Storm. But are the X-men going to pull out all the stops by having everyone who Magneto tried to conquer come to testify at his trial? I would like to defend Magneto when he destroyed that Russian submarine. If we look back at issue #150 we find that he did in fact warn the people's of the world and when the sub fired two nuclear missiles at the island he made them malfunction for protection. He was protecting the X-men, since their powers were neutralized. And Magneto's idea of nuclear disarmament was a good idea. Alpha Flight #28 [D+] THis issue did have some redeeming factors. The mind of Langowski could have found a home in the body of the Hulk, but the Beyonder changed all that. The final battle between Alpha and Omega Flights was put to the test by one man. His name was Jeffries. He effectively countered and neutralized Diamond Lil by showing another aspect to fighting. And Wild Child had also fallen prey to the same killer. I was so glad that Flashback has also been neutralized. He must have realized that combat might kill one of his future selves. The only puzzling factor whicxh I doubt I'll ever resolve is how the Beyonder freed Talisman and allowed her to confront her father with the ugliness of the past? Could someone who reads Secret Wars II explain that fact? The only problems with the cross-overs is the simple way that the Hulk will be explained away and how Langowski's mind will be retrieved. Avengers #260 and Annual #14 [C-] We have the Avengers running off to some unknown world to help fight the Skrulls off, but the FF and Avengers annuals raise some serious questions. Since the hyperwave bomb was detonated and seemed to change all shape-changers, will the Dire Wraiths be effected as well? (Considering their forebearers were in fact somekind of Skrulls.) Another point which has some bearing is Nebula's claim that Thanos is her great-grandfather. How will the blessed Starfox handle such a matter? But as later explained in Avengers #261 we might know. Firelord is going to span the emptiness of space and since he is invincible (or so "they" say) he can come in quite handy. Fantastic Four #284 [B-] This issue has some redeeming characteristics as well. The She-hulk seeing through her false fear and taking it out on some panty-waist guards. The farce that the Invisible Girl would be leaving, only to find out we'll have the Invisible Woman. I was wrong in thinking that Sue Richards was going to be terminated. I should have considered that a founding member wouldn't be killed so early in the magazine series. I could point out that she has been a woman for quite some time; ever since the birth of Franklin and the miscarraige of their second child (just after returning from the Secret Wars I.) Interesting note: Psycho-man and Terminus had something in common. They both had large android/robot bodies and were both expelled from them. -- Paul Simmington -- "Beggars can't be choosers, but assassins can be kings."