Fellow green Barsoomian Barak Sol challenges Tars Tarkas in formal combat for leadership of the Thark. Chris Claremont’s script is tough on new readers, but the visual storytelling of a young Frank Miller – inked by Bob McLeod – is already a treat.
READThe Legion faces off against Grimbor the Chainsman, while Legion Academy recruit Dawnstar learns a thing or two about teamwork. Paul Levitz plots both tales, with art from a mix including Howard Chaykin and James Sherman.
READA mysterious government agent enlists Spider-Man’s help in solving a murder while Spidey also pursues Doctor Octopus. This annual features top-shelf art from John Byrne and Terry Austin but the story, by Marv Wolfman, leaves questions unanswered.
READDeathlok battles human drones in abandoned subway tunnels while Mike Travers frees Nina from Maj. Ryker. Rich Buckler is joined by Bill Mantlo and a “whole blame Bullpen” of artists, but this story simply idles in place.
READWulf joins forces with the Free Swordsmen’s Guild to save the city of Rama-Kesh from a magically induced drought. Another surprisingly strong outing from the Atlas (Seaboard) team of Larry Hama and Klaus Janson.
READKitty Pryde and Storm – who is trapped in the White Queen’s body – race to save the X-Men from the Hellfire Club. This one features a convoluted plot from Chris Claremont and solid art from guest artist Bob McLeod.
READKitty Pryde must transfer to Emma Frost’s academy; the X-Men are attacked by Sentinels that are under Hellfire Club control. A real mixed bag of an issue from Chris Claremont and fill-in artists James Sherman, Joe Rubinstein and Bob McLeod.
READWhen the Badoon subjugate Arkon’s world and kidnap three-fourths of the Fantastic Four, it’s the X-Men to the rescue. A solid annual offering from the creative team of Chris Claremont and Brent Anderson and Bob McLeod.
READIn order to save his daughter, the new Ant-Man must first escape the clutches of evil industrialist Darren Cross. Another solid story for burglar-turned-superhero Scott Lang, from the creative team of David Michelinie, John Byrne and Bob Layton.
READBad science and other silliness undermine what should have been a promising superhero anthology. Only the Neal Adams cover and some above-average Batman art from Michael (Nasser) Netzer save this one from being a total stinker.
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