Marvel Super Heroes Secret Wars (Marvel Super Heroes Secret Wars (1984-1985)) Kindle & comiXology

I finally got around to actually reading this limited series after over 30 years. I knew the bare basics because you can't help tripping all over it while reading collections from this period like the Thing Classic softcovers, the Simonson Thor Omnibus, the X-Men masterworks, etc. Here are some of my impressions. Spoiler alert!The Beyonder being is the plot driver and is yet another omnipotent being of which the Marvel universe has many. The difference this time is that the Beyonder is pictured as sort of a "Galactus' Galactus", i.e. a being as far above Galactus as Galactus is above us. He is a being, like God, whom desire is a completely alien concept; his merest whim is instantly reality. Writer Jim Shooter mostly succeeds in dealing with such a mind boggling concept although inconsistencies abound. For example, when Dr. Doom gains the Beyonder's powers *his* whims do not become instant reality; his mother is still a prisoner in Mephisto's domain and he is shown planning to do something about that. But all in all, the basic premise was dealt with well enough and did not derail the story.There were a lot of nice character moments in this series. Dr. Doom steals the show in this regard but almost every character (and there were dozens) gets a chance to shine.There were a lot of plot elements introduced in this series that played out later in other titles. Examples are Spider-Man's alien costume, Colossus' estrangement from Kitty Pryde, and the Thing remaining behind on the battleworld.The art was underwhelming for such an important series, reportedly Marvel's counterpunch to DC's Crisis on Infinite Earths series going on at the same time. One gets the impression that penciler Mike Zeck was very rushed. I deducted a star for this alone.As a collection this is a minimal effort. One gets just the 12 issues and nothing else. But it has a price point to match so if you have (or have read) the various lead ins to this series this is a cheap way to get the main event.Despite shortcomings, the book is recommended. It was an enjoyable read. The series has been criticized as a lot of sound and fury signifying nothing but that is too harsh a judgement. One unfortunate fallout from the commercial success of this series and the aforementioned Crisis was the company wide annual mega crossover that plagues us to this day.

Way before the Marvel Super Heroes battles Thanos in the 1991 epic superhero crossover "The Infinity Gauntlet", they were in a battle on a planet called Battleworld in this 1984 blockbuster that was adapted into the three-part episode of the 1994 Spider-Man animated series. The story starts with a prologue where Spider-Man, the X-Men (Professor X, Wolverine, Cyclops, Storm, Nightcrawler, Rogue & Colossus), the Fantastic Four (Mister Fantastic, the Human Torch, & the Thing), the Hulk, Iron Man (Jim "Rhodey" Rhodes) & the Avengers (Captain America, Thor, She-Hulk, Hawkeye, Captain Marvel & the Wasp) disappears in a mysterious alien structure in Central Park. Then it was reveals they were brought to Battleworld by the Beyonder to battles their enemies for his amusement. Of course, it features the debut of the new Spider-Woman (Julia Carpenter) who joins the Marvel Super Heroes & Captain America was appointed leader much of Wolverine's dismay. Colossus fell in love with an alien while the Wasp have a tutenlous relationship with Magneto which ended badly. The Hulk was showing signs of Banner losing control of the Hulk which led to the conclusion of "The Incredible Hulk: Regression" story arc. Oh yeah and Spider-Man dons the black alien costume which change his entire life in "The Alien Costume Saga" story arc. The story ends when the Thing wants to stay on Battleworld and She-Hulk took his place as a member of the Fantastic Four while the rest of the Marvel Super Heroes returns to Earth. Of course, Hawkeye was worrying that the Hulk might be showing signs of him turning savage."Secret Wars" was Marvel's first blockbuster that prepare the Marvel Super Heroes for the 1991 epic blockbuster "The Infinity Gauntlet". Marvel Studios should think about doing a crossover movie based on the "Secret Wars" story arc.

Here is the 1st ever Marvel crossover event comic which puts a group of heroes vs a group of villans on Battleworld for a ultimate prize.See Spider-man and members of the Avengers, X-Men and Fantastic Four battle members of there rouge galleries and them self's in so great fight with some excellent art.

This was the first Marvel comic I bought and introduced me to a whole range of characters I later got to know in their own comics.Notable as the first Marvel Universe wide event, now a regular staple of the comic universes.It is an exciting premise - a being of unfathomable power summons Earth's greatest heroes and villains to battle it out for the prize of their greatest wishes. Exciting and well executed.

Before war was Infinity, it was secret, it was wars plural, although admittedly there was only one war. A gladiatorial games set in the far reaches of..well, excelsior.If you were looking for an entry point to the Marvel Universe it's here. Sure there are back stories but it allows you to jump right in.Bonus materials include original sketch art and tales from the murky world of how to tap the lucrative toy market.Lovingly reproduced, typos and all.

Bought this as a revisit of how Marvel used to be. As enjoyable as the story is there are some awesomely simplistic and annoying over simplifications in the story.Dated and less sophisticated than today's audience expects - but a worthy effort in it's day.

I had the first issue of this bought for me when I was a kid. I always wondered how it all played out. Only took me 30+ years to get round to it! It's been fun to recapture my childhood a little.