BRONZE AGE MINUTE: Marvel Fanfare #4

Marvel; September 1982
Cover by Paul Smith

Title: “Lost Souls”
Synopsis: Angel, Ka-Zar and Zabu launch a desperate attempt to rescue the X-Men from the clutches of Sauron.

Writer: Chris Claremont
Penciler: Paul Smith
Inker: Terry Austin

Review: This conclusion to Marvel Fanfare’s Savage Land saga is a good one. Chris Claremont delivers some strong character work while soon-to-be-X-artist Paul Smith avails himself nicely on his mutant debut. Surprisingly, it’s Terry Austin that’s the weak link here, as his detailed linework occasionally overpowers Smith’s simpler style.

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Title: “Mindgame”
Synopsis: With his consciousness restored, Luther “Deathlok” Manning escapes from a military facility – or does he?

Writer: David Anthony Kraft
Penciler: Micheal Golden
Inker: Bob Downs

Review: This fine character study, featuring strong art from Michael Golden, is marred by subpar lettering.

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Title: “Ordeal!”
Synopsis: A nightmare of personifications sees Tony Stark teaming with his own compassion to battle his pride.

Writer (plot): David Winn
Writer (plot and script): David Michelinie
Penciler: Micheal Golden
Inker: Dan Green

Review: The plot is a bit of a thumbsucker but offers a fine excuse for more excellent art from Michael Golden.

Grade (for the entire issue): A-

Cool factor: Paul Smith draws a fantastic Zabu.

Character quotable: “We X-Men die somewhat harder than most. And we yield, not at all.” – Storm, triumphant

Copyright ©2021 Off the Wahl Productions, all rights reserved. Each week, T. Andrew Wahl offers up a Bronze Age Minute. For more reviews like this one, check out Wahl’s website, offthewahl.com.