Marvel Comics Presents #004

Four — count’em — four senses-shattering stories in a single comics magazine! Wolverine part 4: There’s a new menace in town. His name’s Razor-Fist, and if you think he reminds you of the way Wolverine used to be, imagine how Wolverine must feel when he has to fight him! “The Ordeal” is written by Chris Claremont, penciled by John Buscema, and inked by Klaus Janson. Shang-Chi, Master Of Kung Fu part 4: Shang-Chi embarks on a quest to track down Leiko Wu, the woman he loves! Will he live to find her? Written by Doug Moench, penciled by Tom Grindberg, and inked by Dave Cockrum. Man-Thing part 4: The search for the super-soldier formula continues! Will it create an army of Captain Americas or an army of muck-encrusted Man-Things? Written by Steve Gerber and illustrated by Tom Sutton. Plus complete in this issue: Thor battles the Fear Worm, the creature who can bring your greatest fears to life! Written and illustrated by Al Milgrom.

CONTENTS

Wolerine: “Save The Tiger” (Part 4 of 10)”The Ordeal”

Man-Thing: “Elements of Doom” (Part 4 of 12) “Rage and Design”

Shang-Chi, Master of Kung Fu: “Crossing Lines” (Part 4 of 8) “Water”

Thor “Silent Thunder”

Save The Tiger [part 4]:

Previously, big things had happened to Wolverine since his arrival in Madripoor. He had a showdown at a bar, he vainly tried to reason with a girl whom he knew from his past and he got attacked by a vampire and a blade wielding man.

Now, Wolverine finds himself in chains, his hands shackled to the ceiling of a room and unable to move. Sapphire Styx comes inside and kisses him once again. Wolverine finds his life-force being drained out of him, but prevails due to his healing factor. She says that she would like to have him for herself, but her contract with Roche does not permit her to do so.

A short while later, Roche comes in and introduces himself. He also introduces his enforcer, Razorfist, and his torture master, The Inquisitor. He adds that he knows much about Wolverine since his arrival in Madripoor. Roche adds that it was he who killed Dave Chapel in order to bring down his new rival, Tiger. But since Wolverine seems to have encounterd Dave Chapel, he seeks information from Wolverine now.

The next day, at the Princess Bar, Jessan talks with O’Donnel. She says that the stranger knew her. O’Donnel asks her not to worry, because Wolverine might not know what has happened with Jessan in the meantime, and thus be no cause for harm to her. Still, Jessan feels concerned for him, because she has heard that wolverine has been taken prisoner by Roche.

After fourteen hours of torture, Wolverine is in little position to defend himself. Roche hurts his left eye and goes out. The Inquisitor threatens to torture Wolverine more, if he doesn’t open his mouth soon. Then they all go out.

After the party has left, Wolverine thinks of contacting the X-Men telepathically, but decides otherwise. He brings out his claws and cuts himself free. But his body is too spent, and he falls down, out cold. He wakes up a while later, and finds the way out into the garden. But he’s far from safe. Razorfist blocks his way. Wolverine tries to attack, but Razorfist is too fast for him. He shoves his blades straight into Wolverine’s body. Wolverines fails to defend himself, only his healing factor and adamantium laced bones keep him alive. Razorfist shoves him out over the waterfall. He salutes wolverine, saying that Wolverine was indeed worthy of his skills.

Story #2 – Elements of Terror Part 4 – Man Thing – At the Freedom Science Studies Institute in California, Senator Wilbur Wycombe has become the latest subject in a series of deadly experiments to perfect Ted Sallis’s Super Soldier serum. In Washington D.C. reporter Mickey Ditillo has undertaken an investigation into the Senator’s disappearance. And in the Florida swamps, the slime creature called Man Thing has also become entwined in the widening political scandal, as the newly adopted “familiar” of the devil priestess whose assassins serve a sinister shadow goverment.

Story #3 – Crossing Lines Part 4 – Master of Kung Fu – In the wake of Leiko Wu’s abduction Shang Chi demands to know what kind of “game” she was playing with Tarr, Reston and the late Xiao. Tarr reveals that they were trying to prevent the imminent coalition of terrorist factions from all over the globe. Rejoining Reston, they find a package containing dead fish and Leiko’s severed hand. Chi vows to locate the uniting terrorists and bring Leiko back, but still refuses to join Tarr’s agency.

Story #4 – Silent Thunder – Thor – Thor learns that even an immortal can die.