2.97 (462) Secret Wars II #1 ... Marvel ... #mutants

With the enormous success of the first secret wars, can there be any doubt that there would be a sequel? No. However, it is so popular, that the title has been shortened and the Marvel Super Heroes has been dropped

Herewith is chapter 1 - where we see the entity that originally assembled the Marvel Heroes has not actually given up on his objective when he permitted everyone to leave his battleworld planet. In fact, so disturbed by he/ it on what he has seen that he felt the only way he could understand is to experience humanity on its own turf

The main challenge I had with this series is the rather rushed artwork. One would think that with such a hit series, they could have assembled a team that takes a bit more time in the work but I guess Marvel at that time decided to cash in as fast as they could and thus this is the result. It's very workmanlike ... not saying bad, mind you ... but if you read it, you would know what we mean. In addition, the reviews at that time, were not so favourable although for me, it is generally a hit as it has more "philosophy" going on in this second series and many things for us readers to ponder upon

I guess if I were to say what's bad ... is the fact that the crossovers are everywhere in this second series ... and you really do need to read them to get the whole picture. Otherwise, it feels quite disjointed and rushed. Even this first issue is no exception

We opened the series straightforward enough with the arrival of the Beyonder to Earth and naturally the first person he made contact with is the Molecule Man as to the Beyonder, this is the first guy he knows who has powers anywhere near his. He is also puzzled why with so much power, Owen Reece does so little and is happy to hide in suburbia watching reruns and eating junkfood with his now flabby gal!

Others who detected his arrival include folks like Prof X who seemed to be ill and managed to send out a distress telepathic call before fainting. This is where we meant by crossovers. You have to read the X-Men to find out why the professor is in this shape. Then you have to read the New Mutants to find out why and how they assembled the team to go after the Beyonder

Now with no one knowing what form the Beyonder would take, it is surprising to see everyone then attacking a being granted special powers by the Beyonder. Everyone here including the Iron Man and Captain America. Once more you need to read other comics to find out how this villain truly came to be and finally ... the abrupt ending. Sigh!

Ratings: 6/10 (lost points cos of artwork and continuity heavy)