Why is this series so good? Well, basically, it is a sampler of several different comic book characters in the Marvel Universe. In each issue, a reader gets reprints of four separate comic books featuring some of the top Marvel characters. Right away, you know you are getting more bang for your buck, when notice that you get four issues in one for a low price of $3.99. Second, and equally important, you decide which comic books are worth collecting from these monthly samplers.

     The first issue of this collection features a cover of Wolverine's Origin. Inside, I read the first issue of the highly anticipated miniseries that finally told readers everything they wanted to know about Wolverine's past. It was awesome, from great artwork to wonderful storytelling, Wolverine's Origin is everything I was hoping it would be and proves that comic books are not just for kids anymore. In addition to this, I was also treated to issue #4 of the hot new Spiderman series Tangled Web. This series is about Spiderman, but barely features him in the stories. It is more about the effect he has on the supporting characters in his universe. The story, Severance Package, was a well-written piece and gave readers an inside look at what happens to a member of Kingpin's Operation when he is thwarted by Spiderman. This is definitely a series I will pick up every now and then.

     But there are of course the duds. And two stories included in this collection are not worth the trees that perished for their publishing. Startling Stories: Banner #1 is beautiful to look at, but the story annoyed me, because Bruce Banner looked like a child and I was not sure where this story belonged in the Hulk Universe. Cable #97 was not as good as when I first began to collect the series. The mystery is gone and the larger than life Cable is now a pale version of his old self. I did not like the new art style, it is not detailed enough and looked sloppy.

     Over in the completely black covered Issue #2, I was upset that Incredible Hulk #34 and Daredevil #26 were included. I didn't like the artwork in Hulk again, because now Banner looked like a hippie and then a thin drug addict with a shaved head. There was this new Mr. Blue character-helping Hulk out, but I didn't really know where it was going. Daredevil started off really cool with the underworld being predominantly featured, but then Daredevil confronted a villain I knew nothing about and I became lost. For this edition, they should have presented a summary to catch the reader up.

     With those two issues aside, I was happy to see Amazing Spiderman #36. J. Michael Stracynski's writing has turned this series around and this particular issue was a gripping account of the events of September 11. Seeing tears in Dr. Doom's eyes was just a very powerful piece of work. If this is how good Spiderman has become, I may jump back on the bandwagon. Also, X-Men Evolution #1 was included and I was surprised at how good it was. It's based on the animated series complete with a different take on the group's origin. Xavier and Magneto's friendship is just dissolving and Xavier recruits Storm and Wolverine to help his cause and prevent Magneto and Mystique from attacking the humans Xavier believes could co-exist with mutants. Amazingly, Cyclops is not the leader here. He's the guy the group is trying to recruit and the subject of issue #2. This was a very cool story and I loved the artwork. It was nice to get a look at a series I would have never thought about buying before.

     Everyone has their own taste and Might Marvel Must Haves satisfies them all. People need to check out this collection to see what series they would like to pick up in the future. You may be pleasantly surprised at what you start to enjoy.

     Send your comments and or questions about this article to Blackhart@ybfree.com.

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