“Yesterday’s” Comic> Contest Of Champions #1

And I thought last year’s ComiCONN was cramped.

Marvel Super Hero Contest Of Champions #1

Marvel Comics (June, 1982)

Heroes from all over Earth are captured by a strange red glow, appearing in a giant stadium in space. There they are introduced to the Grandmaster and his mysterious companion referred to as “The Unknown”, who are taking part in a competition and using Earth’s heroes as pawns, or the planet will remain frozen in time. If the Grandmaster wins his brother, the Collector, will be restored and he promises to never use Earthlings as pawns again. If the Unknown wins, the sun’s life will be extended and the Grandmaster will join his brother in the afterlife. 12 are chosen to seek the pieces of a golden globe. Whomever collects the most wins.

What they got right: Originally intended to coincide with the 1980 Olympics the US pulled out of in protest, the idea of a contest between superheroes is a good idea and I hope this doesn’t turn into hero versus hero combat. I know it’s a Marvel norm but I don’t like it. The art is good.

What they got wrong: Around half the book is a list of every superhero ever, including ones I’ve never heard of like Periguine and Talisman. Those two are part of the 12 but most of them aren’t. Why not just choose the 12 instead of wasting our time?

Other notes: You can kind of guess a few point where they had to change things to match the current state of the Marvel Universe, like where Beast just happens to be visiting the Avengers even though he’s no longer a member.

Recommendation: Sorry, I can’t really judge. The first issue is just a checklist of Marvel heroes, most of which don’t appear to be involved in the story. Maybe in the coming weeks, as we go over this storyline, I can make a better call.

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• “Yesterday’s” Comic overview: Contest Of Champions