Secret Wars
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See Marvel Comics
This article refers to the 1984 Secret Wars comic book series. For the 2004 series, see Secret War.
Contents |
Publication History
Marvel Super Heroes Secret Wars is a 12 issue comic book limited series published from May 1984 - April 1985 by Marvel Comics. The series was conceived by Marvel Comics' Editor-in-chief Jim Shooter and primarily pencilled by Mike Zeck. The series was supported by a toy line produced by the company Mattel. Jim Shooter discussed its origin as a proposed toy line :"Kenner had licensed the DC Heroes. Mattel had He-Man, but wanted to hedge in case super-heroes became the next big fad. They were interested in Marvel's characters, but only if we staged a publishing event that would get a lot of attention, and they could build a theme around. Fans, especially young fans often suggested to me "one big story with all the heroes and all the villains in it", so I proposed that. It flew. Mattel thought that kids responded well to the word, "secret" so after a couple of working names bit the dust, we called the story "Marvel Super Heroes Secret Wars". http://www.silverbulletcomicbooks.com/conceptual/108986036075481.htm
Plot
A cosmic entity called the Beyonder has been observing the Earth-616 universe - the mainstream Marvel universe. Fascinated by the presence of metahumans on Earth and their potential, this entity chooses a group of both superheroes and supervillains and teleports them (against their will) to "Battleworld", a planet created by the Beyonder in a distant galaxy. The planet is stocked with alien weapons and technology. The Beyonder then issued the following decree: "I am from beyond! Slay your enemies and all that you desire shall be yours! Nothing you dream of is impossible for me to accomplish!" Marvel Super-Heroes Secret Wars #1 (May 1984)
The heroes (the X-Men choose to stay as a separate unit) and villains have several skirmishes, and there are several significant developments:
- The second Spider-Woman, Julia Carpenter, was introduced Secret Wars #6 (Oct. 1984)
- Spider-Man finds and wears a black costume for the first time. He is initially unaware of the fact that the costume is in fact an alien symbiote and will eventually be worn by rival Eddie Brock, who will become the supervillain Venom. Secret Wars #8 (Dec. 1984)
- Doctor Doom temporarily steals a portion of the Beyonder's power. Secret Wars #10 (Feb. 1985)
- The Thing remains behind on Battleworld and explores the galaxy for a year. Secret Wars #12 (Apr. 1985)
Cast of Characters
| Heroes |
|---|
| Captain America |
| Captain Marvel II |
| Hawkeye |
| The Hulk |
| Human Torch |
| Iron Man II (Jim Rhodes) |
| Mister Fantastic |
| She-Hulk |
| Spider-Man |
| Spider-Woman |
| The Thing |
| Thor |
| The Wasp |
| Villains |
|---|
| Absorbing Man |
| Doctor Doom |
| Doctor Octopus |
| Enchantress |
| Kang the Conqueror |
| Klaw |
| The Lizard |
| Molecule Man |
| Titania |
| Ultron |
| Volcana |
| Wrecking Crew |
| X-Men |
|---|
| Colossus |
| Cyclops |
| Magneto |
| Nightcrawler |
| Professor X |
| Rogue |
| Storm |
| Wolverine |
| Lockheed the Dragon (Mascot) |
| Non-aligned |
|---|
| Galactus |
Tie-in issues
Unlike later crossovers, none of the following issues were bannered or promoted as being part of Secret Wars, but do feature characters leaving/returning from 'Battleworld'. The first issue for each entry denotes departure; the second return.
- The Amazing Spider-Man #251 - 252 (Apr. - May 1984)
Note: Spider-Man returns to Earth in a new black costume, with Curt Connors.
- Avengers #242 - 243 (Mar. - Apr. 1984)
Note: The Avengers return without She-Hulk.
- Captain America #292 (Apr. 1984) (Departure)
- Incredible Hulk #294 - 295 (Apr. - May 1984)
- Iron Man #181 - 182 (Apr. - May 1984)
- Fantastic Four #265 (Apr. 1984) (Return)
Note: Mr. Fantastic and Human Torch return with She-Hulk as part of the team.
- Marvel Team-Up #140 - 141 (May 1984)
- The Thing #10 (Apr. 1984) (Departure)
- Uncanny X-Men #180 - 181 (Apr. - May 1984)
Mattel Toy Series
Mattel released two lines of figures (with a series of vehicles and accessories) in 1984 and 1985.
Other Media
An abbreviated form of the Secret Wars featured in a three-part story of Spider-Man: The Animated Series.
Alternate Versions
What If?
"Brave New World" by Jay Faerber and Gregg Schigiel explored what happened when the heroes stayed on Battleworld. What If...? #114 (vol. 2, Nov. 1998)
