One of the most popular comic writers of the 21st century continues his return to Marvel in Marvel Tales by J. Michael Straczynski. This anthology series see Straczynski teaming up with a host of talented artists to tell a series of one-shots featuring Marvel’s top characters including Spider-Man, Captain America, Doctor Doom, Doctor Strange, Ghost Rider and more.
From 2001 to 2009, Straczynski – who was already well regarded for his TV work on Babylon 5 – established himself as one of the comic industry’s top writers. His seven-year run on Amazing Spider-Man is still looked back on fondly as some of the best Spider-Man comics of modern times whilst his Thor revival was a big turning point for the character in terms of mainstream popularity and had a big influence on how the character was portrayed in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. His welcome return to Marvel in 2021 lead to a string of projects including a stint on Captain America. This Marvel Tales collection collects several one-shots Straczynski created alongside a variety of top artists to showcase some unexpected team-ups. The strong line-up of artists give each story a unique feel – with Will Robson, Elena Casagrande and Phil Noto providing some particularly great pages.
Straczynski has proved throughout his tenure that he has a strong grasp on the Marvel Universe and this collection proves that this is still the case all these years later. The unlikely team-up premise of the anthology demonstrates this as he manages to weave together some of the most unlikely pairings in Marvel that you can imagine. Doctor Doom and Rocket Raccoon for instance are not typically in the same sphere when it comes to their main respective comic appearances, but Straczynski creates a fun narrative where despite the characters vastly different philosophies, they form a grudging respect over their scientific skills.
Straczynski also uses the anthology as an opportunity to revisit past characters he worked on. The unlikely team-up of Captain America and Volstagg sees him return to the settings of both his Captain America and Thor runs. But it is his return to Spider-Man that is most satisfying. Peter Parker’s dinner date with Mary Jane goes off the wall quickly as he finds himself trying to coexist with a variety of supervillains and superheroes who have all come for the same reason. It’s a fun story that doesn’t take itself too seriously and will remind readers of how well Straczynski got the characters of both Spider-Man and Mary Jane.
Fans of Straczynski’s previous work will definitely enjoy this collection, and it is also perfect for any Marvel fans who like slightly more unconventional character team-ups.
Marvel Tales by J. Michael Straczynski is out 28 October from Marvel (9781302948139, p/b, £17.99)
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