Marvel Fanfare #33: Shadows On The Soul!

Writer: Chris Claremont
Penciler: June Brigman
Inker: Terry Austin
Letterer: Rick Parker
Colorist: Glynis Oliver
Editors: Bob Budiansky and Al Milgrom
Editor In Chief: Jim Shooter


Chapter 4 of the epic 12-part multi-crossover Questprobe series!


This time Durgan is after copying the X-Men's powers in the continued hopes of defeating the approaching Black Army from wiping out his pacifist planet.

As the inanimate bio-gem escapes from its captor the natter enenergy-egg (sic) to, via the Chief Examiner, take-over Magneto's powers, the master of magnetism's alter ego becomes a replication of his corporeal body as a pattern of energy within an alien computer. There he discusses philosophy with Durgan's energy pattern. Meanwhile back on Earth, Rogue must use the combined powers of Spider-Man, the Hulk and the Fantastic Four to defeat 'Magneto' without seriously harming his body.

Yes, author Chris Claremont packs a lot into these 24 pages, although there are two things that he misses:

1. Some motivation for Rogue's relinquishment of all her new superpowers. Okay she's hulk-green, but who in the Marvel Universe wouldn't take that on in order to hang onto all the cool new abilities that come with it? Those are the combined powers of the Human Torch, Spider-Man and the Hulk she has there!

2. Not that it's Claremont's fault, a proper conclusion. Although eventually printed here in Marvel Fanfare #33, these pages were originally intended to be issue #4 of the 12-part Questprobe series, which was sadly discontinued after issue #3. At time of writing, the outstanding 8 chapters remain unrealised, and with them Durgan's planet is still sadly doomed.

If any industry has the brand-loyalty to successfully run an 8-part, or even a one-part, conclusion to a 25-year-old failed comic series, then it surely has to be Marvel.

Finally, here's Magneto nicely pondering the pros and cons of standing up to pacifism:

"Has the capacity for violence really done humanity that much good?

Mahatma Ghandi spoke of a better way -- resistance to evil, to oppression, without resort to violence. The courage to take blows, but never return them. Christ's message, too.

Durgan's race embodies that noble ideal. Yet Durgan, in his zeal to save them, may in the process cost them what they hold most dear.

I wish him luck -- but I wonder if his people will thank him for what he's done on their behalf. And may yet do.

Will his victory be worth the price?"

Questprobe #1 featuring the Hulk reviewed here.
Questprobe #2 featuring Spider-Man reviewed here.
Questprobe #3 featuring the Human Torch and the Thing reviewed here.

With thanks to Herschel.