Cover: James Fry & Jae Lee & Hector Collazo

Marvel Comics Presents #129

May 1993 · Marvel · 1.50 USD; 1.90 CAD; 1.00 GBP

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★ 1st appearance — Necromancer

About this Issue

Marvel Comics Presents #129 is a well-constructed mid-run installment of the series' biweekly anthology format, notable for the first appearances of the villain collective known as 'They' — comprising The Easterner, The Occidental, and Meridian — introduced in the Wolverine/Lynx 'Passion Play' chapter co-written by Scott Lobdell and Dan Slott. The issue also showcases the anthology format at its most efficient, with four distinct creative teams advancing serialized arcs for Wolverine, Crossbones, Ghost Rider/Typhoid Mary, and Iron Fist simultaneously within a single flipbook package. John Figueroa's Crossbones solo chapter demonstrates exactly the kind of character-maintenance storytelling the anthology format uniquely enabled — a bridge scene that would have been impractical to publish anywhere else. Ann Nocenti and Steve Lightle's Ghost Rider/Typhoid Mary installment continues the creative partnership that began with their acclaimed 'Typhoid's Kiss' from MCP #109–116.

In "Passion Play Part Seven: That's What They Say," Iron Fist seeks answers from an unexpected ally as a mysterious anomaly unsettles his path. When Cool Million abducts Lillian and turns her against Danny, the two are swiftly captured by Hydra, setting a tense stage for what comes next. Written by Joey Cavalieri and illustrated by Bill Wylie and Chris Renkewitz, with inks by Bud LaRosa, Peter Palmiotti, and Bill Wylie, and colors by Mike Thomas, this 1993 issue features a striking cover by James Fry, Jae Lee, and Hector Collazo.

Contains 4 stories

Passion Play Part Seven: That's What They Say

8 pp · Superhero

They (introduction) [The Easterner (introduction, villain)The Occidental (introduction, villain)Meridian (introduction, villain)]

A Time to Die

8 pp · Superhero

Dr. Carolyn Lepre (introduction)Dr. Hardy (introduction)

The Book of Changes Pt. 5: Friendship Rears Its Ugly Head

8 pp · Martial Arts, Superhero

The Mechanic (introduction)

In "The Book of Changes Pt. 5: Friendship Rears Its Ugly Head," Iron Fist seeks help from an old acquaintance to unravel a mysterious anomaly, only to find himself caught in a dangerous game when Cool Million takes Lillian hostage and uses her as leverage. With Danny and Lillian both captured, they face a new threat as Hydra closes in.

Walking Wounded Pt. 7: Peak the Pathos

8 pp · Horror-Suspense, Superhero

EveLouis Tarsitino (cameo)Sally Tarsitino (cameo)Matthew Tarsitino (cameo)

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History

The issue was produced under editor Terry Kavanagh, with Mark Powers as assistant editor and Tom DeFalco as editor-in-chief — the editorial trio that stewarded the anthology through its early 1990s period. The 'Passion Play' arc running through this issue was co-scripted by Scott Lobdell and Dan Slott, both of whom were developing their craft in the anthology's pages before going on to more prominent Marvel work. The flipbook physical format — two front covers, two content halves — was standard for Marvel Comics Presents by this period, allowing the title to effectively double its page count and story variety without expanding its standard 36-page footprint.

Trivia · 7 facts

The issue is a flipbook with four eight-page serialized stories: 'Passion Play Part 7' (Wolverine/Lynx), 'A Time to Die' (Crossbones), 'The Walking Wounded Part 7: Peak the Pathos' (Ghost Rider/Typhoid Mary), and 'The Book of Changes Part 5: Friendship Rears Its Ugly Head' (Iron Fist).
First appearances of the villain group 'They' and its three members — The Easterner, The Occidental, and Meridian — in the Wolverine/Lynx story, which sees Logan, Black Widow, and Lynx invade their secret Antarctic base.
First appearance (and death) of a supporting character known only as 'The Mechanic' in the Iron Fist / 'Book of Changes' storyline, per the Marvel Database.
Front cover art by James Fry and Hector Collazo; the flip-side cover is credited to Jae Lee per the Marvel Database.
The Wolverine/'Passion Play' arc was co-written by Scott Lobdell and Dan Slott, with pencils and inks by Dennis Jensen; the Crossbones story was written by John Figueroa with art by Ron Wilson.
The Ghost Rider/Typhoid Mary 'Walking Wounded' arc was written by Ann Nocenti and Steve Lightle (with Lightle also on art), continuing their creative partnership from the earlier 'Typhoid's Kiss' serial (MCP #109–116).
The 'Walking Wounded' arc (MCP #123–130) and the Iron Fist 'Book of Changes' arc (MCP #125–137) were both later collected in trade paperback reprints, per the series' reprint history.