Marvel Comics Presents (1988) # 70

"Acts of Vengeance, Part 7: Confession is Good for the Soulless"

Published: Feb. 1991

Original Price: $1.25

Writer: Howard Mackie

Artist: Mark Texeira
Inker: Harry Candelario
Letterer: Clem Robins
Colorist: Gregory Wright
Editor: Terry Kavanagh
Editor in Chief: Tom DeFalco

Cover Artist: Rob Liefeld

After beginning their assault on Deathwatch's building the four heroes have split into two groups. While Wolverine and Yuji continue advancing through the floors of the building, Ghost Rider and Brass scale the outside on the demon's motorcycle. GR and Brass arrive on the roof, taking out ninjas as they progress. Wolverine and Yuji do the same, and the four eventually meet up in the middle. Wolverine's senses tell them that the kidnapped Brigitte and Jack D'Auria are in an adjoining room, so Ghost Rider busts the door in. The two teenagers are inside, bound and gagged, but before they can be freed the four men are surrounded on all sides by Deathwatch's men.

Langly, the man responsible for orchestrating the situation, reveals himself, flanked by the triplet Triad brothers. Brass and Yuji disable two of the brothers, while Wolverine disarms the third. Using his claws, Logan stabs the three men, making them unable to use their swords. Ghost Rider then wraps the three men in his chain, and then gives them his penance stare. Before the rest of the assassins can open fire, an authoritative voice tells them to halt. Deathwatch appears, demanding to know just what is going on. Langly attempts to explain, but Deathwatch decides to learn the information his way, breaking Langly's neck.

Spirit of Vengeance, innocent blood, yeah we get it.

THE ROADMAP

This issue of Marvel Comics Presents also contained stories featuring Shanna the She-Devil, Daredevil, and Black Widow & Darkstar.

CHAIN REACTION

For the fourth time, "Acts of Vengeance" splits the story in half, with one thread following the Ghost Rider and the other following Wolverine. In contrast to the previous use of this technique, the stars switch partners, with Ghost Rider teaming with Brass and Wolverine with Yuji. The dynamics of the two duos are used to good effect, particularly with Brass and Ghost Rider as they make their way down through Deathwatch's fortress.

Brass proves himself quite a talker as he interacts with the Ghost Rider, and he has a particularly good exchange when he says "I guess I'm more comfortable confessing to a demon than I would a priest". Both characters are consumed by a need for vengeance, but only Brass takes the act personally after the tragic death of his lover. It's a fitting contrast to Wolverine and Yuji, who - despite having personal ties to the story's events - still keep a more level head during their half of the chapter. Brass and Ghost Rider, though, are what makes the arc's title as appropriate as it is, even without the story's ties to the older crossover from which it takes its name.

However, despite the quality of the script, the story is still starting to wear a bit thin, and I'm thankful we only have one chapter to go. The involvement of Deathwatch is still a mystery, as he has virtually no ties to the original Acts of Vengeance conspirators that start Brass on his mission, but the villain's appearance at this chapter's end hopefully bodes a resolution to his part in the story. In a nice initial twist, Deathwatch apparently has no idea of the acts being perpetrated in his name.

Texeira's artwork, though still hampered by Candelario's sub par inks, provides some good images.  As I've said numerous times in previous reviews of this arc, the art is disappointing when you consider what Texeira will achieve during his run on the Ghost Rider series, but the work on this issue is still much improved over the first few chapters.

Knock, knock!