MSH Secret Wars: Battleworld #1

by Tom DeFalco

Marvel Super Heroes: Battleworld #1

Illustrated by: Pat Olliffe

Cover Art by: Giuseppe Camuncoli

Written by: Tom DeFalco

Release date: November 22, 2023

Marvel Comics

*Minor Spoilers Ahead

AFTER NEARLY FORTY YEARS, THE MYSTERIES OF THE SECRET WARS DEEPEN!
Get ready for an ALL-NEW cataclysmic battle from when SPIDER-MAN first got his ALIEN COSTUME, when a mysterious being called the BEYONDER assembled super heroes and villains from Earth to do battle on a patchwork planet – yes, witness now an untold adventure set during the original SECRET WARS! MARVEL SUPER HEROES SECRET WARS set the standard for Marvel Comics events (as well as action figures and the characters existing on the forefront of pop culture), and this new story will at last reveal some secret connections and MISSING CHARACTERS going back to the 1984 original series, just in time for its 40th Anniversary! What SECRET TEST are the BEYONDERS conducting…and how will SPIDER-MAN, the HUMAN TORCH and the whole cast determine the fate of the universe? (PLUS: Surprise super-villain appearances inside!)

Tom DeFalco, accompanied by Pat Olliffe’s artistry and Giuseppe Camuncoli’s stunning cover art, transports readers back to the epic events of the original Secret Wars with “Marvel Super Heroes Secret Wars: Battleworld #1.” This new installment digs deeper into the captivating mysteries that have fascinated fans for nearly four decades.

Set during the iconic Secret Wars event when Spider-Man first donned his alien costume, this untold adventure unveils a cataclysmic battle orchestrated by the enigmatic Beyonder. DeFalco’s narrative mastery takes readers on an exhilarating journey, promising to reveal hidden connections, missing characters, and secret tests conducted by the Beyonder, all intricately woven into the fabric of the Marvel universe.

The reunion of the Spider-Girl creative team brings an exciting synergy to this narrative, immersing readers in the classic feel of the original Secret Wars era and 1998s Spider-Girl series. Marvel’s recent trend of exploring past continuity through series like X-Men Legends and Symbiote Spider-Man finds a worthy addition in this title, promising a nostalgic and enthralling experience for fans both old and new.

As Marvel celebrates the 40th anniversary of its first-ever major event, this series stands as a fine addition to the commemorative lineup. The inclusion of facsimile reprints of the original series further adds to the celebration, making this a must-have for any fan eager to revisit the iconic Secret Wars saga.

However, while the creative team excels, some fans may miss the absence of Ron Frenz’s art, given the historic collaboration between DeFalco and Frenz on Spider-Girl. Nonetheless, DeFalco’s storytelling prowess, paired with Olliffe’s art, promises a captivating and nostalgic return to the beloved Secret Wars era.

“Marvel Super Heroes Secret Wars: Battleworld #1” stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Marvel’s monumental events, offering readers a thrilling opportunity to revisit an iconic storyline while uncovering new layers of intrigue and excitement within the Marvel universe.

It’s too bad Marvel couldn’t some how include the original Secret Wars creative teams of Al Milgrom, Bob Layton and Mike Zeck. Oddly enough the original Secret Wars series never felt like it was supporting a toy line to me, even though I knew it was because I was already collecting the action figures, but these last few Battleword spin-offs since 2015 feel very much like they would be tied into a toy line, but from what I have seen they are not, maybe they should be? What do you think?

Marvel Super Heroes: Battleworld #1 is available on our weekly new comic book wall and can be added to your pull list.