As mentioned in a previous post, I have been using marvel Unlimited to read old comic books, specially comics I had never previously read. Currently I am reading Werewolf by Night, and am about halfway through the series. In this post I will be writing about issues 11 through 15, the Marv Wolfman issues.
On the credits page, it states "At last - Werewolf - written by a Wolfman", Marv Wolfman, Writer; Gil Kane and Tom Button, Artists; Stan G. Colors; and Roy Thomas, Editor. The creative team changed a lot during the run of Werewolf by Night, however the Marv Wolfman issues are an interesting transition point.
In these issues we find out more about The Committee, a major nemesis for Jack Russell and his Werewolf alter-ego. We also learn more about Jack's relationship to his step-father, Phillip Russell, and introduced to another enemy, The Hangman.
Not wanting to give away too many spoilers, Phillip Russell is kidnapped by The Committee and is being tortured to provide information on how they can get Jack Russell. Up until now, I had figured Phillip didn't give a wolf's behind for his step-son, Jack, but he refuses to cooperate with The Committee. This sets up some additional events that will unfold over the next several issues, culminating with a cross-over story with Marv Wolfman's series, Tomb of Dracula (which is on my list of comics to read).
During this first couple of issues, Jack's Wolfish identity does battle with The Hangman, who is about as warped psychologically speaking, as you can get. This villain is deluded and out of his mind, meting out his own flavor of justice to evil doers, acting as judge, jury and executioner.
After that, Jack has a run in with Taboo, and his familiar, the lovely Topaz, who not only becomes a love interest for Jack, but a long running character in Marvel Comics.
Marv Wolfman's take culminates with his cross-over with The Tomb of Dracula #18, and wraps up with Werewolf by Night #15, when Jack and Topaz take a trip to Transylvania to search for clues to Jack's family's past and a cure to the Werewolf Curse.
Good stuff all the way around. Although Marv Wolfman all five of these issues of Werewolf by Night, and Tomb of Dracula #18, the rest of the creative team changed a lot, including several more issues with Mike Ploog as artist.
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