When I made the to myself to read every single Earth 616 comic ever published, I didn’t realize what a slog it would be at times. Like, trying to get through the mid-’90s or some of the Godawful Daniel Way books. I would never have guessed that a little anthology like this would bring me so much joy.
The first story has members of the Inhumans chasing Lockjaw around Attilan because he doesn’t want to take a bath. He evades Crystal, Karnak, and Gorgon, but when Black Bolt shows up he immediately obeys…
It’s very cute.
The final panel is a hilarious take on all the “sexy car wash” scenes in movies–a tradition that I believe began with Cool Hand Luke.
Then it’s a visit with Shamrock(!), who we haven’t seen in a very long time. She takes down Paste Pot Pete and then figures out that his paste gun can be used to style hair. After that, Stephanie Buscema writes-and-draws a story of Thing and Human Torch prank-calling Doctor Doom.
Next, Faith Erin Hicks creates a strange story where Elsa Bloodstone and Tabitha “Boom Boom” Smith are roommates, and Elsa uses her powers to (I think) literally blow up some teenage boys who are fantasizing about seeing girls naked. It’s unclear if she kills them, but it sure reads that way. I’m gonna say that this story, at least, is not canon.
Indie creators Abby Denson and Emma Vieceli then do a two-page spread where Mary Janes imagines writing personal ads for various male heroes. And we close with a Doctor Strange tale.
Like the first issue, this one has text pieces spotlighting women who were important to the history of Marvel. This one features June Tarpe Mills, who wrote for Timely comics in the ’40s and had to hide her gender by going by the name “Tarpe Mills;” Ruth Atkinson, who co-created Patsy Walker; inker Valerie Barclay; and production assistant and writer Linda Fite.
There’s also a Valkyrie pin-up by Colleen Doran and of of Miss America by Ramona Fradon.
Another great comic!