Amazing Adventures #25
Published and © by Marvel, July 1974
Title: “The Devil’s Marauder”
Synopsis: After losing a battle to Skar, Killraven discovers the power of clairsentience and uses it to hunt down the villain.
Writer: Don McGregor
Penciler: Rich Buckler
Inker: Klaus Janson
Review: Don McGregor is settling into his role as Killraven’s primary scribe. After several issues of largely reactive battles, the supporting cast starts asking questions about longterm purpose and goal. On the art side, Rich Buckler and Klaus Janson offer improved storytelling, but their finished rendering lacks consistency and polish.
•••
Title: “Are You Ready for the … Impossible”
Synopsis: A small country’s minister of enlightenment recalls a seemingly impossible tale involving an S.O.S. from a ship in a bottle.
Writer: Uncredited
Penciler: Uncredited
Inker: Uncredited
Review: While competent, this short reprint from Journey into Unknown Worlds #56 doesn’t offer much excitement via story or art.
Grade (for the entire issue): B
Second opinion: “Rich Bucker does a terrific job. … 2 1/2 out of 4 stars.” – Comics Buyer’s Guide #1655, July 2009
Cool factor: Finally, there are hints this series may evolve into something more that a series of random fight scenes.
Notable: The “War of the Words!” letters page includes an LoC from future Marvel editor Ralph Macchio.
Collector’s note: According to MyComicShop.com, there is a Mark Jewelers variant of this issue.
Character quotable: “So the mighty warrior subverts his cause again … in the name of vengeance!!” – Carmilla Frost, speaking truth to Killraven’s power
Editor’s note: This review was written July 24, 2021.
