Marvel Premiere #49
Published and © by Marvel, August 1979
Title: “Sound of the Silencer”
Synopsis: The Falcon fails to save an outspoken writer from Bodavia, but swears to hunt down the assassin.
Writer: Mark Evanier
Artists: Sal Buscema and Dave Simons
Review: Marvel Premiere #49 is a bland affair. An outspoken writer from Bodavia (where?) is slain by the Silencer (who?) in front of the Falcon. The rest of the story is mostly spent in the Falcon’s head as he wrestles with guilt and doubt – and the mystery of “O.T.T.F.F.S.S.E.N.” It’s an OK whodunit, but the big reveal doesn’t offer much in the way of emotional stakes. On the art side, Dave Simons brings a realistic polish to Sal Buscema’s work, but renders most of the energy out of it in the process. All told, a forgettable headlining debut for the Falcon.
Grade: C
Cool factor: That’s a pretty cool Frank Miller cover.
Not-so-cool factor: It’s the Falc’s solo debut and he doesn’t even warrant a C-list villain? Definitely not cool.
Notable: First solo comic for the Falcon.
Collector’s note: According to the Grand Comics Database, there is a a 12p British variant of this issue.
Character quotable: “Doctor’s get second opinions … why not superheroes?” – The Falcon, stuck in his own head
Editor’s note: This review was written June 5, 2021.
