Secret Wars II #1 Review - Secret Wars II

Issue Review
Secret Wars II #1

Direct Market Release Date: March 26, 1985

Credits

Title: Earthfall
Scripter: Jim Shooter
Penciller: Al Milgrom
Inker: Steve Leialoha
Letterer: Joe Rosen
Colorist: Christie Scheele
Editor: Bob Budiansky

Summary

The Beyonder, an omnipotent universe responsible for abducting many of earth's heroes to Battleworld for the first Secret Wars, manifests himself in our universe, and heads for earth. The Molecule Man, and his girlfriend Volcana, are living the quiet life in Denver,Colorado, when they are disturbed by the Beyonder's violent arrival. Assuming in physical form as a composite of many of the heroes and villains he met during the first Secret Wars, the Beyonder appears in Molecule Man's apartment. When questioned, the Beyonder states his goal - to experience on our world what he could not as an omnipotent universe. Volcana encourages the Beyonder to visit Los Angeles - "You can experience everything there!".

The Beyonder's presence on earth abruptly awakens an exhausted Charles Xavier, deliriously uttering the Beyonder's name. Xavier sends out a telepathic warning, before passing out from the strain. Captain America, aboard a commercial airliner, receives Xavier's call, and uses his Avengers status to change the planes course to Los Angeles.

Likewise, Magneto and the X-Men also put aside their differences to heed Xavier's call, and head to the west coast.recruiting New Mutants Cannonball and Magik along the way.

Arriving in Los Angeles, the Beyonder continues his endeavor to understand and experience, now assuming the physical form of Molecule Man. He encounters disgruntled screenwriter Stewart Cadwall, and transforms him into Thundersword. Cadwall, as Thundersword, begins to rebel and attack the television studios who have been suppressing his creativity. Thinking that he is the Beyonder, the X-Men engage him in battle, and are quickly joined by Captain America.

During the battle, psychic mutant Rachel Summers detects the Beyonder's hidden presence. The Beyonder makes himself visible, and notices Magik's demon side, despite her constant attempts to keep it hidden. Curious, he transforms her into Darkchilde. She panics, and transports herself and those nearest her into Limbo. Believing that they have been killed, Wolverine flies into a rage and disembowels the Beyonder, who barely flinches. Fearing that they have angered a god, the X-Men are teleported away by Lila Cheney.

Tony Stark, having seen reports of the battle against Thundersword on television, sends James Rhodey as Iron Man to join the fight. He arrives in time to help Captain America defeat Thundersword, who reverted back to Stewart Cadwall once separated from his sword.

Meanwhile, the Beyonder comes to the realization that "Observing alone is not experience!", then apparently disappears in a flash of light. Iron Man and Captain America resolve to wait for the Beyonder's next move. As Captain America moves on, the undetectable Beyonder follows him.

Quotes

The Beyonder: Experience is the best teacher! To watch is not to understand without experience!

Thundersword: MacBurgers--! GARBAGE!
Colossus: What?! I love Big Macs. And the MacFries are the BEST

Commentary

While it's not the most compelling series opener, Secret Wars II #1 does a serviceable job setting up the story. Considering the sheer number of characters that were featured in the first Secret Wars, this issue really doesn't showcase a lot of heroes. Only the X-Men New Mutants, Captain America, and Iron Man appear - fitting since the series crosses over into those particular titles this month, but at the time of this issue's release I recall being disappointed that Spider-Man didn't make an appearance.

There are also a few awkward plot points. Marsha Rosenberg's suggestion to the Beyonder that he go to Los Angeles to experience life seems to come from left field, and while the character of Stewart Cadwall may serve as a nice vehicle to comment on 80's television, it's hardly that exciting of an idea to kick off a big title-spanning event. After the Beyonder disappears at the issue's end, Cap and Iron Man admit that there's not much they can do but wait for the Beyonder to make his move. I suppose notifying the other heroes of the Beyonder's presence would have been a lot of work, so the two heroes can be forgiven there.

The main thing that the readers need to know is that the Beyonder is on earth, and he's curious about humanity. The issue serves as a fair, if underwhelming, introduction to both these points.

Up next...

Secret Wars II continues in New Mutants #30!