Marvel; August 1979
Cover by Michael Golden

Title: “Earth Wars!”
Synopsis: The Micronauts and Baron Karza finally come to blows – with Earth as the battlefield! Plus, the debut of Captain Universe!

Writer: Bill Mantlo
Penciler: Michael Golden
Embellisher: Bob McLeod

Review: After several slow issues, Baron Karza finds his way to Earth through the Prometheus Pit and all hell breaks loose. The Micronauts clash with Karza, and the battle is soon joined by new hero Captain Universe, an embodiment of the mysterious Enigma Force. Meanwhile, back on Homeworld, Prince Argon dons the armor of Force Commander and rallies the rebel forces. Writer Bill Mantlo’s story pops this issue, while Michael Golden’s pencils get a nice solidity from Bob McLeod’s line. Micronauts is in fine form as the tiny team heads back home.

Grade: A

Cool factor: After several slow issues, we pick up the pace.
Not-so-cool factor: After seven issues of buildup, the Micronauts get heroblocked by Captain Universe.

Notable: First appearance of Captain Universe.

Character quotable: “I – I think I’m going to lose my fluid!” – Microtron, sounding a little too human

Copyright ©2016 Off the Wahl Productions, all rights reserved. Each week, T. Andrew Wahl takes a look at a Bronze Age Fantastic First. For more reviews like this one, check out Wahl’s website, SequentialReaction.com.