BRONZE AGE MINUTE: The Inhumans #4

Marvel; April 1976
Cover by Rich Buckler and Frank Giacoia

Title: “The Doom Called Shatterstar!”
Synopsis: The Inhumans battle Shatterstar in New York while a grimmer tale unfolds back in Attilan.

Writer: Doug Moench
Penciler: George Pérez
Inker: Vince Colletta

Review: Compared to today’s decompressed storytelling, it’s amazing just how much story could be crammed into a Bronze Age comic. The first third of this installment features a well-choreographed battle with Shatterstar; the second third reveals the origin of Shatterstar (which seems a bit much for such a minor character); and the final third builds to a strong cliffhanger ending. That’s a lot of story, all pretty well done. Vince Colletta is the latest of the revolving inkers; he’s got a reputation for overpowering pencilers, but George Pérez’s work holds up well.

Grade: B+

Collector’s note: According to The Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide, there’s a 30¢ cover price variant of this issue.

Character quotable: “Wh-what … ? What could have … repelled a beam of such pure destruction … ?!” – Shatterstar

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