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Juggernaut #1: Review

Nov 1999

Joe Casey, Terry Shoemaker

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Story Name:

The Eighth Day Part 4 of 4: Eight is Enough

Review & Comments

Rating:

Juggernaut #1 Review by T Vernon (March 2, 2020)

Comments: Title is a joke reference to the popular family TV series EIGHT IS ENOUGH which ran from 1977-1981 i.e. long before this comic was published. The Exemplars return in AVENGERS (1998 series) #23-25.

Review: You know, it’s a good thing they made this a Juggernaut one-shot: it’s because the other heroes barely do anything. Yes, the fate of the world is resting on Cain Marko’s massive helmeted head and he acquits himself well. The apocalyptic tale is an over-the-top all-action issue and it is one real thrill ride with its near frantic pacing and sheer chaos. Plus, there are no series regulars we need to interrupt the story to look in on.

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Synopsis / Summary / Plot

Juggernaut #1 Synopsis by T Vernon

Continued from PETER PARKER: SPIDER-MAN (1999) #11.

The Exemplars’ Godmachine is ready and heroes Thor, Iron Man, Spider-Man, Professor X, and Dr. J. Vernon Mann are trapped against it, able to communicate only via Professor X’s telepathy. The baddies then teleport the machine to the North Pole, planning to trigger it and rob humanity of free will, their first step in conquering Earth. Professor X says that the outcome depends on Juggernaut, who is not a world conqueror or pawn of a mystical being. Juggy reviews his origin and mentally turns against his master Cyttorak who overcomes him, a fact noticed but not understood by the other Exemplars. Prof. X sends his astral form into Cain’s mind but it manifests as a teenager with Cain Marko as his older bullying stepbrother. Xavier fights Cain, hoping to force his real personality back into control but the conflict is detected by the telepathic Exemplar Bedlam who forces Xavier back into his own body. But Cain Marko defeats his master mentally and he turns against the others, clouting Stonecutter then Bedlam. Juggy then damages the Godmachine, weakening it enough that Thor can free himself and the others and then he continues tearing his way through the machine. While Stonecutter tries to repair the machine, Inferno takes on Iron Man and Tempest battles Thor. Spidey tries to delay Stonecutter and is clobbered for his effort; Iron Man dives through the ice to the water, extinguishing Inferno; Thor turns Tempest’s storm power against her; Professor X distracts Bedlam until Shellhead can blast her. Juggy continues his way through the Godmachine, beating Decay, then Conquest, then Carnivore, reaching the central core where Stonecutter is trying to activate the Godmachine. The heroes and the other Exemplars can only watch helplessly as Juggy and Stoney battle. Juggy smashes his foe into the core, destroying the machine and hurling the essences of the Exemplars to the four corners of the Earth. The heroes arrange to return to civilization; Dr Mann tells them that the Exemplars may return. Professor X knows that Juggernaut is still alive too.

2nd story: Fast Lane Part 1 of 4: Media Blitz

Writer: Glenn Herdling. Pencils: Gregg Schigiel. Inks: Richard Case. Colors: Paul Mounts.

Synopsis: An anti-drug public service announcement featuring Spider-Man appearing in several Marvel comics this month.

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