Marvel Comics Presents #22

Marvel Comics Presents was launched in 1988 as a bi-weekly anthology series designed to provide a home for shorter, experimental, or ongoing serial stories that did not fit into standard monthly titles. Issue number 22, released in June 1989, is particularly notable for featuring the second part of the 'Weapon X' storyline written and illustrated by Barry Windsor-Smith. This project was a significant creative departure for the character of Wolverine, stripping away the mystery of his origins through a visceral and meticulously detailed visual narrative that redefined the character’s history for future generations.

Barry Windsor-Smith’s design approach for this series favored a gritty, cinematic intensity that stood in contrast to the house style of Marvel at the time. His intricate cross-hatching and deliberate pacing created a psychological depth that resonated strongly with readers, ultimately cementing this specific run of the anthology as a cornerstone of modern comic book storytelling. The reception was overwhelmingly positive, with the 'Weapon X' arc frequently cited by critics and fans alike as one of the most important and artistically ambitious narratives in Wolverine’s history.