The last gasp of Marvel Comics’ short-lived superhero team is collected in THE CHAMPIONS CLASSIC: VOL. 2, with the not-so-aptly named Champions being Hercules, Black Widow, Iceman, Angel and Ghost Rider.

Picking up where VOL. 1 left off, the first couple of issues continues the initial run’s bent toward the dimension-hopping fantasy world, which means lots of evil sorcerers, winged demons and overwritten dialogue that rarely registers. The title starts to differentiate itself and pick up some much-needed steam in a two-parter that has The Champions battling hordes of killer bees. It’s so over-the-top and disaster-film-schooled that I figure its only reason for existence was to ride the coattails of Irwin Allen’s THE SWARM. Though the movie bombed, the comic wrings much mileage out of the premise.

Following that are extended adventures with and in other characters’ books, including Iron Man, The Avengers and – from the pages of SUPER-VILLAIN TEAM-UP – Dr. Doom and Magneto. (Prepare for some hot Champ-on-Sentinel action!) The final actual CHAMPIONS issues find the group dissolving due to the usual ego clashes, with Angel left to unload their skyscraper headquarters. But the fun doesn’t end there, with unexpected visitors muscling in with a delivery of trouble … and a visiting Spider-Man reluctantly joining Angel for the ride.

Marvel’s presentation of this trade is superb, as the pages pop with color. The ’70s title is fondly remembered, although its life was brief. I think readers probably recall the oddball lineup of the Champs rather than actual quality, which floundered wildly throughout its 17-issue run. It’s easy to see why: Hercules has little to do but spout stupid dialogue (”Yon villain doth radiate heat!”) and Black Widow – though scorchingly gorgeous – is an absolute cipher; I can’t name a single thing she did here but look good. The others fare better, likely because they’re always fighting, contributing to the group’s fractured dynamics. –Rod Lott

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OTHER BOOKGASM REVIEWS OF THIS SERIES:
• THE CHAMPIONS CLASSIC: VOL. 1