In this nostalgic and action-packed episode, we crack open the Marvel Holiday Special 1993—a festive 80-page comic extravaganza released in November 1992. Our journey kicks off with “Zounds o' Silence,” a unique, dialogue-free Wolverine story crafted by Larry Hama and illustrated by the dynamic Michael Golden. We explore how this wordless tale stands out not just for its frenetic, hyper-stylized combat, but for the surprise twist that brings it all home in the spirit of the holidays.
We reminisce about 1992’s hottest holiday toys—from Sega Genesis and Game Boys to GI Joes and Troll dolls—setting the cultural backdrop for the comic’s release. You’ll hear personal stories of swapping Joe parts with tiny screws and rubber bands, discovering Toys R Us for the first time, and how the imagination of a kid in a toy aisle inspired one of the most unexpectedly heartwarming comic stories of the season.
Plus, we take a closer look at Michael Golden’s chaotic but precise artwork, the legacy of silent comics like Marvel’s 2002 “Nuff Said” initiative, and why Wolverine—then at his peak popularity—was the perfect character to anchor this explosive holiday opener.
