Written by Chris Claremont
Art by John Byrne; Dave Hunt; John Costanza; & Andy Yanchus
Cover Art by (Uncredited)
SUMMARY:
Reprinting Marvel Team-Up # 61 (September 1977), Marvel Comics released this issue for January 1987. Entitled “Not All Thy Powers Can Save Thee!,” Spider-Man’s skirmish at the Baxter Building with Equinox (in the previous issue) has inadvertently freed a captive Super-Skrull.
In his first showdown vs. Super-Skrull, Spider-Man teams up with Human Torch, but even their combined powers is insufficient vs. their adversary’s cosmically-enhanced arsenal. Help from police captain Jean DeWolff’s squad may also incur fatal consequences. Quietly watching from a cruise liner below is Carol Danvers, fully aware that there’s far too many witnesses to risk a public transformation into Ms. Marvel.
Note: This issue features a new cover vs. re-using the one from Marvel Team-Up # 61.
REVIEW:
While it’s standard super-hero team-up fare, the reliable chemistry between Spider-Man and Torch makes reading this issue a delight – just like its amusing cover image. Versus a formidable foe like Super-Skrull, making them plausible underdogs in a handicap match is a solid storytelling move from writer Chris Claremont. With an art team led by John Byrne, the visuals are more than sufficient and are frankly pretty good for that era. For a vintage Marvel read, Marvel Tales # 195 proves a worthwhile excursion. The cover alone is worth the price of admission.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
There’s a ‘Bullpen Bulletins/Checklist’ column (which is where this issue’s source material is revealed). Also, there’s a five-page, 60’s Spider-Villains pin-up gallery consisting of: Living Brain, Electro, Mysterio, Green Goblin, and Kraven the Hunter. No information is provided re: this gallery’s original source, but, based upon the visual style, the artist is evidently Steve Ditko. The gallery’s writer may well be Stan Lee.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 6½ Stars
