Written by Dave Kraft & Tom DeFalco
Art by Herb Trimpe; Mike Esposito; Diana Albers; & Bob Sharen
Cover Art by Todd McFarlane
SUMMARY:
Released for December 1989, Marvel Comics reprints September 1981’s Marvel Team-Up # 109. Serving as the conclusion of a two-parter, it’s entitled “Critical Mess!” With Paladin already neutralized, new villain Thermo’s death touch is rapidly draining Spider-Man’s bio-electricity, like his previous victims. It’s up to mutant singer Alison Blaire (aka the Dazzler) to save her friend’s life.
After recuperating at Alison’s apartment, Spider-Man prepares with Dazzler & Paladin for a decisive rematch vs. Thermo. Meanwhile, at The Daily Bugle, newcomer Lance Bannon makes a bid for Peter’s gig as their crime scene photographer.
A dopey satanic cult has been recruited into backing Thermo’s bid for power. Spider-Man somehow reworks a small technological device into a disco ball-sized helmet to thwart Thermo’s bio-electrical blasts. With the lives of captives Dazzler and Thermo’s estranged wife now at stake, Spider-Man & Paladin make their play inside Thermo’s basement hideout. As Paladin holds off the cultists, Dazzler & Spider-Man must tag-team against Thermo.
Note: Curiously, this issue isn’t acknowledged whatsoever as a reprint. Case in point: Herb Trimpe’s original Marvel Team-Up # 109 cover art is ignored.
REVIEW:
For a three-way team-up, this Spidey caper consistently delivers the goods. An added bonus is Todd McFarlane’s eye-catching, new cover image. While Paladin’s presence is negligible, the chemistry between Spider-Man & Dazzler (with her original persona & look) comes off remarkably well. The only eye-rolling implausibility is Spider-Man’s conversion of a small Star Trek-looking device into a far-larger helmet contraption — i.e. where exactly he got all these extra parts, etc. is conveniently left unexplained.
Even though it’s business-as-usual, both the scripting and the visuals makes this kid-friendly Marvel Team-Up reprint a keeper for any comics collection.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
A half-page “Bullpen Bulletins” column consists of Stan Lee’s “Soapbox.” There’s also a bizarre full-page ad hyping Duckula # 8’s guest star: Geraldo Rivera.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7½ Stars
