Written by Gerry Conway
Art by Gil Kane; Steve Mitchell; & Jon Costanza
Cover Art by Todd McFarlane
SUMMARY:
Released by Marvel Comics for February 1990, its title is “And Then … The X-Men!” The story reprints 1972’s Marvel Team-Up # 4. After his terrifying encounter vs. the vampire Morbius, Peter Parker is now plagued by nightmares. Sensing he is becoming increasingly ill, Spider-Man seeks help from Professor Hans Jorgenson, who is analyzing what has become of his ex-associate, Michael Morbius. The vampire brutally abducts Jorgenson before Spidey’s arrival. Unbeknownst to Spider-Man, the media deems him the kidnapper.
Learning of his colleague’s abduction, Professor Charles Xavier sends his four remaining X-Men (Cyclops, Marvel Girl, Iceman, & the Angel) undercover as civilians to find Spider-Man. After bringing an unconscious Spider-Man back to the X-Mansion, Xavier’s telepathy realizes why Morbius is the real threat. It’s up to the X-Men to face Morbius in a showdown to find the scientist who might still save a dying Spidey’s life.
Note: Appearing in a cameo, Hank McCoy/Beast’s solo storyline is briefly hinted.
REVIEW:
Even if the story isn’t an all-time classic, this early Spider-Man/X-Men crossover is still a reprint gem. Specifically, in terms of an intriguing Marvel match-up, pitting the original X-Men (short a teammate) vs. Morbius is a stroke of genius. Veteran scribe Gerry Conway conjures up some satisfying plot twists, as readers can be assured that his storytelling doesn’t lazily fly on auto-pilot. Like with this issue, Conway’s stories make logical sense traveling along from Points ‘A-B-C’ before moving towards a solid finish.
Perhaps even better is an opportunity to glimpse Gil Kane’s artistic style during the Bronze Age. Known for his iconic work at DC Comics (i.e. Hal Jordan’s early days as Green Lantern), it’s cool to see how Kane depicts Spidey and the X-Men. His old school visuals may not seem sophisticated, but Kane is an effective tag-team partner for Conway. A final plus is Todd McFarlane’s terrific cover image.
For fans of this era (particularly, for its emphasis on storytelling content), Marvel Tales # 234 is a welcome treat.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
The “Bullpen Bulletins” page includes a profile on Marvel assistant editor James DiGiovanna. A full-page “Marvel Mails” column explains the forgotten history behind Marvel Team-Up # 4. Among its details is an explanation re: the original X-Men were then on hiatus from a monthly series.
A full-page reprint of the original 1972 cover is included, though the artist isn’t credited. There’s also a full-page cover reveal of Todd McFarlane’s X-Men cover for Issue # 235.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7½ Stars
