BRONZE AGE MINUTE: Marvel Team-Up #83

Marvel; July 1979
Cover by Rich Buckler and Steve Leialoha

Title: “Slaughter of 10th Avenue!”
Synopsis: Spider-Man rescues an amnesiac Black Widow from S.H.I.E.L.D., running afoul of Nick Fury – and Boomerang and the Silver Samurai, too!

Writer: Chris Claremont
Penciler: Sal Buscema
Inker: Steve Leialoha

Review: When Viper shows up as the big bad, you know there’s a Chris Claremont caper brewing. This issue isn’t quite as strong as MTU #82 (see review), as a few story elements don’t pass the smell test. For example, how is it so easy for Peter Parker to sneak into S.H.I.E.L.D.’s New York HQ? And Spider-Man: When trying to help someone suffering from amnesia, sucker-punching them in the face probably isn’t the best idea. Still, this spy thriller is an enjoyable romp, and the art – by the surprisingly compatible team of Sal Buscema and Steve Leialoha – is a treat.

Grade: B+

Second opinion: Recommended by The Slings & Arrows Comic Guide (second edition), 2003.

Cool factor: Still loving that Sal Buscema/Steve Leialoha team-up, with the black and white flashback being particularly nice.
Not-so-cool factor: The Silver Samurai got his teleportation ring from John Belushi. Yes, that John Belushi.

Notable: Paging the Sports Hall of Shame: This issue features ads starring both Pete Rose and O.J. Simpson.

Collector’s note: According to the Grand Comics Database, there is a 12p British variant of this issue. … According to MyComicShop.com, there is also a Mark Jewelers variant.

Character quotable: “ALIVE!!” – Your friendly, neighborhood Spider-Man (who sells so many comics he’s pretty much invulnerable)

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