Captain America #266
Published and © by Marvel, February 1982
Title: “Flight From Thunderhead!”
Synopsis: Captain America teams with Spider-Man and Nick Fury in an effort to the Sultan from annihilating Washington, D.C.
Writer: David Anthony Kraft
Penciler: Mike Zeck
Inker: John Beatty
Review: This second half of a two-parter (see review of part one) starts in medias res with our heroes hurtling to certain doom, then pivots to what has to be the longest free-fall orations in the history of comics. It’s to be expected, perhaps, as Captain America thinks and speaks in soliloquies and monologues throughout much of this issue. Spider-Man’s quippy dialogue isn’t much better, while most of Nick Fury’s scenes – and the climax of this adventure – take place off page. An odd, subpar story that feels like it escaped from inventory. Nice art from Mike Zeck and John Beatty, though.
Grade: B-
Cool factor: Mike Zeck and John Beatty are well on their way to becoming the definitive Bronze Age Cap art team.
Not-so-cool factor: Yeah, still going with the Systematic Ultimate Lawless Takeover of All Nations.
Notable: Guest-starring Spider-Man and Nick Fury.
Collector’s note: According to MyComicShop.com, there is a Mark Jewelers variant of this issue.
Character quotable: “Your insane dream of global destruction shall fail – as did Tojo’s, as did Mussolini’s, as did Hitler’s – so swears Captain America!” – Captain America, monologuist-in-chief
Editor’s note: This review was written March 4, 2026.
