A classic bait-and-switch package – but that might be fitting for a treasury special celebrating the brith of a nation that has often struggled to live up to its advertised ideals. Instead of Superman, this treasury edition mostly offers up Tom “Tomahawk” Hawk reprints from longtime artist Fred Ray.
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Spider-Man and Moon Knight’s effort to track down Maggia’s “Big M” leads them back to the wild winds of Cyclone. Despite its team up of interesting protagonists, this comic from Bill Mantlo, Jim Mooney and Mike Esposito proves to be an utterly average affair.
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Moon Knight’s conflict with the Maggia is interrupted by Spider-Man, bringing the two heroes to blows. Though this issue holds a special place in this reviewer’s heart, this 1978 tale from Bill Mantlo, Mike Zeck and Bruce Patterson remains typical Spidey fare.
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The Hulk-Busters latest effort to cure the Hulk triggers a problem with the sun; meanwhile, Jarella returns. A beautiful drawn issue from Herb Trimpe and John Severin. with a wonky story from Archie Goodwin (aided by a young Chris Claremont).
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Trapped in a subatomic world, the Hulk unexpectedly finds acceptance and happiness – until Psyklop comes calling again! A strong conclusion to a Harlan Ellison two-parter, with this half executed by the team of Roy Thomas, Herb Trimpe and Sam Grainger.
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The Avengers battle an ancient entity who is attempting to harness the power of the Hulk to awaken dark gods. Legendary writer Harlan Ellison drops by the Marvel Universe for this overstuffed story (with some help from Roy Thomas, Sal Buscema and Jim Mooney).
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A race of warriors seeks to unlock a mind-meld technique they hope can save their world from extermination. The first professional chapter of the career-spanning Star Slammers property from auteur creator Walter Simonson.
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An amnesiac knight of the Third Reformation holds the key to a galactic empire’s expansion – or downfall. A morally dark sci-fi one-shot from then-young auteur creator Howard Chaykin.
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Batman battles Doctor Phosphorus inside an offshore nuclear plant; meanwhile, Silver St. Cloud enters Bruce Wayne’s life. This second Steve Englehart outing features poorly matched art from Walter Simonson and Al Milgrom.
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An investigation into what’s making the people of Gotham City sick brings Batman into battle with Doctor
Phosphorus. The Steve Englehart era begins on Detective, with art from the mismatched team of Walter Simonson and Al Milgrom.