Captain America #265
Published and © by Marvel, January 1982
Title: “Thunderhead!”
Synopsis: While attempting to rescue Captain America, Spider-Man and Nick Fury soon find themselves also in the clutches of the Sultan.
Writer: David Anthony Kraft
Penciler: Mike Zeck
Inker: John Beatty
Review: This is a solid team-up tale, with writer David Anthony Kraft having a good feel for Captain America and guest stars Spider-Man and Nick Fury. There’s not much in the way of subplots in this one, leaving it feeling more like an issue of Marvel Team-Up than Cap’s monthly book. The debut of a new villain – the Sultan – also falls a bit flat. On the visuals side, Mike Zeck and John Beatty are one of the better art teams from the early ’80s. Their work is often inconsistent, though; some panels are quite striking while other’s feel rushed.
Grade: B
Cool factor: The self-repairing Biotron Constructs are pretty terrifying.
Not-so-cool factor: The Systematic Ultimate Lawless Takeover of All Nations. Really?
Notable: First appearance of the Sultan. … 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: “Of all the tyrants who practiced terror, you – who twist the liberties of a free society to your own evil ends – are the worst!” – Steve (Captain America) Rogers, beating up some street thugs
Editor’s note: This review was written July 8, 2024.
