Marvel Team-Up #84
Published and © by Marvel, August 1979
Title: “Catch a Falling Hero”
Synopsis: Shang-Chi joins the fray as Nick Fury, Spider-Man and Black Widow lead an assault against the compromised S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier.
Writer: Chris Claremont
Penciler: Sal Buscema
Inker: Steve Leialoha
Review: The delightful Marvel Team-Up super-spy saga rolls on, adding even more characters to the mix. For the most part, writer Chris Claremont does a good job making the character interactions seem logical. Shang-Chi’s addition to the festivities makes sense; the continued participation of the amnesiac Black Widow, not so much. But the vulnerability of her Nancy Rushman persona adds a sense of danger to the story, and the attraction between her and Spider-Man feels painfully real. The art, again by Sal Buscema and Steve Leialoha, continues to be a treat. Buscema’s storytelling is solid, and Leialoha’s rendering is lush.
Grade: A-
Second opinion: Recommended by The Slings & Arrows Comic Guide (second edition), 2003.
Cool factor: Let’s go with the Spidey-Nancy Rushman relationship. Pete’s always had a thing for those red heads!
Notable: Cameo appearance by real-world newsman Walter Cronkite.
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: “Hold my hand – you’ll be okay.” – Spider-Man (sounds a little like “famous last words,” no?)
Editor’s note: This review was originally published by Comics Bronze Age on March 18, 2010.
