Marvel; September 1972
Cover by Gil Kane and Frank Giacoia

Title: “And Then – the X-Men!”
Synopsis: Infected by a toxin from Morbius’ blood, Spider-Man fights the X-Men – and then must be saved by the mutant heroes.

Writer: Gerry Conway
Penciler: Gil Kane
Inker: Steve Mitchell

Review: This Gerry Conway tale is pretty typical fare for its era. Readers are treated to some hero vs. hero fisticuffs before the real threat is identified and the day is saved. Characterization leans superficial and the conclusion is awkward and rushed. But, overall, it’s a fine – and fun – done-in-one tale. The real treat here is the art of Gil Kane. While the finishes are a bit inconsistent, Kane is a dynamic artist in terms of both anatomy and storytelling. There is a kinetic power to his work that’s a perfect fit for superhero comics (and he draws a killer Morbius!)

Grade: B+

Second opinion: “Early issues are only noteworthy for some fine Gil Kane art, particularly in #4’s X-Men guest-shot.” – Frank Plowright, The Slings & Arrows Comic Guide second edition (2003).

Cool factor: This issue was headed for a B but earned its plus for helping to keep the X-Men in the public eye during that franchise’s reprint era.
Not-so-cool factor: The story’s final page reads much different in the post-#MeToo era.

Notable: According to The Official Marvel Index to Marvel Team-Up #1, Frank Giacoia and John Romita did touch-ups on several pages.
Collector’s note: According to MyComicShop.com, there is a National Diamond variant of this issue.

Character quotable: “Now, if you’ll excuse me… I think I’m gonna… black out…” – Spider-Man, under the weather

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