Marvel Team-Up #35
Published and © by Marvel, July 1975
Title: “Blood Church!”
Synopsis: When Valkyrie and Spider-Man go missing, Doctor Strange seeks the help of the Human Torch to rescue their superhero colleagues.
Writer: Gerry Conway
Artist (layouts): Sal Buscema
Artist (finishes): Vince Colletta
Review: This issue is a mess. While there is a germ of a well-intentioned critique of religious zealotry buried in here, writer Gerry Conway seems more interested in being provocative than he is in telling a superhero story. While most of the era’s demon-cult tales utilize some generic, faux religion, Conway is clearly tapping into the language and iconography of the Christian faith. Meanwhile, it’s unclear what is actually going on with Valkyrie, and the writer manages to lose track of Spider-Man altogether. Vince Colletta brings his trademark wooden embellishments and minimalist backgrounds to the mix. A subpar outing.
Grade: C-
Cool factor: Hmm … still thinking … nope.
Not-so-cool factor: Why was the Human Torch in this one?
Collector’s note: According to the Grand Comics Database, there is a 9p British variant of this issue. … According to MyComicShop.com, there is also a Mark Jewelers variant.
Character quotable: “It seems that no matter where I turn these days – I confront an enigma – compounded of a moral mystery – born of a cosmic dilemma!” – Doctor Strange, hyperbolist supreme
Editor’s note: This review was written July 27, 2024.
