Marvel Team-Up #65
Published and © by Marvel, January 1978
Title: “Introducing, Captain Britain”
Synopsis: British exchange student Brian Braddock rooms with Peter Parker, meaning Captain Britain and Spider-Man have some things to figure out.
Writer: Chris Claremont
Penciler: John Byrne
Inker: Dave Hunt
Review: Little Me didn’t know quite what to make of Captain Britain. Is he England’s answer to the U.S.’ super soldier project? Or a modern extension of Arthurian legend? And, wait, what?! Marvel has comics coming out exclusively for the U.K. market? What was easier to accept was Chris Claremont’s inspired character work on Peter Parker and Brian Braddock, whose team up made more sense than most. And, of course, John Byrne’s artwork was excellent. This issue also introduces Arcade, who never quite lived up to the potential displayed during his first few appearances.
Grade: B+
Cool factor: Welcome to the colonies, Captain Britain!
Not-so-cool factor: Arcade, you’re not so cool in hindsight.
Notable: First appearance of Arcade, Mr. Chambers and Miss Locke. … First U.S. appearance of Captain Britain.
Collector’s note: According to the Grand Comics Database, there is a 12p British variant of this issue. … According to MyComicShop.com, there are also Mark Jewelers and Pizzaz variants, as well as a Marvel Legends reprint.
Character quotable: “Being Captain Britain fulfills a need within me I never knew existed.” – Brian Braddock, exchange student and superhero
Editor’s note: This review was written Sept. 4, 2023.
