The Destructor #2
Published and © by Atlas (Seaboard), April 1975
Title: “Deathgrip!”
Synopsis: The Destructor heads to New Mexico in pursuit of a mob boss, but ends up battling Deathgrip instead.
Writer: Archie Goodwin
Penciler: Steve Ditko
Inker: Wally Wood
Review: One of the better creative teams of the Atlas (Seaboard) era follows up a strong debut (see review of The Destructor #1) with another above-average outing. Archie Goodwin’s script offers enticing shades of gray and a protagonist with a harder edge than the Spider-Man template he’s based on. Legendary artists Steve Ditko and Wally Wood continue to complement each other well; Ditko brings a kinetic energy while Wood offers polish and a dash of trademark sexiness. Add in a scary new villain and the beginnings of a supporting cast and this series seemed on its way to contention.
Grade: B+
Cool factor: Goodwin! Ditko! Wood! ’Nuff said.
Not-so-cool factor: One of the bigger “coulda beens” of Atlas (Seaboard)’s brief publishing history.
Character quotable: “Subtlety can hardly be the stock-in-trade of anyone called DEATHGRIP!” – Deathgrip, monologist
Editor’s note: This review was written March 12, 2024.
