Issue(s): Marvel Super Heroes #7 (Marvel Boy story only)
Cover Date: Oct 91 / Fall 91
Title: "The Gator show"
Credits:
Barry Dutter - Writer
Vince Evans - Penciler
George Wildman - Inker
Mike Rockwitz - Editor

Review/plot:
Vance Astrovik's mom suggests that Vance and his abusive father go to a wrestling match together. Dad agrees, but only if Vance won't use his powers.

The problem is that one of the matches features Gator Grant, who we last saw in a story where he took a potion that eventually turned him into an actual alligator. His manager has located him and paid a "gypsy woman" to change him back. But the manager has also spiked Grant's "Gator-aid", so Grant turns into a gator-man again.

Vance's father thinks it's all part of the show, but Marvel Boy jumps into the ring to prevent Gator's opponent from getting hurt. He tries to honor his agreement with his father by relying on his wrestling moves instead of his powers, which i'm not sure is what his father had in mind.

And in any event, Marvel Boy is forced to use his powers.

The Gator-aid's effects are temporary, so Grant returns to normal, and Marvel Boy is able to convince the police to arrest Grant's manager instead of Grant. But of course dad is not happy.

Considering that Arnold Astrovik really did abuse his son and will do so again, this story comes across as darker, less lighthearted fun, than was probably intended. But that actually works really well. Dad's rage, and mom's obliviousness in suggesting that the two go out for a pleasant evening together, all ring true. So, whether it was the intention or not, this serves as some nice continued character development that eventually culminates in the story where Vance kills his father. All that and a UCWF match!

Quality Rating: C+

Historical Significance Rating: 1

Chronological Placement Considerations: The MCP put this before the New Warriors series begins. I think this could also work some time early in the New Warriors series, but i'm following the MCP.

Other stories from this issue: X-Men, Cloak & Dagger, Shroud.

References:

• Gator Grant got turned into an alligator in Thing #29.

Crossover: N/A

Continuity Insert? N

My Reprint: N/A

I wonder if this was written back in 1986 when both Gator Grant and Marvel Boy appeared in the Thing. Otherwise I can't imagine why these characters and the UCWF are brought up again.

But Vance is called Marvel Boy in this story- he wasn't called that until 1989. Besides, Barry Dutter wasn't at Marvel in 1986- he was still trying to abolish the She-Hulk. He didn't join Marvel until 1990.