Issue(s): Marvel Team-Up #113
Cover Date: Jan 82
Title: "The resurrection of Edward Lansky"
Credits:
Mark Gruenwald - Writer
Herb Trimpe - Penciler
Mike Esposito - Inker
Mark Gruenwald - Assistant Editor
Tom Defalco - Editor

Review/plot:
Mark Gruenwald has a guest shot on Marvel Team-Up and uses it to highlight Quasar. It's interesting to see Mark Gruenwald use the opportunity to draw a really distinct line between the by-the-books Quasar and the flip Spider-Man. And by drawing that distinction this story also - uniquely for a Team-Up book - has the two characters never getting along or ending the book as buddies.

The two first meet, and we get the first sign that they aren't going to hit it off, when Spider-Man's spider-sense alerts him to the fact that Quasar is guarding a Project Pegasus truck that is transporting Nitro.

Quasar subsequently thinks to himself how he likes being a 9-5er, unlike Spider-Man.

Hey, Quasar! Spider-Man isn't a "free agent". He isn't paid at all!

Quasar bringing up the Thing raises an interesting point. The Thing is just as flip and sarcastic as Spider-Man, and he's also demonstrated very destructive tendencies, even during his Project Pegasus visits. But Quasar has nothing but the utmost respect for the Thing. I wonder if that's more thanks to the status of the Fantastic Four (both their social status and the fact that they are government sanctioned).

While flying around, Quasar detects an unusual energy signature. He is in full Green Lantern mode, showing off in front of some college girls at ESU.

What he discovers is the Lightmaster's lab, and his energy bands are soon taken over by the Lightmaster. And that puts him in conflict with Lightmaster.

Quasar later regains some control over himself and shuts down his wrist bands (he can do that, apparently!).

The heroes then discover that the Lightmaster was trying to find a way to restore himself to a physical body.

When they realize that's the case, they continue the process. But then they have another disagreement when the Lightmaster is restored and Spider-Man detects danger.

I guess we understand Spider-Man's spider-sense better than Quasar, so we're meant to think that Spidey's in the right here. But you can sure see why Quasar would be upset. Spider-Man abruptly leaves, so Quasar scoops up the Lightmaster. Spider-Man reflects on the fact that despite 113 issues of Team-Ups, he's no team player.

I like Gruenwald's attempt here. This isn't master storytelling (it's a little too overt), but he's writing distinct and opposing personalities for Spider-Man and Quasar and it's an interesting contrast.

Quality Rating: C+

Historical Significance Rating: 1

Chronological Placement Considerations: In reference to Spider-Man being "on the go all week" a footnote cites Amazing Spider-Man #224 and Spectacular Spider-Man #62. Amazing Spider-Man #224 references this issue. So this should take place between ASM #224-225 and after Spectacular Spider-Man #62

References:

• Spider-Man defeated Nitro in Peter Parker, the Spectacular Spider-Man #55.
  
• Spider-Man defeated Lightmaster in Peter Parker, the Spectacular Spider-Man #3, Peter Parker, the Spectacular Spider-Man #20, and Amazing Spider-Man #203.
  
• As mentioned above, it's because of Amazing Spider-Man #224 and Peter Parker, the Spectacular Spider-Man #62 that Spider-Man nearly goes home and takes a nap instead of going after the Lightmaster this time.

Crossover: N/A

Continuity Insert? N

My Reprint: N/A