Issue(s): Marvel Team-Up #136
Cover Date: Dec 83
Title: "Webs"
Credits:
David Michelinie - Writer
Ron Frenz - Penciler
Mike Esposito - Inker
Tom DeFalco & Danny Fingeroth - Editors

Review/plot:
This issue raises the very good question of why Spider-Man doesn't utilize the power of his webbing to help police, but fails to answer it. It would be a great non-lethal subdual method, and this issue introduces a Daniel Steyr who thinks he could turn it into body armor as well. Unfortunately he's having trouble getting a sample.

But Steyr is made out to be a bad guy, and he invents a cockamame scheme involving Wonder Man and the Mauler to try to lure Spider-Man out so he can get some of the webbing.

The plan fails, and Steyr dies (protecting a police officer, which is meant as irony since he began his quest when a cop took a bullet meant for him).

But the incident doesn't cause any reflection for Spidey. A disappointing story. And the art isn't great, with Wonder Man looking particularly off model.

Quality Rating: C-

Historical Significance Rating: 1

Chronological Placement Considerations: The MCP places this issue in the same gap as Amazing Spider-Man annual #17.

References:

• No footnote, but there's a reference to Peter quitting grad school (and how that hasn't translated into making more money as a photographer). Peter quit in Amazing Spider-Man #243.
  
• The Mauler first appeared in Iron Man #156.

Crossover: N/A

Continuity Insert? N

My Reprint: N/A

I'm glad I'm not the only one who's ever wondered why spidey doesn't donate his web formula to the law enforcement. It would be a much better option for cops than tasers.