Issue(s): Marvel Team-Up #21
Cover Date: May 74
Title: "The spider and the sorcerer!"
Credits:
Len Wein - Writer
Sal Buscema - Penciler
Frank Giacoia & Mike Esposito - Inker

Review/plot:
This issue is a reprise of Amazing Spider-Man annual #2, with the wizard Xandu manipulating Spider-Man into stealing the Wand of Watoomb from Dr. Strange, and then everyone fighting it out in a Ditko-esque dimension.

We learn that Xandu's desire for the wand stems from a need to heal an old girlfriend who he injured with a magic bolt in his early days. But at the end of the story, Strange declares the girl, Melinda Morrison, dead.

Strange leaves the wand banished in Xandu's dimension.

I like Sal Buscema's art generally, and much later he will be awesome with the mystical stuff, but his Ditko-dimension, while certainly hitting the right beats, isn't as amazing as it could be.

Plotwise, there is a cool bit where Spidey and Doc switch powers.

Quality Rating: C

Historical Significance Rating: 1

Chronological Placement Considerations: The MCP has this between Amazing Spider-Man #131-132, and after Dr. Strange's run in Marvel Premiere but before Doctor Strange #1.

References:

• Dr. Strange and Spider-Man fought Xandu for the Wand of Watoomb previously in Amazing Spider-Man annual #2 (the footnote says Doctor Strange #179, where the issue was reprinted).

Crossover: N/A

Continuity Insert? N

My Reprint: N/A