Marvel Team-Up # 127
Writer: J.M. DeMatteis
Penciller: Kerry Gammill
Inker: Mike Esposito
Letterer: Rick Parker
Colorist: Glynis Wein
Cover Date: March 1983
Rating: 
Keeping with the Christmas theme, I’ll be taking a look at Marvel Team-Up #127 which features Spider-Man “teaming up” with The Watcher in one of the most unusual stories to ever come out of MTU (Well, besides the issue where Aunt May became a herald of Galactus called “Golden Oldie”)
On Christmas Eve, Peter Parker makes his way to his Aunt May to spend time with her and the borders that were living in her house at the time, but it’s when Peter sees Arthur Chekov sulking by a window that he finds out what’s bothering Arthur. Turns out he has a granddaughter named Bette who he called to invite to spend Christmas with her but fears she might not show up at all, suddenly Peter’s spider-sense starts tingling and he comes face to face with The Watcher who assists him in finding Bette Chekov (Remember, Watchers can only observe but never get involved in any affairs across the universe); From encountering a group of thugs in a sleazy bar in search of information to getting a pep-talk from Captain America himself, Spidey’s search for Bette is looking hopeless until he finds her holed up in a run-down apartment who’s questioning her dealer, Buck how why he gave Bette and her roommate cocaine that he stole from the mob. Okay, I can admit that the story itself got really grim with that particular plot thread but I feel like a good dose of realism in comics makes for a great story.
The story for this issue is extremely heartwarming and yes, reading this definitely was more like a Spider-Man story guest-starring the Watcher, although the latter appeared throughout the story to lead Spidey in the right direction, this issue had that ” It’s a Wonderful Life” feel to it but J.M. DeMatteis does a great job of bringing out the humanity of the characters he comes across and while I will not give away the rest of the story, the mere thought of The Watcher finding such joy amongst the cosmos, a very touching moment that DeMatteis worked in for good measure but I’m glad that he did that since this issue may or may not change people’s outlook of The Watcher but this is a story that really showed the readers a genuine side to the character that seems on unattached to emotions but this is quite the rarity.
Is this a good Christmas story? Yes and this is an issue that should be sought out and enjoyed because who knows?! the story could very well get anyone in the holiday spirit if they want a Christmas story that goes right for the emotional aspects instead of going for something silly or nonsensical.
Well, that’s it for me this week. Next week’s review will be a comic that is borderline silly (I’m keeping that under wraps, but let’s just say that it’s for anyone who’s a fan of the Pre-Crisis era of DC Comics) so be on the lookout for that. Thanks for sticking around and I will see you all next time.
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