Happy Monday, folks!
Kicking off the week with a summary of the second issue of Marvel's Super-Villain Team-Up. The cover depicted the Sub-Mariner chained to a wall, while Doctor Doom fired blasts at his kidnappers, Attuma and Tiger Shark. The first part of the script was called "In the Midst of Life...!" The issue had a publication date of October 1975.
The story started with Dr. Dorcas, Attuma, and Tiger Shark rejoicing over the defeat of their Atlantean enemy, Prince Namor (who lost in battle to the trio last issue). He was being led away to their base, an act that was observed from afar on a viewscreen by Doom. Back at his castle in Latveria, the tiny country's monarch reflected on his recent interactions with the Atlantean prince, as well as the incidents that led to Namor's current situation.
Back on Hydrobase, Dr. Jennings managed to escape. He punched Saru-San, who quickly recovered and reported it to his superiors. Tiger Shark, Dorcas, and Attuma were carrying Namor away when Tiger Shark noticed something unusual in the water next to him. It appeared to be an artificial fish, which he quickly crushed. The fish was Dr. Doom's drone that he'd been using to spy on the situation in Hydrobase. Afterward, Doom stepped away from his command center and headed toward a launch bay where he entered a large rocket ship.
Part two of our saga, entitled "The Way to Dusty Death!" began with the Latverian monarch setting foot on Hydrobase soil. He had only ventured a few feet when, after tripping an electric eye beam, the villain was blasted with jolts of electricity. Doom laughed at the defense mechanism, the likes of which hadn't been an obstacle for him for quite some time.
Doom was then met with a pair of large Octomeks. He employed the instant hypnotism impulser contained in one of his metal gauntlets, causing the drivers of the large attack crafts to face each other in combat. Doctor Doom then laughed behind his personal forcefield as his foes were smashed to bits.
The act was witnessed by a Hydrobase resident named Betty Prentiss. She was stunned to see Doom standing right behind her moments later. Victor explained that what she saw before her was merely an image of himself, which disappeared soon after pressing another concealed button hidden within his armor.
Doom knew plenty about Prentiss, including her history with Namor. She shared with Doom what she knew about the attack on the island and joined the Latverian ruler on his quest to free the Sub-Mariner. Doctor Doom used his blasters to carve a hole into the nearby walls, followed by Betty.
They were soon inside and found Namor chained to a wall before his captors, Dorcas, Tiger Shark, and Attuma. The Sub-Mariner intensified his attempts to break free after Dorcas slapped the old woman. Dorcas eventually brought forth another gun and aimed it at Namor. Betty leapt in the way of the blast, which she caught the full brunt of. The room was eerily silent after Namor finally broke free. He held his dear friend in his arms, knowing that she was no longer alive. His angered gaze then turned toward the ones responsible for her death.
This was the first issue of Super-Villain Team-Up that I bought years ago from the bargain bin at my local comic book store. It was also one of the first times that I was exposed to Sal Buscema's distinctive artwork. I would go on to enjoy his remarkable artwork in the Incredible Hulk, ROM: Spaceknight, the Defenders, the Spectacular Spider-Man, Skull the Slayer, Tarzan, Star Wars, and other Marvel mags throughout the years. Unfortunately, this was the one and only issue of this series that he drew. It was also the untimely end for one of Namor's oldest allies.
That's it for today. Tomorrow, I'll continue my coverage of this storyline with a recap of the third issue of Super-Villain Team-Up. We'll see the final confrontation between Namor and his Atlantean rivals, as well as the role Dr. Doom played in this final chapter. Until then, have a great week and don't forget to be kind to one another.
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