Single Issue Hall of Fame: Marvel Team-Up #119

The cover blurb states that this is the 'most moving, truly unique story of the year' and I can't disagree with that at all. The year was 1982, and aside from the Wolverine miniseries and perhaps some particularly poignant issues of New Teen Titans, many mainstream comic book titles were just spinning their wheels. With this story, J.M. DeMatteis proves that he is not only a master of mixing humour with action, but that he can add a dose of raw emotion to a funnybook in a subtle and moving way. The elderly don't often get face time in superhero books, by DeMatteis shifts the focus away from your every day MTU punch up towards on a couple of much more human story lines. The Gargoyle proves himself to be one of the most interesting and insightful citizens of the Marvel Universe. Much of the ‘action’ in this book is simply a conversation between Isaac (Gargoyle) and an elderly New Yorker who has had enough of the world’s ills. It is sappy, overly sentimental and absolutely perfect. If you haven't read this one, I urge you to track it down and read it with an open mind.