1984 – The A-Team

Writer(s): Jim Salicrup/Marie Severin/Alan Kupperberg

Artist(s): Marie Severin/Chic Stone//Jim Mooney/Joe Giella/Alan Kupperberg/Brian Moore

"In 1972 a crack commando unit was sent to prison by a military court for a crime they didn’t commit! These men promptly escape from a maximum security stockade to the Los Angeles Underground! Today, still wanted by the government, they survive as Soldiers of Fortune! If you have a problem, if no one else can help, and if can you find them, maybe you can hire –The A-Team."

The first issue of this miniseries was surprisingly solid with some wonderful art by veteran silveragers Marie Severin and Chic Stone. This issue is the best of the lot as it not only has the typical A-Team plot, it actually demonstrates some quality character moments for B.A. Baracus.

Each issue of this miniseries is a standalone story and the quality varies. Fortunately, there’s a consistency in the art (thanks to the overall direction by John Romita) and the story does hit on all the 1980s marks.

I couldn’t find anything about why Marvel Comics didn’t follow up this series with an ongoing series. Knowing the success of the TV series, I’m surprised that Marvel Comics didn’t capitalize on that. If you enjoyed the classic TV show, then you should definitely track down these issues. I pity the fool who doesn’t get his grubby paws on these issues!