By 1979, Brian Bendis' favourite superheroine was in the hands of editor-turned-writer, Mark Gruenwald, in what, I think, was his first regular writing gig at Marvel. Gruenwald would become something of a legend in the Marvel offices, with an ability to maintain continuity which would put the hordes of the internet to shame. He was teamed up with Carmine Infantino, a DC artist (and indeed former publisher) who'd recently crossed the street. Despite their best efforts, Spider-Woman never really rose above being just another 70s hero book, although that said, the book did survive into the 80s, so I guess it had something going for it.
1979 also saw Marvel expand its titles based on licenced properties, with the introduction of Rom (Spaceknight), Shogun Warriors, and the Micronauts. Canada's favourite super-hero team, Alpha Flight, turned up to take on the X-Men. Spider-Man got himself another love interest, with the arrival of the morally challenged Black Cat. And there was a new man in the Ant-Man costume, with the introduction of ex-burglar-turned-hero, Scott Lang.
In the real world, 1979 saw the Iron Lady elected British PM, bringing with her harmony, truth, faith, and hope. The Shah of Iran was turfed out, and Ayatollah Khomeini was back in charge. And Three Mile Island got a bit more radioactive than usual.
On the tv, the Dukes of Hazzard were entertaining the masses, whilst the more sophisticated members of the audience were watching the Antiques Roadshow. At the pictures, Sigourney Weaver was being terrorised by an Alien, Martin Sheen was in Vietnam hunting for Marlon Brando, and the cast of Star Trek started making movies. Yay...
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