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Post by woodside on May 19, 2012 8:40:01 GMT -5
I'm not sure if I agree on the Kang issue. I don't think Busiek was out to make Kang heroic or romantizing him. Mainly, I think he was trying to reveal his more human side (which even evil dictators have) as well as give us a clear, linear biography for Kang/Rama-Tut. Busiek did give Kang a very clear voice, which was needed, if you ask me. I always found him generic and boring until Busiek got his hands on him and made him more interesting to me.
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Avengers # 12
The Vision finally returns to his physical body and is clearly troubled by Simon and Wanda being together. Hank Pym helps Firestar with the side-effects of her powers. Cap is bothered by Hawkeye showing up with the Thunderbolts.
This leads to a battle with the Thunderbolts at the old headquarters of Dominius. Hawkeye soon smoothes things over, but then the headquarters actives and becomes a giant robot called Dominix and it starts off for the ocean to destroy the world. The Thunderbolts are able to get inside of it and Iron Man instructs them how to take control of it/destroy its computer brain. The Avengers, though uncertain about this team of former criminals, allow them to complete their mission -- and then let the Thunderbolts go with Hawkeye in charge.
Oh, also Firebird guest stars
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After such a hefty read with Avengers Forever, I found myself really liking just reading a good ol' fashioned action-y, done-in-one issue. The confrontation with the Thunderbolts has been building since early in the series, with all sorts of nods to the team, as well as with Hawkeye's exit. It's a really good pay-off, with plenty of action and an opportunity for the Avengers and the Thunderbolts to start trusting each other. It's also a good resolution (of sorts) for Hawkeye's leadership angst.
The Wanda/Vision/Simon drama continues, but remains simply sizzling. I know we're in for a payoff soon!
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Post by Crimson Cowl on May 19, 2012 11:06:04 GMT -5
I'm not sure if I agree on the Kang issue. I don't think Busiek was out to make Kang heroic or romantizing him. Mainly, I think he was trying to reveal his more human side (which even evil dictators have) as well as give us a clear, linear biography for Kang/Rama-Tut. Busiek did give Kang a very clear voice, which was needed, if you ask me. I always found him generic and boring until Busiek got his hands on him and made him more interesting to me. Yeah, I agree. I thought Busiek did a brilliant job with Kang and transformed the character into something worthy. Roy Thomas Kang story with Ravonna and the Grandmaster is a stone cold classic but Avengers Forever gave a far more intensive look into the character. FWIW I love the 50's Avengers bit and I think that cutting it would really detract from the whole. I've been rather disappointed with what I've seen of the Atlas stuff though -they could've done something really cool with that. Nonetheless, I was never convinced by a few things in it. For one I never understood the need to make the Vision into the Human Torch again. Whilst Byrne's original story was primarily motivated by enabling the Torch to be restored for Marvel's 50th Anniversary it's reasoning did actually make sense. Furthermore, the idea of the Vision being the Torch in first place seemed to be a bit of a pointless 'OMG' shocker, and a bit too much of a coincidence. So why restore it, let alone in such an absurd way? More seriously I didn't like the denouement in which Kang and Immortus split off from each other. It struck me as a bit of a cop out and I also think that it took something away from both characters. Kang's Cassandra like fate is such a fundamental part of the character as is Immortus' position of foreknowledge. Unfortunately the story deprived them both of that. Nonetheless, in spite of those criticisms, I'd still rate it as one of the all time great Avengers stories, though its convoluted nature steeped in prior continuity means its more for established fans than newcomers.
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Post by woodside on May 20, 2012 8:56:22 GMT -5
Good post, Crimson Cowl! I'll reply properly in a few moments!
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Avengers Annual 99
The Avengers are called into action to defend the Prime Minister of some country from terrorists who want one world government. The Avengers win the day, but Cap gives the crap for sloppy mistakes. Meanwhile Jarvis composes a letter and talks to Justice a bit about the post-Onslaught days.
We learn that Black Widow attempted to reform the Avengers in the wake of Onslaught, but was unable to get anyone to commit. She eventually stopped trying and moved. The mansion was shut down and the staff released.
Presently, re-made Sentinels in the form of Avengers attack NYC and the Avengers themselves. Remembering the chiding from Cap earlier, the Avengers do well against the robots. Jarvis recognizes something that the robots said as something he heard from one of the former staffers. He goes after the staffer and confronts him. Jarvis saves the day, then finishes his letter, which we find out, is for Black Widow.
***
Though I was a little unsure about how this issue would go, I found myself really enjoying it. John Francis Moore has a good feel for the new team of Avengers -- as well as Black Widow. The Jarvis-centered issue is a good break from the norm and allows Marvels favorite butler to have some of the spotlight.
The Black Widow part of the story was also really good. I liked her angst over having the team die while she was in command, as well as her efforts to rebuild it. What's interesting is that I don't think she returned to the team until Mighty Avengers # 1 (am I right about this?).
Leonardo Manco is unfortunately one of those artists that we don't hear from that much anymore. That sucks because his sketchy, scrathy style brought this issue together for me, esspecially the flashback sequence.
The story itself is a little convient, but not that bad. I can live with the conviences of the plot and the predictable elements. The issue does a good job of answering some questions, giving Jarvis the spotlight, and knocking out a good ol' fashioned super-hero story.
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Post by woodside on May 22, 2012 22:04:43 GMT -5
Avengers # 13
Justice and Firestar hang out from the New Warriors for the night and help break up a gang deal with AIM. Justice finds himself more relaxed adn more at "home" with the New Warriors than he does with the Avengers, forcing him to question his judgement.
Meanwhile the Avengers are in a scramble for a new deputy leader. Iron Man's sick or dying or something (which is very awkwardly dropped); Thor has his mortal life to tend to; and Cap is missing on his own business. The Avengers therefore elect Scarlet Witch to run the team.
Her leadership is tested when the Avengers have to help the New Warriors out at the AIM. The battle is interupted by the bizarre appearance of Lord Templar! Lord Templar brings the fight to the Avengers and the New Warriors, goes on about the corruption of the world governments, and then finally vanishes after a bout with Thor.
After the battle and the Avengers recover, Firestar tells Justice that she wants to move into the Avengers mansion . . . just as he is starting to question his place on the team.
***
I think the New Warriors made for some nice guest-stars and I would have liked to have seen more little team-ups like this. Just a good ol' fashioned team-up. A lot of Busiek's run is about the prestiege and glory of being an Avenger. To see this big huge team fighting alongside a team of young adults like the New Warriors, well, it's kinda cool.
This issue really served as a character step for both Wanda and Vance. While Vance finds himself questioning his place more and more with the team, Wanda finds herself solidified even more into it! It's a very interesting contrast that works really well.
I don't quite remember what kind of role Lord Templar plays in the future, but I know it has to do with the Triune Understanding or something like that. Guess we'll find out, right?
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Post by woodside on May 22, 2012 22:11:30 GMT -5
Avengers # 14
Beast stops by for a visit and takes Wanda and Simon out for a night on the town. The eventually bump into Vision (as Victor Shade) and they reminence and angst for a while. Meanwhile, Cap takes some of the Avengers to Washington DC where Lord Templar has appeared once again.
Little things are dropped in this issue, like the apeparances of Lord Templar and the slow build-up to Ultron's attack on Pym (in the form of manipulating him).
The action gets ramped up when the mysterious and monsterious Pagan shows up in Time's Square. The Avengers battle it out with him -- but he escapes, much to Cap and Scarlet Witch's chagrin.
***
I think I liked this issue, even though Pagan's arrival and fight felt really pointless.
I liked Wanda and Cap's differences in leadership; it shows just how differently they approached the situation and even though we see the mistakes that Wanda made, we can also see how Cap was too harsh on her and mis-evaluated the situation.
Beast was a lot of fun and even though I prefer him with the X-Men, he made a great and awesome Avenger.
What was really fun for what felt like a little lighter and bit of a throwaway issue? Kurt and George showing up and discussing the issue while it was constructed. Lots of cute fun.
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Post by woodside on May 27, 2012 23:02:59 GMT -5
Avengers # 15
The Avengers are on the trail of Lord Templar and it leads them to the Triune Understanding. After being turned away by Triathlon, Pagan shows up and the Avengers battle him . . . to the dismay of the Understanding. Lord Templar appears then and defeats Pagan, taking him way.
The Avengers back down and head out. Templar then appears to the Triune Understanding's leader and founder, Jonathan Tremont. The two merge, raising the question: are they one and the same?
Meanwhile, Ultron learns that Hank Pym has made a break-through on his communications research and is planning on using it to destroy mankind!
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I'll be honest and up-front: all this Templar, Pagan, and Triune Understanding non-sense just annoys me. It's boring, it's bland, and it's going nowhere.
On the other hand, I really enjoyed the meeting. Wanda's solution for better team cohesiveness is sound and I enjoyed the review of the Avengers current foes.
I did like Triathlon's appearance, too. He's a welcome addition to the team, even if he isn't an official Avenger or anything. It's nice to check in on him.
One thing I thought was pretty stupid --- Wonder Man has been hanging around since issue two and he's not an official Avenger? Really? He's helped in EVERY SINGLE BATTLE since issue three and he's just a guest? Really? This is why I'm not a fan of stuff like the Avengers charter and what-not.
Moving on . . .
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Post by woodside on May 28, 2012 10:25:49 GMT -5
Avengers # 16
Jerry Ordway shows up to give Busiek and Perez a bit of a break, which is deserved, to be sure.
The Wrecking Crew, recruited by a mysterious benefactor, are sent to retrieve Ms Marvel. They head down to New Orleans to draw Ms Marvel out (who they think is Captain Marvel -- or, really, as she is known as now, Photon). Photon summons the Avengers, who were being visited by the Black Knight. The Avengers head to New Orleans and tussle with the Wrecking Crew during Mardi Gras (of course). The Wrecking Crew manages to get the upper hand, grab Photon and get ready to teleport out . . .
Of course, when their mysterious benefactor discovers no trace of a Kree energy signature among the Wrecking Crew, he instead teleports them elsewhere (appearing to kill them). Meanwhile, risking detection and fed up with his idiot villains for hire, the mystery simply scans for a Kree energy signature, finds Carol Danvers and teleports her away -- which of course, the Wasp witnesses.
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Hmmm. Well, to be honest, this is far from the greatest. It's a little silly and nutty, but it was so much fun! The battle between the Avengers and the Wrecking Crew was a real blast. It had a ton of fun moments and turn the Wrecking Crew into a bad-ass bad guys capable of taking on the Avengers!
This was a fun story and so I can forgive a lot of the little stuff, but I'm not sure if I can handle two more issues of it.
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Post by woodside on Jun 12, 2012 7:36:32 GMT -5
Avengers # 17 and 18
I don’t typically group reviews, but it seemed to work best here for these two issues. I’m looking to get caught up on these because, simply, life has been very busy with me lately.
The Avengers find out that the Wrecking Crew and Photon have been teleported to Polemachus, the home of Arkon. With the Black Knight in tow, the team heads there and finds it overrun and conquered by the Wrecking Crew. They join forces with Arkon’s mate, Thundra, but Captain America is soon captured.
Meanwhile, back on Earth, Justice is recovering from the injuries he sustained in battle and Iron Man has him sit the next mission out. This mission being finding Carol Danvers, who has been captured by the Doomsday Man and the mysterious benefactor for the Wrecking Crew. Iron Man, Wasp, and Giant-Man join in against the Doomsday Man, and as the Thnderbird has the thing on the ropes (apparently he wanted to join with her or something), Justice shows up, helps out, and then breaks his leg. Doomsday Man is defeated.
Back on the Polecahus, the Avengers use some clever plotting to overthrow the Wrecking Crew, free Photon, depose the Grand Vizer who was a bad guy, and then pack it on home.
***
By and by, these installments are lacking some of the fun of the first one. Doomsday Man feels bland and the Wrecking Crew just doesn’t have the fun, chaotic energy they had in issue 16. I never once felt like anything major was happening that was going to change the status quo. I have no attachment to Polemachus, Arkon, or Thundra, so their struggle just didn’t do anything for me. I did enjoy Justice’s fool-hardy attempt to save the day. Even though he managed to, I did like that he ended paying for it pretty badly. Nice to see realistic consequences to super-hero actions. I also loved Tony and Hank’s “encouragement” as he was being hauled off on the stretcher.
Black Knight also added a new dynamic to the team and I liked his interaction with Firestar. Photon didn’t bring much to the table, though. Thunderbird just kinda came off as obnoxious and bitchy.
To be honest, this felt a lot like Jerry Ordway just getting nostalgic for these characters and these places. I can’t that’s not necessarily a bad thing, but I think for fans that aren’t as familiar with his work on Avengers, some of this three-parter lacks the accessibility of Busiek and Perez’s stuff.
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Post by humanbelly on Jun 12, 2012 8:24:22 GMT -5
Honestly, ever since- what- Avengers #76?- I've found pretty much anything involving Polemachus and Arkon and that whole, inexplicable parallel world/dimension/whatever to be tedious and just-this-side of forgettable. I'm not at all sure why, and it doesn't even seem to have any relationship with how well it's presented. The social structure, Arkon's powers-- it all just seems. . . arbitrary and shallow. (Man, no offense to any major Arkonophiles out there, hey?)
WS, I can remember sitting on my back deck 3 or 4 years ago, and re-reading these very issues, and the ONLY clear recollection I have is of Photon being ridiculously under-utilized, and Justice getting even more injured. Wrecking Crew? Were they there? Yikes!
A post or two ago you made a very fair point about the serious lack of Avengers-caliber villains and challenges thus far in this series. That, of course, will change rather soon. We'll be rid of the clunky Triune Understanding dilemma (I think the idea of this had considerable merit-- but possibly it would have been better-explored in a prose format, rather than in comic-book form. Not really a direct super-hero nemesis, y'know?), and the remarkably un-riveting tall guy-- what's his name? Paragon? Parthenon? Pageboy? Something??-- he returns to obscurity. I'll submit for discussion (down the road), though, that the scales will ultimately tip 'way, 'way too far in the other direction before too long. . .
HB
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Post by woodside on Jun 14, 2012 20:40:57 GMT -5
It's funny that you remember reading these issues so clearly, because so do I! I remember first reading these back in 1999 (right?) the morning after one of my parents "wild" parties. I remember finding these three pretty bland and unfortunately, they haven't grown with age.
I'm salivating to re-read Ultron Unlimited (probably will this weekend). Paragon was a mess.
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Post by woodside on Jun 17, 2012 11:30:45 GMT -5
Avengers # 0, 19-22
Happy Father's Day, all! My mother-in-law watched W Jr last night, and so I got a chance to sit out on my porch this morning and read some Avengers! Much like Avengers Forever, I debated whether or not to break these into single issues, but I ultimately decided not to as the story was just too exciting to put down.
Through the eyes of a TV news program, readers are caught up to speed with the Avengers post-Onslaught exploits. This issue also gives us a key scene -- the Grim Reaper has gone missing!
Back the mansion, the Avengers are holding a press conference to help their recent PR problems -- when its interrupted by the Wasp, who reports that Hank Pym has been kidnapped by Ultron.
Meanwhile, Black Panther's Quinjet production plant is attacked by Alkhema. The Avengers head out and confront Alkhema, who reveals that she is out to disrupt Ultron's plans, but she has no use for the Avengers. Scarlet Witch attacks Alkhema's molecular rearranger, which allows the Avengers to take her prisoner.
The Avengers quickly learn that Ultron has made his move by attacking the country of Slorenia -- wiping out the country's super-heroes, cutting it off from the outside world, and summarily killing every living thing in the country. The Avengers head over to the Pentagon to plan out their strategy. Scarlet Witch, Wasp, Vision, and Wonder Man instead go to Hank's lab, but are soon attacked by Ultron and captured.
The remaining Avengers - Cap, Thor, Iron Man, Black Panther, and Firestar - lead a massive UN assault team in Slorenia. They immediately encounter cyber-zombies, but the Avengers press on.
Back at the mansion, Justice dives in and does a ton of research on ways to destroy Ultron.
Ultron monologues and reveals his plans to his captured guests: to create a new society of robotic life, with their brain patterns based on those he has captured (those he has identified as his family). We also learn that Hank based Ultron's brain patterns on himself, meaning that Ultron is like a weird, twisted version of Hank. It clearly weighs heavily on him.
The Vision frees himself and tries to peacefully end the situation with Ultron, revealing that he still has feelings for Wanda. Ultron refuses and blasts him away, but Vision had time to free the Grim Repear. Repear frees the others.
On the surface, the Avengers battle one of the Ultron units (using all of their strength to do so) and then head into Ultron's central command. Here, they are confronted by hundreds of Ultrons. Eventually, the Avengers mow through them, show up and kick off a huge battle with the prime Ultron unit. Just as things seem their darkest, Justice shows up with anti-metal vibranium. Giant Man takes it and smashes away at Ultron, eventually destroying him and effectively ending the battle.
The Avengers, shaken but victorious, head home. Back in Slorenia, a freed Alkhema finds the brain-patterns of the captured Avengers and begins her own planning . . .
***
Avengers # 0 serves as our jumping on point. It's neat to see how many stories are public knowledge (Zombie Avengers, Squadron Supreme, the Triune Understanding) and what isn't (Moses Magnum, Thunderbolts team-up). It's also kinda cool to see the Avengers treated as celebrities, with paparazzi following Simon, Vision, and Wanda. It's a perfect prelude to what is surely Busiek and Perez's best story yet (and possibly ever).
Busiek has built the threat of Ultron up throughout his run. We've seen him here and there, watching and waiting, planning and plotting. Even as this story kicks off, we don't see his plans truly begin until close to the end of the issue. Alkhema kinda hangs out there as a force of chaos. Something else for the Avengers to worry about.
But when Ultron captures the Avengers and launches his attack on Slorenia, the stakes quadrople. We see just how huge a threat Ultron is. We can see just how evil he really is.
You guys are well aware of how epic this is. I don't have explain just how amazing the intense battle scenes are. Perez strikes pure gold with his depiction of this story.
What works best for this story, epic in its storytelling as it is, is the great character development. We get all these reflective flashbacks that add context to Ultron's history. Unlike the Squardon Supreme, Morgan LeFaye, and Moses Magnum -- Ultron's villainy is deeply personal to the Avengers. He was created by an Avenger and has had major, major impacts on their long history.
This story gives us tiny moments of characterization. We see the fall-out of Black Panther's motives for joining the Avengers (as detailed in Priest's excellent Black Panther run). We see Iron Man struggle with the dark side of technology. We see Cap just keep going. Justice finds his own place on team, learning that these people are the heroes he admired . . . but are also very human and flawed. Firestar almost gives her life against one of the Ultrons.
But the two biggest character arcs - Hank and Visions - come to a head here. Vision's unloading on Ultron about his feelings and his perceived place in the world is almost a relief to hear after such a long, angst-ridden run of seeing him creep around the mansion. Hank's revelation about Ultron, the subsequent beat-down, and his "winning a part of my soul back" is more contained to this arc than the whole run, but it was excellently played.
I daresay that this story is Busiek and Perez's best. We have stellar artwork, spectacular battles, a huge and personal threat, and emotional ending.
I read this one when it first came out and I was so happy that it has aged so well. This is the Avengers story I've been waiting for.
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Post by Shiryu on Jun 17, 2012 19:40:01 GMT -5
W -- although I have Avengers/JLA as my personal favourite Busiek/Perez story, I agree with everything you say. The massacre of Slorenia really makes Ultron look like a true menace not just for the Avengers, but for the world, and the battle scenes are great. Besides, Thor's "Ultron, we would have words with thee" line is one of the all time greatest.
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Post by humanbelly on Jun 17, 2012 20:48:17 GMT -5
I know I've gushed about it at some point in the past, but-- isn't this the arc where Perez draws a big grid of panels that only depicts the eyes of each Avenger as they view Ultron's mayhem? I feel like that artistic moment can never be hi-lighted enough. Only the eyes-- many, many pairs (16, maybe? 20?)-- and you can identify every set. The first time I read the book, I gasped, and took the time to see who everyone was. And I thought, "that's it, man-- game over. George is the best comic book artist ever. No one will ever be able to recreate this brilliant, subtle, moving moment."
HB
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Post by woodside on Jun 19, 2012 23:25:09 GMT -5
I know I've gushed about it at some point in the past, but-- isn't this the arc where Perez draws a big grid of panels that only depicts the eyes of each Avenger as they view Ultron's mayhem? I feel like that artistic moment can never be hi-lighted enough. Only the eyes-- many, many pairs (16, maybe? 20?)-- and you can identify every set. The first time I read the book, I gasped, and took the time to see who everyone was. And I thought, "that's it, man-- game over. George is the best comic book artist ever. No one will ever be able to recreate this brilliant, subtle, moving moment." HB Yes! I lingered on that page, loving it for all the reasons you've written about. I also loved the big splash page of the Pentagon (right?) where you see all these really neat levels, leading down to the central table, and even a few level below that. I completely forgot about those two pages until I turned them and was wowed all over again.
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Post by woodside on Jun 24, 2012 23:49:24 GMT -5
Avengers # 23
Reeling from the recent Ultron battle, the Avengers find their focus on more domestic matters with this issue. Protesters have camped out right in front of the mansion. Cap gets his new old shield back. Oh . . .
And all the tension between Vision, Simon, and Wanda explodes. Vision has firmly placed his relationship behind him, but reveals that he has been suffering of a identity crisis, feeling that his life is nothing more than a carbon copy of Simons. After a violent confrontation, Simon reveals that he has been envious of Vision's life -- and just how different their lives have gone.
Ultimately, the Vision decides to leave, to soak in this new information.
***
This issue felt like a breather and was much-needed after the intensity of Ultron Unlimited. While Ultron Unlimited is dealt with here a little bit, I wish there was a little more to it. We only briefly seen Hank and Jan, and we needed a little more to these two. After such a huge emotional victory, I think we needed to spend more time with Hank and get a better idea as to what he's experiencing.
The protests are an interesting choice, though a little forced. T'Challa's presence and his eventual turning down of the membership offer felt right considering the previous story-arch, what was happening in his book, and the reason why they offered him membership again (the protests). I also was very pleased with Cap getting his shield back.
So, the crux of this story is the Vision/Simon/Wanda confrontation. I don't have a hold lot to say about it, to be honest. I felt like it was about d**n time this subplot was resolved (even if it wasn't completely). Vision's reason for being creepy are well-reasoned, but the true twist regarding Simon's confession was the best part of this issue. I felt good when that information came out and the Vision's reaction (pure shock) was really heart-felt.
Overall, a decent issue. I liked the break in the action and the turning point in the Vision subplot, but I would have liked a little more fall-out from Ultron Unlimited.
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Post by woodside on Jul 3, 2012 23:35:22 GMT -5
Avengers # 24 and 25
I've been trying not to reviews issues together, but issue 24 was just so boring!
The long and short of it: The Juggernaut is being hunted by the Exemplars, in what is a follow-up to the crossover "The Eighth Day." The Exemplars arrive in NYC and the Avengers - joined by Quicksilver and amidst protests - go off to attack the Exemplars.
A battle ensues, Juggernaut is captured. The Avengers regroup, hash out some personal problems, and then go off to fight the Exemplars and free the Juggernaut. They are joined (randomly) by Hercules, Wasp, Giant-Man, Spider-Man, and Nova. A fight ensues again and all but Cap are subdued.
Cap appeals to the human side of the Exemplars. They take off, the Juggernaut allows himself to be captured, and then -- CAP QUITS THE TEAM?!!?!?!
*****
Just a quick review -- I liked the Wanda/Pietro conversation. Nice family drama. The protests are "meh." I liked the battle scenes, they were fun. Lots of fun.
Cap's leaving at the end felt a little . . . weird. He speech, though impassioned and seemed to work, also appeared to have little long-term effect on the Exemplars. We haven't seen them since.
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Post by woodside on Jul 21, 2012 9:35:54 GMT -5
Avengers # 26
Sorry about such a delay. Real life is weighing pretty hard on me lately.
Anyways, so let's get moving!
Captain America summons Silverclaw, Ant-Man, and Warbird to help him infiltrate the Triune Understanding's NYC headquarters. Captain Marvel shows up to help out and they break in. They discover a pyschic generater and Cap wants them to destroy it.
The non-Avengers feel like this isn't quite right and confront Cap about it. Cap reveals that he's really the Taskmaster, hired by the Triune Understanding to frame the Avengers for destroying the machine. Taskmaster and his hencemen fight the non-Avengers, but he gains the upperhand and vaporizes the building, leaving on the non-Avengers in its place.
Jonathan Tremont, Triathlon, and the press show up. Triathlon finds himself silently questioning Tremont, but all of this is interupted by news that the Avengers are experiencing a major shake-up!
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I really liked seeing Captain Marvel and Ant-Man. Ant-Man is one of those character that I always felt like was an odd fit in the regular MU. Captain Marvel didn't really add anything to the book except to serve plot point, but I've really liked his character design.
Silverclaw didn't impress me that much, though I did like her dedication to the core ideals of the Avengers. Warbird is slowly walking that road to redemption, but man, it's a long one!
I wasn't really impressed by Stuart Immonen's art. It's weird to see his work here, which feels so long ago. He's envolved so much since this time and his style has developed into some much less generic. But here, the art is lacking.
The Triune saga continues with glacial pace . . .
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Post by woodside on Jul 29, 2012 9:22:05 GMT -5
Avengers # 27
Under growing pressure from protesters and personal issues within the team, the Avengers decide to shake-up their rooster. Cap has already quit; Vision's been out for a while too. Justice and Firestar head out to Europe to re-kindle their relationship. Thor leaves because Duane Freeman gets in his face.
Duane Freeman and the other remaining Avengers help build a new team, but pressure not to put a bunch of white people together hangs heavily over them. In the end, the Avengers consist of Iron Man, Warbird, Triathilon, She-Hulk, Wasp, Scarlet Witch, and Goliath.
***
This issue feels really uncomfortable. It bothers me that just as the team was getting it together (see Ultron Unlimited), that they all fall apart.
Busiek creates an awkward atomosphere and does a good job at putting Duane Freeman and the Avengers in an uncomfortable position. The debates about race was one thing, but the accusation of religious prejudice is another. This was the high point of the book.
Busiek and Perez do an excellent job of keeping this tension going throughout the issue -- all the up to the lack of "Avengers Assemble!" during their press conference.
But I can't help but question -- why have a team that's already in place and has finally gotten its stuff together, and just up and replace them? I'm not talking in-universe. I mean, in the real world, why did Busiek/Breevort decide to do this?
Whatever the reason, I guess we could do worse. Warbird is back. Wasp is leader. Triathilon is cool.
I'm just not feeling it. And I think that was the point.
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Post by humanbelly on Jul 29, 2012 9:55:03 GMT -5
Avengers # 27 Under growing pressure from protesters and personal issues within the team, the Avengers decide to shake-up their rooster. Cap has already quit; Vision's been out for a while too. Justice and Firestar head out to Europe to re-kindle their relationship. Thor leaves because Duane Freeman gets in his face. Duane Freeman and the other remaining Avengers help build a new team, but pressure not to put a bunch of white people together hangs heavily over them. In the end, the Avengers consist of Iron Man, Warbird, Triathilon, She-Hulk, Wasp, Scarlet Witch, and Goliath. *** This issue feels really uncomfortable. It bothers me that just as the team was getting it together (see Ultron Unlimited), that they all fall apart. Busiek creates an awkward atomosphere and does a good job at putting Duane Freeman and the Avengers in an uncomfortable position. The debates about race was one thing, but the accusation of religious prejudice is another. This was the high point of the book. Busiek and Perez do an excellent job of keeping this tension going throughout the issue -- all the up to the lack of "Avengers Assemble!" during their press conference. But I can't help but question -- why have a team that's already in place and has finally gotten its stuff together, and just up and replace them? I'm not talking in-universe. I mean, in the real world, why did Busiek/Breevort decide to do this? Whatever the reason, I guess we could do worse. Warbird is back. Wasp is leader. Triathilon is cool. I'm just not feeling it. And I think that was the point. I think what we had here was an effective bit of old-school Marvel writing philosophy, where there's rarely a "things are great" status-quo ever maintained for more than, like, one issue. It's the whole real-world/real life angle that was certainly key to the success of Marvel's Silver (and early Bronze) ages, and although it always aggravates the bejeebers out of us long-time readers who think we would just like things to be AGREEABLE for ONCE, the truth is that the unending chain of internal conflicts is what (used to) keep us glued to the pages. Exactly like a soap opera, right? If folks were married and happy and healthy, why in the world would anyone tune in? I do think this was an admirable effort on Busiek's part to recapture that dynamic in the Avengers, as it had already gone largely missing in much of the MU even at that point (IIRC). That's a particularly terrific team, by the way. You know what I love? The girls would totally take out the boys if they were pitted against one another. Sort of like that brief time when the X-Men were all women. . . HB
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Post by Crimson Cowl on Jul 29, 2012 12:36:14 GMT -5
the Avengers decide to shake-up their rooster. I trust there is a disclaimer avowing that no animals were harmed during the making of this comic. er... Just in case there's some confusion, you should know that Triathlon is the really dodgy 3D Man knock off -and 3D Man was pretty crappy to begin with!
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Post by humanbelly on Jul 29, 2012 13:51:44 GMT -5
the Avengers decide to shake-up their rooster. I trust there is a disclaimer avowing that no animals were harmed during the making of this comic. Ha! Not only is that slip-of-the-keys an apt description for a number of the cocksure (sorry. . . ) members of Earth's Mightiest (think, of course, of Hawkeye, Namor, Hercules, Starfox, Quicksilver, etc, etc), but it's also almost an apt metaphor for the roster shuffle that WS is talking about. Once all is said and done, the only "Rooster" personality left would be Tony Stark. Granted, his identification with certain associations the word brings to mind may be a trifle TOO close to discuss in good taste, but still. . . there was only one thingy-o-the-walk left standing, eh? Tsk. Yes, yes-- but. . . his whole story arc eventually led to the original character's having FAR more depth than it ever did in its original incarnation. And I didn't hate Triathlon at all-- just felt that he was ill-placed as an Avenger. This is a guy whose power set was uniquely and perfectly suited to being either a private detective-type hero, or a SHIELD operative. The former would certainly be worth a look-- the latter would bore me to tears. BUT, if he's workin' for Woodside, then that means Busiek was clearly accomplishing his mission to some degree. There are no bad characters, remember-- just characters being handled poorly by bad- or uninspired- writers. . . HB PS-- Not at all suggesting that Busiek is/was a bad writer. As we've discussed before, he simply was as susceptible to Pet Character Syndrome as, well, every single other mainstay writer in Avengers' history. . .
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Post by Crimson Cowl on Jul 30, 2012 3:43:39 GMT -5
Ha! Not only is that slip-of-the-keys an apt description for a number of the cocksure (sorry. . . ) members of Earth's Mightiest (think, of course, of Hawkeye, Namor, Hercules, Starfox, Quicksilver, etc, etc), but it's also almost an apt metaphor for the roster shuffle that WS is talking about. Once all is said and done, the only "Rooster" personality left would be Tony Stark. Granted, his identification with certain associations the word brings to mind may be a trifle TOO close to discuss in good taste, but still. . . there was only one thingy-o-the-walk left standing, eh? It was a peculiarly evocative slip up wasn't it.
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Post by woodside on Aug 2, 2012 22:58:38 GMT -5
Avengers # 28 (Volume Three) The Avengers do some PR work by smashing down some crappy old buildings in favor of a new, beautiful civic center. They return to the Mansion to find that Silverclaw has recieved warning of an ancient prophecy in her homeland is about to come true. The Avengers decide to accompany her to Costa Verde, but find that her small village has been replaced by a beautiful, ancient city. The Avengers investigate and realize that reality has changed within the city walls. Kulan Gath then manifests and warns them to go away. *** Despite some strong moments, this issue really disappointed. Silverclaw gets a full origin, which I liked. I also enjoyed the PR work the Avengers did in the opening pages. But just about everything else bothered me. Kulan Gath's little world just reminds me too much of Morgan LeFaye's from issues 1-3. The comments by Triathlon, who I liked a lot, seem very forced and out of place. They just don't fit. Here's hoping the next two parts of this story are better . . . -------- Just a side note, guys. I'm typically positng these a little later in the day (like midnight) and so I can't always reply to comments made. Maybe someday I'll be able to do some nice replies, but right now, I'm just trying to find the time to post these reviews!
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Post by woodside on Aug 3, 2012 23:43:15 GMT -5
Avengers # 29 (Volume Three)
The Avengers are woken by a battle nearby. They soon discover that the volcano goddess Peliali is being attacked by strange priests. The Avengers intercede and become involved in a fight with Hawk-Riders, loyal to Kulan Gath. As they wrap up their own battle, Pelali and the priests vanish. Meanwhile, the military begins to move in!
The Avengers split off. Wasp and Iron Man meet up with the military and agree to follow them back to the capital to figure the situation out. The other Avengers (protected by Wanda's magic) enter the transformed city, followed by both a child (who turns out to by Kulan Gath) and a mysterious man.
The Avengers find themselves in a tavern after encountering parts of the real world entering the village. Eventually, a bar fight breaks out. Kulan Gath transforms the patrons into monster that manage to bring the Avengers down. Kulan Gath also (in classic Busiek style) relates his brief history to a captured Pelali, and declares to change the world's reality into his own.
***
Out of all of Busiek's story arcs, this one might be the most lackluster. While I certainly don't mind Silverclaw, her story here just doesn't work for me. I have no feelings towards Kulan Gath, and my only memories are from the time he attacked the X-Men and Spider-Man defeated him or something. Wasn't he in Conan the Barbarian?
After suffering world-bending realities in the very beginning of Busiek's run, revisiting it here just doesn't seem to click.
On the other hand, we get some good moments. I did like Silverclaw's anger towards Pelali for making her father seem like a crackpot and herself like a freak. Carol has a great moment in the tavern, having to resist booze -- and she really shines when she goes off on Triathilon for being a loud-mouthed punk. I also really enjoyed Wasp's leadership ability and her dynamic with the rest of the team.
She-Hulk is just so much fun, from her flirtations with Triathilon to her leaping up and starting the bar fight.
Unfortunately, nothing else in this story arc really grabs me.
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Post by woodside on Aug 5, 2012 12:31:13 GMT -5
Avengers # 30
Kulan Gath prepares to sacrifice Pelali, the Avengers, and the whole d**n village so that he can become a god. Luckily, Iron Man figures out a way for the army to enter and remain normal. Also, Giant-Man is able to break out and a battle ensues. People are transformed into monsters and demons and other insanity ensues. Ultimately, Silverclaw reaches out to her villagers and their faith weakens Kulan Gath. Gath prepares to kill her, but our mystery man from last issue blasts him from the shadows. Kulan Gath prepares the scarfice Pelali anyways and when he does, a portal opens. The "dark ones" that granted him his power are pissed and drag him into it. Pelali dies, regretting shunning her daughter, but knowing time is up. Silverclaw goes back home with the Avengers, and is even granted a spot as a reservist. Meanwhile, hiding out in the back of the Quinjet is none other than YELLOWJACKET?! Say whaaaaa?!
***
The less said about Kulan Gath, the better. I found this story to be way too long. This could have been covered in two issues. He's clearly a danger, but I just don't feel intimidated by him.
We did some get some good characterization, though. Silverclaw's come full circle with her origin and I'm glad to see her among the Avengers. She should add some new drama to the gang. Triathlon seems to have lost that chip on his shoulder and is showing signs of melding in with the rest of the team. She-Hulk is as fun as ever.
The big twist with Yellowjacket suprised me when I read this years ago. I remember wondering this had some sort of connection with Avengers Forever (like he had gotten time lost at some point). I don't quite remember the hows and whys of this subplot, but it's a neat little wrinkle.
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Post by woodside on Aug 8, 2012 0:14:19 GMT -5
Avengers Annual 2000
Patsy Walker (aka Hellcat) goes on TV and talks about her experiences, including her recent return to life. Her ol' pal Heddy then shows up and drags her back to Centerville, which we reveal has been turned into an amusement park -- being run by the Sons of the Serpent and the Salem Seven. Hellcat reaches out to Moondragon, who assemebles the only available Avengers (Cap, Iron Man, and Scarlet Witch) along with Hawkeye and Songbird. The team goes to Centerville, fight the bad guys, and then get captured. Heddy saves the day and the Avengers depart, leaving Hellcat happily in Centerville.
***
This felt really pointless, other than to establish the Hellcat is back. The bad guys were dull, the Avengers felt disposable (though I liked the nod to Avengers Forever) and the art was bad.
That's all I really have to say about that, I guess.
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Post by humanbelly on Aug 8, 2012 16:44:58 GMT -5
Heya WS-- I've been enjoying these recaps, and simply haven't had time to chatter back on them. But please keep them up, eh? They're doing a great job of jogging the ol' memory. . .
HB
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Post by woodside on Aug 13, 2012 23:57:44 GMT -5
Whew! A lot here!
Avengers # 31
The Avengers are contacted by the Vision, who has learned that the crime organization the Maggia are meeting in Chicago. Having completed some training and some inconclusive medical scans on Hank, the Avengers head out and meet with up with Vision. They ambush the Maggia, whose ranks include Madame Masque, and find that the group is trying to be united by the Grim Reaper. A battle ensues, with all but three of the crime bosses being captured. Grim Reaper tries to use Madame Masque as a bargaining chip, but she explodes (!) and the Reaper escapes
I liked this issue a lot. It was great to see Vision back in the saddle and I enjoyed his dialogue with Wanda. The tension between Duane and Tony and the others is a little hard to deal with and I’m hoping to see a break-through soon. While their first outing was unexciting, this new team really shined in this mission. I’m actually excited to see what’s next! But first, off to Thunderbolts # 42 to find out what happened to Simon . . .
Thunderbolts # 42
Atlas, wallowing in his misery, is suddenly attacked by Wonder Man. The two of them duke it out. Atlas tries to talk villain-in-hiding Man-killer into helping, but she laughs at him and runs away. The other Thunderbolts get involved, but just as Wonder Man is taking Atlas away. Hawkeye decides to contact the Avengers.
Also, a lot of other things are going that I don’t understand nor do I think matter. These flashbacks hurt my head.
Um, well, this issue was fun. Maybe it’s just my mood, but I enjoyed it. Now, I did skip over all of the weird, confusing, inconclusive flashback stuff. It just didn’t make any sense. The Wonder Man vs Atlas fight, on the hand, was cool. Bagley’s art is always a pleasure to look at it.
Avengers # 32
She-Hulk leaves the Avengers now that Vision is back. On her way out, Black Widow shows up with a coin given to her a while ago by a robot kidnapping Masque, a Madame Masque clone-thing that joined the Avengers back in the crazy days of the mid-90s (but she doesn’t have a jacket, so she was spared that). As Iron Man and Black Widow try and uncover Madame Masque’s location, Triathlon makes it clear to Jonathan Tremont that his Avengers responsibilities take precedence. Eventually, the Avengers track down Grim Reaper, who is about to attack Madame Masque’s butte (not butt) and fisticuffs follow. Madame Masque launches her own attack – but it’s all interrupted by the arrival of Count Nefaria, who has Wonder Man and Atlas in tow!
While the last issue was a breeze, this one stumbled. She-Hulk, who had been such a fun character, leaves. It’s disappointing. I do like the arrival of Black Widow, though. And there are some great scenes – like Vision’s awkwardly asking Carol out and Triathlon giving Tremont attitude. But Madame Masque acts like a complete and total nutjob and the constant flashbacks are just out of control. Sometimes, it’s okay to just tell a story without having to show us everything that’s come before. On the other hand, maybe Madame Masque needed this issue to just help clarify her history. I dunno.
Thunderbolts # 43
Black Widow goes to the Thunderbolts headquarters and recruits the Thunderbolts in sneaking into Baron Zemo Sr’s old base. The Maggia are looking for information regarding Ionic Energy or some such. They encounter Cyclone and fight it out. They quickly learn that this is all moot; Count Nefaria has apparently used all of this information all ready and has used to take control of Wonder Man and Atlas.
Also, other things happen that don’t make sense.
Thunderbolts is a dense read. Aside from the story that’s going on, there’s about five or six other subplots running around that just don’t have any interest or relevance for me. It’s difficult to follow under the best of circumstances and I think read as part of an Avengers crossover, it becomes a chore. So I skip that stuff. Ultimately, though, this issue just feels pointless. There was no real reason for it other than to crossover to Avengers. The Thunderbolts did nothing important other than confirm that they were too late. There’s very little to the Black Widow/Hawkeye meeting. It’s a snooze-a-thon.
Avengers # 33
The Avengers, Count Nefaria, Grim Reaper, and Madame Masque’s forces all battle it out in front of Madame Masque’s butte. Madame Masque believes it’s all a ruse to lure her out into the open, but as the battle because heated, she questions that scenario. Egged on by Masque, she initiates an evacuation. Count Nefaria has Atlas and Wonder Man destroy the butte and captures Madame Masque. The Avengers interviene, and Count Nefaria eventually decides to book it with his ionically controlled minions in tow. The Avengers regroup at the mansion with Grim Reaper in shackles and Madame Masque being interrogated. She and Tony have a few moments where he tries to convince her to help them. Soon after this, the Thunderbolts and Black Widow call in, claiming they’ve found evidence that Count Nefaria is out to build a huge Ionic Bomb!
I’ll say off the bat, I’m not a fan of Count Nefaria and Madame Masque. I did like the appearance of Masque, as I never quite understood this character. I did also like the moment between Tony and Madame Masque. It wasn’t a terrible issue, but it wasn’t a homerun either.
Busiek does a good job of making Count Nefaria into a dangerous threat. Madame Masque, for all her paranoia and a little whacky for me, calms down as the issue goes on. It was okay.
Thunderbolts # 44
The Avengers and the Thunderbolts meet up at the mansion and discuss their recent missions. Captain America and She-Hulk rejoin them for this mission. Madame Masque, Doctor Malus (captured by the Thunderbolts), Goliath, and Iron Man proceed to build a weapon to stop the Ionic Bomb, called the Ionic Lock. The two teams them locate Count Nefaria and engage Atlas and Wonder Man. This eventually leads to Iron Man using the Ionic Lock on them and changing them back into their human forms. Suddenly, though Count Nefaria shows up and activates his bomb. The Ionic Lock, surprisingly, doesn’t work.
This felt like just another installment in this crossover. I’m really clueless regarding the Thunderbolts, so that stuff is completely lost on me. But I did enjoy the suggestion that Songbird and Mach-2 could be Avengers. I also loved the scene where Cap tells Clint he’s proud of him for standing by the Thunderbolts and keeping with his convictions. Beyond that, this was rather ho-hum.
I did want to comment on the rather pointless appearance by She-Hulk and, to a certain extent, Cap. She-Hulk’s absence from the team lasted one full issue and now she’s back. Cap, on the other hand, was back just a little bit ago and seems to really just pop in whenever he felt like it. With the rigidity of the Avengers membership early in the series, things have certainly become more relaxed.
Avengers # 34
The Avengers and the Thunderbolts duke it out with Count Nefaria, trying to wear him out. Masque then emerges, but is quickly killed by Count Nefaria. Madame Masque, in shock over her father’s ruthless killing of a woman that she could have been, fires the Ionic Lock at the Count Nefaria. It hurts him enough for him to leak Ionic energy and the Avengers and Thunderbolts pile it out. Meanwhile, Wonder Man and Atlas wake up and have to race the bomb into space. The bomb explodes and the pair have to absorb its energy. Count Nefaria goes after them, but explodes with power and is defeated. Madame Masque escapes, Count Nefaria has been defeated, the Ionic guys are safe, and the Avengers and the Thunderbolts leave on good terms.
Except Yellowjacket just spotted his wife on TV . . .
An excellent conclusion to an otherwise uneven story. Busiek does an amazing job making Count Nefaria into a real, impossible to beat bad guy. I loved seeing the good guys just pour it on him – and not take him down! I also enjoyed the scenes with Madame Masque and it saved the character for me.
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Post by woodside on Aug 17, 2012 0:12:45 GMT -5
Avengers Infinity
Quasar discovers that a Rigillian colony has been destroyed – its population mysteriously wiped out. He finds Jack O’Hearts in a coma state and then proceeds to contact the Avengers for help. Instead of the team currently lead by Wasp, Quasar brings together Photon, Moondragon, Thor, Starfox, and Tigra. They regroup on the Rigel colony and Moondragon scans Jack’s mind to discover who was behind the attack – creatures called Servitors, minions of the mysterious Infinities.
The Avengers battle the Servitors, but are forced to retreat when Photon discovers that they are breaking the world down. The Avengers shove off at just the right second. A much larger being appears and begins to reshape the planet into a cylinder. The Avengers attempt to enter the being to understand what it’s doing, but Photon gets trapped. The Avengers mount a rescue – but as they do, other beings with other worlds-turned-cylinders show up and link them forming a giant.
Then the hand of the true Infinite appears to grab hold the ring, to pull all of the stars of the galaxy away to form a weird wall. To combat the Infinites, the Avengers contact Eternity and enlist him in stopping the Infinites. Eternity channels the Avengers, proving to the Infinities that the universe contains worlds that rife with diverse and prominent life-forms. The Infinities realize the error of their ways and stop what they’re doing. The colony world is reformed and an Infinite dies to restore the world ecology.
I absolutely loved this mini-series. It was more fun than I’ve had in some time with Avengers, to be honest. The dialogue is snappy. The themes of humanity vs cosmic beings is laid out well. I love the idea of size being such a big selling point for this series – the comparison of ants that Thor goes on about. It might be about the cosmic aspects of the Marvel Universe, but it illustrates the relationship with the tiny beings (we humans) with the amazing massive (the Infinites). It works really well.
I also enjoyed Photon being in command. The way she talks to Thor is amazing. Her closeness with Tigra, the uneasiness with Moondragon, and her familiarity with Quasar and Jack all help Monica steal the show.
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Post by woodside on Aug 23, 2012 21:58:27 GMT -5
MAXIMUM SECURITY!
I've actually read and reviewed this crossover before, so I'll be using parts of that review here because my opinions haven't changed that much.
Maximum Security: Dangerous Planet one-shot, Maximum Security # 1, Iron Man # 35, Thor # 30, Uncanny X-Men # 387, Black Panther # 25, Captain America # 36, Bishop # 15, Maximum # 2, Gambit # 23, X-Men # 107, X-Men Unlimited # 29, Avengers # 35, Maximum Security # 3
(Note: Despite my knowing there are other tie-ins, not all of them tie into the central story – or really at all. Hence, I’m just using the main books from the crossover.)
The story starts during a meeting with the Intergalactic Council. Concerns have been raised about humans in light of Professor X leading Cadre K to breeding facilities to save K-Class Mutant Skrulls. While this is happening, though, Ego the Living Planet returns and causes all sorts of trouble. The Silver Surfer and Cadre K eventually take Ego down, much to the humiliation of the Council. It is then decided that humanity must be dealt with. Newcomers the Ruul have an idea: transport all alien convicts there and quarantine the solar system.
As USAgent and other heroes encounter more and more aliens, he takes command of the Avengers. The Avengers confront Ronan, who is aboard a ship in orbit of the Earth. Ronan punts the super-heroes back to the ground and they soon discover that Ego is slowly manifesting itself on Earth. Iron Man and the Fantastic Four investigate and being to understand that a host will be needed to contain Ego. The Silver Surfer volunteers.
In the meantime, Earth is amok with aliens. Cap stops one from accidentally blowing up the Statue of Liberty in an effort to leave. Beta-Ray Bill comes back. The last surviving D’Bari seeks revenge on Jean. The Black Panther and his liaison Everett K. Ross stumble upon a temple which serves as portal to another planet, but is destroyed by aliens on the other side to stop the convicts from fleeing.
In space, Lilandria tells Professor X that he needs to get to Deathbird, as she has the key to freeing Earth. As Professor X and Cadre K search for her, they encounter the returned Bishop. During a heated confrontation, Bishop gains a keycard from her. She then goes flying out into space. Bishop then volunteers to be shipped back to Earth ala a space convict. In the meantime, the Cadre K telepath Z’Cann lands on Earth and makes contact with the X-Men. She bonds with Rogue and Rogue finds out the plan.
Ego continues to grow out of control, absorbing people and landmass. While the Commission of Superhuman Activities recruits aliens to help resist, USAgent discovers that the Ruul are really the Kree and are taking orders from the Supreme Intelligence.
Gambit then retrieves some information on how to stop Ego. As he does, the X-Men head to Ellis Island and retrieve Bishop, then meet with Goliath (Hank Pym) and Warbird (Carol Danvers). They once more break into Ronan’s ship and gain access to various controls and get some information. Then, they head back to Earth.
In space, an Avengers team that had been out in the cosmos before the nuts hit the fan goes to meet with the Intergalactic Council. They are shortly captured by the Ruul, who are really an evolved form of Kree, thanks to the Nega-Bomb and the Forever Crystal. They also learn that the Supreme Intelligence is planning on taking control of the Ego/Earth using towers set up and absorbed on Earth in conjunction with the satellites keeping Earth quarantined.
Using codes retrieved using Deathbird keycard on board Ronan’s ship, the X-Men and the Avengers led a team of heroes and aliens onto one of the satellites and release the system from the quarantine. They also teleport Cadre K and Professor X there as well.
On the surface, using information provided by Gambit, the team there get Silver Surfer to absorb some of Ego. Unfortunately, it’s not enough. Ronan then arrives, using some of Ego’s power. A battle royale follows, but when Quasar absorbs the rest of Ego and is forced into exile, the good guys win . . . even though the Kree Empire is back up and running again.
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Kurt Busiek is the writer of the main book and “Avengers.” Other writers contributing the central story would be Dan Jurgens, Joe Quesada, Joe Harris, Fabian Nicieza, Joe Pruett, and Chris Claremont.
Busiek does a good job of handling the main series, which is actually the highlight of the crossover. Honestly, I wish the crossover had only just been contained to the Avengers titles and the main title. I do like the inclusion of the other Marvel books because it adds some broadness, but the whole "the disc has information about Ego" from Gambit and the whole "this key will let the good guys teleport onto the citadel" just feel woefully unnecessary and disjointed. What was the point? Why did Professor X have the Skrulls captured? It's mind-boggling. Cutting these subplots would have left those tie-ins feeling less awkward and would have cut some very forced scenes from the main series.
Plus, we don't even get a real sense of what happened to all the prisoners! Did the Shi'ar and whatnot come back and drag them all away? Were they locked up on Earth? Did they all leave or did some stay?
Gah!
Character-wise, I did like that the heroes of this story were mostly second-stringers -- USAgent, Professor X, Lilandria, Quasar, Tigra, Bishop, Photon, Moondragon, Jack O’Hearts, Cersie all serve as the main characters. Sure, Thor, Iron Man, Black Panther, and the Fantastic Four are all there in the spotlight, but the characters I listed above are the stars of the show.
The art varies from issue to issue, but in terms of “Maximum Security” itself, I find it a little lacking. Jerry Ordway is a great artist, of course, but at times, the art comes off as weak. This might be attributed to the inkers, though.
It is nice to see some solid payoff, though. This crossover is the culmination of subplots from both Live Kree or Die! and Avengers Forever. It's a good payoff and I liked the restoration of the Kree Empire. Ronan was kinda cool.
Overall, this crossover feels bloated and unwieldly. I reads poorly together and fails to address the long-terms effects of what was the main push of this story.
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