This is the first issue of the third volume of Avengers, following the return of the core of the team from the “Heroes Reborn” universe in what is also a wonderful return to form for the Avengers and the book, now in the hands of Kurt Busiek and George Pérez. (See editor Tom Brevoort’s reflections on the first issue here.) This run is beloved by fans of Pérez (like me), with the master drawing most of the first three years on the title, exhibiting his clear storytelling amidst incredible detailed pages, with particular attention to facial shapes and expressions. (Props are owed to inker Al Vey and colorist Tom Smith as well; Smith in particular makes the images jump off the page, consistent with the bright and colorful tone of all the “Heroes Return” books.)
After six pages of various (minor) Avengers being attacked by invaders from the seven realms of Asgardian lore, the story proper starts with a recap of the last year in the Marvel Universe, especially where the Avengers are concerned—of particular note is the still-missing God of Thunder, who disappeared after saving Franklin Richards from Doctor Doom in the Heroes Reborn: The Return miniseries.
While a storm builds outside—gee, I wonder who that could be—Jarvis serves tea to several “mystery” Avengers, revealed through dialogue (and “techy” word balloons) to be the Wasp, Iron Man, and Cap (who references his reappearance in Tokyo in Captain America #1 as being “overseas”).
Jarvis hands Cap a cup before hoisting a larger mug to Hank; Tony seems hesitant to remove his faceplate for some reason, but takes note of the storm.
The four longtime Avengers discuss recent events (including the abandonment of the team while they were gone), before the storm becomes undeniable…
…and its source reveals himself, verily (and dramatically).
(Jan helpfully saves Brevoort the job of supplying the customary footnote.)
After the other four rush to Thor’s aid, he insists he’s fine, but he does need to help to save the world, although he wonders if they’re up to it—at which point Cap reminds him who he’s talking to (and Tony says “yeah”).
As they get ready to turn this game around in the second half, Jarvis breaks in and instantly realizes they were expecting a photographer instead.
I don’t have to tell you what his words are, but they do the job, and before long one of the sitting rooms in Avengers Mansion is filled with heroes ranging from longtime Avengers to young aspirants.
Several of the panels at the bottom are worth zooming in on, especially Black Widow (sarcastically?) commenting on her leadership of what remained of the team the past year, and a rare sight of Black Panther and Namor in agreement over the scent of Dennis Dunphy, Captain America’s longtime ally D-Man, last seen in Captain America #440, who is visiting from the subterranean city of Zerotown.
After the rest of Cap’s Kooky Quartet arrive, it seems most of the old gang is present, with a few notable exceptions: Reed Richards apologizes on behalf of the Thrilling Three who were Avengers (Johnny would not be one until 2015’s Uncanny Avengers #1) and the Hulk politely declines participation and wishes them all the best. (Tony does give Jan credit for thinking of him, though.)
Cap makes like a recruitment poster while addressing the collected heroes, praising and inspiring them in equal measure, humbly accepting the role of chair and warning them of the dangers ahead.
(Poor Dennis.)
Cap tries to get things moving, but after Clint gets pissy about not getting to stand at the podium with the cool kids, Spider-Man raises his hand to excuse himself, drawing criticism from the Swordsman and forcing Cap to defend the hero he’s worked with many times…
…and he’s not alone. Cap is forced to wield his mighty Gävel and steers attention back to Thor…
…who explains that when he returned to Asgard after tussling with Doctor Doom, he found it destroyed and deserted, and the all-powerful Twilight Sword was gone, along with the associated Norn Stones, which Thor is able to track.
The Avengers split into teams to search for the Norn Stones, with Cap picking Dennis for his team…
…and after finding the Twilight Sword and landing next to it, the old friends finally get a quick chance to reconnect, with Cap proud of Dennis’s stewardship over the residents of Zerotown (and ignoring his excuse for his smell).
The bad guy saves our heroes the trouble of looking for him and quickly abducts Wanda…
…and after Pietro thrashes him within an inch of his life, he reveals the real “bad guy”: his aunt.
Morgana answers Cap’s defiance by explaining how her forces are fighting the other Avengers teams around the world, all to stall while she uses Wanda to gain control of the Norn Stones and the Twilight Sword. Unfortunately, even Pietro is too slow to prevent the sorceress from wielding the sword at last, warping reality to her will…
…and leading Cap to recall Tony’s earlier comments about how much he hates magic.
Come back for the next issue to see how Morgana le Fey has transformed the world… and our heroes!
ISSUE DETAILS
Avengers (vol. 3) #1, February 1998: Kurt Busiek (writer), George Pérez (pencils), Al Vey (inks), Tom Smith (colors), Richards Starkings, Kolja Fuchs, and Comicraft (letters). (More details at Marvel Database.)
Collected in: Avengers Assemble Volume 1 and Avengers: I Am an Avenger II.
ALSO THIS MONTH: Captain America #2 and Thunderbolts #11 (February 1998)
NEXT ISSUE: Avengers #2 (March 1998)
THE VIRTUES OF CAPTAIN AMERICA 
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