Since issue #16, Avengers comics that herald new line-ups have always been special, and this one is no exception. But as with most such issues, it is much more than a roll call, culminating in a continuation of the storyline begun in issue #326, focused on new character Rage as well as inter-dimensional shenanigans. The... Continue Reading →
Nomad #3-4 (January-February 1991)
These two issues finish up Jack Monroe's first miniseries in style, after his actions in the first two issues, which involved intervening in the illegal drug trade—and interfering with a government undercover operation to the same end—attract the attention of the Super Powers Commission, who commission a psychiatrist to evaluate Monroe. In issue #3, they... Continue Reading →
Captain America #381-382 (January-February 1991)
These two issues wrap up the three-part story about the "trial" of Diamondback (aka Rachel Leighton) by the Serpent Society, who accuse of her treason for consorting with Captain America. In the last issue, they convicted her to death, but their former leader Sidewinder appeared before her execution and transported her away. Meanwhile, Cap was... Continue Reading →
Avengers #326 (November 1990)
This issue is the first of three that, among other things, introduce a new character named Rage who will play an important part in the title going forward. Also, these issues prominently feature Iron Man, a founding Avenger if not a currently active one, who nonetheless receives the "guest-star" treatment, with prominent cover placement. (And... Continue Reading →
Marvel Comics Presents #60 (October 1990)
More than most comics stories, this short tale from the anthology title Marvel Comics Presents is placed firmly within a particular point in history: the battle between the Sandinista party, which ruled Nicaragua throughout the 1980s, and the Contras, backed by the United States, who opposed the Sandinistas' communist ideology. (See more here.) This story... Continue Reading →
Uncanny X-Men #268 (September 1990)
This seminal issue of Uncanny X-Men establishes that Captain America met a fella named Logan and a young girl named Natasha early in World War II—a story that would be elaborated upon in Wolverine Origins: Our War—and also that the Black Widow is much older than previously believed (which enabled her to meet a newly... Continue Reading →
Captain America #376-378 (September-October 1990)
These three issues wrap up the "Streets of Poison" storyline that began in issue #372, which has seen Captain America gradually become more unhinged due to being caught in an explosion in a drug warehouse. At this point, he appears less and less himself in each issue, as well as less and less period, as... Continue Reading →
Avengers #315, West Coast Avengers #56, and Marvel Comics Presents #44 (March 1990)
The issue of Avengers covered here continues the story started in the last issue featuring Sersi and Spider-Man, which ended in a rather apocalyptic fashion with the universe blinking out of existence around our small group of heroes. Also this month, we see Captain America connect with his fellow Invader, the original Human Torch, in... Continue Reading →
Avengers Annual #18, West Coast Avengers Annual #4, Thor Annual #14, and Fantastic Four Annual #22 (October-November 1989)
These issues are just four of the fourteen chapters of "Atlantis Attacks," the crossover event among the Marvel Comics annuals in 1989. I won't even attempt to put these panels in the context of the story, especially since these issues comprise less than a third of it. Most of what I share here shows Captain... Continue Reading →
West Coast Avengers #47-49 (August-October 1989)
For our purposes, these three issues of West Coast Avengers (still the official title despite the new logo) are really more of a Captain America/She-Hulk team-up story within the larger "Vision Quest" storyline that saw the Vision dismantled and reassembled with no emotions (and with a completely white appearance), as well as the truth behind... Continue Reading →