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 →
Spectacular Spider-Man #168-170 (September-November 1990)
This three part story is based on repeated cases of mistaken identity, thanks to an old Avengers foe that is often responsible for such things, and sees Spider-Man join forces with a new team that does not quite measure up to his alliances in the past (including his guest-stars). In issue #168, She-Hulk leads Spider-Man... Continue Reading →
Captain America #372 and Amazing Spider-Man #335 (July 1990)
This issue of Captain America launches the seven-part "Streets of Poison" storyline, in which Cap tackles the drug war and considers the role that "performance-enhancing drugs" have played in his own life. As a bonus, we get a few panels from a Spider-Man story the same month, in which Peter tries to impress MJ with... Continue Reading →
Avengers #317-318, Silver Surfer Annual #3, and Black Knight #1 (May-June 1990)
These two issues of Avengers finish up the five-part story begun in issue #314 that features new Avengers Sersi and Spider-Man... although only one of them makes it out of this story as a member of the team! Plus: The Silver Surfer updates Captain America about Thanos (after he paid him a visit in Silver... Continue Reading →
Avengers #316 and Silver Surfer #36 (April 1990)
This issue of Avengers continues the five-part story guest-starring Spider-Man that began with issue #314, picking up their fight with Nebula after the heroes rescued reality itself in the last issue. As a bonus, we get a scene from Silver Surfer as Norrin seeks out Captain America for information of Thanos, but has to deal... 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 #314 (February 1990)
What's this—an entire post devoted to a single issue of Avengers? No minor appearances in other books connected to a crossover event? Is that even allowed? It is true, my friends (and what a relief): Avengers #314 launches a five-part story that sees Sersi of the Eternals join the Avengers, who are also joined for... Continue Reading →
Amazing Spider-Man #323-325 (November 1989)
These three issues of The Amazing Spider-Man comprise the second half of the storyline "The Assassin Nation Plot," describing political intrigue in the fictional nation of Symkaria, which borders Doctor Doom's Latveria and is the home of the mercenary Silver Sable. Captain America becomes involved when the CIA is implicated in a political assassination, and... Continue Reading →
Marvel Fanfare #31-32 (March and May 1987)
This two-part story is quite a curiosity: Written by longtime Captain America scribe J.M. DeMatteis and plotted with penciller Kerry Gammill, it functions as a team-up between the Sentinel of Liberty and Frog-Man, an offbeat character introduced by DeMatteis and Gammill in Marvel Team-Up #121. In issue #31, we first see Cap saving the man... Continue Reading →
Avengers #261, Secret Wars II #5, and Amazing Spider-Man #270 (November 1985)
This issue of Avengers is both the aftermath of their recent adventures with the Skrulls in issues #259-260 and the recent Avengers and Fantastic Four annuals, as well as the title's second Secret Wars II crossover, a more substantial encounter with the Beyonder than his sudden surprise appearance in the first (issue #260). This is... Continue Reading →