1963 was a big year for Marvel. Spider-Man starred in his main series after making his debut in “Amazing Fantasy” #15. Notable heroes and villains made their debuts including Iron Man, Hulk, Ant-Man/Hank Pym, The Wasp/Janet Van Dyne, Doctor Octopus, Magneto and the X-Men. One team in particular were assembled in response to the Justice League’s commercial success. The one I’m referring to is none other than “The Avengers.”
The Avengers issues #1-20 were officially published in 1963-1965 becoming big hits during Marvel’s Golden Age in the 1960s. Marvel’s color paperback line, “Marvel Epic Collection” republished all 20 issues in 2014 as “The Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes.” Anyway, I got plans to read and review comics to gear up for “Avengers: Doomsday.” Which ones should I review next? Please leave a comment.
Today’s review contains no SPOILERS whatsoever.
Assembled & Disassembled Aspects
Assembled: Stan Lee did a fantastic job writing all 20 issues.
Jack Kirby’s artwork looks terrific.
Action Sequences are solid showcasing the team using their skills and abilities against their adversaries.
Chemistry between team members serve as the main highlight.
Pacing didn’t feel slow or fast. Felt natural. I was hooked since the first issue. 20 issues in one package is worth your hard earned cash.
The storyline involves members of the team working together using their combined strength to combat their first adversary, Loki. The Avengers also square off with Fantastic Four baddie, Mole Man, Namor, Count Nefaria, Kang the Conqueror, Executioner, Enchantress, Swordsman and Masters of Evil led by Baron Zemo. The latter acts as a recurring foe along with Enchantress & Executioner.
Random Thoughts
- Whenever I read dialogue, I hear the voices of Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Michael Douglas, Michelle Pfeiffer, Jeremy Renner, Elizabeth Olsen, Evan Peters & Robert Downey Jr. in my head.
- Loki’s my favorite Avengers villain.
Fun Facts
- Wonder Man/Simon Williams makes his debut in issue #9. Yahya Abdul-Mateen II will portray him in a mini-series on Disney Plus.
- Hawkeye/Clint Barton makes his debut in issue #19.
After Hulk quits the team, Captain America takes his place in issue #4. This never occurred in the MCU. Hawkeye, Scarlet Witch & Quicksilver eventually join in issue #16. The latter two didn’t show up in the first Avengers movie.
The team keep their identities a secret. Decades Later, they call each other by their actual names. Meaning, they act like good friends than colleagues.
If you feel lost, callbacks are addressed by issue. It’s not necessary to read a certain character’s comic book series. You’ll be fine.
In issue #19, we learn about Hawkeye’s backstory. He used to look up to Swordsman.
Cap was never thawed by SHIELD. The Avengers did.
Cap’s goal is to avenge Bucky Larson’s death from the hands of Baron Zemo. Not really a spoiler, we’re aware of Bucky’s status, he’s alive. It’s been many years since The Avengers made their debut.
Disassembled: In the first issue, Hulk’s disguised as a clown in a circus. Nobody notices him.
The Final Verdict: A-
Despite one drawback, the first 20 issues of The Avengers are really good. It was interesting to compare and contrast what happened in the comics vs. depicted in the MCU. Like apples and oranges. If you’re curious to read The Avengers early comics, buy various volumes in the Marvel Epic Collection or subscribe to Marvel Unlimited if you wanna save some big bucks. The choice is yours true believers.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 