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Marvel Masterworks: The Avengers #4
Marvel Masterworks: The Avengers Volume 4
Avengers Assemble! Earth's Mightiest Heroes are back in another mighty Marvel Masterworks volume of topnotch Silver Age classics! So hold on tight as Captain America, Goliath, the Wasp, Hawkeye, Quicksilver and the Scarlet Witch battle the villainous Sons of the Serpent, the Living Laser, Ultrana and no less than the scheming Sub-Mariner himself! With guest appearances by Iron Man, Black Widow, Hercules and Nick Fury, the first appearance of Giant-Man-to-be Bill Foster, and the beginning of Avengers storyteller supreme Roy Thomas'amazing run, this one's a packed-to-the-gills thriller! Reserve your copy today, True Believer!
COLLECTING: Avengers 31-40
COLLECTING: Avengers 31-40
224 pages, Paperback
First published April 11, 2012
16 people are currently reading
198 people want to read
About the author
Stan Lee
7,562 books2,343 followersStan Lee (born Stanley Martin Lieber) was an American writer, editor, creator of comic book superheroes, and the former president and chairman of Marvel Comics.
With several artist co-creators, most notably Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko, he co-created Spider-Man, the Fantastic Four, Thor as a superhero, the X-Men, Iron Man, the Hulk, Daredevil, the Silver Surfer, Dr. Strange, Ant-Man and the Wasp, Scarlet Witch, The Inhumans, and many other characters, introducing complex, naturalistic characters and a thoroughly shared universe into superhero comic books. He subsequently led the expansion of Marvel Comics from a small division of a publishing house to a large multimedia corporation.
With several artist co-creators, most notably Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko, he co-created Spider-Man, the Fantastic Four, Thor as a superhero, the X-Men, Iron Man, the Hulk, Daredevil, the Silver Surfer, Dr. Strange, Ant-Man and the Wasp, Scarlet Witch, The Inhumans, and many other characters, introducing complex, naturalistic characters and a thoroughly shared universe into superhero comic books. He subsequently led the expansion of Marvel Comics from a small division of a publishing house to a large multimedia corporation.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
October 9, 2019
I didn't really enjoy this volume all that much.
Aside from my dislike of Hank Pym, the adventures weren't all that engaging. I didn't appreciate Wasp's writing here or that all of the female characters were pretty much set dressing. It really makes me appreciate how far we've come in current comics (and how far we still have yet to go).
I did like seeing Clint and Cap's relationship develop but, that's about it.
Aside from my dislike of Hank Pym, the adventures weren't all that engaging. I didn't appreciate Wasp's writing here or that all of the female characters were pretty much set dressing. It really makes me appreciate how far we've come in current comics (and how far we still have yet to go).
I did like seeing Clint and Cap's relationship develop but, that's about it.
September 24, 2019
Loved these classic tales
So nice to see Hank Pym BEFORE he turned bad and lost his way. The good ole days at Marvel when Ant-Man and Giant-Man were heroes!
So nice to see Hank Pym BEFORE he turned bad and lost his way. The good ole days at Marvel when Ant-Man and Giant-Man were heroes!
April 4, 2018
I liked how they brought Hercules in. It got interesting for me and I got lost a bit in the stories. And that was good, cuz up until now I've been the devil's advocate not saying how fucking boring was the dialogue at times because of "the 60s".
Not that it had some AMAZING stories or whatnot, but the artwork was pretty good and I honestly LOVE so much pretty much most of the covers of Avengers.
Not that it had some AMAZING stories or whatnot, but the artwork was pretty good and I honestly LOVE so much pretty much most of the covers of Avengers.
January 17, 2021
My problem with this line-up of Avengers continues to be they fight more with each other than they do with any super villain. I have enough fighting with my co-workers, I don't need to read it in my comics. Also, Goliath (formerly known as Giant Man formerly known as Ant Man) continues to treat Jan/Wasp abysmally.
March 7, 2019
The Avengers continues to be somewhat forgettable in this era. The first half of this volume is written by Stan Lee, and introduces dull characters like the sexually harassing Living Laser and yet another group of alien invaders: the Ixar. When Roy Thomas comes aboard, he shifts to recurring foes like the Enchantress and the Submariner, which could make for good stories if there was interesting continuity, but it's mostly about returning for another fight.
There are two bright points in this volume.
First is Stan Lee's two-part story on the KKK-like Sons of the Serpent. Oh, the plotting isn't that great, with a constant back and forth about whether the heroes might be forced to support the bigots, but the mere fact of the story, way back in the '60s, was brave and important (and sadly it continues to be brave and important today, with new bigotry arising under Donald Trump).
Second is Roy Thomas' increase in the size of the cast, through the introduction of Hercules and Black Widow as supporting characters who haven't become Avengers yet, but are continuing to participate in their adventures. Though Cap's Kooky Quartet was interesting, it was too small. It's hard to argue with Roy Thomas' belief that there should be seven Avengers.
So, a somewhat dull volume with a few points of interest.
There are two bright points in this volume.
First is Stan Lee's two-part story on the KKK-like Sons of the Serpent. Oh, the plotting isn't that great, with a constant back and forth about whether the heroes might be forced to support the bigots, but the mere fact of the story, way back in the '60s, was brave and important (and sadly it continues to be brave and important today, with new bigotry arising under Donald Trump).
Second is Roy Thomas' increase in the size of the cast, through the introduction of Hercules and Black Widow as supporting characters who haven't become Avengers yet, but are continuing to participate in their adventures. Though Cap's Kooky Quartet was interesting, it was too small. It's hard to argue with Roy Thomas' belief that there should be seven Avengers.
So, a somewhat dull volume with a few points of interest.
March 25, 2022
Thankfully this volume takes some good strides to improve the series. We got more new characters involved, like the return of Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch, some appearances by Black Widow, and (as seen on the cover) the Greek god Hercules. We get more development on Hank Pym/Goliath. And, most importantly, we have Roy Thomas taking over writing duties towards the end! This volume is largely forgettable, save for a few fun moments (I like all the Cap/Hawkeye banter). But with Thor out of the Avengers, adding in Hercules to the mix changes the dynamic of the team in some exciting ways.
January 31, 2019
While it is a known fact that the late Stan Lee created some of the great superheroes of comicdom, one of the things that set Stan's writing apart from other writers of his generation was the humanity of his characters. Spider-Man, one of his most well known creations was probably just as famous for being his alter ego, Peter Parker and all the difficulty that entailed. Stan did the same on his run on The Avengers which seemed to begin as one of those books that was designed to showcase heroes who floated other books (Iron Man and Thor, among others) much in the way the Golden Age All-Star Comics used the Justice Society of America. But with the re-introduction of Captain America in issue #4 (And all of the angst Steve Rogers would feel being a hero out of his own time) and especially after issue #16, where the Avengers became Captain America and a motley crew of former villains, Lee still never forgot the humanity of his characters.
Avengers, vol. 4 falls between the end of Lee's run on the book and the introduction of Roy Thomas as the writer of The Avengers (under Stan's tutelage of course!) The end of Stan's run has the Avengers facing off against the racist Sons of the Serpent, which almost takes on an allegory type vibe. As a Jew who reached his majority during World War II, I'm sure Stan was probably the target of antisemitism, so this makes some sense. Less successful is the original Incel, the Living Laser, who hatches a plot to kidnap the Wasp because he sees her at a party and thinks he's the most beautiful woman he's ever seen--surely destroying her teammates and helping a rebel group overthrow a third world dictator will prove his love, no? I realize that it was the 1960s, but these "damsel in distress" yarns don't age well and it just comes off as some sort of sexual assault.
As for Roy Thomas--this isn't "Kree/Skrull War" or even Vision/Ultron Thomas, which is Thomas at his absolute best. Even though he takes over the scripting chores for the second half of the book, you can still see Lee's heavy hand--he is given top billing in the credits as "the Editor." We're probably still a bit away from when the book become's Thomas' and all that entails. Yes, Lee was an innovator, but Thomas and contemporaries like Dennis O' Neil were able to take these stories to the next level--one would never think of Stan Lee giving Tony Stark a drinking problem that would sideline him as Iron Man. It was this next generation of writers that did that, but Stan laid the framework.
In the introduction, Thomas reiterates several times that he wanted to add Thor and Iron Man back into the Avengers, but Lee wouldn't have it. So he made due with what he had and it's a good, but not great start. I think he knows that and is disappointed by that, but still...writing The Avengers was a huge opportunity and he capitalized. Just not here. Not yet.
Avengers, vol. 4 falls between the end of Lee's run on the book and the introduction of Roy Thomas as the writer of The Avengers (under Stan's tutelage of course!) The end of Stan's run has the Avengers facing off against the racist Sons of the Serpent, which almost takes on an allegory type vibe. As a Jew who reached his majority during World War II, I'm sure Stan was probably the target of antisemitism, so this makes some sense. Less successful is the original Incel, the Living Laser, who hatches a plot to kidnap the Wasp because he sees her at a party and thinks he's the most beautiful woman he's ever seen--surely destroying her teammates and helping a rebel group overthrow a third world dictator will prove his love, no? I realize that it was the 1960s, but these "damsel in distress" yarns don't age well and it just comes off as some sort of sexual assault.
As for Roy Thomas--this isn't "Kree/Skrull War" or even Vision/Ultron Thomas, which is Thomas at his absolute best. Even though he takes over the scripting chores for the second half of the book, you can still see Lee's heavy hand--he is given top billing in the credits as "the Editor." We're probably still a bit away from when the book become's Thomas' and all that entails. Yes, Lee was an innovator, but Thomas and contemporaries like Dennis O' Neil were able to take these stories to the next level--one would never think of Stan Lee giving Tony Stark a drinking problem that would sideline him as Iron Man. It was this next generation of writers that did that, but Stan laid the framework.
In the introduction, Thomas reiterates several times that he wanted to add Thor and Iron Man back into the Avengers, but Lee wouldn't have it. So he made due with what he had and it's a good, but not great start. I think he knows that and is disappointed by that, but still...writing The Avengers was a huge opportunity and he capitalized. Just not here. Not yet.
August 15, 2023
In a way, volume 4 of the Avengers Masterworks series takes a step backwards compared to the previous one.
Stan Lee finishes off his initial run writing for the superhero team with the first 5 issues of the book, including an interesting 2-parter featuring white supremacist group "The Sons of the Serpent," but at the same time resorts to his old ways by making Hawkeye and Goliath argue over pointless nonsense. He also manages to get Captain America's shield disintegrated (like it's not a one-of-a-kind item!) only for it to magically reappear later on in the issue.
After this, Roy Thomas takes over writing duties and it feels like everything takes a slight step backwards, almost as though Thomas is still learning the comic-book-writing ropes or is too cautious trying not to make any mistakes. As a result, the writing feels uninspired and a bit generic.
None of the villains particularly stand out in this volume either, with the exception of the aforementioned Sons of the Serpent and the Sub-Mariner's appearance in the book's final issue.
Moving onwards to the artwork... Well, I think I might have to take back what I said about the improvements in Don Heck's artwork, at least partially. There are some issues in here that look quite nice, but then there are also some (including the ones that Heck himself inked) that look quite mediocre. I think perhaps Heck only truly excels when he has a good inker beside him!
Overall, this volume has its moments, but it's a bit of a disappointment overall.
Stan Lee finishes off his initial run writing for the superhero team with the first 5 issues of the book, including an interesting 2-parter featuring white supremacist group "The Sons of the Serpent," but at the same time resorts to his old ways by making Hawkeye and Goliath argue over pointless nonsense. He also manages to get Captain America's shield disintegrated (like it's not a one-of-a-kind item!) only for it to magically reappear later on in the issue.
After this, Roy Thomas takes over writing duties and it feels like everything takes a slight step backwards, almost as though Thomas is still learning the comic-book-writing ropes or is too cautious trying not to make any mistakes. As a result, the writing feels uninspired and a bit generic.
None of the villains particularly stand out in this volume either, with the exception of the aforementioned Sons of the Serpent and the Sub-Mariner's appearance in the book's final issue.
Moving onwards to the artwork... Well, I think I might have to take back what I said about the improvements in Don Heck's artwork, at least partially. There are some issues in here that look quite nice, but then there are also some (including the ones that Heck himself inked) that look quite mediocre. I think perhaps Heck only truly excels when he has a good inker beside him!
Overall, this volume has its moments, but it's a bit of a disappointment overall.
March 14, 2025
Roy Thomas’s run begins a few issues into this collection. When I read through the whole of Avengers vol 1 and most of the subsequent series years back, I came away evaluating Thomas’s run as the third best of the bunch. But he doesn’t earn that distinction at the beginning. Lee leaves the book with it scuffling around looking for a foundation (probably under the duress of fans writing in love/hate letters ever since the team shake-up). And Thomas is under Lee’s editorial thumb and clearly has less control for this first bit. Besides, this is the 60s and the Marvel Way means Don Heck was providing a significant part of the story development coming from his art.
Ultimately, this has some important stuff but for fun is a lull.
Black Widow nearly joins but doesn’t
The Living Laser makes his first appearance (I’m sure you’re dying to read that)
Hawkeye chills out (and doesn’t)
The Enchantress pops back up which may have her in the lead for most Avenger villain spots
Bill Foster’s first appearance comes with the savvy and presently uncomfortable social commentary of the Sons of the Serpent. This is the most culturally relevant bit which while cheesy by today’s standards was gutsy for the day.
Necessary stuff but not the a highlight of Marvel’s 60s.
Ultimately, this has some important stuff but for fun is a lull.
Black Widow nearly joins but doesn’t
The Living Laser makes his first appearance (I’m sure you’re dying to read that)
Hawkeye chills out (and doesn’t)
The Enchantress pops back up which may have her in the lead for most Avenger villain spots
Bill Foster’s first appearance comes with the savvy and presently uncomfortable social commentary of the Sons of the Serpent. This is the most culturally relevant bit which while cheesy by today’s standards was gutsy for the day.
Necessary stuff but not the a highlight of Marvel’s 60s.
June 18, 2025
I think the best part of this volume is the stunning Don Heck art throughout the volume. Really great stuff. As for the stories, a mixed bag. The best are probably the sons of the serpent issues 32-33, they're not exactly Stan Lee's best work, but it's still pretty good quality silver age writing.
After that it becomes a bit of a slog with the changing hands of scripting duties from Stan Lee and Roy Thomas. The prose becomes far more dense in those middle issues, and it's a real struggle to read through as the plots aren't that interesting and it just becomes a slog to get through. It reminds me of Roy Thomas issues on Sgt Fury and the Howling commandos. Most silver age writing is fairly dense, which isn't a bad thing at all when done right, but when it's bad, it's bad, and these take it to the max.
But, towards the end it does pick up around issue 38, with the introduction of Hercules, and possibly Thomas being allowed more free reign, the scripts become less dense, tighter, and are rather enjoyable, even tho the plots aren't anything to shout home about. But the one high standard of the volume is the art from the underrated Don Heck. 7/10 overall.
After that it becomes a bit of a slog with the changing hands of scripting duties from Stan Lee and Roy Thomas. The prose becomes far more dense in those middle issues, and it's a real struggle to read through as the plots aren't that interesting and it just becomes a slog to get through. It reminds me of Roy Thomas issues on Sgt Fury and the Howling commandos. Most silver age writing is fairly dense, which isn't a bad thing at all when done right, but when it's bad, it's bad, and these take it to the max.
But, towards the end it does pick up around issue 38, with the introduction of Hercules, and possibly Thomas being allowed more free reign, the scripts become less dense, tighter, and are rather enjoyable, even tho the plots aren't anything to shout home about. But the one high standard of the volume is the art from the underrated Don Heck. 7/10 overall.
May 13, 2019
The Marvel Cinematic Universe is a flower that grew out of a dung heap. There is almost no scene or story arc in this collection that is worth the effort to republish this series outside of a vague social history interest in documenting the degree to which the culture of the 1960s was a soup of casual sexism and unfunny in-jokes between the guys. Example: the most often repeated joke is that the Mightiest of The Avengers is referred to as "High Pockets" by his smaller colleagues.
These stories are collages of fist fights, endless and needless exposition, and either the Scarlet Witch or the Wasp being ineffectual future prisoners.
I was never a comics person, I admit, and this collection reminds me why.
These stories are collages of fist fights, endless and needless exposition, and either the Scarlet Witch or the Wasp being ineffectual future prisoners.
I was never a comics person, I admit, and this collection reminds me why.
January 30, 2021
There’s nothing like a Stan Lee scripted book. He’s got a lot of panache and great silly descriptive prose.
But Roy Thomas has always been a great favorite of mine. Most of the things that I consider “The Avengers” have been his creations. It’s very interesting to see the difference between Lee writing and Thomas writing. It’s also a pleasure to watch Don Heck’s art. He didn’t get the Joe Sinnott inks that Kirby got (which is a pity) but he does a really good job getting the Marvel style right. Lots of crazy machines. Big action.
Hercules is a really fun addition. He’s like if Thor was Hugh Hefner. Hercules has a way with the ladies, for sure.
But Roy Thomas has always been a great favorite of mine. Most of the things that I consider “The Avengers” have been his creations. It’s very interesting to see the difference between Lee writing and Thomas writing. It’s also a pleasure to watch Don Heck’s art. He didn’t get the Joe Sinnott inks that Kirby got (which is a pity) but he does a really good job getting the Marvel style right. Lots of crazy machines. Big action.
Hercules is a really fun addition. He’s like if Thor was Hugh Hefner. Hercules has a way with the ladies, for sure.
December 31, 2019
More Marvel comics.
March 23, 2023
I love them!! The shift from Stan Lee to Roy Thomas was very smooth and I am immensely enjoying having Hank and Jan back on the team!
September 17, 2023
Avengers #31-40
March 4, 2024
Avengers #31 - This volume opens with the second half of a 2-part story that deals with the fallout of Goliath running off to South America for help and discovering an H. Rider Haggard style hidden civilization in (most likely) the Andes Mountains. Because, that’s the kind of thing that happens all the time. Don Heck & Stan Lee send Captain America, Hawkeye and the Wasp southward to lend a hand and are just in time for the expert Goliath went in search of help from informs him that there’s nothing he can do, but perhaps Dr. Pym might be able to help him cure his stature. Oh such irony.
Avengers #32-33 - First appearance of Bill Foster, who’ll become another Goliath/Giant-Man one day (see Ant-Man/Giant-Man Epic Collection, Vol. 2: Ant-Man No More). And the arrival of the Sons of the Serpent. This is an organization that is superficially suppose to represent the KKK and Christian Nationalist movement, basically Uber conservatives and right wing fanatics. Unfortunately, the strength of this monstrous organization is diluted with the revelation that the leader is in a communist foreign leader using the guise in an attempt to build dissent in order to divide and conquer the weakens the overall point of using the Sons of the Serpent as a metaphor for the KKK and Christian Nationalism by implying that it’s not actually “home grown.” Still it’s good see a comic from the 1960s illustrating that the MAGA agenda was around even back then 60 years ago, it’s not new and it’s still a dangerous and ugly point of view.
Avengers #34-35 - A new Don Heck villain debuts: The Living Laser. And the Avengers have to head south to the small country of Coste Verde, to prevent The Living Laser from becoming dictator. Also, we have a big change occurring midway through this story. Roy Thomas takes over as script writer and that means that there will be a lot of changes coming.
Avengers #36-37 - I can’t help but feel that the androids appearing here, Ultrana and the Ultroids, are a kind of precursor or inspiration for Ultron (who’ll be showing up in about a year or so). But in any case we get a fun story that brings the Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver back to the team and offers the first, half-hearted, attempt to grant Black Widow membership. Thomas continues to show that he can provide a more coherent and less convoluted script.
Avengers #38 - The vote for Black Widow’s membership in the Avengers? Captain America deserting his post and leaving the Avengers high & dry? The Enchantress attacks, with her latest thrall: Hercules! Even guest appearances by Nick Fury and Ares, Olympian God of War! Whoa Nellie! There’s a lot going on this issue. This is what I look at as the end of the second era of the Avengers. The first encompassed the initial 16 issues and ended when founding members Iron Man, Giant-Man, Wasp and Thor departed. The second era was issues #17-37, with Captain America at the helm, steering the group of former villains to prove they were just as good the original team. But this issue harkens in a new era of changing faces and new directions.
Avengers #39 - While the Black Widow seems to have returned to working for the communists, Hercules settles into as the Avengers house guest. Too bad the Mad Thinker & ridiculous cronies didn’t get the memo. What can you say about such villainous names like: Hammerhead, Pile Driver and (I’m not making this up) Thunderboot? We’re basically looking at the first iteration of the Wrecking Crew, but trio of antagonists are … laughable to say the least. Basically it’s just an excuse to have something to showcase that Hercules has moved into the mansion.
Avengers #40 - Rounding off this volume is an epic rematch, the Avengers vs. Namor, the Sub-Mariner. But this time, Hercules is here and itching for a brawl. It’s a fun little tale that’s complicated by the presence of a Cosmic Cube.
Avengers #32-33 - First appearance of Bill Foster, who’ll become another Goliath/Giant-Man one day (see Ant-Man/Giant-Man Epic Collection, Vol. 2: Ant-Man No More). And the arrival of the Sons of the Serpent. This is an organization that is superficially suppose to represent the KKK and Christian Nationalist movement, basically Uber conservatives and right wing fanatics. Unfortunately, the strength of this monstrous organization is diluted with the revelation that the leader is in a communist foreign leader using the guise in an attempt to build dissent in order to divide and conquer the weakens the overall point of using the Sons of the Serpent as a metaphor for the KKK and Christian Nationalism by implying that it’s not actually “home grown.” Still it’s good see a comic from the 1960s illustrating that the MAGA agenda was around even back then 60 years ago, it’s not new and it’s still a dangerous and ugly point of view.
Avengers #34-35 - A new Don Heck villain debuts: The Living Laser. And the Avengers have to head south to the small country of Coste Verde, to prevent The Living Laser from becoming dictator. Also, we have a big change occurring midway through this story. Roy Thomas takes over as script writer and that means that there will be a lot of changes coming.
Avengers #36-37 - I can’t help but feel that the androids appearing here, Ultrana and the Ultroids, are a kind of precursor or inspiration for Ultron (who’ll be showing up in about a year or so). But in any case we get a fun story that brings the Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver back to the team and offers the first, half-hearted, attempt to grant Black Widow membership. Thomas continues to show that he can provide a more coherent and less convoluted script.
Avengers #38 - The vote for Black Widow’s membership in the Avengers? Captain America deserting his post and leaving the Avengers high & dry? The Enchantress attacks, with her latest thrall: Hercules! Even guest appearances by Nick Fury and Ares, Olympian God of War! Whoa Nellie! There’s a lot going on this issue. This is what I look at as the end of the second era of the Avengers. The first encompassed the initial 16 issues and ended when founding members Iron Man, Giant-Man, Wasp and Thor departed. The second era was issues #17-37, with Captain America at the helm, steering the group of former villains to prove they were just as good the original team. But this issue harkens in a new era of changing faces and new directions.
Avengers #39 - While the Black Widow seems to have returned to working for the communists, Hercules settles into as the Avengers house guest. Too bad the Mad Thinker & ridiculous cronies didn’t get the memo. What can you say about such villainous names like: Hammerhead, Pile Driver and (I’m not making this up) Thunderboot? We’re basically looking at the first iteration of the Wrecking Crew, but trio of antagonists are … laughable to say the least. Basically it’s just an excuse to have something to showcase that Hercules has moved into the mansion.
Avengers #40 - Rounding off this volume is an epic rematch, the Avengers vs. Namor, the Sub-Mariner. But this time, Hercules is here and itching for a brawl. It’s a fun little tale that’s complicated by the presence of a Cosmic Cube.
July 2, 2012
What's funny about this era of comics (in Marvel especially) is that they really are trying to be progressive and convey a message of equality between people. Often it is heavy handed, but you have to appreciate the sentiment. Yet, for as much as they try to demonstrate that blacks can be smart and women can be superheroes, you still see a team with no blacks on it (corrected with Black Panther a few years from this) and jaw-droppingly misogynistic bits. Wasp constantly belittles herself, Pym is a sexist douche-bag, Black Widow is lovesick, and Scarlett Witch is constantly swooning out of action. Remarkable.
Things certainly get better once Roy Thomas takes over, the addition of Hercules is great, and the dialog improves tenfold (yet, still is bizarre) but the real problem with this trade is that the villains suck, so you kind of don't care what's actually going on. Still, it is a step in the right direction as Stan Lee's stuff is OTT bad.
Things certainly get better once Roy Thomas takes over, the addition of Hercules is great, and the dialog improves tenfold (yet, still is bizarre) but the real problem with this trade is that the villains suck, so you kind of don't care what's actually going on. Still, it is a step in the right direction as Stan Lee's stuff is OTT bad.
July 8, 2018
Extra star added for the Living Serpent arc from issues #32 and #33 which seems very prescient in this current Trump era. The antagonist Living Serpent and his minions mount an anti-immigrant campaign within the U.S. When the big reveal is made of the Living Serpent's identity at end of the story arc, it heightens the ironic relevance of the story with the political mood we face today. To offer more would be spoiling a great story. I did get a little misty eyed and found myself wishing for an eloquent speaker such as Goliath represents in this story to attempt to heal a divided nation.
August 16, 2014
There just wasn't a lot of good here. Namor gets so old. He's not really a villain so every confrontation with him comes about because the heroes lack communication. How about asking Namor what the heck is wrong before assuming he's the bad guy?
Surprisingly for me, Hercules was the best part of this volume, and Black Widow being recruited by SHIELD for the first time.
Surprisingly for me, Hercules was the best part of this volume, and Black Widow being recruited by SHIELD for the first time.
June 9, 2016
Now with more than half the team comprising of one-time villains, it was nice to have a few of the old team turn up, like Iron Man and Captain America. Plus there's the unofficial joining to the team of Hercules. Great fun!
February 15, 2016
The Marvel Masterworks volumes are fantastic reprints of the early years of Marvel comics. A fantastic resource to allow these hard to find issues to be read by everyone. Very recommended to everyone and Highly recommended to any comic fan.
January 16, 2008
Don Heck did some good work, but Stan Lee is a horrible scripter. Fun wacky plots, long tedious scripts.
February 1, 2011
Some more fun with new characters and different storylines. Still very fight orientated though.
August 1, 2015
It was a fun read, but I can't give it more than a 3 star because I hate, hate, hate the way they were portraying women, especially the Wasp. Especially the way Hank Pym treats her. *sigh*
March 2, 2015
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