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Avengers (1998) (New Editions)
Avengers Assemble Vol. 1 (Avengers
Collects Avengers (1998) #1-11. Fan-favorite creators Kurt Busiek and George Perez usher in a new era for Earth's Mightiest Heroes! Since the team's inception, the Avengers have always defended humanity against the forces of evil. When duty calls, these legendary champions answer, fighting valiantly until justice prevails. But what happens when their oldest foes strike directly at the team? On the eve of a huge Avengers gathering, an attack by the evil enchantress Morgan Le Fay sends these assembled heroes into a strange medieval reality where nothing is as it seems. Held under Le Fay's thrall, the Avengers have lost all memory of their true identities. Breaking free of Morgan's spell, Captain America and Hawkeye must fight to free their teammates before the Marvel Universe is altered forever! The Avengers take on the Squadron Supreme!
387 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 4, 2004
120 people are currently reading
688 people want to read
About the author
Kurt Busiek
1,859 books626 followersKurt Busiek is an American comic book writer notable for his work on the Marvels limited series, his own title Astro City, and his four-year run on Avengers.
Busiek did not read comics as a youngster, as his parents disapproved of them. He began to read them regularly around the age of 14, when he picked up a copy of Daredevil #120. This was the first part of a continuity-heavy four-part story arc; Busiek was drawn to the copious history and cross-connections with other series. Throughout high school and college, he and future writer Scott McCloud practiced making comics. During this time, Busiek also had many letters published in comic book letter columns, and originated the theory that the Phoenix was a separate being who had impersonated Jean Grey, and that therefore Grey had not died—a premise which made its way from freelancer to freelancer, and which was eventually used in the comics.
During the last semester of his senior year, Busiek submitted some sample scripts to editor Dick Giordano at DC Comics. None of them sold, but they did get him invitations to pitch other material to DC editors, which led to his first professional work, a back-up story in Green Lantern #162 (Mar. 1983).
Busiek has worked on a number of different titles in his career, including Arrowsmith, The Avengers, Icon, Iron Man, The Liberty Project, Ninjak, The Power Company, Red Tornado, Shockrockets, Superman: Secret Identity, Thunderbolts, Untold Tales of Spider-Man, JLA, and the award-winning Marvels and the Homage Comics title Kurt Busiek's Astro City.
In 1997, Busiek began a stint as writer of Avengers alongside artist George Pérez. Pérez departed from the series in 2000, but Busiek continued as writer for two more years, collaborating with artists Alan Davis, Kieron Dwyer and others. Busiek's tenure culminated with the "Kang Dynasty" storyline. In 2003, Busiek re-teamed with Perez to create the JLA/Avengers limited series.
In 2003, Busiek began a new Conan series for Dark Horse Comics, which he wrote for four years.
In December 2005 Busiek signed a two-year exclusive contract with DC Comics. During DC's Infinite Crisis event, he teamed with Geoff Johns on a "One Year Later" eight-part story arc (called Up, Up and Away) that encompassed both Superman titles. In addition, he began writing the DC title Aquaman: Sword of Atlantis from issues 40-49. Busiek was the writer of Superman for two years, before followed by James Robinson starting from Superman #677. Busiek wrote a 52-issue weekly DC miniseries called Trinity, starring Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman. Each issue (except for issue #1) featured a 12-page main story by Busiek, with art by Mark Bagley, and a ten-page backup story co-written by Busiek and Fabian Nicieza, with art from various artists, including Tom Derenick, Mike Norton and Scott McDaniel.
Busiek's work has won him numerous awards in the comics industry, including the Harvey Award for Best Writer in 1998 and the Eisner Award for Best Writer in 1999. In 1994, with Marvels, he won Best Finite Series/Limited Series Eisner Award and the Best Continuing or Limited Series Harvey Award; as well as the Harvey Award for Best Single Issue or Story (for Marvels #4) in 1995. In 1996, with Astro City, Busiek won both the Eisner and Harvey awards for Best New Series. He won the Best Single Issue/Single Story Eisner three years in a row from 1996–1998, as well as in 2004. Busiek won the Best Continuing Series Eisner Award in 1997–1998, as well as the Best Serialized Story award in 1998. In addition, Astro City was awarded the 1996 Best Single Issue or Story Harvey Award, and the 1998 Harvey Award for Best Continuing or Limited Series.
Busiek was given the 1998 and 1999 Comics Buyer's Guide Awards for Favorite Writer, with additional nominations in 1997 and every year from 2000 to 2004. He has also received numerous Squiddy Awards, having been selected as favorite writer four years in a row from 1995 to 1998,
Busiek did not read comics as a youngster, as his parents disapproved of them. He began to read them regularly around the age of 14, when he picked up a copy of Daredevil #120. This was the first part of a continuity-heavy four-part story arc; Busiek was drawn to the copious history and cross-connections with other series. Throughout high school and college, he and future writer Scott McCloud practiced making comics. During this time, Busiek also had many letters published in comic book letter columns, and originated the theory that the Phoenix was a separate being who had impersonated Jean Grey, and that therefore Grey had not died—a premise which made its way from freelancer to freelancer, and which was eventually used in the comics.
During the last semester of his senior year, Busiek submitted some sample scripts to editor Dick Giordano at DC Comics. None of them sold, but they did get him invitations to pitch other material to DC editors, which led to his first professional work, a back-up story in Green Lantern #162 (Mar. 1983).
Busiek has worked on a number of different titles in his career, including Arrowsmith, The Avengers, Icon, Iron Man, The Liberty Project, Ninjak, The Power Company, Red Tornado, Shockrockets, Superman: Secret Identity, Thunderbolts, Untold Tales of Spider-Man, JLA, and the award-winning Marvels and the Homage Comics title Kurt Busiek's Astro City.
In 1997, Busiek began a stint as writer of Avengers alongside artist George Pérez. Pérez departed from the series in 2000, but Busiek continued as writer for two more years, collaborating with artists Alan Davis, Kieron Dwyer and others. Busiek's tenure culminated with the "Kang Dynasty" storyline. In 2003, Busiek re-teamed with Perez to create the JLA/Avengers limited series.
In 2003, Busiek began a new Conan series for Dark Horse Comics, which he wrote for four years.
In December 2005 Busiek signed a two-year exclusive contract with DC Comics. During DC's Infinite Crisis event, he teamed with Geoff Johns on a "One Year Later" eight-part story arc (called Up, Up and Away) that encompassed both Superman titles. In addition, he began writing the DC title Aquaman: Sword of Atlantis from issues 40-49. Busiek was the writer of Superman for two years, before followed by James Robinson starting from Superman #677. Busiek wrote a 52-issue weekly DC miniseries called Trinity, starring Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman. Each issue (except for issue #1) featured a 12-page main story by Busiek, with art by Mark Bagley, and a ten-page backup story co-written by Busiek and Fabian Nicieza, with art from various artists, including Tom Derenick, Mike Norton and Scott McDaniel.
Busiek's work has won him numerous awards in the comics industry, including the Harvey Award for Best Writer in 1998 and the Eisner Award for Best Writer in 1999. In 1994, with Marvels, he won Best Finite Series/Limited Series Eisner Award and the Best Continuing or Limited Series Harvey Award; as well as the Harvey Award for Best Single Issue or Story (for Marvels #4) in 1995. In 1996, with Astro City, Busiek won both the Eisner and Harvey awards for Best New Series. He won the Best Single Issue/Single Story Eisner three years in a row from 1996–1998, as well as in 2004. Busiek won the Best Continuing Series Eisner Award in 1997–1998, as well as the Best Serialized Story award in 1998. In addition, Astro City was awarded the 1996 Best Single Issue or Story Harvey Award, and the 1998 Harvey Award for Best Continuing or Limited Series.
Busiek was given the 1998 and 1999 Comics Buyer's Guide Awards for Favorite Writer, with additional nominations in 1997 and every year from 2000 to 2004. He has also received numerous Squiddy Awards, having been selected as favorite writer four years in a row from 1995 to 1998,
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
March 23, 2022
After the horror of Rob Liefeld being in charge of the Avengers for a year in Heroes Reborn, the Avengers have returned to the main 616 universe. For the first time in about 15 years, the Avengers was finally good again. Yes, there were some foibles with the Morgan Le Fey storyline that kicks the book off. Busiek knows his Marvel history inside and out and loves to return old villains that haven't been seen in the Avengers for a long time. After the team gets settled, the book picks up speed. I really liked the Live Kree or Die crossover with Iron Man, Captain America, and Quicksilver. The return of the Squadron Supreme was good as well. Then we get two new characters in Silverclaw and Triathlon that aren't too interesting but I did like the return of Moses Magnum and Imus Champion, and the Grim Reaper to close out the book.
George Perez maintains his status as one of the all-time great artists. His ability to draw a gazillion heroes across a splash page is unparalleled and always some of my favorite pages. He should also be commended for drawing a whole year of comics without missing an issue. All in all a very good start to an Avengers title that had laid fallow for years.
George Perez maintains his status as one of the all-time great artists. His ability to draw a gazillion heroes across a splash page is unparalleled and always some of my favorite pages. He should also be commended for drawing a whole year of comics without missing an issue. All in all a very good start to an Avengers title that had laid fallow for years.
May 1, 2019
Still one of my favorite Avengers runs ever, after the lame early-to-mid-90s writer Kurt Busiek took all the history of Marvel's greatest team and wrote one of the most iconic takes of all time. Plus, the incredible detailed and heartful art by the classic George Perez!
For any filmgoer newbies out there who are wondering what Avengers comics to pick up, I'd say to start with Avengers Assemble vol. 1. True, it may be a bit intimidating to see how how continuity there really is with these characters (they put in literally every Avenger there had been up to that point which number in the high dozens), that's kind of the point. All the fun of a superhero universe, for me anyway, is about jumping in running and trying to keep track with these epic histories.
So, enjoy the films to be sure, but please don't forget about the roots...
For any filmgoer newbies out there who are wondering what Avengers comics to pick up, I'd say to start with Avengers Assemble vol. 1. True, it may be a bit intimidating to see how how continuity there really is with these characters (they put in literally every Avenger there had been up to that point which number in the high dozens), that's kind of the point. All the fun of a superhero universe, for me anyway, is about jumping in running and trying to keep track with these epic histories.
So, enjoy the films to be sure, but please don't forget about the roots...
November 25, 2021
This was so good! I love the way the entire volume unfolds like with the coming of the team and a medieval Avengers story vs Morgan Le Fey and then the team forming and fighting her, coming to present day and new members taking on Squadron Supreme and some pretty good tensions in the team with Carol and then Wonder Man and also the way Busiek rights the doubts and team camaraderie is awesome plus then facing off against Moses Magnum was cool too and inclusion of new members and Grim Reaper just makes the volume so worthwhile.
Its a volume that takes its time but Busiek has the voices of these characters down and expands on their myth and gives reference to stories that came before it in a great way and builds on them towards some great thing coming with Ultron and Kang! Plus the art of Perez is a sight to behold!
Its a volume that takes its time but Busiek has the voices of these characters down and expands on their myth and gives reference to stories that came before it in a great way and builds on them towards some great thing coming with Ultron and Kang! Plus the art of Perez is a sight to behold!
November 23, 2020
This is an excellent assemblage (didja see what I did there?) of Busiek's first year of his Avengers run, 1998. The title had gone into something of a downward spiral in the mid-to-late 1990s, as had the M.U. in toto, and this is a fine reboot. The team faces off with an interesting parade of villains, though the strength of the storyline is always the interaction of the characters. Iron Man, Thor, and Cap are the big three, along with Wanda (The Scarlet With), The Vision (more or less; he spends the year in the basement regenerating and only appears as a hologram), Firestar, and Justice for the whole year, Warbird and Hawkeye for the start-up, and occasional guest stars like Jan (Wasp), Hank (Giant- and/or Ant Man), and a few others. The selection of the team is a big part of the opening story. Carol Danvers is in her Warbird persona, facing substance abuse problems due to losing her Binary powers. (I never liked Binary; she looked like a fire engine, not Captain Marvel.) Hawkeye leaves, after some friction with Cap, to mentor the Thunderbolts. The Squadron Supreme appears as adversaries a few times after being mind-controlled, which they were subject to far too often. The Firestar-Justice relationship is pretty engaging: she's just around because he wants to be an Avenger and she's being loyal, but it turns out she's an excellent addition to the team and he's kind of a screw-up. The best storyline is Wanda's; when she's in great danger, Simon Williams (Wonder Man) returns from the dead to help her out. The Vision, to whom she used to be married, was programmed from his neural net is stuck in incorporeal form, and the fact that Simon keeps popping up frustrates him mightily. It's a grand and magical romantic triangle. Perez's art is spectacular; he excels at crowded action scenes, with lots of character and detail. His work here reminded me of some of the classic work from DC stalwarts Carmine Infantino and Joe Kubert more than what had been done in The Avengers up to then. His 30th anniversary poster is included at the end of this book, showing all the characters who'd been Avengers up to then in one glorious attack pose, bordered by thirty different poses of Jan in different Wasp uniforms. It's a very dense book; Perez's art is minutely detailed, and Busiek fits more words per page than you'll likely see anywhere else. It includes single issues of Captain America, Iron Man, and Quicksilver that sequentially detail the fall of Carol Danvers, and the contrast in both art and prose between those and the Busiek/Perez work is startling. Altogether, it's a very good collection, and would serve as a great introduction to the graphic version of the team to anyone who is only familiar with the cinematic iteration. "There came a day, a day unlike any other, when Earth's mightiest heroes found themselves united against a common threat. On that day, the Avengers were born- to fight the foes no single super hero could withstand! Heed the call, then- for now, the Avengers Assemble!" Presented, of course, by Stan Lee.... Excelsior!
August 3, 2020
I really enjoyed this slice of late 90s Avengers. Busiek gets right to business by constructing an interesting lineup, gives a lot of characters subplots that usually get explored in a way I found satisfying, and throws a lot at them from the get go. And of course who could forget TRULY CLASSIC moments like the introductions of famed heroes like Triathlon and Silverhawk? Or how Ms Marvel changes her name to Warbird and throws a never-ending shit fit? Yeah, Busiek’s Avengers is somewhat weird, but that’s kind of what I like about it. I think he does a great job juggling the cast and I’ll probably go deep into this run.
April 9, 2018
4.5 stars (because that annual was such a treat!)
After searching around for a great Avengers series to read after the first 2 Marvel Masterworks volumes of the 1963 run, Busiek was exactly what I needed. He mastered the delicate art of how to do an Avengers team book without the 3 cardinal sins: Misogyny, Lack of Representation and Choosing Plot over Character Development. This book has everything: great use of female characters, actual stakes, character moments for just about every character and interesting plot devices.
If you asked me which character shined the most in this book, I'd tell you it was, without a doubt, Wanda Maximoff. Not only was she given the biggest arc, she was written well. She wasn't just here to be rescued or to be the object of desire (although that sort of was part of her plot). She saves the Avengers' asses several times, comes into her powers, finds out more about her origin story and she has agency throughout this book. For an Avengers book written by a man, that is HUGE! This reminds me why I love Kurt Busiek's writing. Although, I must note, I wish someone had stepped into the writers' room to inform them that gy*sy is a slur and shouldn't be used.
I wish there was a little more Iron Man in this book but I enjoyed seeing Cap working closely with and trusting. It reminds me of how the old comics enjoyed showing them as a partnership that loved and trusted each other before Millar came along and made them fight for drama points. In fact, what I loved the most about going back to read old Avengers books was seeing a team that likes and works together. They ribbed each other sometimes (dear god, Clint had something to say about every single thing Cap did) but deep down, they protected and loved each other. It was never mean spirited and it was never just for the sake of one-liners. These old books make me look at all of Marvel's work post 2004 and ask "What the hell happened?"
Anyway, this is most definitely a recommend from me. I don't know much about Firestar, Justice and Wonder Man but this book made me want to. That annual about Jarvis' was so well written and such a treasure for me because Jarvis has been so underutilized from 2004 on, really. This was such a fun series and I look forward to finishing it.
4.5 stars.
After searching around for a great Avengers series to read after the first 2 Marvel Masterworks volumes of the 1963 run, Busiek was exactly what I needed. He mastered the delicate art of how to do an Avengers team book without the 3 cardinal sins: Misogyny, Lack of Representation and Choosing Plot over Character Development. This book has everything: great use of female characters, actual stakes, character moments for just about every character and interesting plot devices.
If you asked me which character shined the most in this book, I'd tell you it was, without a doubt, Wanda Maximoff. Not only was she given the biggest arc, she was written well. She wasn't just here to be rescued or to be the object of desire (although that sort of was part of her plot). She saves the Avengers' asses several times, comes into her powers, finds out more about her origin story and she has agency throughout this book. For an Avengers book written by a man, that is HUGE! This reminds me why I love Kurt Busiek's writing. Although, I must note, I wish someone had stepped into the writers' room to inform them that gy*sy is a slur and shouldn't be used.
I wish there was a little more Iron Man in this book but I enjoyed seeing Cap working closely with and trusting. It reminds me of how the old comics enjoyed showing them as a partnership that loved and trusted each other before Millar came along and made them fight for drama points. In fact, what I loved the most about going back to read old Avengers books was seeing a team that likes and works together. They ribbed each other sometimes (dear god, Clint had something to say about every single thing Cap did) but deep down, they protected and loved each other. It was never mean spirited and it was never just for the sake of one-liners. These old books make me look at all of Marvel's work post 2004 and ask "What the hell happened?"
Anyway, this is most definitely a recommend from me. I don't know much about Firestar, Justice and Wonder Man but this book made me want to. That annual about Jarvis' was so well written and such a treasure for me because Jarvis has been so underutilized from 2004 on, really. This was such a fun series and I look forward to finishing it.
4.5 stars.
February 7, 2016
I disegni di Pérez sono a dir poco stratosferici, ma definire ampolloso lo stile narrativo di Busiek é un eufemismo...
Alcune storie sono invecchiate male, ma i disegni sono talmente belli che quasi non ci si fa caso e la mini saga con i Vendicatori morti é da 5 stelle.
Alcune storie sono invecchiate male, ma i disegni sono talmente belli che quasi non ci si fa caso e la mini saga con i Vendicatori morti é da 5 stelle.
December 31, 2011
In his best moments, Busiek really brings the Avengers into the real world. Unfortunately, in this volume, he's still caught up doing the same old thing. Remembering that this book was written near the end of the '90s, my absolute least favorite time for comics, I can give him some leeway--it's clear that he's trying to drag the avengers out of that time without doing anything so different as to alienate readers. The nice moments, as always, are not the comic book ones, but the personal ones. And Busiek does those amazingly well. His knowledge and joy of the backstory is apparent, as is his love for '70s-style comics. Unfortunately, he is pulling a lot of the bad cheesiness from the '70s to go with the good.
Major Plotlines:
Issues 1-3: The Morgan Conquest. Very average, but it does set up a lot of what comes after.
Issue 4: Choosing the Team. It's truly a blast seeing the core team choose who else gets to play. Also, Hawkeye's frustration plays very well.
Issue 5-6 & Annual. Cross-over with the Squadron Supreme. While I love the Squadron Supreme in their own universe, I never like their stories in the main chronology. A fairly standard comic-book mind-control good-guys-versus-good-guys plot.
Issue 7 (and others): Live Kree or Die Hard. A busy plotline, which would have been better served with less fighting and more discussion. (But since it crossed over multiple titles, everybody needs some fighting...I know, I know...) The Kree characters have a very valid beef with the avengers, but instead of diplomacy, there's mostly just punching. The court martial segment was quite good, though.
Issue 8-9: Moses Magnum, always a formidable opponent, returns. We get chaos and some infiltration. Again, way too much fighting. Also, there is a striking point where Jarvis is made to look like an absolute imbecile which is strikingly out of place.
Issue 10-11: The "Avengers Day" celebration was a surprisingly effective way to celebrate the (real-world) anniversary of the avengers within the comic book world. Showing what other characters think about all this fanfare is priceless. Then the Reaper returns, brings back some dead avengers, and lots of emotion ensues. (Emotion over punching--finally.) Although I'm not sure how the Reaper cam back or brought back other dead avengers, the Scarlet Witch / Wonder Man plot is certainly promising, especially the sinister moments where we see Vision peeking on.
Overall, I know Busiek has some great emotional writing in him, from having read Astro City, and it does start to peek out here, but it's still mostly obscured by tights and muscles. When good moments happen, though, they're totally worth it. I'll probably read the next volume and see if he starts to tap more and more into the emotion, or if his run falls prey to the silliness. From this volume, I would say it's sort of too-precariously perched between the two.
Major Plotlines:
Issues 1-3: The Morgan Conquest. Very average, but it does set up a lot of what comes after.
Issue 4: Choosing the Team. It's truly a blast seeing the core team choose who else gets to play. Also, Hawkeye's frustration plays very well.
Issue 5-6 & Annual. Cross-over with the Squadron Supreme. While I love the Squadron Supreme in their own universe, I never like their stories in the main chronology. A fairly standard comic-book mind-control good-guys-versus-good-guys plot.
Issue 7 (and others): Live Kree or Die Hard. A busy plotline, which would have been better served with less fighting and more discussion. (But since it crossed over multiple titles, everybody needs some fighting...I know, I know...) The Kree characters have a very valid beef with the avengers, but instead of diplomacy, there's mostly just punching. The court martial segment was quite good, though.
Issue 8-9: Moses Magnum, always a formidable opponent, returns. We get chaos and some infiltration. Again, way too much fighting. Also, there is a striking point where Jarvis is made to look like an absolute imbecile which is strikingly out of place.
Issue 10-11: The "Avengers Day" celebration was a surprisingly effective way to celebrate the (real-world) anniversary of the avengers within the comic book world. Showing what other characters think about all this fanfare is priceless. Then the Reaper returns, brings back some dead avengers, and lots of emotion ensues. (Emotion over punching--finally.) Although I'm not sure how the Reaper cam back or brought back other dead avengers, the Scarlet Witch / Wonder Man plot is certainly promising, especially the sinister moments where we see Vision peeking on.
Overall, I know Busiek has some great emotional writing in him, from having read Astro City, and it does start to peek out here, but it's still mostly obscured by tights and muscles. When good moments happen, though, they're totally worth it. I'll probably read the next volume and see if he starts to tap more and more into the emotion, or if his run falls prey to the silliness. From this volume, I would say it's sort of too-precariously perched between the two.
March 9, 2014
Un volumazzo corposo. Non capisco come si possa inserire Sean Chen come autore principale, quando ha disegnato poco o nulla di tutto ciò. L'autore è principalmente Kurt Busiek per i testi, e George Perez per i disegni. Tra i viventi, negli USA, sono il meglio del meglio.
Le storie sono quelle del Ritorno Degli Eroi, con i Vendicatori al massimo del loro splendore, ed i comprimari ed avversari anche. C'è una non leggera riflessione su cosa voglia dire essere un vendicatore, e sentirsi tale. C'è un mondo alternativo creato dalla magia dove ogni personaggio ha, nonostante un nuovo nome ed un nuovo costume, la riconoscibilità completa. Vediamo la resurrezione di Wonder-Man, Quicksilver, la ricaduta nell'alcolismo di Miss Marvel, la vendetta dei Kree in seguito a "Operation: Galactic Storm" e lo scontro tra i Vendicatori e la Justice Leag... ops, lo Squadrone Supremo che termina nell'alleanza in un annual disegnato da Pacheco. C'è anche la resa dei conti con i Vendicatori morti, a riprendere il tema iniziale di cosa voglia dire sentirsi vendicatori, e quale sia la differenza con l'esserlo.
Le storie sono quelle del Ritorno Degli Eroi, con i Vendicatori al massimo del loro splendore, ed i comprimari ed avversari anche. C'è una non leggera riflessione su cosa voglia dire essere un vendicatore, e sentirsi tale. C'è un mondo alternativo creato dalla magia dove ogni personaggio ha, nonostante un nuovo nome ed un nuovo costume, la riconoscibilità completa. Vediamo la resurrezione di Wonder-Man, Quicksilver, la ricaduta nell'alcolismo di Miss Marvel, la vendetta dei Kree in seguito a "Operation: Galactic Storm" e lo scontro tra i Vendicatori e la Justice Leag... ops, lo Squadrone Supremo che termina nell'alleanza in un annual disegnato da Pacheco. C'è anche la resa dei conti con i Vendicatori morti, a riprendere il tema iniziale di cosa voglia dire sentirsi vendicatori, e quale sia la differenza con l'esserlo.
October 29, 2023
I'm a huge, huge, huge fan of Kurt Busiek's run on Avengers. I've only read it from start to finish the one time. I'm now correcting that oversight and couldn't be happier. Across the board, this was a wonderful time to be a Marvel Comics fan. Ties in with the concurrent Captain America series, Iron Man series, the Thor series, the Quicksliver series, and the Thunderbolts series. And of course, my personal favorite, Avengers Forever. If you are a Marvel Comics fan and haven't dipped into this era, I highly, highly recommend it.
May 26, 2015
Avengers Assemble, Vol. 1 is where the modern re-birth of the Avengers franchise took off, setting the stage for the massive success in the 16 years to follow.
Once all the Heroes had been Reborn and then Returned, the Avengers still weren’t active. An alternate reality fight with Morgan LeFay assembled everyone ever an Avenger and teased Wonder Man’s resurrection. A new line-up debuted: Captain America, Thor, Iron Man, Scarlet Witch, Vision, Hawkeye and Warbird, with New Warriors Justice and Firestar inducted as reservists. Warbird was the one-time Ms. Marvel, whose star-based Binary powers had faded. Warbird kept that a secret and also grappled with a drinking problem and anger issues. Scarlet Witch found herself estranged from Vision and felt adrift. Hawkeye chafed at not being the leader. And the team grappled to cohere.
The team faced off with the Squadron Supreme, who accused them of being impostors before teaming up against their common foe. Warbird was court-martialed for being drunk in a fight, but angrily quit before she could be expelled. The rest of the team barely thwarted a Kree plot on the moon that threatened Earth. Justice and Firestar became full members. Justice struggled with his awe-struck hero worship of his new teammates while Firestar coped with the serious effects on her health that her powers posed. The Witch kept conjuring Wonder Man, while the Avengers met new heroes who provided some diversity: Triathlon and Silverclaw. The new heroes helped the team against eco-terrorist Moses Magnum. After that, Hawkeye abruptly left the team. Wonder Man made a full return from the dead after his brother, Grim Reaper, also came back from the dead and attacked a public celebration of the Avengers’ anniversary.
Marvel wisely put Avengers in the hands of a superstar team: writer Kurt Busiek and penciler George Perez. Busiek grounded his stories in Avengers history and traditions. He had a strong grasp on the personalities of the heroes and how to play them off one another. He brought back the traditional interpersonal drama and created real stakes and emotional involvement. The Warbird arc was a crucial re-introduction for Carol Danvers to a central role in the Marvel Universe and hit truly hard, making use of her tortured history. The Vision/Scarlet Witch/Wonder Man triangle provided dramatic focus. And Busiek made especially good use of new members Justice and Firestar.
Perez matched that with work that was inspired even by his standards. The character designs were heroic and beautiful without being ludicrous. Every panel was strongly composed, the layouts were inventive and the action was kinetic. He returned Thor, Hawkeye, Vision and Warbird to their classic uniforms and came up with an outfit for Scarlet Witch based on her original costume, before morphing it into something that reflected her gypsy heritage. Al Vey was the primary inker and he complemented Perez ideally. Colorist Tom Smith provided bright, powerful tones that made the images pop. Even the lettering team, usually the unsung part of a comic book, dazzled, coming up with stylized fonts and presentations for Vision, Thor and Iron Man, among others. After the misfire of the book’s ‘90s direction and the Heroes Reborn detour, this just felt like the Avengers again. It was a brilliant start to a new era and is vital for any fan of the team.
A version of this review originally appeared on www.thunderalleybcp.com
Once all the Heroes had been Reborn and then Returned, the Avengers still weren’t active. An alternate reality fight with Morgan LeFay assembled everyone ever an Avenger and teased Wonder Man’s resurrection. A new line-up debuted: Captain America, Thor, Iron Man, Scarlet Witch, Vision, Hawkeye and Warbird, with New Warriors Justice and Firestar inducted as reservists. Warbird was the one-time Ms. Marvel, whose star-based Binary powers had faded. Warbird kept that a secret and also grappled with a drinking problem and anger issues. Scarlet Witch found herself estranged from Vision and felt adrift. Hawkeye chafed at not being the leader. And the team grappled to cohere.
The team faced off with the Squadron Supreme, who accused them of being impostors before teaming up against their common foe. Warbird was court-martialed for being drunk in a fight, but angrily quit before she could be expelled. The rest of the team barely thwarted a Kree plot on the moon that threatened Earth. Justice and Firestar became full members. Justice struggled with his awe-struck hero worship of his new teammates while Firestar coped with the serious effects on her health that her powers posed. The Witch kept conjuring Wonder Man, while the Avengers met new heroes who provided some diversity: Triathlon and Silverclaw. The new heroes helped the team against eco-terrorist Moses Magnum. After that, Hawkeye abruptly left the team. Wonder Man made a full return from the dead after his brother, Grim Reaper, also came back from the dead and attacked a public celebration of the Avengers’ anniversary.
Marvel wisely put Avengers in the hands of a superstar team: writer Kurt Busiek and penciler George Perez. Busiek grounded his stories in Avengers history and traditions. He had a strong grasp on the personalities of the heroes and how to play them off one another. He brought back the traditional interpersonal drama and created real stakes and emotional involvement. The Warbird arc was a crucial re-introduction for Carol Danvers to a central role in the Marvel Universe and hit truly hard, making use of her tortured history. The Vision/Scarlet Witch/Wonder Man triangle provided dramatic focus. And Busiek made especially good use of new members Justice and Firestar.
Perez matched that with work that was inspired even by his standards. The character designs were heroic and beautiful without being ludicrous. Every panel was strongly composed, the layouts were inventive and the action was kinetic. He returned Thor, Hawkeye, Vision and Warbird to their classic uniforms and came up with an outfit for Scarlet Witch based on her original costume, before morphing it into something that reflected her gypsy heritage. Al Vey was the primary inker and he complemented Perez ideally. Colorist Tom Smith provided bright, powerful tones that made the images pop. Even the lettering team, usually the unsung part of a comic book, dazzled, coming up with stylized fonts and presentations for Vision, Thor and Iron Man, among others. After the misfire of the book’s ‘90s direction and the Heroes Reborn detour, this just felt like the Avengers again. It was a brilliant start to a new era and is vital for any fan of the team.
A version of this review originally appeared on www.thunderalleybcp.com
November 26, 2017
I'm going to use this volume as a proxy for Busiak's entire run on Avengers (including Avengers Forever and Avengers Two). There are some maxims of comic books that this run illustrates pretty well:
1) Creative Teams Probably Need Be Rotated Every 70-80 issues: that's how long Gaiman ran on Sandman, Robinson ran on Starman, it's when Clairmont lost control of his previously tightly plotted X-Men, longer than Simonson's run on Thor... There's a point at which the writer has to being things to a close, and let there be some distance between their work and the next creative teams spin. With the 55 issues on the main book, 12 issues of Forever and 3 of Avengers Two and Busiak's at 70 issues and has said all he has to say.
1a) Artists matter a lot: The first chunk of this run is George Perez's distinctive, Forever had Carlos Pacheo, and both of them are distinctive, top notch artists. There's a brief bit with Alan Davis in the middle of Busiak's run which is also really good, but the entire endgame of the series is hindered by some workmanlike pencillers. Better than someone who was all flash over substance, but the troubled end of the series (hindered by the story being overtaken by real world events) would have held up better if there had been a stronger art team.
2) All comics after the mid 90's are fan fiction: Busiak is an exceptionally skilled comics writer, and his characterization, themes and pacing are all really good, but it doesn't change the fact that he runs this series with telling his versions of the greatest hits of Avengers (and other classic 70-80's) stories. More so, they are also clearly built to be the LAST versions of these stories - there's an ultimate confrontation with Ultron, Nafaria, Kulan Gath, Moses Magnum, Morgana Le Fey Immortus, Kang, the Supreme Intelligence and so on. One can easily see Busiak's run as the end of the original Avengers run. He (like Robinson before him on Starman) painstakingly ties in and explains away every bit of history for these characters, and then gives each of them closure - either for the villains or the heroes personal foibles and failings. When the series is done, it's hard to see how there could be more Avengers stories that mined this history.
Of course, not long after his conclusion on this book the entire tone of the Marvel universe changed to mirror Bendis' vision for a more 'realistic' super hero world, and that Marvel universe has been the standard for more than a decade. In some ways, Busiak did close out the Bronze Age - Marvel might have been better served with a harder reboot.
1) Creative Teams Probably Need Be Rotated Every 70-80 issues: that's how long Gaiman ran on Sandman, Robinson ran on Starman, it's when Clairmont lost control of his previously tightly plotted X-Men, longer than Simonson's run on Thor... There's a point at which the writer has to being things to a close, and let there be some distance between their work and the next creative teams spin. With the 55 issues on the main book, 12 issues of Forever and 3 of Avengers Two and Busiak's at 70 issues and has said all he has to say.
1a) Artists matter a lot: The first chunk of this run is George Perez's distinctive, Forever had Carlos Pacheo, and both of them are distinctive, top notch artists. There's a brief bit with Alan Davis in the middle of Busiak's run which is also really good, but the entire endgame of the series is hindered by some workmanlike pencillers. Better than someone who was all flash over substance, but the troubled end of the series (hindered by the story being overtaken by real world events) would have held up better if there had been a stronger art team.
2) All comics after the mid 90's are fan fiction: Busiak is an exceptionally skilled comics writer, and his characterization, themes and pacing are all really good, but it doesn't change the fact that he runs this series with telling his versions of the greatest hits of Avengers (and other classic 70-80's) stories. More so, they are also clearly built to be the LAST versions of these stories - there's an ultimate confrontation with Ultron, Nafaria, Kulan Gath, Moses Magnum, Morgana Le Fey Immortus, Kang, the Supreme Intelligence and so on. One can easily see Busiak's run as the end of the original Avengers run. He (like Robinson before him on Starman) painstakingly ties in and explains away every bit of history for these characters, and then gives each of them closure - either for the villains or the heroes personal foibles and failings. When the series is done, it's hard to see how there could be more Avengers stories that mined this history.
Of course, not long after his conclusion on this book the entire tone of the Marvel universe changed to mirror Bendis' vision for a more 'realistic' super hero world, and that Marvel universe has been the standard for more than a decade. In some ways, Busiak did close out the Bronze Age - Marvel might have been better served with a harder reboot.
May 14, 2012
I love Busiek, but this story left me flat. If you like this sort of 1970s comic book story. A superhero soap opera full of narration and stiff dialouge where everyone is always fighting a world-crushing evil and angsting to themselves in thought balloons, then this book is for you.
But I don't like those sorts of things. Hence the two stars.
But I don't like those sorts of things. Hence the two stars.
February 28, 2014
I'm a big Kurt Busiek fan, but I didn't think this first volume of his Avengers run had much of his magic. It's very much a "getting the band back together" kickoff after the shenanigans of the Onslaught saga, and it seems stuck in pretty rigid 90s storytelling.
It is fun to see nearly all the Avengers in one room. But the personal drama isn't handled very subtly. We're constantly hit with the fact that Ms. Marvel is drinking too much, Hawkeye is having a hard time dealing with a subordinate position after leading a team and Wanda is upset about her lost connection with her former android lover as well as the fact that she seems to be intermittently summoning an old flame back from the dead. (Ok, that last one will get you.)
The superheroics aren't that great either. We get a showdown with Morgan le Fey that's resolved by her being an overconfident fool. There's a crossover--across four titles!--involving a splinter group of Kree terrorists. Then we get a Moses Magnum arc (ugh) that throws a bunch of extreme new heroes at us.
George Perez does the art, and while I agree he does a great job squeezing forty superheroes into a spread, I think his regular linework is a bit overdetailed, which ends up being distracting.
Ultimately, I hope Busiek is laying his foundation here and will move to a more personal style of storytelling in the next volume. While I've heard of his run as highly regarded, this volume feels constrained by the unfortunate house style of the times.
Read digital versions.
It is fun to see nearly all the Avengers in one room. But the personal drama isn't handled very subtly. We're constantly hit with the fact that Ms. Marvel is drinking too much, Hawkeye is having a hard time dealing with a subordinate position after leading a team and Wanda is upset about her lost connection with her former android lover as well as the fact that she seems to be intermittently summoning an old flame back from the dead. (Ok, that last one will get you.)
The superheroics aren't that great either. We get a showdown with Morgan le Fey that's resolved by her being an overconfident fool. There's a crossover--across four titles!--involving a splinter group of Kree terrorists. Then we get a Moses Magnum arc (ugh) that throws a bunch of extreme new heroes at us.
George Perez does the art, and while I agree he does a great job squeezing forty superheroes into a spread, I think his regular linework is a bit overdetailed, which ends up being distracting.
Ultimately, I hope Busiek is laying his foundation here and will move to a more personal style of storytelling in the next volume. While I've heard of his run as highly regarded, this volume feels constrained by the unfortunate house style of the times.
Read digital versions.
January 6, 2009
There are some elements of cheesiness, and a '70s/'80s throwback style, that are occasionally stumbling blocks for the Busiek/Perez (and later Busiek/Davis and Busiek/other artists) new millennial run of Avengers.
However, as someone whose definitive Avengers was the Roger Stern/John Buscema era, who still thinks Mark Gruenwald wrote the definitive Captain America, who would hold up the Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe Deluxe Edition as one of the best comics Marvel ever published? Well, that's me, and that means this stuff was pretty much up my alley. Certainly more than the all-new, all-different (and sadly, all-so-much-better-selling) New Avengers, in which everyone sounds like the same character in a Woody Allen movie, Marvel is currently peddling.
I've got my problems with this run, including the awful new characters of Triathlon and Silverclaw, the obsession with "fixing" Hank Pym and any use of Morgana Le Fay, who was interesting in the Arthurian myths but sucks as a supervillain (no matter what universe she's in). But it's also got gorgeous art, makes use of the classic Avengers while also trying to move things forward a bit (true, Busiek's version of New Warriors' Justice and Firestar is a bit grating to long-time fans, but at least he tried to move them up to the big leagues) and is generally solid slam-bang superhero action.
However, as someone whose definitive Avengers was the Roger Stern/John Buscema era, who still thinks Mark Gruenwald wrote the definitive Captain America, who would hold up the Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe Deluxe Edition as one of the best comics Marvel ever published? Well, that's me, and that means this stuff was pretty much up my alley. Certainly more than the all-new, all-different (and sadly, all-so-much-better-selling) New Avengers, in which everyone sounds like the same character in a Woody Allen movie, Marvel is currently peddling.
I've got my problems with this run, including the awful new characters of Triathlon and Silverclaw, the obsession with "fixing" Hank Pym and any use of Morgana Le Fay, who was interesting in the Arthurian myths but sucks as a supervillain (no matter what universe she's in). But it's also got gorgeous art, makes use of the classic Avengers while also trying to move things forward a bit (true, Busiek's version of New Warriors' Justice and Firestar is a bit grating to long-time fans, but at least he tried to move them up to the big leagues) and is generally solid slam-bang superhero action.
February 16, 2012
Some of you probably knew up front (if you thought about it at all) that I'd like this book as it takes a pretty big screw up for me not to like the Avengers...especially if Cap's the one in charge.
I've noted before that I grew up collecting Silver Age comics and that I slide nostalgically back to my youth when I read these.
Same here. Good book, good art, lots of action lots of heroes (if the Avengers has a draw back it's the huge roster of past and temporary members). Still that's not a big deal in a book about a group that almost routinely faces threats to the world, the galaxy, the universe, the multiverse and reality itself.
The stories here are good and the writing stays on track. The art doesn't flag and is well reproduced beautifully (a problem in some compilations). Great comic, graphic novel or whatever you're comfortable calling it.
So, gird up your loins for battle as the Bible says and prepare for some high powered slug fests and of course the obligatory tugs at the heart as love rears it's dangerous head.
Enjoy.
I've noted before that I grew up collecting Silver Age comics and that I slide nostalgically back to my youth when I read these.
Same here. Good book, good art, lots of action lots of heroes (if the Avengers has a draw back it's the huge roster of past and temporary members). Still that's not a big deal in a book about a group that almost routinely faces threats to the world, the galaxy, the universe, the multiverse and reality itself.
The stories here are good and the writing stays on track. The art doesn't flag and is well reproduced beautifully (a problem in some compilations). Great comic, graphic novel or whatever you're comfortable calling it.
So, gird up your loins for battle as the Bible says and prepare for some high powered slug fests and of course the obligatory tugs at the heart as love rears it's dangerous head.
Enjoy.
June 18, 2022
4.5/5
Wow, this may well be THE best Avengers run, period, and I'm willing to say that when I'm only one volume in. Crazy I missed this when it was originally coming out, as it was during my period away from comics when I became disillusioned with them and the '90s formula (which is funny, because these days, I love that nostalgic trash!) If only I knew classic superhero material of this quality was going on while I was brooding in my bedroom listening to nu-metal albums. I can only imagine what my anticipation would have been, waiting for every new issue.
Kurt Busiek is no doubt firing on all cylinders here and at the top of his game. What is so impressive is how he doesn't shy away from the team's 30+ year (at the time) history, bringing up lots of past storylines and writing the characters with all of the experience they've gained over the years in tact. And even more impressive? He does so in a way that doesn't alienate new readers, summarizing past events when needed in succinct and deft fashion. These are characters with tons of history that have developed over years of storytelling, and he doesn't dumb them down in any ways whatsoever just because he's given the task of writing an Avengers series that is launching with a new issue #1. He pays tribute to the past while keeping things accessible for anyone new to the party, and that takes some serious writing chops in my opinion. Hell, some of the storylines here are built on ones that are decades old, yet nothing comes off confusing and Busiek makes sure the reader never feels like they're missing out on something.
Some of the highlights here are the stories that bookend this collection, as it opens up with nearly every person that's ever been an Avenger coming together to fight a threat that ultimately re-establishes the core team, and ends with a two-parter that resurrects some Avengers that have died over the years who are brainwashed into fighting the current team. It's all just so much fun, and another impressive aspect is that with so many characters in play, they all somehow get ample time to shine and no one feels like they've been relegated to the background (like Bendis did with so many characters during his "classic" run, because he decided to get obsessed with Luke Cage). I also found myself really digging the dynamic between Scarlet Witch and Vision, and I'm looking forward to seeing where that goes in future volumes.
And I can't finish this review without talking about the artwork by the master that is George Perez (rest in power, my friend!) I thought his work on Teen Titans was the pinnacle of his artistry (and it honestly still is, as he was very involved with the writing of those series as well providing the art), but his artwork in this is jaw-dropping and his work has never looked better. The detail in the characters and the backgrounds never wavers, there's nary a page or panel where it feels like he dialed it in, and the fact that he managed to keep to a monthly schedule and keep the quality this high is astounding. I'm sure his inker Al Vey helped out with some of the details here and there, but there's never a moment where you question whether what you're looking at came from the pencil of Perez or not. I actually haven't looked to see how long he's on board for this series, as I don't want to bum myself out and start counting down how long he has left, but I hope he's on board for as long as possible.
So yeah, you wanna know why the Avengers are considered the premier team in the Marvel universe? Well look no further, as this is the finest example you're likely to find. Cannot wait to dive into the next collection!
Wow, this may well be THE best Avengers run, period, and I'm willing to say that when I'm only one volume in. Crazy I missed this when it was originally coming out, as it was during my period away from comics when I became disillusioned with them and the '90s formula (which is funny, because these days, I love that nostalgic trash!) If only I knew classic superhero material of this quality was going on while I was brooding in my bedroom listening to nu-metal albums. I can only imagine what my anticipation would have been, waiting for every new issue.
Kurt Busiek is no doubt firing on all cylinders here and at the top of his game. What is so impressive is how he doesn't shy away from the team's 30+ year (at the time) history, bringing up lots of past storylines and writing the characters with all of the experience they've gained over the years in tact. And even more impressive? He does so in a way that doesn't alienate new readers, summarizing past events when needed in succinct and deft fashion. These are characters with tons of history that have developed over years of storytelling, and he doesn't dumb them down in any ways whatsoever just because he's given the task of writing an Avengers series that is launching with a new issue #1. He pays tribute to the past while keeping things accessible for anyone new to the party, and that takes some serious writing chops in my opinion. Hell, some of the storylines here are built on ones that are decades old, yet nothing comes off confusing and Busiek makes sure the reader never feels like they're missing out on something.
Some of the highlights here are the stories that bookend this collection, as it opens up with nearly every person that's ever been an Avenger coming together to fight a threat that ultimately re-establishes the core team, and ends with a two-parter that resurrects some Avengers that have died over the years who are brainwashed into fighting the current team. It's all just so much fun, and another impressive aspect is that with so many characters in play, they all somehow get ample time to shine and no one feels like they've been relegated to the background (like Bendis did with so many characters during his "classic" run, because he decided to get obsessed with Luke Cage). I also found myself really digging the dynamic between Scarlet Witch and Vision, and I'm looking forward to seeing where that goes in future volumes.
And I can't finish this review without talking about the artwork by the master that is George Perez (rest in power, my friend!) I thought his work on Teen Titans was the pinnacle of his artistry (and it honestly still is, as he was very involved with the writing of those series as well providing the art), but his artwork in this is jaw-dropping and his work has never looked better. The detail in the characters and the backgrounds never wavers, there's nary a page or panel where it feels like he dialed it in, and the fact that he managed to keep to a monthly schedule and keep the quality this high is astounding. I'm sure his inker Al Vey helped out with some of the details here and there, but there's never a moment where you question whether what you're looking at came from the pencil of Perez or not. I actually haven't looked to see how long he's on board for this series, as I don't want to bum myself out and start counting down how long he has left, but I hope he's on board for as long as possible.
So yeah, you wanna know why the Avengers are considered the premier team in the Marvel universe? Well look no further, as this is the finest example you're likely to find. Cannot wait to dive into the next collection!
March 17, 2015
I just told Goodreads that I finished this book on February 30. That's because I will likely never finish this run of Avengers comics unless I'm sucked into some parallel dimension or time travel is involved and I'm stuck in the late '90s.
Something about Busiek's declared love for continuity and the infinitely expansive, interconnected titles in either of the big two's universes that just turned me off. Or never drew me in to begin with. More recent Avengers Assemble books by Brian Michael Bendis and Kelly Sue DeConnick I've LOVED, and they grabbed me within the first few pages and let me know why they'd be good and get better.
Or maybe it's something about the decade from which this run came. I'm learning more and more that Great '90s Comics could have a LOT wrong with them and still be comparatively greater than most of what was published in that decade.
Anyway, I tried reading both this and the following massive volume that collects all of Kurt Busiek's run on the Avengers because it was the first assignment for an online Marvel comics reading discussion group, and it was supposedly a "fan favorite," which I'm also learning sometimes means "only good if you've obsessively consumed years of garbage with the same branding."
Something about Busiek's declared love for continuity and the infinitely expansive, interconnected titles in either of the big two's universes that just turned me off. Or never drew me in to begin with. More recent Avengers Assemble books by Brian Michael Bendis and Kelly Sue DeConnick I've LOVED, and they grabbed me within the first few pages and let me know why they'd be good and get better.
Or maybe it's something about the decade from which this run came. I'm learning more and more that Great '90s Comics could have a LOT wrong with them and still be comparatively greater than most of what was published in that decade.
Anyway, I tried reading both this and the following massive volume that collects all of Kurt Busiek's run on the Avengers because it was the first assignment for an online Marvel comics reading discussion group, and it was supposedly a "fan favorite," which I'm also learning sometimes means "only good if you've obsessively consumed years of garbage with the same branding."
May 11, 2018
The idea of Heroes Reborn was ambitious but it also failed, I think. Heroes Return heralded a great era of 'back to basics' with all four titles but with great storytellers. Busiek and Perez started a momentous run that is timeless. 20 years later still gives me good goosebumps. Morgan Le Fay is up to her shenanigans again and it's up the Avengers, almost all of them, to stop her. She creates an alternate reality where the Avengers are her slaves and are ruthless, they are the Queen's Vengeance. We see B-listers Justice and Firestar get inducted and take their rightful place as Avengers. The love triangle of Simon/Wanda/Vision heats up, Carol's drinking tears the team apart, Vance's swooning over making it to the big leagues irks Angelica and also her using her microwave powers isn't helping anything as she knows it might cause health damage to her. Clear, concise, with so much depth by the writings of Busiek and Perez's art is phenomenal.
Note: What a difference when you use their actual names instead of their heroic ones, they seem more real...... :o)
Note: What a difference when you use their actual names instead of their heroic ones, they seem more real...... :o)
October 22, 2016
It started great, but ended up being boring. Earth's mightiest superheroes should have at least mildly entertaining story arcs. I expected much better from Busiek!
The first three issues, where every past member of the Avengers fights against Morgan Le Fay (of all things!) was kind of great. I even enjoyed witnessing the formation of the new team and Carol Danvers' trouble with alcohol. But a love triangle between The Vision, Scarlet Witch, and Wonder Man? And the whole plot depends on it? Ugh, please, no.
Also, why is it that only female superhumans worry about sterility and having kids? Oh wait, because only women care about children. Right. Shame is that this mindset is still present in the MCU.
Perez's artwork sometimes shines and sometimes is burdensome. I'm not a big fan, but I can appreciate the skill that goes into it.
The first three issues, where every past member of the Avengers fights against Morgan Le Fay (of all things!) was kind of great. I even enjoyed witnessing the formation of the new team and Carol Danvers' trouble with alcohol. But a love triangle between The Vision, Scarlet Witch, and Wonder Man? And the whole plot depends on it? Ugh, please, no.
Also, why is it that only female superhumans worry about sterility and having kids? Oh wait, because only women care about children. Right. Shame is that this mindset is still present in the MCU.
Perez's artwork sometimes shines and sometimes is burdensome. I'm not a big fan, but I can appreciate the skill that goes into it.
January 25, 2016
A most excellent adventure but primarily character driven, which is what I really, really love. Plus, this line up has lots of characters that I really care about, including Firestar. The best part, though, is the Scarlet Witch, her increasing mystical power, and her relationship with Wonder Man. The only downside, if one could call it that, is Busiek pulls a great deal on the rich history of The Avengers, making references to the past that sometimes require an Internet search, but that's really no big deal. I like the sense of oontinuity, and the sense that reading Marvel Comics is a giant plot puzzle to put together.
August 19, 2024
3.5/5.0
January 19, 2024
Art and writing is Brilliant and if you love Scarlett Witch she gets a good story like throughout this and the way the rest of the team is treated is as a people with real history and it's just good fun!
June 20, 2023
I'm currently doing a reread of Kurt Busiek's time on the Avengers and it is just as good as I remember it.
I've read every Avengers comic all the way from issue 1 in the 60's through to Jason Aaron's current (awful) run, and Kurt Busiek is hands down the best Avengers writer of all time. Paired with the legendary George Perez on art, and this is the golden standard of the Avengers.
As well as being the best Avengers run, this is also a perfect place to begin for new readers. Before this series started, the Avengers and Fantastic Four had spent the last year in the "Heroes Reborn" universe while the world had thought them dead. This series starts once the heroes are back in the normal Marvel universe and have yet to reform the team. Therefore the reader can watch the team come together.
There is a lot of great character development throughout this collection, including the Scarlet Witch dealing with the end of her relationship with the Vision and the evolution of her powers, Warbird (Carol Danvers) and her drinking problems and how it effects the team, Hawkeye's dissatisfaction over not being in a leadership role, Vision dealing with his emotions regarding Scarlet Witch and Wonder Man, Justice's hero-worship and insecurities, Firestar's difficulty with her powers and health. There is a lot going on, but Busiek navigates all these characters stories without it feeling too busy.
The comics in this collection include the following:
#1-3:
The first 3 issues in this collection include nearly everyone who has ever been an Avenger. When former Avengers start being attacked by mythological creatures, Thor calls the Avengers together in order to defeat Morgan Le Fay. You get to see the Avengers transported to a medieval world, which is a lot of fun.
#4:
The Avengers have to choose a roster out of the 39 heroes that answered Thor's call to arms. Throughout the issue, the Avengers manage to whittle the roster down to 7 members and 2 reserves. A lot of great character moments here.
#5-6 and Annual 1998
The Avengers battle against a mind-controlled Squadron Supreme (a team based on DC's Justice League). A lot of great fights. In the Annual, both teams come together to face Imus Champion.
#7:
While this is part of the Live Kree or Die crossover, you're able to understand what is going on without reading the related issues. A lot of this comic deals with Carol Danvers i.e. Warbird (or Captain Marvel in the current day). Her drinking starts to effect her team and this issue deals with that.
#8-9:
Introduces Triathlon and Silverclaw, and the Avengers battle Moses Magnum. There is some good development with the Scarlet Witch and Wonder Man here as well.
#10-11:
The Grim Reaper attacks the Avengers with his own Undead Avengers, made up of zombified Avengers who have died over the years. We also get some answers to how the Scarlet Witch's powers are evolving.
Extras in this comic include an introduction by Busiek, a brief profile of all the Avengers that appear in the first few issues, the penciled pages and script for #1, and my personal favourite, a collection of emails from Busiek to the Marvel editors about the ideas for his run, which is really interesting and shows you his thought process.
Great writing, great art. A must-read for any Avengers fan. I can't recommend this highly enough.
I've read every Avengers comic all the way from issue 1 in the 60's through to Jason Aaron's current (awful) run, and Kurt Busiek is hands down the best Avengers writer of all time. Paired with the legendary George Perez on art, and this is the golden standard of the Avengers.
As well as being the best Avengers run, this is also a perfect place to begin for new readers. Before this series started, the Avengers and Fantastic Four had spent the last year in the "Heroes Reborn" universe while the world had thought them dead. This series starts once the heroes are back in the normal Marvel universe and have yet to reform the team. Therefore the reader can watch the team come together.
There is a lot of great character development throughout this collection, including the Scarlet Witch dealing with the end of her relationship with the Vision and the evolution of her powers, Warbird (Carol Danvers) and her drinking problems and how it effects the team, Hawkeye's dissatisfaction over not being in a leadership role, Vision dealing with his emotions regarding Scarlet Witch and Wonder Man, Justice's hero-worship and insecurities, Firestar's difficulty with her powers and health. There is a lot going on, but Busiek navigates all these characters stories without it feeling too busy.
The comics in this collection include the following:
#1-3:
The first 3 issues in this collection include nearly everyone who has ever been an Avenger. When former Avengers start being attacked by mythological creatures, Thor calls the Avengers together in order to defeat Morgan Le Fay. You get to see the Avengers transported to a medieval world, which is a lot of fun.
#4:
The Avengers have to choose a roster out of the 39 heroes that answered Thor's call to arms. Throughout the issue, the Avengers manage to whittle the roster down to 7 members and 2 reserves. A lot of great character moments here.
#5-6 and Annual 1998
The Avengers battle against a mind-controlled Squadron Supreme (a team based on DC's Justice League). A lot of great fights. In the Annual, both teams come together to face Imus Champion.
#7:
While this is part of the Live Kree or Die crossover, you're able to understand what is going on without reading the related issues. A lot of this comic deals with Carol Danvers i.e. Warbird (or Captain Marvel in the current day). Her drinking starts to effect her team and this issue deals with that.
#8-9:
Introduces Triathlon and Silverclaw, and the Avengers battle Moses Magnum. There is some good development with the Scarlet Witch and Wonder Man here as well.
#10-11:
The Grim Reaper attacks the Avengers with his own Undead Avengers, made up of zombified Avengers who have died over the years. We also get some answers to how the Scarlet Witch's powers are evolving.
Extras in this comic include an introduction by Busiek, a brief profile of all the Avengers that appear in the first few issues, the penciled pages and script for #1, and my personal favourite, a collection of emails from Busiek to the Marvel editors about the ideas for his run, which is really interesting and shows you his thought process.
Great writing, great art. A must-read for any Avengers fan. I can't recommend this highly enough.
June 12, 2017
With a few more years, I can see more of the flaws in this work -- of these the mostly uninspired villains stand out (Busiek includes his "pitch" memo for the series, and suggests that the team dynamics are a lot more important than the bad guys; that's true, but the bad guys are also what the good guys have to rise up to).
Still, Busiek gives the Silver Age a 1990s polish, in a good way. Cap is unapologetically inspirational. Warbird struggles with alcoholism. The Scarlet Witch, Vision, and Wonder Man kick off their love triangle, Justice and Firestar deal with whether, or how, they belong, Thor is mighty -- only Iron Man in his 90s's era neon armor is sort of a generic hero (less so in the cross-over comic included here as part of the "Live Kree or Die" storyline).
And while those are the core, Busiek and Perez never miss out on a chance to fill the page with heroes.
Still triffically entertainng.
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MAY 2015 REVIEW:
This is such classic comic material that it almost defies belief. Busiek grabs the best of what makes the traditional Silver Age Avengers -- the partnerships, the rivalries, the personal flaws and doubts, the noble challenge of heroism. George Perez is is usual, incredible best.
While I keep thinking of this as a modern rebooting of the Avengers saga -- following the (ack) Onslaught/Heroes Reborn disaster at Marvel -- in reality it dates back to 1998. Yikes. And, of course, since then, the whole Avengers Disassembled saga has taken it all back apart.
But this is a great example of the pre-Bendis era Avengers at their best. Triffic stuff.
Still, Busiek gives the Silver Age a 1990s polish, in a good way. Cap is unapologetically inspirational. Warbird struggles with alcoholism. The Scarlet Witch, Vision, and Wonder Man kick off their love triangle, Justice and Firestar deal with whether, or how, they belong, Thor is mighty -- only Iron Man in his 90s's era neon armor is sort of a generic hero (less so in the cross-over comic included here as part of the "Live Kree or Die" storyline).
And while those are the core, Busiek and Perez never miss out on a chance to fill the page with heroes.
Still triffically entertainng.
------
MAY 2015 REVIEW:
This is such classic comic material that it almost defies belief. Busiek grabs the best of what makes the traditional Silver Age Avengers -- the partnerships, the rivalries, the personal flaws and doubts, the noble challenge of heroism. George Perez is is usual, incredible best.
While I keep thinking of this as a modern rebooting of the Avengers saga -- following the (ack) Onslaught/Heroes Reborn disaster at Marvel -- in reality it dates back to 1998. Yikes. And, of course, since then, the whole Avengers Disassembled saga has taken it all back apart.
But this is a great example of the pre-Bendis era Avengers at their best. Triffic stuff.
January 7, 2014
Considering I began my comic addiction around '96, the year these issues (Avengers, Vol 3: #1-11) debuted, it goes without saying that this particular volume was a nostalgic trip into late-90s continuity. Unfortunately, it is also mired in late-90s cheese.
I mean, c'mon, an Avenger named Triathlon? Not to mention, characters are still using catchphrases and shortened abbreviations for codenames. With all that being said, I really couldn't get into the first two issues. It took me months to read 36 pages. Then, it grew on me. Busiek and Perez knew had to build a storyline. While Brian Michael Bendis eventually forced a little realism into the Avengers, and showed us their insecurities and struggles, these years are a witness to the age of the superhero absurd. But, I'm excited for the next volume. Bring it on, Ultron!
I mean, c'mon, an Avenger named Triathlon? Not to mention, characters are still using catchphrases and shortened abbreviations for codenames. With all that being said, I really couldn't get into the first two issues. It took me months to read 36 pages. Then, it grew on me. Busiek and Perez knew had to build a storyline. While Brian Michael Bendis eventually forced a little realism into the Avengers, and showed us their insecurities and struggles, these years are a witness to the age of the superhero absurd. But, I'm excited for the next volume. Bring it on, Ultron!
April 23, 2023
The post-Heroes Return Avengers books by Kurk Busiek were certainly interesting ones and a comiXology sale helped me get the change to read through them more fully this time around. This first volume of the title is a pretty hefty one that kicks off with the mystery of the changes to the Scarlet Witch's powers - something which would ultimately have more far-reaching effects when it comes to the Marvel Universe as a whole. This is the book where her powers really grew into something unique with an artistic team that does an amazing job of bringing all these characters to life.
There are some pretty solid story arcs in this compilation including the big adventure with Morgana Le Fay and another big story involving Avengers coming back from the dead. This was a really solid run for the comic and some pretty strong stories right out of the gate.
There are some pretty solid story arcs in this compilation including the big adventure with Morgana Le Fay and another big story involving Avengers coming back from the dead. This was a really solid run for the comic and some pretty strong stories right out of the gate.
February 21, 2014
I figured this would be exactly my kind of thing and I spent a long time trying to get into it without success. Everything is overly broad strokes and long-time characters are acting like hotheaded teenagers for seemingly no reason. I'd much rather see another volume of Astro City or read some old Roger Stern-era Avengers.
Update: So I just read the Nights of Wundagore TB which contained that classic story about Gyrich whittling down the Avengers to seven. I realize one of the reasons this volume seems so tame is that in many ways it's a carbon copy of those stories. Ms. Marvel and Hawkeye are acting the same way they did back in those stories, which is why their characterization seems so dated and out of place. Is this an homage? A reboot? If so, it fails as both.
Update: So I just read the Nights of Wundagore TB which contained that classic story about Gyrich whittling down the Avengers to seven. I realize one of the reasons this volume seems so tame is that in many ways it's a carbon copy of those stories. Ms. Marvel and Hawkeye are acting the same way they did back in those stories, which is why their characterization seems so dated and out of place. Is this an homage? A reboot? If so, it fails as both.
February 13, 2020
A solid start to a legendary run of Avengers comics. Busiek immediately demonstrates his talent for character, as well as his deep appreciation for Marvel's history. Perez's art is beautiful as always. However, much of this first run of stories, while certainly good and entertaining, feels oddly small, like an appetizer rather than the main course. More attention seems to be spent on team dynamics and drama... which, again, is good and entertaining... but there's a sense that the series is falling short of its true potential. Still, this is a good beginning, and there's much worth reading here. (B+)
October 24, 2014
Nádherně nakreslené, super příběhy, super postavy (i když místo komiksových obličejů jsem si tam podvědomě dosazovala ty filmové). Jediné, co mi vadilo je to, že neznám všechny ostatní díly a často je tam ně některý z nich odkaz a já tak něčemu nerozumněla. Určitě si chci ale přečíst další Marvelovky!
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