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Avengers (1998) (Single Issues) #12-22, 0, Annual '99
Avengers Assemble, Vol. 2
The European country of Slorenia is dead. Every man, woman, and child eliminated with the cold precision of a machine. And out of the flaming remnants of this tiny Baltic state comes a message from its murderer: Mankind's days are numbered because Ultron has returned! He - or it - is one of the Avengers' oldest, most implacable foes, menacing humanity countless times. But never before has Ultron been this dangerous, this deadly. Now, he stands on the brink of committing global genocide, and rebuilding Earth in his own robotic images. Our only hope is a desperate U.N. strike on Slorenia, led by the Avengers themselves. But will it be in time? Will the strength and courage of Earth's Mightiest Heroes be enough in the face of such overwhelming evil? For the sake of the world, it will have to be! Plus: When you're an Avenger, you're one of Earth's Mightiest Heroes - the first line of defense against the dangers no conventional foe could halt, the threats no ordinary man could withstand. Threats including Dominex, Lord Templar, Pagan, and the Thunderbolts! Collects Avengers 12-22, No. No. 0 and Annual 1999.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published March 1, 2005
About the author
Kurt Busiek
1,851 books625 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 38 reviews
March 25, 2022
The 2nd year of Busiek and Perez's Avengers rolls on with a three issue break in the middle where Jerry Ordway steps in. It's all solid stuff. The issue where Beast appears is my favorite. It's an ode to the bromance Beast and Wonder Man had back in the 70's Avengers. I really wish Beast could have joined the team again. There's a love triangle between Scarlet Witch, Wonder Man, and Vision that is starting to go on too long. There's also a bunch of stuff with the Triune Understanding and the media going after the Avengers that would fit in today. I think that's why I don't care for it. I'm already tired of that stuff in real life. Ultron's appearance is badass. It's also some of the story they used for Avengers: Age of Ultron. I am glad to see Justice finally getting over being starstruck of all of the Avengers. That was beginning to wear thin. All in all though, still a great series.
April 12, 2018
*sighs*
Okay, so, I enjoyed this a little less than the last volume. Not just because Iron Man and Hawkeye took a siesta for a bit there but the arcs just didn't entertain me as much and Janet van Dyne was used poorly. I don't understand how they continue to portray her relationship with Hank this way but we'll get to that.
This volume had arcs about the Triune of Understanding, Doomsday Man (yes, that is his name) and another Ultron arc.
The first could have been the most interesting one but they didn't do enough with it to bring it to the forefront. It literally took a backseat when Ordway popped in for 2 issues. This arc explains how Triathlon got his abilities and it's interesting to me because it's a new idea (for me anyway). A cult that gives people superpowers? Triathlon truly thinks he's on the right side and that he's a hero. He's saving people and had a love for the Avengers before they went up against the Triune. I also liked seeing Cap and Iron Man get shit because they spoke out against the "church". They were even accused of being anti-religion which was a doozy.
The Doomsday Man storyline bored me to tears. It was your typical angry, shouty, faceless bad guy and was more of an easy in to a story about Justice's self-esteem issues. Snooze. I liked the character just fine in the last one but they haven't done more beyond his struggle to believe he belongs on the team. That got old after a while. Im way more interested in Angel, to be honest.
The Ultron arc was just a bad time for me. The battle with Firestar, Iron Man, Thor, and Captain America was very interesting. This was one of the first times in this series that the Avengers really struggled. Even Wanda couldn't just bail them out of it. However, the stuff going on with Hank, Jan and Ultron made me want to punch things.
I don't like Hank Pym. I've said this before and I'll say it again: even if you take out the panels where he hit Jan (and it's panels, people act like it only happened once), he's still a dick. He's been an asshole to her since the beginning. This book had like 2 whole pages wherein Jan takes the blame for Hank's breakdowns and him treating her like shit. Because she embraced him behaving a different way? On top of that, other writers have taken that same storyline and said Jan embraced him because he'd kidnapped her and she thought it would cause less trouble if she complied. So, what the hell are we doing here? Why have this at all? It's bad enough they're reconciling, why make Jan take all this guilt onto herself? Why can't Janet van Dyne catch a goddamn break?
The biggest love story in this book is the Wanda/Viz/Wonder Man love triangle which confuses me to no end and not just because Wanda slept with Simon when he was a force ghost. I never quite understood Vision having emotions but here they are having a love triangle because Vision (who was created from Simon's brainwaves) and Simon both love Wanda and she loves them both but broke up with Vision when his feelings for her were erased. We've all been there, amirite? Anyway, it's a storyline. I'm not that invested in it but I was surprised that Simon actually grew on me throughout this series.
So, this one is hard for me to recommend. There's some great stuff with Wanda (my goodness, I wish they would stop throwing the word g*psy around) and I liked seeing a little of the turmoil with the Avengers in the press. However, the stuff with Jan rubbed me entirely the wrong way, quite a few of the issues really bored me because the Big Bad was so generic and there just wasn't enough of the characters I love to keep me going.
3 stars.
Okay, so, I enjoyed this a little less than the last volume. Not just because Iron Man and Hawkeye took a siesta for a bit there but the arcs just didn't entertain me as much and Janet van Dyne was used poorly. I don't understand how they continue to portray her relationship with Hank this way but we'll get to that.
This volume had arcs about the Triune of Understanding, Doomsday Man (yes, that is his name) and another Ultron arc.
The first could have been the most interesting one but they didn't do enough with it to bring it to the forefront. It literally took a backseat when Ordway popped in for 2 issues. This arc explains how Triathlon got his abilities and it's interesting to me because it's a new idea (for me anyway). A cult that gives people superpowers? Triathlon truly thinks he's on the right side and that he's a hero. He's saving people and had a love for the Avengers before they went up against the Triune. I also liked seeing Cap and Iron Man get shit because they spoke out against the "church". They were even accused of being anti-religion which was a doozy.
The Doomsday Man storyline bored me to tears. It was your typical angry, shouty, faceless bad guy and was more of an easy in to a story about Justice's self-esteem issues. Snooze. I liked the character just fine in the last one but they haven't done more beyond his struggle to believe he belongs on the team. That got old after a while. Im way more interested in Angel, to be honest.
The Ultron arc was just a bad time for me. The battle with Firestar, Iron Man, Thor, and Captain America was very interesting. This was one of the first times in this series that the Avengers really struggled. Even Wanda couldn't just bail them out of it. However, the stuff going on with Hank, Jan and Ultron made me want to punch things.
I don't like Hank Pym. I've said this before and I'll say it again: even if you take out the panels where he hit Jan (and it's panels, people act like it only happened once), he's still a dick. He's been an asshole to her since the beginning. This book had like 2 whole pages wherein Jan takes the blame for Hank's breakdowns and him treating her like shit. Because she embraced him behaving a different way? On top of that, other writers have taken that same storyline and said Jan embraced him because he'd kidnapped her and she thought it would cause less trouble if she complied. So, what the hell are we doing here? Why have this at all? It's bad enough they're reconciling, why make Jan take all this guilt onto herself? Why can't Janet van Dyne catch a goddamn break?
The biggest love story in this book is the Wanda/Viz/Wonder Man love triangle which confuses me to no end and not just because Wanda slept with Simon when he was a force ghost. I never quite understood Vision having emotions but here they are having a love triangle because Vision (who was created from Simon's brainwaves) and Simon both love Wanda and she loves them both but broke up with Vision when his feelings for her were erased. We've all been there, amirite? Anyway, it's a storyline. I'm not that invested in it but I was surprised that Simon actually grew on me throughout this series.
So, this one is hard for me to recommend. There's some great stuff with Wanda (my goodness, I wish they would stop throwing the word g*psy around) and I liked seeing a little of the turmoil with the Avengers in the press. However, the stuff with Jan rubbed me entirely the wrong way, quite a few of the issues really bored me because the Big Bad was so generic and there just wasn't enough of the characters I love to keep me going.
3 stars.
May 27, 2015
The new era roared forward for Avengers. The Avengers clashed with the Thunderbolts, the former Masters of Evil trying to be heroes, now led by Hawkeye, until the threat of an alien robot united them. As Firestar meshed well with the team, Justice felt more out of place. A brief reunion with the New Warriors had Justice wanting to revert to his old team, just as Firestar truly embraced being an Avenger. Wonder Man and Vision’s “fraternal” bond became a sticking point as Wonder Man and Scarlet Witch’s relationship progressed. New threats Lord Templar and Pagan proved difficult for the team to handle.
The team struggled to act as an effective unit. Triathlon returned when the Avengers tracked Pagan to the headquarters of the Triune Understanding and a fight with both Pagan and Lord Templar broke out that left the Avengers looking bad, thanks to the Triune’s leader. The Wrecking Crew and Arkon factored into a trilogy that included guest spots from Warbird, Photon, Black Knight, Wasp and Giant Man and resulted in a serious injury for Justice. Ultron returned and abducted Hank Pym and Grim Reaper. A robotic attack on a New York plant owned by the Black Panther brought the Avengers into conflict with Alkhema, one of Ultron’s “brides” who sought to deprive Ultron of the pleasure of killing the team himself. The team was caught short to learn that Ultron had invaded the Baltic country of Slorenia and killed every living thing within its borders. Ultron kidnapped more Avengers and plotted to use their brain patterns as the basis for a new robotic race. A fierce battle with Ultron came to a dramatic ending and a turning point for both Hank and Justice.
The Kurt Busiek/George Perez team continued to hit new heights. Busiek made good use of the concept of the Avengers’ celebrity being a two-edged blade. The Triune Understanding was a knowing wink at certain other celebrity-linked philosophical movements that added interest to Triathlon. And the Ultron saga was one of the best featuring the robotic villain. It made full use of his destructive potential; the slaughter in Slorenia was a truly dark departure. The interpersonal drama continued to work and everything gelled. Veteran Jerry Ordway stepped in as writer/artist for the Wrecking Crew trilogy and did a fine job with his classic approach. The winning streak of the reborn Avengers continued and brought the decade to a strong finish. This is a vital collection for fans.
A version of this review originally appeared on www.thunderalleybcp.com
The team struggled to act as an effective unit. Triathlon returned when the Avengers tracked Pagan to the headquarters of the Triune Understanding and a fight with both Pagan and Lord Templar broke out that left the Avengers looking bad, thanks to the Triune’s leader. The Wrecking Crew and Arkon factored into a trilogy that included guest spots from Warbird, Photon, Black Knight, Wasp and Giant Man and resulted in a serious injury for Justice. Ultron returned and abducted Hank Pym and Grim Reaper. A robotic attack on a New York plant owned by the Black Panther brought the Avengers into conflict with Alkhema, one of Ultron’s “brides” who sought to deprive Ultron of the pleasure of killing the team himself. The team was caught short to learn that Ultron had invaded the Baltic country of Slorenia and killed every living thing within its borders. Ultron kidnapped more Avengers and plotted to use their brain patterns as the basis for a new robotic race. A fierce battle with Ultron came to a dramatic ending and a turning point for both Hank and Justice.
The Kurt Busiek/George Perez team continued to hit new heights. Busiek made good use of the concept of the Avengers’ celebrity being a two-edged blade. The Triune Understanding was a knowing wink at certain other celebrity-linked philosophical movements that added interest to Triathlon. And the Ultron saga was one of the best featuring the robotic villain. It made full use of his destructive potential; the slaughter in Slorenia was a truly dark departure. The interpersonal drama continued to work and everything gelled. Veteran Jerry Ordway stepped in as writer/artist for the Wrecking Crew trilogy and did a fine job with his classic approach. The winning streak of the reborn Avengers continued and brought the decade to a strong finish. This is a vital collection for fans.
A version of this review originally appeared on www.thunderalleybcp.com
September 15, 2017
I was expecting a lot more from this second volume of Avengers Assemble. While it's true that it contains a very good Ultron arc where the Avengers have to face a deadly foe who has no qualms about destroying full nations to increase his power and it forces them to accept and deal with their responsibility in creating Ultron, the heroes bounce back as soon as the big battle is over. There is no trace left of their internal struggles. The MCU is doing this far better. Apparently resolution seems to be a big problem for Busiek, since Vision's concerns about his own humanity, identity and uniqueness are quite valid and well-handled, but his fight against Wonderman is just childish and a bit stupid, to be honest.
And then there are the issues with the Wrecking Crew. They are very bad - I almost have no words. As a simple as the very first Avengers issues, but with none of the charm. I can't believe I read them with my own two eyes. If you are interested in this, skip these issues and get directly to Ultron.
And then there are the issues with the Wrecking Crew. They are very bad - I almost have no words. As a simple as the very first Avengers issues, but with none of the charm. I can't believe I read them with my own two eyes. If you are interested in this, skip these issues and get directly to Ultron.
April 21, 2013
Good, 'proper', Avengers fun, with strong interpersonal dynamics, distinct and unique voices, a combination of individual storylines and group threats, and of course, wham-bam fight action that occurs as the result of narrative build-up and doesn't just exist for the sake of padding out a few pages.
If you were looking for a 'How-To' guide for writing a super-team comic book, this would come close to being the one. Busiek deftly handles a variety of discreet personalities and motivations, and clearly shows the reader the purpose of a super-team: the element of putting aside one's private troubles to unite in the face of a greater danger is displayed to perfection. George Perez's art is the perfect accompaniment: clean, focussed, and equally adept at conveying small, quiet moments, or complicated multi-character battle scenes.
The Avengers has long been one of my favourite comic books, and certainly my favourite team book, even during a number of long, low periods. This collection is a reminder that when it is good, it is a stripe above any other team title on the shelves.
If you were looking for a 'How-To' guide for writing a super-team comic book, this would come close to being the one. Busiek deftly handles a variety of discreet personalities and motivations, and clearly shows the reader the purpose of a super-team: the element of putting aside one's private troubles to unite in the face of a greater danger is displayed to perfection. George Perez's art is the perfect accompaniment: clean, focussed, and equally adept at conveying small, quiet moments, or complicated multi-character battle scenes.
The Avengers has long been one of my favourite comic books, and certainly my favourite team book, even during a number of long, low periods. This collection is a reminder that when it is good, it is a stripe above any other team title on the shelves.
January 6, 2009
To be honest, a lot of this volume is in the "forgettable" or "just okay" spectrum of this run. Busiek's opening crossover with Thunderbolts is okay, but there's some wobbly decision-making involving moving Hawkeye over to that team. And the less said about the plodding Jerry Ordway written/drawn Wrecking Crew vs. Arkon story, the better.
However, it closes out with one of the best Ultron stories ever, at least until Annihilation Conquest came along. Ultron is creepy, powerful and scary, and the story managed to include darker, realistic elements like a countrywide slaughter by robots without losing its fun, action-packed superhero tone.
However, it closes out with one of the best Ultron stories ever, at least until Annihilation Conquest came along. Ultron is creepy, powerful and scary, and the story managed to include darker, realistic elements like a countrywide slaughter by robots without losing its fun, action-packed superhero tone.
January 19, 2023
Busiek continues his brilliant Avengers run. Great stories with great character development and art. This collection contains the following:
#12 - The Avengers team up with the Thunderbolts, led by Hawkeye. Busiek wrote both series at the time, so it's cool seeing these 2 teams together.
#13 - The New Warriors guest star and the Avengers face Lord Templar, a villain who will continue making appearances in this run going forward as his mystery unfoldds. The Scarlet Witch also moves into more of a leadership role.
#14 - Very fun issue. The Beast arrives to hang out with his best buddy: Wonder-Man. Beast, Wonder Man and Scarlet Witch have a night on the town and we are introduced to another mysterious villain named Pagan. Like Templar, he will also appear throughout this run as his mystery unfolds.
#15 - Triathlon returns as the Avengers fight both Lord Templar and Pagan. The Triune Understanding is also introduced, which is a cult-like group that seem to have a sinister motive.
#16-18 - Gerry Ordway fills in for writing duties temporarily. It's an okay story involving the Wrecking Crew and Arkon.
#0, 19-22 - The highlight of this collection, and one of the best Ultron stories ever written. Ultron seems unbeatable in this story due to recreating himself out of adamantium, as well as creating many other Ultrons. There are some great moments in this story with the Avengers facing impossible odds.
In the Ultron story, we also get some great character development with Hank Pym and Janet van Dyne, who have gotten their relationship back together during this run. Hank finally seems to overcome his complex over Ultron, and Janet also confronts how she wasn't a very good partner for Hank in the past. Namely, she fact that she always tried to change who he was. Then when he had his mental breakdown and literally thought he was a different person, Janet took advantage of his breakdown and married him, ensuring that Pym felt that she never accepted him as himself, and that she preferred him when he was someone else who was more outgoing and reckless. Obviously Hank didn't treat Janet that great either, but it's good to see that the Wasp realizes that she was also toxic. Great character growth for both of them.
This collection also contains the 1999 Annual and an introduction by Gerry Ordway.
#12 - The Avengers team up with the Thunderbolts, led by Hawkeye. Busiek wrote both series at the time, so it's cool seeing these 2 teams together.
#13 - The New Warriors guest star and the Avengers face Lord Templar, a villain who will continue making appearances in this run going forward as his mystery unfoldds. The Scarlet Witch also moves into more of a leadership role.
#14 - Very fun issue. The Beast arrives to hang out with his best buddy: Wonder-Man. Beast, Wonder Man and Scarlet Witch have a night on the town and we are introduced to another mysterious villain named Pagan. Like Templar, he will also appear throughout this run as his mystery unfolds.
#15 - Triathlon returns as the Avengers fight both Lord Templar and Pagan. The Triune Understanding is also introduced, which is a cult-like group that seem to have a sinister motive.
#16-18 - Gerry Ordway fills in for writing duties temporarily. It's an okay story involving the Wrecking Crew and Arkon.
#0, 19-22 - The highlight of this collection, and one of the best Ultron stories ever written. Ultron seems unbeatable in this story due to recreating himself out of adamantium, as well as creating many other Ultrons. There are some great moments in this story with the Avengers facing impossible odds.
In the Ultron story, we also get some great character development with Hank Pym and Janet van Dyne, who have gotten their relationship back together during this run. Hank finally seems to overcome his complex over Ultron, and Janet also confronts how she wasn't a very good partner for Hank in the past. Namely, she fact that she always tried to change who he was. Then when he had his mental breakdown and literally thought he was a different person, Janet took advantage of his breakdown and married him, ensuring that Pym felt that she never accepted him as himself, and that she preferred him when he was someone else who was more outgoing and reckless. Obviously Hank didn't treat Janet that great either, but it's good to see that the Wasp realizes that she was also toxic. Great character growth for both of them.
This collection also contains the 1999 Annual and an introduction by Gerry Ordway.
September 15, 2021
Nie ma to jak po lekturze drugiego tomu zweryfikować ocenę i podnieść ją o jedno oczko... Bo tak zrobiłem z pierwszym tomem Avengers Assemble. Uzasadniam to ponownym przeczytaniem tytułu i faktem, iż jest zwyczajnie lepszą pozycją od drugiego tomu, który być może zły nie jest. Jest za to męczący. Busiek to tytan komiksu. Nazwisko legendy, jaka miała niebagatelny wpływ na to medium.
Tyle, że całość już się zestarzała, co widać zwłaszcza po zalewie dialogów, które czasami są fajne, ale w głównej mierze nudzą. Na tyle mocno, iż nie wiedziałem czy zdołam ukończyć ten tom. Ale początek jest świetny. Brak sygnału od Hawkeye'a. Cap zwołuje drużynę i rusza na ratunek, bo zaginionego Mściciela było widać w towarzystwie Thunderbolts. Potyczka jest zaskakująca dobra, a jej efekt może zaskoczyć fanów grupy.
Dalej mamy tu całą masę potyczek. Jest Dominex. Jest Lord Templar. Jest Pagan. Pod koniec dorzucili tu nawet Ultrona, który zmasakrował mieszkańców fikcyjnego państewka Slorenia i trzeba mu ten metalowy tyłek przetrzepać. Busiek lubi także komplikować życie swoim bohaterom, co widać po relacji Wasp i Giant-Man, a zwłaszcza po trójkącie miłosnym Wanda/Vision/Simon. Szkoda tylko, że zaczyna się to ciągnąć jakby była to jakaś Dynastia albo Moda na sukces...
Drugi tom jest nieco gorszy od swojego poprzednika. Celowo nie odnoszę się do warstwy wizualnej, bo choć się zestarzała to ma specyficzny klimat i trochę pachnie naftaliną jak na przełom XX i XXI wieku. Niemniej podchodzę do tego jak historyk do zabytku. Ciekawi mnie, zasługuje na szacunek, bo w końcu to przecierało szlaki następnemu pokoleniu. Warto zobaczyć dla samej ciekawości.
Tyle, że całość już się zestarzała, co widać zwłaszcza po zalewie dialogów, które czasami są fajne, ale w głównej mierze nudzą. Na tyle mocno, iż nie wiedziałem czy zdołam ukończyć ten tom. Ale początek jest świetny. Brak sygnału od Hawkeye'a. Cap zwołuje drużynę i rusza na ratunek, bo zaginionego Mściciela było widać w towarzystwie Thunderbolts. Potyczka jest zaskakująca dobra, a jej efekt może zaskoczyć fanów grupy.
Dalej mamy tu całą masę potyczek. Jest Dominex. Jest Lord Templar. Jest Pagan. Pod koniec dorzucili tu nawet Ultrona, który zmasakrował mieszkańców fikcyjnego państewka Slorenia i trzeba mu ten metalowy tyłek przetrzepać. Busiek lubi także komplikować życie swoim bohaterom, co widać po relacji Wasp i Giant-Man, a zwłaszcza po trójkącie miłosnym Wanda/Vision/Simon. Szkoda tylko, że zaczyna się to ciągnąć jakby była to jakaś Dynastia albo Moda na sukces...
Drugi tom jest nieco gorszy od swojego poprzednika. Celowo nie odnoszę się do warstwy wizualnej, bo choć się zestarzała to ma specyficzny klimat i trochę pachnie naftaliną jak na przełom XX i XXI wieku. Niemniej podchodzę do tego jak historyk do zabytku. Ciekawi mnie, zasługuje na szacunek, bo w końcu to przecierało szlaki następnemu pokoleniu. Warto zobaczyć dla samej ciekawości.
July 23, 2017
These popped up cheap for Kindle a while ago, and I grabbed the whole series. Busiek's run on Avengers is a favorite, but I haven't sat with this particular set of issues since their initial release.
In this second volume, it feels like Busiek's finally starting to put a mark on the stories, instead of writing a perpetual fan letter to the Roger Stern Avengers of the 70's.
The real fun in this volume comes in the Ultron story. It took twenty issues and and Ordway fill in story, but this is where Busiek and Perez hit their stride. re reading the story now, and being used to the way Marvel has told stories in the Bendis era, it made me feel like they could have taken another issue or two to give the Ultron story room to breathe. There's a lot happening here in a short amount of time....a bit of 90's storytelling creeping into the mix
still, a well done story, and a favorite.
In this second volume, it feels like Busiek's finally starting to put a mark on the stories, instead of writing a perpetual fan letter to the Roger Stern Avengers of the 70's.
The real fun in this volume comes in the Ultron story. It took twenty issues and and Ordway fill in story, but this is where Busiek and Perez hit their stride. re reading the story now, and being used to the way Marvel has told stories in the Bendis era, it made me feel like they could have taken another issue or two to give the Ultron story room to breathe. There's a lot happening here in a short amount of time....a bit of 90's storytelling creeping into the mix
still, a well done story, and a favorite.
January 27, 2020
I mainly purchased this book for the Ultron Unlimited story, which to me is the best Avengers story. The other stories included in this book are fun & good. I would recommend this book just for the Ultron Unlimited (UU) alone, unless you can obtain the UU story alone. The other stories were good enough to not make it a wasted purchase.
I was never really to big into the Avengers, but i became interested in Ultron Unlimited due to Black Panther's involvement. To me, UU embodied all the excitement that one would get out of an Avengers MCU movie. Too bad Age of Ultron was not as good as the original source material.
I was never really to big into the Avengers, but i became interested in Ultron Unlimited due to Black Panther's involvement. To me, UU embodied all the excitement that one would get out of an Avengers MCU movie. Too bad Age of Ultron was not as good as the original source material.
September 28, 2021
OK, so outside of containing THE Ultron storyline, there is a lot of miss in here and it outweighs the good (don't really care that much about Ultron, really, but it is cool when Thor says mean stuff to him).
September 8, 2018
While this volume has some fill in issues, which are good but not great, it also contains the Ultron epic, the best Ultron story that has ever been done.
December 9, 2018
This comic is very fantastic.
April 29, 2020
this series gets better and better, but the ultron unlimited story arc was DEFINITELY a highlight
January 28, 2021
Bellissime storie degli avengers. Disegni di Perez sempre di gran valore.
February 14, 2022
Overall fun read Liked the Ultron stuff it was cool
Black panther in it was neat
Black panther in it was neat
February 24, 2017
This had a LOT of prologue and took a lot of building up but the conclusion, to me at least, was worth it. The Ultron arc at the volume's end was excellent. Really pushed the characters to their limits and had some shockingly dark ideas built in. I thought the horror of and revulsion at Slorenia could have been stronger (à la Paris in Fear Itself) but overall the Ultron arc was superb. It took a little while to get there but it was, as far as I'm concerned, worth it.
January 19, 2023
Busiek continues his brilliant Avengers run. Great stories with great character development and art. This collection contains the following:
#12 - The Avengers team up with the Thunderbolts, led by Hawkeye. Busiek wrote both series at the time, so it's cool seeing these 2 teams together.
#13 - The New Warriors guest star and the Avengers face Lord Templar, a villain who will continue making appearances in this run going forward as his mystery unfoldds. The Scarlet Witch also moves into more of a leadership role.
#14 - Very fun issue. The Beast arrives to hang out with his best buddy: Wonder-Man. Beast, Wonder Man and Scarlet Witch have a night on the town and we are introduced to another mysterious villain named Pagan. Like Templar, he will also appear throughout this run as his mystery unfolds.
#15 - Triathlon returns as the Avengers fight both Lord Templar and Pagan. The Triune Understanding is also introduced, which is a cult-like group that seem to have a sinister motive.
#16-18 - Gerry Ordway fills in for writing duties temporarily. It's an okay story involving the Wrecking Crew and Arkon.
#0, 19-22 - The highlight of this collection, and one of the best Ultron stories ever written. Ultron seems unbeatable in this story due to recreating himself out of adamantium, as well as creating many other Ultrons. There are some great moments in this story with the Avengers facing impossible odds.
In the Ultron story, we also get some great character development with Hank Pym and Janet van Dyne, who have gotten their relationship back together during this run. Hank finally seems to overcome his complex over Ultron, and Janet also confronts how she wasn't a very good partner for Hank in the past. Namely, she fact that she always tried to change who he was. Then when he had his mental breakdown and literally thought he was a different person, Janet took advantage of his breakdown and married him, ensuring that Pym felt that she never accepted him as himself, and that she preferred him when he was someone else who was more outgoing and reckless. Obviously Hank didn't treat Janet that great either, but it's good to see that the Wasp realizes that she was also toxic. Great character growth for both of them.
This collection also contains the 1999 Annual and an introduction by Gerry Ordway.
#12 - The Avengers team up with the Thunderbolts, led by Hawkeye. Busiek wrote both series at the time, so it's cool seeing these 2 teams together.
#13 - The New Warriors guest star and the Avengers face Lord Templar, a villain who will continue making appearances in this run going forward as his mystery unfoldds. The Scarlet Witch also moves into more of a leadership role.
#14 - Very fun issue. The Beast arrives to hang out with his best buddy: Wonder-Man. Beast, Wonder Man and Scarlet Witch have a night on the town and we are introduced to another mysterious villain named Pagan. Like Templar, he will also appear throughout this run as his mystery unfolds.
#15 - Triathlon returns as the Avengers fight both Lord Templar and Pagan. The Triune Understanding is also introduced, which is a cult-like group that seem to have a sinister motive.
#16-18 - Gerry Ordway fills in for writing duties temporarily. It's an okay story involving the Wrecking Crew and Arkon.
#0, 19-22 - The highlight of this collection, and one of the best Ultron stories ever written. Ultron seems unbeatable in this story due to recreating himself out of adamantium, as well as creating many other Ultrons. There are some great moments in this story with the Avengers facing impossible odds.
In the Ultron story, we also get some great character development with Hank Pym and Janet van Dyne, who have gotten their relationship back together during this run. Hank finally seems to overcome his complex over Ultron, and Janet also confronts how she wasn't a very good partner for Hank in the past. Namely, she fact that she always tried to change who he was. Then when he had his mental breakdown and literally thought he was a different person, Janet took advantage of his breakdown and married him, ensuring that Pym felt that she never accepted him as himself, and that she preferred him when he was someone else who was more outgoing and reckless. Obviously Hank didn't treat Janet that great either, but it's good to see that the Wasp realizes that she was also toxic. Great character growth for both of them.
This collection also contains the 1999 Annual and an introduction by Gerry Ordway.
September 17, 2012
Kurt Busiek has long been one of my favorite writers, and his run on Avengers is a good example of his work. He excels at pulling out the humanity in the characters, hero, villain or supporting cast, and showing them as being real beings with flaws, ambitions, skills, and everything else that makes somebody a complete being. However, while he excels at bringing out the humanity in characters he doesn't forget that the book is a super hero story, and as such need super heroics. Too many others focus on the humanity and forget the reason for the characters, and turn a perfectly good story into nothing more than a soap opera. Busiek finds the balance between the two, and the result is a rousing story that ropes you in on multiple levels, and before you know it you are emotionally invested in the story.
This volume was certainly no exception. I originally read the first few parts of the story in single issue format, but had been unable to complete the story. Finding this collection was fantastic, and provided me with the means to finally finish the story, and to read more of Busiek's work. Unfortunately, that prior exposure to the early parts of the story almost caused me to set the volume aside. The story was too familiar, even after all the years since I last read what few parts I had of it, and I was afraid that the entire volume was going to be old news to me. I am glad that I persevered and continued because I quickly found new material and an engaging story. I now find myself eagerly anticipating getting my hands on the next volume, and I am none too patient in my waiting.
This volume was certainly no exception. I originally read the first few parts of the story in single issue format, but had been unable to complete the story. Finding this collection was fantastic, and provided me with the means to finally finish the story, and to read more of Busiek's work. Unfortunately, that prior exposure to the early parts of the story almost caused me to set the volume aside. The story was too familiar, even after all the years since I last read what few parts I had of it, and I was afraid that the entire volume was going to be old news to me. I am glad that I persevered and continued because I quickly found new material and an engaging story. I now find myself eagerly anticipating getting my hands on the next volume, and I am none too patient in my waiting.
August 28, 2014
An improvement over Busiek's first volume. This one starts much the same, with shouting 90s villains in skull-and-chain bedecked outfits as well as a pretty formulaic trip to Arkon's warrior world of Polemachus, which once again needs Earth's heroes to rescue it from turmoil.
After that, though, we move into a good--and horrific--Ultron story, which has the robot madman depopulating a made-up Eastern European nation in his bid to convert Earth to a robot utopia. Ultron is ruthless, and the Avengers adopt a suitably serious tone is response, which gives the series a sense of gravity it hasn't quite had to this point. Sure, they end up smashing their way through hundreds of Ultrons a little too easily, but it's still engaging and feels meaningful.
After that there's a poignant single issue where Vision and Wonder Man scrap over the android's discomfort over being a copy of the actual man. This also has some nice dialogue and a solid resolution as Wonder Man reveals that he envies the Vision's blank slate in light of his own mistakes. A nice moment.
Busiek continues to bring New Warriors Firestorm and Justice into the Avengers fold throughout. He overplays the latter's nervousness but ends up offering a decent redemptive moment. By the end of the volume Busiek seems to have shifted to more of a naturalistic, character-based approach. I look forward to seeing what comes next.
Read digital issues
After that, though, we move into a good--and horrific--Ultron story, which has the robot madman depopulating a made-up Eastern European nation in his bid to convert Earth to a robot utopia. Ultron is ruthless, and the Avengers adopt a suitably serious tone is response, which gives the series a sense of gravity it hasn't quite had to this point. Sure, they end up smashing their way through hundreds of Ultrons a little too easily, but it's still engaging and feels meaningful.
After that there's a poignant single issue where Vision and Wonder Man scrap over the android's discomfort over being a copy of the actual man. This also has some nice dialogue and a solid resolution as Wonder Man reveals that he envies the Vision's blank slate in light of his own mistakes. A nice moment.
Busiek continues to bring New Warriors Firestorm and Justice into the Avengers fold throughout. He overplays the latter's nervousness but ends up offering a decent redemptive moment. By the end of the volume Busiek seems to have shifted to more of a naturalistic, character-based approach. I look forward to seeing what comes next.
Read digital issues
January 17, 2021
This book collects 12-23, #0 Annual '99 and Avengers Rough Cut with primary writing by Kurt Busiek and Art by George Perez.
There's a lot that happens here including a battle/team-up with the Thunderbirds, a storyline involving Lord Templar, and a cult that's being protected by Triathlon. as well as a guest written story that features the Wrecking Crew and the return of Captain Marvel (Monica Rambeau) and Ms. Marvel (Carol Danvers.) and also a fight with Ultron.
Some of the highlights for me would be the Ultron story, which is actually very well-told and unlike some later ones didn't go on for too long and also the Annual which focused on Jarvis' activities during Ultron. There were a couple big ongoing storylines: First, was Justice's efforts to prove himself to the Avengers as someone who had looked up to them as heroes and to move on being starstruck. There's also continual tension between Wonder Man and Vision over Scarlet Witch which continually is hinted at but only comes to the surface towards the end of the book.
I did think the Thunderbolts issue went on a bit long and felt more like it was trying to promote the Hawkeye-led Thunderbolts. That did cause the book to start a bit slow, but it definitely picks up towards the end.
Overall, this is another great volume and I look forward to reading the next.
There's a lot that happens here including a battle/team-up with the Thunderbirds, a storyline involving Lord Templar, and a cult that's being protected by Triathlon. as well as a guest written story that features the Wrecking Crew and the return of Captain Marvel (Monica Rambeau) and Ms. Marvel (Carol Danvers.) and also a fight with Ultron.
Some of the highlights for me would be the Ultron story, which is actually very well-told and unlike some later ones didn't go on for too long and also the Annual which focused on Jarvis' activities during Ultron. There were a couple big ongoing storylines: First, was Justice's efforts to prove himself to the Avengers as someone who had looked up to them as heroes and to move on being starstruck. There's also continual tension between Wonder Man and Vision over Scarlet Witch which continually is hinted at but only comes to the surface towards the end of the book.
I did think the Thunderbolts issue went on a bit long and felt more like it was trying to promote the Hawkeye-led Thunderbolts. That did cause the book to start a bit slow, but it definitely picks up towards the end.
Overall, this is another great volume and I look forward to reading the next.
August 6, 2017
One of my favorite eras of the Avengers, the installments here with Kurt Busiek and George Perez at the tops of their game are marvelous, both the cross-over with the Thunderbolts and the "ultimate" Ultron tale -- with the continued plotting of the Triune Understanding in the background feeling a bit contrived, but still enjoyable.
Busiek is busy doing something interesting with every Avenger here, character-wise, including bits that won't pay off for many, many months. Perez, in turn, takes general stage directions from Busiek and turns them into gorgeous, busy, dynamic art, adding his own spin to each individual. Triffic stuff.
This collection falters a bit when Jerry Ordway takes the reins with the Wrecking Crew and Arkon -- both old school villains/characters that, like Ordway's scripting and art, never rise from their 60s/70s sensibilities. (It would have been interesting to see both Busiek and Perez' take on those tales).
I'd give the B/P sections (the majority here, including a script breakdown of Issue #1) 4.5 stars, and Ordway 2 -- with a net 4 for the collection as a whole.
Busiek is busy doing something interesting with every Avenger here, character-wise, including bits that won't pay off for many, many months. Perez, in turn, takes general stage directions from Busiek and turns them into gorgeous, busy, dynamic art, adding his own spin to each individual. Triffic stuff.
This collection falters a bit when Jerry Ordway takes the reins with the Wrecking Crew and Arkon -- both old school villains/characters that, like Ordway's scripting and art, never rise from their 60s/70s sensibilities. (It would have been interesting to see both Busiek and Perez' take on those tales).
I'd give the B/P sections (the majority here, including a script breakdown of Issue #1) 4.5 stars, and Ordway 2 -- with a net 4 for the collection as a whole.
September 21, 2024
The second volume of Busiek and Perez's Avengers starts off much like the first - focused on what seems like setup for later, and team dynamics. Then we hit the Ultron Unlimited storyline, and things really get good. (One of the best Avengers stories, and possibly the best Ultron story.) The volume also includes some interesting side stories by other authors, including John Francis Moore's account of what happened while the original Avengers were thought to be dead, and a two-parter by Jerry Ordway featuring the Wrecking Crew. On the other hand, the volume concludes with content from a Wizard Avengers special, and Avengers #1 Rough Cut (basically the first issue in sketch form) - which are nice to have archived, but feel like filler. Still, overall this is a good collection, with the Ultron story alone making this well worth picking up. (A-)
May 28, 2023
Wow. This was quite the epic compilation, mainly because of the Ultron story included here, which is one of the most intense Avengers adventures I've ever read.
As evil as Ultron can be based on his core concept, the way Busiek used this history to shape this story took things to a whole other level. It almost feels like a miracle that the team managed to find a way to deal with him as a threat as Ultron's relentless nature was really leveraged effectively to make him quite the villain.
We also got a great moment between the Vision and Wonder Man to better unpack their inherent baggage as characters. There's still more to this side of the story, but the way things are being handled so far really demonstrates a strong appreciation for character development.
As evil as Ultron can be based on his core concept, the way Busiek used this history to shape this story took things to a whole other level. It almost feels like a miracle that the team managed to find a way to deal with him as a threat as Ultron's relentless nature was really leveraged effectively to make him quite the villain.
We also got a great moment between the Vision and Wonder Man to better unpack their inherent baggage as characters. There's still more to this side of the story, but the way things are being handled so far really demonstrates a strong appreciation for character development.
August 1, 2012
Probably would have gotten 5 stars if not for the terrible fill-in issues by Jerry Ordway halfway through the book, which were basically directionless and threw together a load of random characters for no reason. This volume also contains Ultron Unlimited, which is the best Ultron story I've ever read, as well as the continuing adventures of everyone's favourite dysfunctional couple, Vision and Scarlet Witch. A great collection of great stories, just a little blip in the middle that prevents it from being perfect.
March 11, 2014
Perché 4 stelle e non 5?
Solo perché alcune storie non sono di Perez, ma di Ordway, che è bravo ma non eccezionale.
In questa raccolta vi è anche l'annual disegnato da Leonardo Manco, che a me piace parecchio ma trovo poco adatto alle storie classiche di super eroi mentre è perfetto per storie a tinte cupe, horror, realistiche e western. Ma questa raccolta contiene anche il ciclo Ultron Unlimited, quindi se non lo avete già letto, non potete perdervela.
Solo perché alcune storie non sono di Perez, ma di Ordway, che è bravo ma non eccezionale.
In questa raccolta vi è anche l'annual disegnato da Leonardo Manco, che a me piace parecchio ma trovo poco adatto alle storie classiche di super eroi mentre è perfetto per storie a tinte cupe, horror, realistiche e western. Ma questa raccolta contiene anche il ciclo Ultron Unlimited, quindi se non lo avete già letto, non potete perdervela.
January 13, 2026
Dobra kontynuacja serii. 4 zeszyty o walce z Ultronem najlepsze. Fajny annual orbitujący wokół Jarvisa. Początek dłuższego wątku z sektą Triune.
Zeszyty w antologii:
Avengers (Vol. 3) #12
Avengers 1999 #1
Avengers (Vol. 3) #13
Avengers (Vol. 3) #14
Avengers (Vol. 3) #15
Avengers (Vol. 3) #16
Avengers (Vol. 3) #17
Avengers (Vol. 3) #18
Avengers (Vol. 3) #0
Avengers (Vol. 3) #19
Avengers (Vol. 3) #20
Avengers (Vol. 3) #21
Avengers (Vol. 3) #22
Avengers (Vol. 3) #23
Zeszyty w antologii:
Avengers (Vol. 3) #12
Avengers 1999 #1
Avengers (Vol. 3) #13
Avengers (Vol. 3) #14
Avengers (Vol. 3) #15
Avengers (Vol. 3) #16
Avengers (Vol. 3) #17
Avengers (Vol. 3) #18
Avengers (Vol. 3) #0
Avengers (Vol. 3) #19
Avengers (Vol. 3) #20
Avengers (Vol. 3) #21
Avengers (Vol. 3) #22
Avengers (Vol. 3) #23
September 13, 2021
This volume contains several excellent arcs, but it is the Ulteon Unlimited arc that cements this for me. Busiek & Perez once again do not disappoint.
The story reaches a high point with a redeeming moment for Hank Pym. Excellent use of Thor, Black Panthef, and very good growth for Firestar, who was a charactef I simply never expected much out of.
From start to finish I loved this volume.
The story reaches a high point with a redeeming moment for Hank Pym. Excellent use of Thor, Black Panthef, and very good growth for Firestar, who was a charactef I simply never expected much out of.
From start to finish I loved this volume.
July 28, 2022
FINALLY done with this one. was almost a DNF. avengers comics specifically are so cookie cutter that it's hard to enjoy them. there were a couple good issues in there, justice and firestar were good, and THAT LAST ISSUE with jarvis was amazing. but it's hard to make it through all the same old same old just to get to the actual good nuggets. gonna be taking a break from marvel for a bit methinks
May 16, 2012
Another big volume. Some nice character moments in this that seem to be more important than the baddies to me. There's Ultron, and that is a good storyline. I also like the introduction of Firestar and Justice to the team. A good read.
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