With the success of the Fantastic Four, team comics became big business. While one attempt to replicate this attempt, The X-Men, would prove unpopular at the time, another title became huge. This was The Avengers, and it would bring together many Marvel heroes from other, mainly anthology titles.
Unlike other team books of the decade, The Avenger's roster moved quickly. By issue four they had welcomed golden age star Captain America into their ranks. By issue 16, he would be the team leader and start again with a whole new roster.
Many of the characters and stories introduced in this decade would endure the test of time. They would come to form the basis not just of the Avengers, but much of the Marvel Universe. The covers, many of which were created by artist Jack Kirby, would quickly become iconic and still hold a special place in the hearts of the fandom.
10 Captain America Joins The Avengers
The first three issues had established a squad from across the Marvel universe. However, issue 4 would truly assemble them. This issue saw the introduction of Captain America. He would be revived from his cryogenic state after an absence from comics since the golden age.
The issue itself does not slow for one minute. Captain America's body is first discovered by Namor, fresh from a recent battle with The Hulk. Once revived by The Avengers, Captain America sets off on an adventure to find his hotel. This leads him into contact with Rick Jones and an alien race. The issue culminates in a huge battle, in which the Avengers finally offer Captain America a place on the team.
9 The Coming Of The Avengers
The cover to the first issue is a huge technicolor feast, inviting readers to take a gamble on the new title. It features the core members, advancing on Loki who has his back turned to the viewer. While these characters had featured in other titles before, it was the first time they were brought together under one banner.
Loki is responsible for the heroes assembling when he tries to trick The Hulk. A distress signal sent by Rick Jones is intercepted by Iron Man, Ant-Man, and The Wasp. When Thor arrives for his wayward brother and sees him off, the team assembles as The Avengers and the rest becomes history.
8 Behold...The Vision!
While many covers had opted for primary color explosions, this cover by John Buscema went in the opposite direction. It used deep reds and black to add drama to a brand new character in the franchise. That character was an android known as The Vision.
The son of Ultron, Vision was supposed to lead the team into a trap. However, he overcomes his programming and saves them from the machinations of his creator. The Vision would become a longstanding member of the team and a fan favorite. Despite undergoing many changes, his storylines would always follow the ideas set up in this issue, his search for his humanity.
7 The Old Order Changeth
Despite being together for only 15 issues, the team would undergo huge change with this comic. Thor returns to Asgard, and The Wasp leaves the team due to mental strain. When Iron Man and Giant-Man follow, it seems that the team is over.
That is until former enemy Hawkeye arrives, asking to start a new life as a member. Captain America's televised recruitment drive attracts the attention of two more former criminals. These are Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch, former members of The Brotherhood of Evil Mutants. The issue is important not just because of the new team itself, but because it established the theme of redemption. This would run throughout the core of all Avengers stories to come.
6 In Our Midst...An Immortal!
Issue 38 would bring in another new team member, Hercules. Under the influence of a love potion administered by the Enchantress, Hercules is sent to defeat The Avengers. After a short tussle, he is brought back to sound mind.
Upon returning to Mount Olympus, he finds he has been exiled by Zeus. This leaves him at the mercy of the Avengers, who kindly welcome him back to the mansion as a guest. Hercules would become a fan favorite and well-loved character. Though he would often play second place to Thor, his jovial nature and zest for life have made him a welcome addition to any Avengers roster.
5 Betrayal!
The cover of issue 66 features an excellent perspective shot from a downward view. It hovers above the staircase of Avengers Mansion, as Clint Barton in his Goliath attire reaches up and the rest of the team takes action. The object of all The Avengers scorn is The Vision.
This issue sees Vision steal an adamantium cylinder from the S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier. He uses it to rebuild his father, Ultron. The issue is notable as it was the first appearance of the fictional metal in the Marvel universe. It also heralded the return of Thor and Iron Man to the team after an extended absence.
4 Till Death Do Us Part
If the cover of this issue looked wild, then the storyline was even more so. The issue features the wedding of Wasp and Yellowjacket, who had just admitted to killing Goliath. Inexplicably, only Hawkeye seems mad at this revelation. The mania starts right there.
Despite the Fantastic Four organizing flowers, and the Circus of Crime as the catering staff, Wasp is still surprised how her day turns out. Luckily, Yellowjacket finishes the issue by admitting Goliath's death was a schizophrenia indued lie. At which point, everything seems to return to normal.
3 The Coming Of The Wonderman
Wonderman would only get one outing in the sixties, until his revival in issue 151. Simon Williams was arrested for taking money and blamed Tony Stark. This led to a plot in which The Masters of Evil contacted him and gave him powers, to fight alongside them.
They would have won, had it not been for a change of heart from Wonderman who saved The Avengers themself. He served a heroic death, dying from poison administered by Baron Zemo. When he would later be revived, he would become an integral member of the team and a main member of the West Coast Squad.
2 In Battle Joined
Long before the huge crossover event of Avengers vs X-Men, smaller scuffles had happened between the two teams. This was the first and featured a paired-down Avengers squad against the original X-Men. It is a continuation of a story from X-Men issue 45.
The story centers around some confusion when Quicksilver rejoins the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants. Unbeknownst to The Avengers, they attack Cyclops who is facing off against him. The issue ends in defeat for Magneto and seeming death. The story would use Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch as a bridge between the world of mutants and Avengers, a recurring theme for years to come.
1 The Black Knight Lives Again
The Black Knight had been a former foe of The Avengers. He was a member of The Masters of Evil and had used his high-tech weaponry and flying horse to attack them. It should have then came as no surprise when he arrived once more and was attacked immediately.
This time, the man in the outfit was Dane Whitman. Nephew of the original Black Knight, he had decided to use his uncle's weaponry for good. He would become an ally of the team and later become a full-time member.
0 Comments