First Look Review of Avengers #1
This is the issue where it all began…the Avengers unite in their first action packed issue and it’s all caused by Loki. Ant-Man, the Wasp, Hulk, Iron Man, and Thor form the nucleus of the team and while they don’t all start off on the same page, so to speak, they end up with Wasp christening them The Avengers.
The Coming of the Avengers!
By Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, Dick Ayers, and Sam Rosen. Published by Marvel Comics, 1963.
Loki has devised a plan to take down Thor so he sets out to lure him to his prison on Asgard. The god of mischief scans Earth for something to bring Thor to him and creates the image of a bomb on a train bridge where the Hulk can see it. Trying to destroy the bomb, the Hulk destroys the bridge but manages to save the train. The engineer who saw Hulk destroy the bridge reported it to the press and now the world is after Hulk.
Rick Jones, Hulk’s friend, knows the green guy is not evil so he sends out a call for the Fantastic Four to help get the Hulk tell his side of the story. Loki will have no interference in his plans though so he intercepts the message to the FF. Even Loki’s best laid plans don’t always work though as Iron Man, Ant-Man and the Wasp, in addition to Thor hear the call for help and they show up to assist Rick.
When they all arrive, Loki generates an image only Thor can see and the god of thunder figures out Loki is behind the trouble. This prompts Thor to zip off to Asgard to confront his brother. Fighting his way through traps and trolls, Thor catches Loki and brings him to Earth to face those he wronged.
Meanwhile, Ant-Man, Iron Man, and the Wasp find Hulk performing in a circus and Henry and Janet set a trap under the main tent. The tiny heroes are pretty formidable but Hulk doesn’t want to be captured as they fight back and forth. Escaping the big tent, Iron Man chases in pursuit. Hulk’s great leaps keep him one step ahead of Iron Man but soon he lands in an automotive factory where he turns to confront Stark. If anyone but Iron Man had been in this fight with Hulk they probably would have been killed by the big brute but Iron Man’s suit and transistors keep the battle close.
Just as things look to be headed to a final showdown between Hulk and Iron Man, Thor shows up with Loki in tow. He explains his brother’s trickery but as Hulk gets ready to pound him, the god of mischief turns radioactive. Luckily, Ant-Man is there to command his ants to trap Loki in a lead container. The 5 sure work well as a team and even though things started with everyone chasing Hulk, they decide to team up when needed and Wasp brands them The Avengers.
I think this is a pretty good audition for the team and I think they complement each other well in this issue. Sure, most of the time everyone was after the Hulk but I think there is certainly promise for a group of heroes such as this. History has certainly proven that point. In any case, I think this was a good first issue and am looking to see where things go in comic form since I know pretty well where they go once the team hits the big screen.
I give this issue a First Look Rating of a A.
This comic can be found on Marvel Unlimited, Comixology or at your local comic book shop.
Comic Corner | First Look Review of Avengers #1