Released on August 10, 1971
The "big" names in these first three issues that seem to set-up the "Kree/Skrull War" story line are The Wasp, The Vision, Quicksilver, Rick Jones, Yellow Jacket, The Scarlet Witch, and Goliath. Yellow Jacket is Henry Pym, who's son is Hank Pym and Ant-Man these days. Goliath is Clint Barton, who is Hawkeye these days. Still, it got me wondering if The Avengers back in the glory days was always a ragtag bunch of lesser characters. I thought the whole point of the book was to create a super-group of the who's-who of Marveldom. I think it was...because I looked ahead and Thor, Captain America, and Iron-Man are on the cover of #92. But, honestly, the way comic books were written back then, I could easily get into a comic book with these B-characters. Comic books had a lot of exposition, explanation, and dialogue back then. While on the surface they seemed simple, the stories going on were actually pretty complex, narrative focused, and heavy on the backstory (they definitely did a good job making you want to check out previous issues or other books that tied in to the story...but wasn't it impossible to get back issues or find out what happened back then when comic book stores and the internet didn't exist?). This famous "Kree/Skrull War" story takes place from #89 to #97...but these first three issues are pretty much just a prelude. We do finally get the Skrulls in this issue, but only in a fleeting glimpse when we're told the two alien races are at war somewhere far off in the galaxy. The rest of the issue is focused on this tropical island base in Antarctica where Ronan the Accuser and the Kree Sentry robot are battling the Avengers for the fate of humankind. Yellow Jacket has been turned into a caveman. Captain Marvel, The Vision, and The Scarlet Witch are tied up. That leaves Quicksilver and Rick Jones to save the day! They do. But who the fuck is Rick Jones? I just looked him up. He was Bruce Banner's assistant. And Captain America's assistant. Sounds like a lame character. The Marvel Fandom website notes that, "When Iron-Man suggested that Rick be made a full member of The Avengers, Captain America strongly opposed the idea." No shit, dude doesn't even have powers. Two issues ago he was a musician in a bar. The best thing, though, in this issue, is when The Scarlet Witch and The Vision are tied up, they slowly go in for a kiss. The Vision backs away and says, "No! It must not be!" She says, "Vision--why? Why did you--?" And he says, "Because I'm an android--a mere copy of a living being-- A thing of plastoid flesh--and synthetic blood!" This cracks up Ronan the Accuser, who says, "By the Great Nebula! They are--in love! An android--and an atom-born mutant--rejected offspring of Earthian technology--in love! This sight alone was worth my joining the Sentry here." This particular issue isn't a masterpiece or anything, but it is a fun romp. Sure, I'd probably get sick of reading these old books eventually. The old-fashioned style would probably get old after awhile. Or not. Who knows? They are considered classics for a reason. **1/2
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