Avengers #15 dives into Baron Zemo’s latest scheme to defeat the Avengers and eliminate Captain America, using his team, “The Masters of Evil.” The plan kicks off with the jailbreak of some key members, leveraging each of their talents to challenge Earth’s Mightiest Heroes. Zemo ups the stakes by kidnapping Rick Jones as bait, luring Captain America southward into a trap. This strategy effectively splits Captain America from the rest of the Avengers, leaving him to face Zemo in a fight for Rick Jones, while the other Avengers are left battling the Masters of Evil.

This issue also ties into the larger Marvel Universe with a nod to the modern Nick Fury (mentioned but not seen). Captain America writes a letter seeking employment with the espionage agent, hinting at Fury’s growing presence. While we’ve seen Fury in action in Fantastic Four, his own S.H.I.E.L.D. stories have yet to debut.

Story

The story delivers on action and suspense, leading up to a cliffhanger where the Avengers are still locked in battle with the Masters of Evil. However, the conflict between Captain America and Baron Zemo over Rick Jones is resolved.

There are a few hiccups in the plot. The most glaring one? How does Iron Man free his boots before the Melter finishes him off? We’re left without an explanation—just as Iron Man should have been left stuck.

As for Zemo’s death, it’s a pivotal moment executed in a way that fits the constraints of the Comics Code Authority. While the method is narratively satisfying, it feels underwhelming, especially considering the tension implied earlier in the issue. Captain America calls it karmic justice, but he doesn’t directly deliver the fatal blow.

Characters & Development

The issue’s most significant development is the death of Zemo and Captain America’s reaction to it. Capitan America’s final words of the issue are particularly poignant:

“You can rest easier now, Bucky—wherever you may be! Your death has been—Avenged!”

”No man can perpetrate evil without paying the price! If destiny could speak, it would say… By my hand, shall always die— A villain!”

These lines perfectly encapsulate how Captain America feels at the conclusion of this adventure. Rescuing Rick Jones allows him to find some closure for Bucky’s death, bringing a sense of justice and peace to a long-standing burden.

However, this isn’t the end of the story. The Avengers’ ongoing battle with the Masters of Evil will continue in Avengers #17, leaving readers eager for the next chapter.

Originality & Continuity

Maintaining continuity among a cast of heroes with their own stories is always a challenge. I’ll delve deeper into this next month, but this issue highlights the problem. For example, Thor’s appearance here potentially contradicts his ongoing drama off-world in Journey into Mystery. Similarly, we have the “new” Giant-Man, yet his supposedly “new” weapon is nowhere to be seen—again.

In conclusion, Avengers #15 serves up an exciting blend of action and emotional resolution, even if it stumbles in places. It sets the stage for what’s to come while delivering a pivotal moment for Captain America’s character arc.