This is perhaps the most important Avengers story since Avengers #4. Here, we don’t just see the addition of a new member; we witness the replacement of almost the entire team.

But more on that in a bit. First, we need to resolve the drama from the prior issue. Thor, Iron Man, Giant-Man, and the Wasp, to avoid risking civilian casualties, decide to implement “Plan D.” In other words, they use Thor’s power to create a vortex to another dimension, banishing their foes.

Once this is resolved, with a hint that some time has passed, Thor departs for an adventure continuing in Thor #116 (which I’ll be reviewing soon). Meanwhile, the rest of the team—sans Captain America, who hasn’t returned yet—decides it’s time to step down. Enter Hawkeye, a former Iron Man villain, who shows up seeking redemption and a place on the team. After some deliberation, the Avengers agree to let him join.

But one new member doesn’t make a team. So, the Avengers put out a call for other recruits. Namor rejects their invitation, but the call attracts Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch, who decide to rejoin the fold after leaving the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants.

Near the end, Captain America returns just in time to witness the exodus of the old team and the introduction of the new one.

Story Part I

Let’s break this story into two halves. The first part? It’s a dud. The conclusion of the action in the other dimension feels contrived. The use of Thor’s vortex power, while an interesting idea, is problematic. Why hasn’t he used this power in countless other situations? (Yes, it has some precedent, but still.) It’s a plot device that needs tighter limitations or a clearer explanation to avoid becoming an overused escape hatch.

Story Part II

Here, things get much better. We follow the search for new members, the gradual return of Captain America and Rick Jones, and the introduction of future Avengers. Namor’s rejection of their offer adds a nice layer, while Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch’s decision to return is a highlight. The story ends with Iron man offering advice to Captain America and the new team—track down the Hulk.

Originality & Continuity

What we have here while not directly tying into the ongoing continuity of the casts stories, we have a saving grace for Marvel at the time. There’s information online (likely true) that Marvel made this lineup change to address the challenges of juggling characters who were starring in their own series at the time. The increasing reliance on multi-part arcs instead of standalone stories only complicated things.

Take Iron Man as an example. His recent arc involved Tony Stark’s “death” and a confrontation with the Mandarin—events that Avengers either had to address or ignore. Marvel handled it well here, but longer storylines make it harder to coordinate. Comic writers of the era weren’t keen on declaring, “These six months of stories happen before that other series,” so everything fit together.

We see this timeline challenge with Thor #116. That story appears to run concurrently with the second half of this issue (since Thor features in the first half). This implies that Thor #114-115 occurred in the gap between the two halves of Avengers. It works for modern readers but creates reverse references, which I’ll explore further in my Thor #116 review.

Ultimately, this shake-up frees the original Avengers cast to focus on their solo adventures. Captain America, whose solo stories had shifted to World War II narratives, remains a bridge to the new lineup. This change gives Marvel breathing room to build its shared universe without the logistical headache of overlapping monthly appearances.

Characters & Development

This issue is monumental for character and team development. It establishes that membership can be dynamic and frees the original lineup while introducing a team comprised entirely of post-debut additions.

Perhaps most strikingly, except for Captain America, all the new Avengers are reformed villains. This fresh and dynamic approach adds depth and opens up new storytelling possibilities. It’s a bold move that showcases Marvel’s knack for character growth.

Artwork

Jack Kirby’s layouts and Don Heck’s artwork shine in this issue, capturing the quintessential Marvel style of the era. The action sequences, dramatic angles, and detailed character representations are a visual treat. A standout moment for me is the press conference announcing Hawkeye as the newest Avenger. The panel is dynamic, dramatic, and encapsulates the energy of the team’s transition.

This review shows how Avengers #16 isn’t just another comic; it’s a turning point for the team and the Marvel Universe. While the first half stumbles, the second half more than makes up for it, delivering a compelling new direction that still resonates today.