Just from the cover you know this comic is going to be important, and not likely a taunt like Strange Tales #114. In fact, even as I sat down to read and review this comic, I could not help but feel the awe and wonder of what was bound to be one of the most epic avengers tales from those early days.  

Story

As far as stories go, this one had it all, offering character growth, redemption, continuity, and everything I look for in a good comic book.  In fact, the only let down’s is that I wish it was longer, and that  I feel the wasp as the girl avenger got the short end of the stick in the epic battle at the end, as females often did in the comics of the day.

The story also seems to feature, two menaces, but in such a way that their actions are linked. The alien, being self motivated and with the promised help of Namor agrees to put an end the Avengers, once and for all.

Artwork

In the greatest of comics the story and the art, meld together, becoming indistinguishable, as it has with this issue of Avengers. and this judgement is not just in how well the action shots are portrayed, or the artwork seems to flow  but also the emotion that is portrayed, mostly in Caption America as he is awakened from his long sleep, and even after he meets Rick Jones, a stunning Bucky look-alike.

It is this scene that i choose to share with you, as it shows both the great depth to the art, as well as the emotion that is displayed throughout this breathtaking issue.

Originality & Continuity

I do feel that this epic tale is quite original, yet that offers less to talk about then how strikingly well this fits in with the ongoing continuity. Offering an acceptable way, and link for Captain America to enter the modern-day world all while maintaining his world war II background.   Then also linking this tale right to the last one  in Avengers #3, and even Fantastic Four Annual #1.

Characters & Development

The Avengers

While this issue offers little development for any of the original Avengers, it does offer us a new team member, for the first time showing that the membership in this elite team is capable of changing and adjusting as new hero’s or even old ones show their worth.

Captain America

I think of this, as his silver age origin story,  as it is what links him into the modern comic book universe from his classic form.  and as far as a re-origin goes, this one is top-notch,  bringing him up to date, with only a few weak points, such as seeming to quickly know how much time has passed.

Namor The Sub Mariner

In this issue, it seem’s Namor has found, at least a small section of his people who he thought abandoned him, and then lead them into battle,  leading us to wonder what to suspect the next time we see this prince of Atlantis.  Will he be alone again, or have the full power of his undersea empire at his back?