When I first bought this volume, I only got it because the store was out of Fantastic Four comics. So you can understand that making a transition from Spider-Man to Fantastic Four to "The Avengers" was a big leap. I saw the cover and I said to myself; "Aw, what the heck. I see Iron Man, Hulk, I think that's Thor, and who are those midgets flying around on ants?" It makes me laugh now because I came so close to putting this back on the shelf.
"The Avengers" are actually an insanely good comic. It definitley ended up in my hands most of the time not only because of the artwork (Jack Kirby) but because of the friendship, loyalty, and the true origins of the Avengers and Captain America. In these pages lurk mystery, action, surprise, wise-crack jokes, and endings to issues that tie up in the next one. In other words, it keeps you reading until the end. However, I would advise you not to get too sucked into this current team of Ant-Man, Giant-Man, the Wasp, Iron Man, Thor, Hulk, and Captain America. In the second volume, the entire team changes with some leaving, some staying, and new recruits joining.
Overall, "The Avengers" have hit-home in this amazing volume. If you have the money and the time to read it, I strongly suggest purchasing this one. The Avengers, Vol. 1 (Marvel Masterworks)
I would recommend this comic to any Marvel Masterworks fan. It's fun to learn how the Avengers got together, and see their original roster in action. You also find out how the Avengers got their name. The book has an interesting and not-at-all boring introduction by Stan Lee (writer of Avengers, X-men, Spider-man and many other 60's titles you can get from Marvel Masterworks). At the end of the book there's some bonus material including a pin-up and biographies of Stan Lee, Jack Kerby (penciler of Avengers 1-8), and Don Heck (penciler of 9-10.) If you're an Avengers fan and want to see how they started, I must warn you: this comic is different from modern comics. For one, it's a little simpler and slower paced. Also, the characters might be a little different from how you know them. Over all, I enjoyed this comic and plan on getting the second one.
Once again Marvel Masterworks series proves that the old marvel comics are still good. A little dated and cheesy in some aspects, but they're still compelling stories. It could be argued that the Avengers have been the focal point for everything big in the Marvel universe since they first assembled (collected in this 10 issue volume). This first volume does not disappoint. A must have for any fan of the Marvel Universe.
This is like reading the history of Marvel Comics. Also, it reminds you of a time when Marvel super-heroes were fun & not all serious or pompous. Issue 1 is essential, 2 - 4 are scratchy artwise, as the worst Marvel inker brutalizes Jack Kirby's pencils. Issue #4 re-introduces Cap America, so you have to struggle through it. But then issue #5 is incredible! The seemingly-silly Lava Men are depicted in surreal & imaginative splendour by the King! Best are issues #6 & 7 when Kirby's finest inker of the early years, Chic Stone gives every panel the royal treatment. #8 introduces Kang the Conqueror, so I'll forgive Dick Ayers inking (quite good, but not Stone-cold Chic). Then, uh, Don Heck takes over... Luckily, Kirby still does the covers & Stan Lee is still writing it. But, the scratchy, messy art is a shock after Kirby. Don Heck did some great Avengers from #23 to #32, when he had Romita & Frank Giacoia adding a thickness & solidity to the inking/embellishment, but that's a later volume.
Along w/ the original Avengers you get plenty of good/bad guys like The Hulk & Sub-Mariner, not to mention the Masters of Evil & Power Man. I bought it used for under $5. I got way more than my money's worth. - Silver Age Comics - Marvel Masterworks - Stan Lee - Jack Kirby'
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