"Final Redemption" Part 6 of 6. Guest-starring the Watcher. Script by Bob Harris. Pencils by Steve Epting. Inks by Tom Palmer. Cover by Ron Lim and Tom Palmer.
Shock follows shock in the pulse-pounding conclusion to the Collection Obsession! The ancient elder of the universe has turned the tables on both the Avengers and the Brethren! And now the conniving Collector transforms the Brethren into deadly bacteria to infect the Earth! Time is of the essence! The alien germs will contaminate the general population in a matter of minutes! Cap, Sersi, Quasar, and the Vision try to contain the outbreak, while Hercules, Iron Man, and Crystal trade blows with the Collector! However, the key to victory lies with Thane Ector and his Fool. In their final hour, can the Brethren overcome their legacy and rewrite their history in the stars? A powerful ending! Final appearance of the Brethren.
32 pages Cover price $1.00.
"Rage of Angels" Part 1 of 2. Guest-starring the New Warriors. Script by Fabian Nicieza. Pencils by Steve Epting. Inks by Tom Palmer. Cover by Ron Lim and Tom Palmer.
The city is on edge after a racial incident between the police and a suspect in custody! The rising tension in the streets has created a perfect opportunity for the Sons of the Serpent to fan the flames! With help from a mysterious benefactor, the serpents arm themselves with high tech weaponry and head to Brooklyn to wreak havoc! But in New York City's most populated borough, Earth's Mightiest Heroes, check that, the New Warriors challenge the serpents! Can the young super-heroes resist the urge to escalate the violence? Or will the Hate Monger convince them to fight the Sons of the Serpent…and the Avengers?
First appearance of the new Hate Monger.
32 pages Cover price $1.00.
"Rage of Angels" Part 1 of 2. Guest-starring the New Warriors. Script by Fabian Nicieza. Pencils by Steve Epting. Inks by Tom Palmer. Cover by Ron Lim and Tom Palmer.
The city is on edge after a racial incident between the police and a suspect in custody! The rising tension in the streets has created a perfect opportunity for the Sons of the Serpent to fan the flames! With help from a mysterious benefactor, the serpents arm themselves with high tech weaponry and head to Brooklyn to wreak havoc! But in New York City's most populated borough, Earth's Mightiest Heroes, check that, the New Warriors challenge the serpents! Can the young super-heroes resist the urge to escalate the violence? Or will the Hate Monger convince them to fight the Sons of the Serpent…and the Avengers? First appearance of the new Hate Monger. Avengers Lineup: Black Widow, Captain America, Falcon, Rage, and the Vision. New Warriors Lineup: Firestar, Marvel Boy, Namorita, Night Thrasher, and Silhouette. (Notes: The Avengers previously battled the Sons of the Serpent in Avengers 73 and 74. The letters page includes a fan letter requesting a Marvel/DC crossover team-up between the Avengers and the Justice League. Twelve years later the fan got his wish.)
32 pages Cover price $1.00.
"By Reason of Insanity?" Part 2 of 2. Guest-starring the New Warriors. Script by Fabian Nicieza. Pencils by Steve Epting. Inks by Tom Palmer. Cover by Steve Epting and Tom Palmer.
The Avengers rush to Brooklyn to stop the violence in the streets! But the situation is already way out of control thanks to the Hate Monger! The Sons of the Serpent, the New Warriors, the police, and local thugs are throwing down in the Canarsie neighborhood! Fortunately though, the star-spangled avenger and his teammates drive off the serpents and restore order to the area. However, the Hate Monger is still at large! After researching the Sons of the Serpents' recent past, both super teams track the villains to the Richmond Enterprises Building! And once inside…the Avengers and the New Warriors tangle with the serpents and try to stop the hate (monger)!
36 pages Cover price $1.00.
The Gatherers Saga: Part 2 of 18 - "Echoes of the Past" Script by Bob Harras. Pencils by Steve Epting. Inks by Tom Palmer. Cover by Steve Epting and Tom Palmer.
On a rooftop in the shadows of Four Freedoms Plaza, the Avengers come face to face with their past! The Swordsman is back! And along with his powerful ally Magdalene…out for blood! Once the Avengers overcome their initial shock and disbelief, they attack in unison! The Prince of Power, Vision, and Crystal battle Magdalene, while the Black Knight challenges the Swordsman! Dane Whitman wins his dazzling duel, but the remaining avengers go down to defeat! And thus round one against the Gatherers ends in a unsatisfying stalemate for all. When and where will Proctor and his Gatherers strike next? First appearance of Proctor. Cameo appearances by Sersi, Dr. Peter Corbeau, and the Watcher. First $1.25 issue. 32 pagesNOTE: The Gatherers Saga continues in Avengers (1963-1996 1st Series) #348.Cover price $1.25.
"Storm Gathering" Operation: Galactic Storm Part 5 of 19. Script by Bob Harras. Pencils by Steve Epting. Inks by Tom Palmer. Cover by Steve Epting and Tom Palmer.
Story continues from Wonder Man 7. The Avengers attack in outer space! Thor, Quasar, Sersi, and the Vision charge into the Milky Way to intercept the Shi'ar invasion fleet and rescue the Starcore crew! In an awesome display of their powers, the four mighty avengers storm the Shi'ar flagship and halt its advance! Several hours later inside Avengers Mansion, Captain America calls together more than twenty avengers to announce his plan to stop the Kree-Shi'ar war! Seven avengers will travel to Hala to negotiate with the Kree, while seven more avengers journey to Chandilar to reason with the Shi'ar! And the remaining avengers will guard the Earth! Iron Man and the star-spangled avenger will lead the Kree contingent. Wonder Man and the Scarlet Witch will guide the Shi'ar expedition! Good luck to both teams! They're going to need it! Story continues in Iron Man 278.
32 pages Cover price $1.25.
"Empire's End" Double-Sized issue. Operation: Galactic Storm Part 19 of 19. Script by Bob Harras. Pencils by Steve Epting. Inks by Tom Palmer. Cover by Steve Epting and Tom Palmer.
Story continues from Wonder Man 9. In horrific fashion the Nega-Bomb has exploded and destroyed the Kree empire. Millions of Kree have perished and their once majestic cities lie in ruins. Across deep space the Avengers try desperately to locate one another and regroup. Quasar and Thor find the team that went to Hala (floating aimlessly in space) and then find Wonder Man and the Vision likewise. After rendezvousing with the team that traveled to the Shi'ar empire, all fourteen avengers fly to Hala to see the devastation firsthand and also search for Captain America. Miraculously, the shield-slinger and Deathbird have survived the wave of destruction! And once all the Avengers are together again, it appears that their Galactic Storm adventure is over. But not just yet. Iron Man and the Black Knight suggest killing the Supreme Intelligence for his role in the annihilation of the Kree empire! But hold on, since when are executions allowed in the Avengers' playbook? The star-spangled avenger refuses to consider that option, however several other avengers do. Each avenger must decide to either side with Cap or side with Shell-Head! Seven avengers including two of Cap's long-time teammates, the Scarlet Witch and Goliath (aka Hawkeye), stay with the Avengers' leader. But some of the most powerful heroes including Sersi and Wonder Man go with Iron Man! Unbelievable! Could Earth's Mightiest Heroes' mission of mercy conclude as a mission of murder?
52 pages Cover price $1.75.
"Empire's End" Double-Sized issue. Operation: Galactic Storm Part 19 of 19. Script by Bob Harras. Pencils by Steve Epting. Inks by Tom Palmer. Cover by Steve Epting and Tom Palmer.
Story continues from Wonder Man 9. In horrific fashion the Nega-Bomb has exploded and destroyed the Kree empire. Millions of Kree have perished and their once majestic cities lie in ruins. Across deep space the Avengers try desperately to locate one another and regroup. Quasar and Thor find the team that went to Hala (floating aimlessly in space) and then find Wonder Man and the Vision likewise. After rendezvousing with the team that traveled to the Shi'ar empire, all fourteen avengers fly to Hala to see the devastation firsthand and also search for Captain America. Miraculously, the shield-slinger and Deathbird have survived the wave of destruction! And once all the Avengers are together again, it appears that their Galactic Storm adventure is over. But not just yet. Iron Man and the Black Knight suggest killing the Supreme Intelligence for his role in the annihilation of the Kree empire! But hold on, since when are executions allowed in the Avengers' playbook? The star-spangled avenger refuses to consider that option, however several other avengers do. Each avenger must decide to either side with Cap or side with Shell-Head! Seven avengers including two of Cap's long-time teammates, the Scarlet Witch and Goliath (aka Hawkeye), stay with the Avengers' leader. But some of the most powerful heroes including Sersi and Wonder Man go with Iron Man! Unbelievable! Could Earth's Mightiest Heroes' mission of mercy conclude as a mission of murder?
52 pages Cover price $1.75.
The Gatherers Saga: Part 3 of 18 - "Familial Connections" Script by Bob Harras. Pencils by Kirk Jarvinen. Inks by Tom Palmer. Cover by Steve Epting and Tom Palmer.
Who is the woman the Vision is kissing on the cover?! Could this be the long-awaited reunion of the Vision and the Scarlet Witch? Alas, not quite. During a peaceful evening inside Avengers Mansion, the synthezoid avenger receives a visitor! It's Laura Lipton…the widow of the man whose brain patterns have recently been programmed inside the Vision's mind. She has a favor to ask for her dying father-in-law, Dr. Miles Lipton…please bring back, if only briefly, the personality and memories of his son Alex. The Vision initially declines the request, but after Crystal's persuasion he accepts. So the Vision and Crystal journey with Laura to Long Island for a heart-rending night for everyone involved. While helping an old friend, will the Vision rediscover some of his own long-lost emotions?
32 pages Cover price $1.25.
The Gatherers Saga: Part 3 of 18 - "Familial Connections" Script by Bob Harras. Pencils by Kirk Jarvinen. Inks by Tom Palmer. Cover by Steve Epting and Tom Palmer.
Who is the woman the Vision is kissing on the cover?! Could this be the long-awaited reunion of the Vision and the Scarlet Witch? Alas, not quite. During a peaceful evening inside Avengers Mansion, the synthezoid avenger receives a visitor! It's Laura Lipton…the widow of the man whose brain patterns have recently been programmed inside the Vision's mind. She has a favor to ask for her dying father-in-law, Dr. Miles Lipton…please bring back, if only briefly, the personality and memories of his son Alex. The Vision initially declines the request, but after Crystal's persuasion he accepts. So the Vision and Crystal journey with Laura to Long Island for a heart-rending night for everyone involved. While helping an old friend, will the Vision rediscover some of his own long-lost emotions? Cameo appearances by Proctor, Magdalene, Binary, and Luna. Avengers Lineup: Black Knight, Black Widow, Crystal, Hercules, and the Vision. (Notes: Miles Lipton and Laura Lipton previously appeared in Avengers Spotlight 40. Laura Lipton appears next in issue 3 of the first (1994) Vision Limited Series.
32 pages Cover price $1.25.
The Gatherers Saga: Part 4 of 18 - "Death Wager" Script by Bob Harras. Pencils by Steve Epting. Inks by Tom Palmer. Cover by Steve Epting and Tom Palmer.
In an act of benevolence, Hercules, Crystal, and Thor visit a local children's hospital to raise the spirits of its young patients! However in a simultaneous act of malevolence, two of Hercules' rival gods make plans to ruin the happy day! Ares and Hera descend on New York City to extract their revenge on the Son of Zeus! And while the Prince of Power entertains the children, Ares possesses the body of Thor and attacks! Hercules is stunned by the rage of his friend Eric Masterson! But to protect Crystal, the nurses, and the youngsters nearby, the Lion of Olympus roars into battle against the god of thunder! Will the Avengers realize what's happening before anyone gets hurt? First appearance of Taylor Madison. Avengers Lineup: Black Knight, Black Widow, Crystal, Hercules, Thor, and the Vision. (Note: Ares and Hera previously appeared in Avengers 285.) 32 pagesNOTE: The Gatherers Saga continues in Avengers (1963-1996 1st Series) #355.Cover price $1.25.
The Gatherers Saga: Part 4 of 18 - "Death Wager" Script by Bob Harras. Pencils by Steve Epting. Inks by Tom Palmer. Cover by Steve Epting and Tom Palmer.
In an act of benevolence, Hercules, Crystal, and Thor visit a local children's hospital to raise the spirits of its young patients! However in a simultaneous act of malevolence, two of Hercules' rival gods make plans to ruin the happy day! Ares and Hera descend on New York City to extract their revenge on the Son of Zeus! And while the Prince of Power entertains the children, Ares possesses the body of Thor and attacks! Hercules is stunned by the rage of his friend Eric Masterson! But to protect Crystal, the nurses, and the youngsters nearby, the Lion of Olympus roars into battle against the god of thunder! Will the Avengers realize what's happening before anyone gets hurt? First appearance of Taylor Madison. Avengers Lineup: Black Knight, Black Widow, Crystal, Hercules, Thor, and the Vision. (Note: Ares and Hera previously appeared in Avengers 285.) 32 pagesNOTE: The Gatherers Saga continues in Avengers (1963-1996 1st Series) #355.Cover price $1.25.
"Repercussions" Giant-Size issue. Double foldout cover. Flip-book. Guest-starring Professor Xavier, Cyclops, and the Starjammers. Script by Bob Harras. Pencils by Steve Epting. Inks by Tom Palmer. Cover by Steve Epting and Tom Palmer. Did the Avengers think their killing of the Supreme Intelligence (three issues ago) would go unnoticed by the cosmos? If Earth's Mightiest Heroes did, they are in for a rude awakening! Light years from terra firma, a surviving Kree admiral makes a deal with Hepzibah and Raza Longknife to assassinate the Black Knight! To that end the two starjammers convince their teammates to journey to Earth under the false pretense of visiting Binary in Avengers Mansion. While the Starjammers and Avengers get acquainted, Raza slips away to slay Dane Whitman! Upstairs in the hangar bay, Raza finds his prey! And in the blink of an eye, Dane comes face-to-face with his judge, jury, and executioner! It's a savage showdown for survival between Raza Longknife and the Black Knight!
Second Story: "The Butler Did It!" Script by John Lewandowski. Pencils by Kevin Kobasic. Inks by Ariane. Jarvis and Marilla continue battling for control of the kitchen! Special Feature: Two-page layout and description of the new Avengers Mansion by Eliot Brown and Nel Yomtov. Reprint Story (flip-book): "In Battle Joined!" Guest-starring the X-Men. Script by Roy Thomas. Art by John Buscema and George Tuska. Reprint of Avengers (1st series) 53. The Avengers and the X-Men clash with one another…and then Magneto!
Notes: The front foldout cover features a full-page reprint of the cover to Avengers issue 1 and quarter-page reprints of the covers to Avengers 11, 25, 38, 57, 87, 100, 103, and 136. The back cover features a reprint of the cover to Avengers 53. The back foldout cover features a full-page reprint of the cover to Avengers 110 and quarter-page reprints of the covers to Avengers 175, 187, 196, 200, 225, 239, 279, and 310.
64 pages Cover price $2.50.
"Repercussions" Giant-Size issue. Double foldout cover. Flip-book. Guest-starring Professor Xavier, Cyclops, and the Starjammers. Script by Bob Harras. Pencils by Steve Epting. Inks by Tom Palmer. Cover by Steve Epting and Tom Palmer.
Did the Avengers think their killing of the Supreme Intelligence (three issues ago) would go unnoticed by the cosmos? If Earth's Mightiest Heroes did, they are in for a rude awakening! Light years from terra firma, a surviving Kree admiral makes a deal with Hepzibah and Raza Longknife to assassinate the Black Knight! To that end the two starjammers convince their teammates to journey to Earth under the false pretense of visiting Binary in Avengers Mansion. While the Starjammers and Avengers get acquainted, Raza slips away to slay Dane Whitman! Upstairs in the hangar bay, Raza finds his prey! And in the blink of an eye, Dane comes face-to-face with his judge, jury, and executioner! It's a savage showdown for survival between Raza Longknife and the Black Knight! Cameo appearance by Dr. Valerie Cooper. Avengers Lineup: Black Knight, Black Widow, Crystal, Hercules, Quicksilver, Sersi, Thor, and the Vision. Second Story: "The Butler Did It!" Script by John Lewandowski. Pencils by Kevin Kobasic. Inks by Ariane. Jarvis and Marilla continue battling for control of the kitchen! Special Feature: Two-page layout and description of the new Avengers Mansion by Eliot Brown and Nel Yomtov. Reprint Story (flip-book): "In Battle Joined!" Guest-starring the X-Men. Script by Roy Thomas. Art by John Buscema and George Tuska. Reprint of Avengers (1st series) 53. The Avengers and the X-Men clash with one another…and then Magneto!
64 pages Cover price $2.50.
"Retribution!" Script by Bob Harras. Pencils by Kevin West. Inks by Bud LaRosa. Cover by Steve Epting and Tom Palmer.
In shocking fashion last issue, Raza stabbed the Black Knight during their duel in the hangar bay! And upon discovering their fallen teammate, Earth's Mightiest Heroes lash out at the Starjammers! Hercules and Thor drive Raza and Ch'od out of the mansion and temporarily defuse the situation! But the Avengers still want vengeance! So the Black Widow sends the Vision, Prince of Power, thunder god, Sersi, and Binary to chase the renegade Starjammers, while Crystal oversees Dane's emergency medical treatment! When the Avengers catch up to the runaway space pirates, the battle is short and sweet! How will Raza slime his way out of this mess? And back at the mansion, another treacherous starjammer makes her move to finish the job on the wounded knight! With "friends" like the Starjammers, the Avengers don't need any enemies!
32 pages Cover price $1.25.
"Retribution!" Script by Bob Harras. Pencils by Kevin West. Inks by Bud LaRosa. Cover by Steve Epting and Tom Palmer.
In shocking fashion last issue, Raza stabbed the Black Knight during their duel in the hangar bay! And upon discovering their fallen teammate, Earth's Mightiest Heroes lash out at the Starjammers! Hercules and Thor drive Raza and Ch'od out of the mansion and temporarily defuse the situation! But the Avengers still want vengeance! So the Black Widow sends the Vision, Prince of Power, thunder god, Sersi, and Binary to chase the renegade Starjammers, while Crystal oversees Dane's emergency medical treatment! When the Avengers catch up to the runaway space pirates, the battle is short and sweet! How will Raza slime his way out of this mess? And back at the mansion, another treacherous starjammer makes her move to finish the job on the wounded knight! With "friends" like the Starjammers, the Avengers don't need any enemies!
32 pages Cover price $1.25.
"Son of Darkness" Part 1 of 3. Script by Len Kaminski. Pencils by M.C. Wyman. Inks by Tom Palmer. Cover by M.C. Wyman and Tom Palmer.
The Grim Reaper is back! Not completely alive, but unfortunately not completely dead either! After causing several catastrophes in New York City, the Avenger's long-time foe challenges Earth's Mightiest Heroes to meet him in the Colorado Rockies! With trepidation the Avengers answer the reaper's rocky mountain challenge! What foreboding danger awaits in the centennial state?
32 pages Cover price $1.25.
"Son of Darkness" Part 1 of 3. Script by Len Kaminski. Pencils by M.C. Wyman. Inks by Tom Palmer. Cover by M.C. Wyman and Tom Palmer.
The Grim Reaper is back! Not completely alive, but unfortunately not completely dead either! After causing several catastrophes in New York City, the Avenger's long-time foe challenges Earth's Mightiest Heroes to meet him in the Colorado Rockies! With trepidation the Avengers answer the reaper's rocky mountain challenge! What foreboding danger awaits in the centennial state? Avengers Lineup: Black Knight, Crystal, Hercules, Sersi, and the Vision. (Notes: The Grim Reaper previously appeared in Avengers West Coast 68. This is his first appearance in the Avengers title since the classic Avengers 160. This issue begins the three-part Fear the Reaper storyline.)
32 pages Cover price $1.25.
"To Wake The Dead" Part 2 of 3. Script by Len Kaminski. Pencils by M.C. Wyman. Inks by Ariane. Cover by M.C. Wyman and Tom Palmer.
With a sweep of his scythe, the Grim Reaper whisks the Avengers away to the Dimension of Death! And upon their arrival, the Black Knight, Vision, Prince of Power, Crystal, and Sersi discover…they are not alone! The ghastly reaper has resurrected nine former foes of the Avengers…to give them one more chance to settle the score! Baron Zemo, Count Nefaria, and the Star Stalker lead their grisly comrades into battle against the stunned super-heroes! The Avengers are fighting for their lives! But the Legion of the Unliving are fighting for their deaths!
32 pages Cover price $1.25.
"The Conqueror Worm" Part 3 of 3. Script by Len Kaminski. Pencils by M.C. Wyman. Inks by Alexandrov and Ariane. Cover by M.C. Wyman and Tom Palmer.
In the catacombs beneath the Grim Reaper's castle, the Avengers clash with the Legion of the Unliving! Hercules vs. Count Nefaria! The Black Knight vs. Baron Zemo! The Vision vs. Necrodamus! Crystal vs. Inferno! And Sersi vs. Nebulon! Earth's Mightiest Heroes fight valiantly against their departed foes, but make little progress! Can anyone breakthrough and get to the Grim Reaper himself? Because therein lies the path to survival, escape, and victory! (Note: The Grim Reaper returns in Wonder Man 22.)
32 pages Cover price $1.25.
The Gatherers Saga: Part 5 of 18 - "When Come the Gatherers!" Part 1 of 2. Script by Bob Harras. Pencils by Steve Epting. Inks by Tom Palmer. Cover by Steve Epting and Tom Palmer.
The Gatherers are on the prowl again! And their target this time is T'Challa! But not exactly the one Earth's Mightiest Heroes know! It's T'Challa the Coal Tiger! An avenger is his own right, but from an alternative universe! Proctor's plan calls for the Gatherers to capture the Coal Tiger and then kill the Black Panther (aka T'Challa the king of Wakanda)! However to do that, the Gatherers will have to stop by Avengers Mansion to learn the panther's whereabouts! And this time the Avengers will be ready for Magdalene, Cassandra, Sloth, and the Swordsman! A bruising battle waits! Cameo appearances by Sprite and Taylor Madison.
32 pages Cover price $1.25.
The Gatherers Saga: Part 6 of 18 - "Death in a Gathering Place!" Part 2 of 2. Script by Bob Harras. Pencils by Steve Epting. Inks by Tom Palmer. Cover by Steve Epting and Tom Palmer.
The action is fast and furious in Wakanda as the battle between the Avengers and the Gatherers shifts to the African continent! The Gatherers reach the heart of Africa first, but T'Challa the Coal Tiger escapes from their grasp and bumps into…T'Challa the Black Panther! The king of Wakanda is stunned by the appearance of the Coal Tiger! However, the panther's questions will have to go unanswered, because the Gatherers are moving in for the kill! Four against one! Does the Black Panther stand a chance? In the nick of time though, Lockjaw teleports Hercules, Sersi, Thor, and the Vision into the nearby jungle…and the desperate fight to save both T'Challas begins! Can Earth's Mightiest Heroes finally corral the Gatherers? Or will a noble warrior perish under the African sun? An excellent story…with a final act of anguish.
32 pages Cover price $1.25.
The Gatherers Saga: Part 7 of 18 - "The Night Visitors" Script by Bob Harras. Pencils by Steve Epting. Inks by Tom Palmer. Cover by Steve Epting and Tom Palmer.
Earth's Mightiest Heroes take a break from their ongoing struggle with the Gatherers and host a formal dinner party to celebrate their coming together as a team. As a guest of Hercules, Taylor Madison attends the formal dinner at the mansion too. However the festive evening comes to an abrupt halt when a most unexpected guest drops in! The Watcher! Oh my, what is the cryptic meaning of the omnipotent one's visit? The Avengers know it can't be good! But only time will tell. In the meantime several avengers express their concern about Sersi's recent behavior…and the growing romantic triangle among Crystal, Dane Whitman, and the enchanting Eternal. First appearance of Scanner (aka Screener).
32 pages Cover price $1.25.
The Gatherers Saga: Part 8 of 18 - "Arkon's Asylum" Part 1 of 2. Script by Bob Harras. Pencils by Steve Epting. Inks by Tom Palmer. Cover by Steve Epting and Tom Palmer.
The magnificent one is back! The Imperion of Polemachus materializes in New York City with Thundra and Astra by his side! Why has Arkon come to Earth again? The Avengers want answers! And after a titanic tussle with the Prince of Power, Arkon explains his sad situation. The energy rings of Polemachus are burning out of control and threatening to destroy all life on the planet! A renegade priest wants to use human sacrifice to solve the problem! But that solution is unacceptable to Arkon…and Earth's Mightiest Heroes! With a bolt from the blue, the high priest teleports Arkon and his new allies back to Polemachus! And that's where the Avengers' date with destiny looms next issue!
32 pages Cover price $1.25.
