One of Marvel’s most ambitious projects, perhaps even the most in comic history, is their film adaptation of The Avengers.
Even if you’re not a geek, like us, you’ve probably still heard of the super-group.
The Avengers made their comic debut in September of 1963 in Avengers #1. It was created by Stan “The Man” Lee and artist Jack Kirby, two of the most famous names in all of geekdom.
When The Avengers first appeared, it contained some already established characters, such as, Iron Man, Thor, Hulk, as well as, Ant-Man and Wasp. After the quick departure of the Hulk, Captain America was recruited for the team.
Of course, there have been numerous additions and subtractions throughout the years, but we always associate Iron Man, Thor and Cap as major players in The Avengers.
That’s why in the film world, we’ve seen Marvel begin to unravel the team in a methodical way that’s made fanboys across the world have multiple nerdgasms.
We’ve known that Robert Downey, Jr. will appear as Tony Stark/Iron Man, Chris Hemsworth will portray the God of Thunder Thor, Samuel L. Jackson will bark out orders as S.H.E.I.L.D’s Nick Fury, and now that Comic-Con is here, we’ve learned who’s rounding out the rest of the cast.
With Chris Evans cast as Cap, and, Joss Whedon (yeah, the fanboy behind Buffy, Firefly, etc.) selected to direct, and do some re-writes, everything is now pretty much in place for The Avengers movie slatted for release on May 4, 2012.
While we have two years until The Avengers hit the big screen, we can’t help ourselves in getting amped for what promises to be another Marvel blockbuster.
Instead of listing single issues, here’s a solid list we recommend if that’s what you heart desires, we’ve opted to make a list of The Avengers trades, collections, or whatever you want to call them,that make you drain your bank account.
Unless you’re an uber collector, this list will be sufficient for new fans, or, fans that need to be reacquainted with these awesome stories.
9. Avengers: Ultron Unlimited
In 2001, Kurt Busiek and George Perez, unveiled this 5 part series of a seemingly cliche comic storyline, but that’s why we dig it, because of it’s reminiscence to the Golden Age Avengers.
The series centers on the return of Ultron, a robot made from adamantium, you know, the metal Wolverine has? What’s more interesting is that Ultron was created by Dr. Hank Pym (Ant-Man, Giant-Man, Yellow Jacket).
OK, back to the plot.
Ultron basically constructs a robot army, destroys a fictional Eastern European nation, and has some serious battles with a classic Avengers line-up.
8. The X-Men vs. The Avengers
From April to July of 1987, Marvel pitted their two most iconic groups against each in a four part mini-series.
The plot involves the X-Men attempting to prevent the Avengers, and the Soviet Super-Soldiers, from finding out what master plan Magneto has conceived while on trial. There’s also a little something about the X-Men fighting the Avengers to prevent the release of Lucifer.
The hardcover edition was released earlier this year, so, there’s no excuse in not getting a copy.
7. Essential Avengers, Vol. 1
Wanna find out the origins of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes?
This collection, first released in 2005, contains the first 24 issues of the Silver Age Avengers brought to you by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby.
6. The Avengers: The Kree-Skrull War
Originally appearing in Avengers #89-#97 (1971), and reissued as a trade in 2000, the Avengers are inadvertently sucked into a war between two alien races, the Kree and the Skrulls. Duh.
Most fans appreciate this arc, because like so many other timeless sci-fi tales, it comments on real life social issues.
In this particular run, it occurs when the U.S. detains Kree aliens. The android Vision sticks it to the politicians by stating: “If first a man of the Kree can be detained for no reason, the detainment of androids will follow — next mutants — then giants. . .”
Classic.
5. The Korvac Saga
The original series occurred from January through November of 1978 (Avengers #167-177) and focuses on a “Machine Man,” known as Korvac, jumping in his 31st Century DeLorean and appearing on present day Earth, to you know, reshape it in his own utopia. Just kidding about the DeLorean.
Our villain’s plans are going accordingly, until those pesky Avengers ruin everything.
The first trade paperback was released in 1991, but a hardcover was released in March of 2010.
4. Avengers Disassembled
Originally published from August 2004 to January 2005, this plot was a major crossover, which not only included the Avengers, but also, Spider-Man and the Fantastic Four.
The main arc centered on the Avengers, however, with the big three (Cap, Iron Man, and Thor) going through individual hardships, at the hands of one of their fellow members, who recently snapped like a twig. Ultimately, the group is forced to fold in the wake of all the chaos.
The 2009 hardback edition contains all of the individual crises in one convenient bundle.
3. Avengers Forever
This 12 part series, from December, 1998 to November, 1999, was written by Kurt Busiek, along with, the great Avengers writer Roger Stern.
The storyline was fairly ingenious.
To battle an enemy known as Immortus, Rick Jones, handpicks members from the Avengers from the past, present and future to fight the fight for him, cause he’s ill, or something like that.
As if that wasn’t intriguing enough, the team battles Immortus in different eras.
On September 16, 2009, a hardcover version was released.
2. Avengers: Under Siege
Beginning in August of 1986, and concluding, in March of 1987, this run involves a seemingly simplistic arc.
Baron Helmut Zero rounds up some villains, creatively know as The Masters of Evil, and attacks our heroes in their own damn mansion. Obviously, chaos ensues. But, this is another great read from Roger Stern.
The 1998 collection can be hard to come by, but, thankfully, a hardcover will be coming out this September.
1. The Ultimates, Vol. 1
In March of 2002, Marvel’s most iconic super hero squad got an update, and were, launched into the company’s Ultimate Universe.
The reanimation of the team, which included classic members like Captain America, Iron Man, Thor, Hulk, Wasp, and Hank Pym, were put together in thanks to the Samuel L. Jackson influenced Nick Fury.
The much needed face-lift, finally gave our favorite childhood heroes a chance to shine in the 21st century.
The paperback collection was released in September of 2002, but only features the first six issues. The hardcover was released in 2004, and contains #1 to #13.
Whichever copy you snag, it’s worth it.
Albert Costill
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Are you kidding me? "Avengers: Disassembled" is (and for good reason) considered one of the worst Avengers storylines of all time. It's absolutely horrible from almost every angle.
avengers assemble! i could not resist…