Reading Through the Library of The Avengers

[Wee67]

I decided to read through my entire collection of Avengers comics and I'm hitting a VERY rough patch.

I have every issues of the Avengers, except #1, up until a few years ago. I had read my copies of the 60s and 70s issues as a I collected them, but had just stored the issues I had collected from the 90s and 00s. (I started buying and reading them again in 2005 but tapped out around 2020.)

Things started getting patchy with bad lineups and stories in the mid-80s, but the bottom has fallen out here in the early 90s. The lineup is atrocious with lame Vision, Eric Masterson's Thor, Sersi, Crystal of the Inhumans, Hercules and Black Knight. The artwork is even worse! I'm not sure if the printing technology of the time is to blame or the artist or both. This story ends with the Vision basically saying to the Grim Reaper, "DUDE?!? Dude." To which the Grim Reaper replies, "nevermind."

I really hope it picks back up but I know were headed to Heroes Reborn in a few years.

[hizzy]

Yes, those were dark days. Things get better with the Perez run.

[Earth 2 Chris]

I think you're approaching the Leather Jacket Era, and that is loved by some, but loathed by many. The Busiek/Perez run is indeed quite wonderful.

[Wee67]

I think you're approaching the Leather Jacket Era, and that is loved by some, but loathed by many. The Busiek/Perez run is indeed quite wonderful.

and those leather jackets aren't even as cool as these-

[Dannyc]

Wow, didn't think a lineup could be any lamer than the Gilgamesh lineup.

[Jorge Galvan]

Avengers is like Manchester United for me, over their history they have had so MANY line ups. Some favored and loved over others. Some Slagged off! But a TRUE Supporter sticks with their team. Did I like Cap' KOOKY Quartet after the original line up? No, but I stuck by them after and with the other runs.

Over 750 issues and how many spin off titles, wow. Any lineup with STINGRAY, Rage, Quasar, SANDMAN!! Jocasta is fine with me.


Avengers Assemble. 💘

[Jmass]

If you've not read the "Gatherers" arc please give it a chance. I remember buying The Avengers pretty much out of habit around that time. The Gatherer's story in my mind was an exciting breath of fresh air. Loved seeing the alternate Avengers, especially the angry and confused Swordsman.