Avengers Omnibus Vol 3

 

For this purchase, I moved up a few years to the end of 1968 through 1971 for some prime Avengers. I actually loved a lot of the 70's storylines for the Avengers and hope to find more of these reprints, although this hardcover book was quite expensive - more than I would usually pay for something like this, even though I got a discounted edition in great condition.

Roy Thomas was one of the best and most prolific writers/editors that Marvel ever had and he really stands out in these issues with fine plots and character development and he is aided and abetted by some excellent artists - both John and Sal Buscema (who are both excellent superhero artists), Gene Colan (not my fave, although a classic artist), Barry Windsor-Smith (I really want to find more of his later work with this group, here, he is brand new - good, with some Steranko-like panels, but not the master he became not long after this), Frank Giacoia, Herb Trimpe ad Howard Purcell. The list of talented inkers is even longer (and some overlap - Sal inks, as well, and special kudos must go to the exceptional Tom Palmer) - and the inkers often are responsible for the look of the artwork - as are the letterers. 

In any case, this compilation starts with the appearance of Yellowjacket and the marriage of Hank Pym (Giant-Man/Ant-Man/Yellowjacket) and Janet Van Dyke (the Wasp) and move on through many different adventures, from the supernatural - with a guest spot from Dr. Strange - to the esoteric - a visit to the Black Panther's homeland - and many others. Hawkeye becomes Goliath after feeling helpless when his bow in rendered inoperable and we discover his real name and some of his history. The Vision, created by Ultron, helps facilitate Ultron's return, Kang the Conquerer makes an appearance, alongside the Grandmaster, who literally plays chess with the Avengers, and, making an appearance that mirrors many of today's white supremacist groups that Trump emboldened, the Sons of the Serpent. 

While Roy Thomas did his best to keep up with modern politics, he was still entrenched in old school thinking that, even in the 70's, some of his writing is a bit archaic, especially where women are concerned. The Scarlet Witch and the Wasp are constantly told not to overreach their station and even the story in which the Valkyrie (actually, the Enchantress in disguise) creates the Liberators from various female heroes is somewhat cringe-worthy. Roy does his best with a new Native American hero, Red Wolf, but that, too, is brought down a bit by the thinking of the times.

The comp ends with a multi part story involving the Hulk, which means an issue of his is reprinted, as well, as is the origin of the Black Knight, and, especially fun, a story from Not Brand Echh featuring the "Revengers".

Like I said, this is a bit pricey, but it's a great comp of some superior stories from the time.