Hi there, comic folks! The previous newsletter introduced a new segment in A Marvelous World, Comic Spotlight! I made it to squeeze in a newsletter whenever I had limited time. Captain Mar-vell/Marvel was the first character discussed in the new section. As I stated, this allowed me to discuss comic characters and single issues. Since I did a hero last time, I thought it would be fitting to do a comic next. It was pretty difficult to choose one mag, but I finally picked The Avengers #267! I felt it aligned closely with the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s current storyline. Let’s get to it!
The Avengers #267 Vol 1 (May 1986) “Time—Time Again!”
Writer: Roger Stern
Breakdowns: John Buscema
Finisher: Tom Palmer
Letterer: Jim Novak
Colorist: Christie Scheele
Editor: Mark Gruenwald
Editor-in-Chief: Jim Shooter
I purchased this issue in November 2021. I love the Avengers run, and with the new saga in the MCU, this comic was valued highly because of a certain antagonist. The funny thing was I was very persuaded into buying it. I hesitated because I didn’t have the previous issue or the next one. If you know me, you know I love to read in chronological order depending on storylines. The two things that made me get the mag were the cover and the villain. As you guessed already, the main antagonist is Kang the Conqueror. But which one?! The cover isn’t that special or extravagant, but the huge highlight of Kang gave the book a glamour only that man could showcase. The Avengers behind him looked surprised and worried. It’s just so great to me. I like showing it off on my display. Since it involved the next big bad of the MCU, I was intrigued to read more issues with Kang. There are a few reasons why this mag is a key issue, which I’ll point out later in the newsletter. As soon as I got home that day, I read the comic because I couldn't wait until I got issues #265 and #268. It was a bit confusing, but it was a pleasant reading. It made me more excited about the MCU’s version.
Main Avenger Members - Namor the Sub-Mariner, Black Knight, Hercules, Captain Marvel, Wasp, and Captain America.
Story: There are two different realities in this issue. The first one shown had an alternate Kang impersonating Iron Man. He was the sole survivor of a nuclear explosion that killed the Avengers, the President, countless New York civilians, and later, the whole world. As soon as Kang completed his mission, he was brought forth in front of other versions of Kang the Conqueror; the Council of Kangs. He failed to realize other alternative realities. Kang was surprised to see himself die by the Avengers. They were the same Avengers that Kang thought he killed. The first Kang shown was eliminated by the rest because of his pathetic attempt at conquering. Kang continued to eliminate all the duplicates created by jumping through time.
On our Earth, in our time, a large crowd protested the membership of Namor in the Avengers. Captain Marvel was unsure about the new member because of his temper and ego. Captain America believed there was a better man between his two pointy ears that only the Avengers could bring out. The Wasp, Hercules, and Black Knight worked underground until they were transported to a strange location. They fought Hulk but later turned into Gaint-Man. After becoming Gaint-Man, he turned into Iron Man. It spooked the three. The Wasp realized that it could be the creature called the Space Phantom, who could duplicate the appearance and powers of any mortal being. Whoever he imitated was placed in Limbo. Their guess was right about being in Limbo, which was confirmed by Kang.
He brought them there for amusement. The Wasp, Hercules, and Black Knight had to defeat Kang to leave Limbo. They succeeded, but they didn’t know that’s what Kang wanted. Kang the Conqueror told Ravonna, his true love, that he managed to eliminate all of his duplicates but one. The last one would face the Avengers in the heart of Limbo. The last Kang that the Avengers were going to battle was the longest-lived Kang, a close equal to the Kang coming up with the master plan. In the end, one Kang will be the ultimate Kang. The one who shall conquer all times! Will there be a Kang Dynasty?!
Reasons for Key issues:
First team appearance of the Council of Kangs
First appearance and death of a Kang variant that killed the Avengers in an alternate timeline
First appearance of unknown Kangs and Kang robots
The year I bought there were big speculations of multiple Kang variants being introduced in the MCU. We know now that it is exactly what they are going for!
Hello there! I’m happy you took the time out of your day to read my post. Remember, if you have any questions or want to have a discussion, leave a comment! The following newsletter will be a Comic Spotlight or a Comic Reading for the Week. Stay tuned! Happy days and take care!