Check — And Mate!

The Grim Reaper has just convinced the Vision to go along with is plan to transfer his mind into the body of Captain America.[1] He gloats over his long winding scheme with the Space Phantom to destroy the Avengers.[2] His only regret is that Ant-Man and the Wasp are already dead.[3] That’s when the Space Phantom arrives and decides to question the Vision’s loyalty to their cause. His emotionless inflections convince the alien that he is not lying when he says he is joining them.[4] However, when the Space Phantom is gone, the Vision begins to question why the Grim Reaper acts like the Phantom’s lacky. This angers the Grim Reaper who insists that he and the Space Phantom are equals.

That’s when Captain America arracks the Reaper from behind. As it turns out, the Vision was signaled by Cap from the shadows to play along. The pair then knock out the Grim Reaper and follow after the Space Phantom. Inside the hidden chamber, they find the other Avengers — the Scarlet Witch, Hawkeye, Iron Man, and the Black Panther — trapped in a stasis field. Using his phasing powers the Vision frees his teammates. No sooner is everyone free does the Grim Reaper and the Space Phantom arrive with an army of enthralled Hydra agents. However, when the Phantom attempts to kill the Vision, the Grim Reaper uses his scythe to shatter the Space Phantom’s weapons. When the Grim Reaper is ordered shot, the Vision surprises everyone by shielding his “brother” from harm.

Despite this save, the Grim Reaper still helps battle the Avengers. Ultimately, Earth’s Mightiest Heroes are brought down by a sonic device. However, the Space Phantom realizes that the Scarlet Witch got away and, fearing that she might warn Thor, takes a pursuit ship after her. He catches Wanda outside Avengers Mansion and captures her.[5] Going inside the mansion, the Space Phantom only finds the Avengers butler Jarvis and ally Rick Jones. The Space Phantom takes both Rick Jones and Jarvis prisoner. Returning to his hideout, the Space Phantom gloats about his victory against the Avengers. Waking up, Rick tries to rush to the controls to free the Avengers. He is stopped by a stun blast, but this moment of rebellion tempts the Space Phantom to use his power to take on Rick’s form and shunt the youth into Limbo.[6] Unfortunately, the Space Phantom is unaware of Rick’s bond to Captain Marvel and when trying to take Rick’s place is set to Limbo himself.[7] This process also swaps out Rick with Captain Marvel who then frees the Avengers.

Freeing the Avengers, Captain Marvel easily takes down the remaining Hydra operatives and the Grim Reaper. As it turned out, the Scarlet Witch did manage to warn Rick and they set this trap as the Space Phantom did not know about his link to Mar-Vell. With the remaining villains in custody, the Avengers return home where they tell everything to Thor, who just arrived at the mansion. Wanda, however, is upset over Hawkeye’s cavalier attitude since they are still no closer to finding her brother, Quicksilver.[8] Seeing that Wanda is upset, the Vision openly comforts her, and the pair finally give in to the romantic feelings they have had for each other for months. The other Avengers are happy to see this and decide to give the couple some privacy.

Recurring Characters

Avengers (Captain America, Iron Man, Thor, Hawkeye, Scarlet Witch, Black Panther, the Vision), Rick Jones, Captain Marvel, Space Phantom, Grim Reaper, Hydra, Wonder Man (“corpse”), Edwin Jarvis

Continuity Notes

1. The Vision’s brain patterns were based on those of Simon Williams, aka Wonder Man, the Grime Reaper’s brother, per Avengers #57. At the time of this story, everyone believes Simon is dead, circa Avengers #9. In reality, he is in a death-like coma and will return to life again in Avengers #151.

2. This was all detailed last issue.

3. This is a reference to Marvel Feature #10, however, the reports of Ant-Man and the Wasp’s death are greatly exaggerated. In reality, the couple had gone back into retirement following their battle with Doctor Nemesis.

4. The Space Phantom states here that his motivation is merely revenge. However, he is actually an agent of Immortus. He is sent to encourage the Vision and the Scarlet Witch’s budding romance. TL;DR version: Wanda is a nexus being an Immortus wants to prevent her from having even more powerful children. See Avengers Forever #8.

5. The Scarlet Witch is referred to as a mutant here. However, she actually isn’t. As revealed in Uncanny Avengers (vol. 2) #4-5, she was experimented upon by the High Evolutionary. In order to cover up his work, he made it so future genetic tests would have Wanda register as a mutant.

6. Rick recalls being in the Space Phantom’s hideout before. This would have been circa Captain America #113 when Rick was still partners with Captain America. However, as revealed last issue, Rick and Cap’s memories of this encounter were blocked until recently.

7. Rick and Captain Marvel have been bonded together almost consistently since Captain Marvel #17.

8. Quicksilver has been MIA since Avengers #104 during their battle with the Sentinels. He was rescued by Crystal of the Inhumans as seen in Fantastic Four #131. The Avengers will learn of his fate in Avengers #110.