… Though Hell Should Bar the Way!

Following an argument over the leadership of the Avengers, Captain America has retreated to the training room where he undergoes his rigorous exercise routine. He is joined by the Beast who tries to lighten his disposition. Earlier, the Scarlet Witch pointed out that Cap hadn’t been pulling his weight in battle.[1] This made him realize that he has to keep in shape since he does not have superpowers like the others.[2] That’s when Iron Man enters the room and asks to speak to Cap alone. Still angry, Steve continues his exercise while Iron Man talks. The Golden Avenger admits that Captain America’s criticisms are warranted and that he is feeling the pressure of leadership and is afraid of failing the team. This reaches Cap, who admits that he has been critical since he has seen so many friends die in battle and doesn’t want the same to happen to him. Iron Man thanks Steve for listening to him and is about to reveal the truth about his connection to Tony Stark. Cap stops him, telling his teammate to keep his secrets.[3]

Meanwhile, the Vision and Wonder Man are enjoying a game of chess when the phone begins to ring. The Scarlet Witch answers it and is delighted to hear that it is Hawkeye who is calling. However, the archer is calling to tell the rest of the team that the Two-Gun Kid somehow vanished into thin air and he is making his way to Avengers Mansion in the hopes of using Tony Stark’s equipment to find out where the Kid was taken. At that same moment, in the hidden city of Attilan, Quicksilver looks out at the full moon thinking about his life. Seeing that her husband is troubled, Crystal tries to get Pietro to talk when he too suddenly vanishes into thin air. Back at the mansion, Yellowjacket and the Wasp return with the Bride of Ultron as Hank hopes to use the Avengers equipment to examine it.

Meanwhile, in Saugerties, New York, the Guardians of the Galaxy have been set up in a home near the home of Vance Astrovik, the future leader of their team, who is just a boy in this era.[4] Charlie-27 is coming back from doing groceries and spots young Vance playing catch with some kids on the street. When a runaway truck threatens to run over the boy, Charlie acts quickly to save his life. Once the truck is safely stopped, Charlie returns to the others before anyone can realize he was responsible for the save. The other Guardians are growing restless waiting for Korvac to strike, but Starhawk insists that they continue their vigil on young Vance as it is the correct course of action.

Back at Avengers Mansion, the Bride of Ultron is being hauled into the lab by some movers. Suddenly, the robot receives a call from its creator and comes to life, frightening the movers off. The Avengers rush to confront the robot, who is surprised to see that the Wasp is still alive. She attempts to make her way to where Ultron is hiding out and the Avengers try to stop her. However, she is immune to the Vision’s phasing powers and has various defenses against the Avengers. In the middle of the battle, Iron Man arrives and orders the Avengers to stop attacking the robot. That’s when Thor appears out of nowhere and tosses Mjolnir at the threat.[5] Luckily, Captain America is able to toss his shield and deflect the enchanted hammer before it can hit its mark. Iron Man explains that he wants the robot to escape so she can lead them to Ultron.

Recurring Characters

Avengers (Captain America, Iron Man, Thor, Yellowjacket, the Wasp, Hawkeye, Quicksilver, Scarlet Witch, the Vision, the Beast, Wonder Man), Jacosta (unidentified), Guardians of the Galaxy (Charlie-27, Martinex, Nikki, Starhawk, Yondu), Vance Astrovik, Norma Astrovik, Crystal, Edwin Jarvis

Continuity Notes

1. Last issue Wanda called Cap out for getting his ass handed to him during their last battle with Ultron. That took place in Avengers #161-162.

2. Captain America mentions that he no longer has super-human strength. Cap gained enhance strength when Viper’s venom mixed with the super-soldier serum. However, this ability soon faded with time. See Captain America #157-158 and 215.

3. Captain America won’t find out that Tony Stark and Iron Man are the same people until Avengers #215-216.

4. This story takes place prior to the point where the Guardian’s 30th Century world diverged from Earth-616. That happens in Marvel Two-In-One #69, per Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe: Alternate Universes 2005, the Guardian’s future endures as an alternate reality designated Earth-691.

5. Thor’s sudden appearance here is explained in Avengers #175. He has been plucked out of time by the Collector to ensure the Avengers survive long enough for him to add them all to his collection. At the time of this story, Thor was busy looking for his missing father. See Thor #255-266.

Topical References

• Statements that the Modern Age takes place in the 20th Century should be considered topical. Per the Sliding Timescale, it now does not begin until after the start of the 21st Century.

• The phones used by Wanda and Clint are depicted as rotary phones.

• Dated pop-culture references: Johnny Olsen, Neil Sedaka