Avengers #176
The Destiny Hunt!
Starhawk arrives at Avengers Mansion to assist in the search for the enemy that slew the Collector. There is he is brought up to speed, explaining how the cosmic being was slain by some unseen foe before he can reveal the threat’s identity.[1] Starhawk agrees to help even though he thinks the real threat is Korvac, who he believes has come to this era to kill the younger version of the Guardian’s leader, Vance Astro.
Elsewhere, Moondragon pauses her mental search when she overhears Quicksilver on another tirade about his sister being married to the Vision.[2] Before Hawkeye’s astonished eyes, Moondragon uses her mental powers to give the speedster enough insight to finally approve of his sister’s union with the android. In the next room, Wonder Man is worried about the impending threat and can’t understand how Captain America and the Black Panther can relax. That’s when Thor suddenly comes crashing in through one of the walls. Both he and Hercules have been passing the time by sparring. The Black Widow breaks up the fight, scolding the Prince of Power for acting like a child. Seeing that she is not needed, Moondragon goes into the communications room where Iron Man is conducting his own search for their foe.
The pair check in on the others who are conducting their own searches. On the rooftops, Ms. Marvel travels around the city to see if her seventh-sense will detect anything. While on the streets, Yellowjacket and the Wasp check in with their network of ants. While in space, Captain Marvel tries to use his cosmic consciousness. While Jacosta uses her cybernetic sensors to pick up traces of the organic energy used to slay the Collector. They eventually return to Avengers Mansion where all their data is collated. The only person who found no clues is Starhawk, who continues to dismiss this threat.
They are unaware that Michael Korvac — from his home in Forest Hills — is well aware of what they are doing. He banks on the fact that he made Starhawk blind to him will prevent the Avengers from finding him out. However, he is prepared for the worst, telling his Carina — his wife — that if the Avengers do find him they will regret it.
By this time, the data collected by Iron Man is able to pinpoint the location of their enemy right down to the house he is residing in. Iron Man calls all the Avengers together, however, they are unable to use their Quinjets since their government clearance has been revoked. As a result, the team is forced to commandeer a city bus and drive it to Queens. When they arrive in the New York suburb, the locals are surprised to see so many superheroes on their street. When they arrive on Michael Korvac’s doorstep, Iron Man asks if they can be allowed inside to look around. Michael and Carina agree, hoping the Avengers won’t find anything amiss. However, Starhawk ends up blowing the whole thing wide open when he announces that he cannot see who the Avengers are talking to.
With his presence finally revealed, Michael admits to the truth and explains that all he wanted to do with his god-like powers was to save the future. However, now that he has been exposed he realizes that he is in for a fight from the Avengers. Declaring war, Michael begins powering up to use his vast cosmic powers to smite Earth’s Mightiest Heroes.
Recurring Characters
Avengers (Captain America, Iron Man, Thor, Yellowjacket, the Wasp, Hawkeye, Quicksilver, Scarlet Witch, Hercules, Black Panther, the Vision, Black Widow, Moondragon, Wonder Man, Jacosta, Ms. Marvel) Captain Marvel, Starhawk, Korvac, Carina Walters
Continuity Notes
The Collector was killed in issue #174. He will remain dead until he is brought back to life following the events of Marvel Superheroes Contest of Champions #1-3.
Quicksilver has denounced the romance between the Vision and the Scarlet Witch since Avengers #110. The pair got married in Giant-Size Avengers #4.
Topical References
Dated pop-culture references: Alan Funt, one of the Forest Hills residents is singing “Goodmorning Starshine” by Oliver.
One of the Forrest Hills rubber-neckers suspects that the Avengers have come to promote the opening of a new 7-Eleven store. Marvel has had a long history of doing promotions with the convenience store chain. This reference is a specific reference to a 1977 promotion of special Marvel branded Slurpee cups. They released a whopping 60 different cups featuring various Marvel characters. Today, these cheap plastic cups can fetch almost $30 a cup on eBay depending on the quality. #NowYouKnow
