Avengers #216
… To Avenge the Avengers!
The Molecule Man has seemingly crushed Captain America, Thor, Iron Man, and the Silver Surfer to death in a device of his own creation. This leaves Tigra as the lone prisoner of the mad man who intends to use his ability to control molecules to consume the entire world. Owen Reece has decided to keep Tigra around as a friend. However, when he tries to use his power to make her some food, it proves to be too complex for his skill level.
Meanwhile, the Molecule Man’s fortress is protected by a seemingly impenetrable dome. When the military fails to crack it, the Fantastic Four are called in for help.[1] Unfortunately, neither the strength of the Thing or the nova flame of the Human Torch can breach the barrier. Sensing the attack, the Molecule Man uses his powers to create a torrent of water to wash everyone away.
Back inside, Captain America and the others are still alive. Thanks to the Silver Surfer’s Power Cosmic, he was able to disintegrate the anvil portion of the crusher so he and his allies would fall safely into the floor below. With their weapons destroyed, Captain America discovers that Tony Stark is Iron Man and Thor is Dr. Donald Blake. However, despite this set back, neither Tony nor Blake are willing to give up and agree to fight back against the Molecule Man no matter what. This pleases Captain America who has already been thinking up a plan.
Meanwhile, Tigra tries to figure out what to do next. She is horrified by the level of power that the Molecule Man commands. However, she focuses on the advice Captain America once gave her on controlling her fear. She decides that the Molecule Man is a menace that must be ended and tries to sneak into his room while he sleeps. Unfortunately, she can’t bring herself to kill Reece and wanders away. Little does she know that the Molecule Man was alerted of her presence and was pretending to sleep to see what she would do. When she leaves, Owen is impressed.
Tigra is soon found by her fellow Avengers and the Silver Surfer and is pleased to discover that they are still alive. She admits that she panicked and did whatever she could to save her own life, but Captain America doesn’t see this as a failure. Tony Stark then reveals that he managed to cobble together a sonic device that will disorientate the Molecule Man long enough for them to stop them. Suddenly, the device crumbles to dust and they are ambushed by the Molecule Man. When Tony Stark is trapped in a prison of rocks, Captain America and the Silver Surfer rush to his aid before he can be smothered.
Tigra tries a frontal attack but is easily repelled by her foe when he creates a massive metal hand to knock her away. While the Molecule Man is distracted, Donald Blake sneaks up behind him and punches Owen in the nose. Surprisingly, the Molecule Man has a very low pain threshhold and runs off agonizing over his nose. While Blake tends to Tony, Captain America and the others go after the Molecule Man. In the throne room the batlle continues, with the Silver Surfer getting knocked out trying to stop the Molecule Man’s opening attack. Captain America then leaps in and manages to reach their foe and knock him out with a single punch.
With the battle over for the time being, the senior Avengers debate on what they should do with the Molecule Man since his powers prove to be a great threat. Donald Blake points out the medical limitations of keeping Reece unconscious. Tony shocks everyone by suggesting that they kill him. Captain America is totally against this, pointing out that the Molecule Man has rights. Ultimately, it is Tigra who comes up with a solution. When she chastises Owen for wanting to consume the world as revenge for his years of being shunned by society. She points out that destroying the world will only succeed in making him more lonely. This actually gets through to Owen who realizes he’s not well and agrees to surrender and get professional help, much to everyone’s surprise.
Before being handed off to the authorities, the Molecule Man uses his powers to restore Captain America’s shield, Thor’s hammer, and the Silver Surfer’s surf board. Unable to recreate Iron Man’s armor due to its complexity, Owen instead creates a leisure suit that is patterned to look like Tony’s armor. With that, the Molecule Man dissipates the dome over his fortress and surrenders to the authorities.
Back at Avengers Mansion, the Silver Surfer bids farewell to the Avengers and takes off. Tigra also announces that she is going to be leaving as well. As much as she enjoyed being part of the Avengers, she found herself out of her league fighting the types of menaces that Earth’s Mightiest Heroes face.[2] Captain America, Thor, and Iron Man all understand and wish Tigra well. As she departs, Jarvis notes with only three active members left it is time for the Avengers to begin another membership drive.
Recurring Characters
Avengers (Captain America, Iron Man, Thor, Tigra), Molecule Man, Silver Surfer, Fantastic Four (Mister Fantastic, Invisible Girl, Human Torch, Thing), Edwin Jarvis
Continuity Notes
The Fantastic Four mention that they were the first to battle the Molecule Man. That was in Fantastic Four #20.
Tigra mentions the Avengers battles with the Elfqueen, the court-martial of Yellowjacket, and their later battle with the Ghost Rider. These events took place in Avengers #212-214.
