Avengers (Vol. 1) #502

Background

It all started when a dead Avenger wandered through the gates of the mansion only to explode. Since then, there has been much pandemonium, including the loss of two members: Ant-Man, Scott Lang, and the Vision. Answering the Avenger's priority white call, a group of about 40 superheroes gather amidst the ruins of the mansion.

Story 'Chaos'

Interrupting a touching superhero "we got yo' back" moment, Nick Fury tells everyone that they are on a live crime scene and need to "DISPERSE!" Nobody leaves. When Nick Fury begins to repeat himself he is stunned to see a U.F.O. arrive. Although the people at S.H.I.E.L.D. don't get a reading on the spacecraft, Spider-Man says, "Uh, I see it. If that helps." Then a whole armada of spacecraft enters the skies and we get to see that Spider-sense in action as Spider-Man leaps away from a laser blast.

The battle ensues, and Hercules rambles about victory, seeing the face of his opponent, and "hear(ing) his words of war." To which Spider-Man responds, "You should write greeting cards."

The ships beam out ground troops, and more action happens. Hawkeye's quiver of arrows is lit on fire and some of the heroes (including Thing and Spidey) stand in awe as Hawkeye grabs an alien with a jetpack and rockets into the mothership, taking it down in a hefty explosion.

The aliens inexplicably disappear, leaving the heroes angry and addled. Doctor Strange, in friendly ghost form, appears and tells everyone that "magics are being abused." "Oh no..." says Captain America. To Be Continued...

General Comments

This issue was basically one great big battle between the Avengers (reservists included) and random Kree aliens. What's there not to like? Hawkeye's death scene still makes me happy. Not because I don't like the guy, but his sacrifice was touching. He looked right in Captain America's eyes and both men knew what was going to happen. To me that's what a superhero is all about putting your needs behind the needs of the people you save and your teammates.

While not as extreme as Hawkeye, Spider-Man proved his mettle in this battle getting off two clever one-liners. He even fought a little too unlike those slackers known as the Fantastic Four. Those guys weren't seen during the battle unless they were running away or standing around. And Daredevil must have been hiding.

Overall Rating

Four and a half webs is what this issue gets. Great battle sequences and what not, but I feel there could have been a little more. Almost like it was really rushed.