X-MEN #s 41-45
AVENGERS #53
Lots of things change in these issues. Roy Thomas concludes his run with a two-part
story involving an encounter with the Subhuman (another subterranean character;
it shows that Marvel is obsessed with New York) and then transitioning with
Gary Friedrich, before resurfacing in the conclusion of the Magneto story that
follows as writer of AVENGERS #53.
The big news is that Professor X “dies” in #42. I say “dies” because that’s how it’s got to
be. Clearly in the context of the series
to that point, he really did die, although he came back at some point. The sophistication of the writing at the time
really did not allow for a lot of subtlety concerning the subsequent appearance
and significance of Magneto, but there’s not much to say about that, except
that’s the way it was.
Starting with #42, actually, the covers start supplanting
the team’s logo in place of character titles that suggests the series was in
pretty rough shape, trying to keep afloat in whatever way it could keep a
semblance of relevance, which is probably why the Avengers play such a key role
in these issues, even though the team that appears by the end of it is bereft
of any major members (though Black Panther has apparently just joined).
The loss of Xavier pushes the team to rely on itself and its
own abilities more than ever, something he tries to push them toward in his
final appearances (though “final appearances” should be taken with a further
grain of salt, because he is still featured in the new origins backup features that
so far as added Cyclops and an incredibly dubious Iceman to Professor X’s
side).
It should also be noted that Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch
factor into Magneto’s plot. They’re
coming off a stint as Avengers, but have been coerced to side with their fellow
mutants. Though they are brother and
sister, they have not yet become Magneto’s offspring. We do get Toad, who was featured in the X-Men
movies, as Magneto’s hapless stooge.
Magneto is supposed to be the team’s most dangerous opponent, but instead
of actually fighting them, he initiates the first war between the X-Men and the
Avengers, and then pretty much slips and falls into the sea, disappearing
without actually doing anything.
One thing I want to point out, is how apparently “Tiger” is
a term Marvel used to use pretty loosely.
I associate it today as Mary Jane’s pet name for Peter Parker, but back
then it was used by everyone, including editor Stan Lee, which just seems weird
(and, quite frankly, disturbing). It’s
not the only slang present, either.
Wrestling fans who might believe Zack Ryder came up with “You know it!”
will be dismayed to hear it used with some frequency in these pages, forty
years before anyone actually thought “Woo woo woo!” was acceptable catchphrase
material.
Anyway, I’ve got only a few Gary Friedrich issues left, and
only eight issues overall, and I’ll have concluded this crazy collection. You know it!
That certainly does not sound like very "essential" reading.
ReplyDeleteIt's essential insofar as it's old material that's been conveniently reprinted, and certain elements are still relevant. Don't argue with the title!
ReplyDeleteNice review Tony. If Stan Lee called me "Tiger" I would definitely get creeped out.
ReplyDelete- Maurice Mitchell
The Geek Twins | Film Sketchr
@thegeektwins | @mauricem1972
It's just so bizarre, a piece of the Marvel method of ingratiating itself to readers that's been lost over the years.
ReplyDelete