"The Man-Ape Always Strikes Twice!" The Avengers 78 (July 1970)
"Lo! The Lethal Legion!" The Avengers 79 (August 1970)
(1970/07/01)

Reader Rating: Above Average; Thunderbolts Interest: Medium

Summary: The Man-Ape’s two "strikes" are against Captain America and the Panther. But M’Baku is only the first wave of attacks by the Lethal Legion (including Power Man, the Swordsman and the Living Laser) who play a sadistic game of "catch the Avenger", emceed by the Grim Reaper. The Avengers include Captain America, Goliath, the Scarlet Witch, Quicksilver, and the Vision.

Continuity: The only battle between Erik Josten as Power Man and Clint Barton as Goliath. This ends Erik’s long partnership with the Swordsman and results in Erik's first confirmed trip to prison. Either Erik spends the next four years behind bars, or he escapes and goes into hiding.

Comments: Another irresistible entry from Roy Thomas’ prime period as Avengers author. In this case, both Sal and John Buscema contribute artwork, unified by the refined inking of Tom Palmer. This is not the last time that The Vision will surprise a team of villains after cleaning Josten’s clock offstage (see "Death Trap, The Vault", 1991/01/01).

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This page was revised on March 4, 2002