Written by Steve Englehart
Art by Al Milgrom; Joe Sinnott; Christie Scheele; & Tom Orzechowski
Cover Art by Al Milgrom
SUMMARY:
Entitled “Dive,” Marvel Comics published this issue for January 1987. Briefly seen, most of the WCA (Hawkeye, Mockingbird; Iron Man/Tony Stark; and Wonder Man) chill out together in downtime and contemplate offering Firebird a spot on the roster.
In San Francisco, while visiting the Hellstroms, Hank Pym observes a reinvigorated Tigra’s dive off the Golden Gate Bridge confirming she no longer fears water. As their significant others watch on, Tigra & Hellcat reel in the catch-of-the-day: Tiger Shark, before the villain can escape to the Pacific Ocean. Still adjusting to her new persona, Tigra gently halts her romance with Hank.
Under Hank’s command, the two feline heroines also tag-team vs. Tiger Shark’s cohort (and Hank’s old foe), Whirlwind. Taunted by Whirlwind, Hank’s brewing despondency implies a fateful decision.
REVIEW:
It’s definitely a rebound following Issue # 15’s less-than-stellar adventure in the Cat Realm. Ironically, by sidelining much of the team, writer Steve Englehart does well with the Hellstorms/Tigra-and-Hank double-date (as it’s also an epilogue to the Cat Realm escapade). Most welcome is the Tigra/Hellcat team-up, which delivers on its intriguing prospects – they’re a relatively formidable duo without much firepower.
As a result, tag-teaming with Hellcat makes Tigra far more likable than several previous WCA issues. Also well-played is Hank’s up-and-down personality, as his confrontation with Whirlwind reflects the ex-Avenger’s complicated past. While the artwork has faded, there’s still enough visual magic to make this story work. That said, West Coast Avengers # 16 is worth checking out for a solid Mid-to-Late 80’s Marvel adventure.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
There’s a single-page ‘Bullpen Bulletins/Checklist’ column. A West Coast-Lines letters-and-answers column is dedicated to Wonder Man’s green, read, and yellow eyesore of a costume.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars
