Written by John Byrne
Art by John Byrne; Mike Machlan; Bill Oakley; & Paul Becton
Cover Art by John Byrne
SUMMARY:
Published for May 1989 by Marvel Comics, this Vision Quest-related issue is entitled “Better a Widow …” Along with the team (Wonder Man, Dr. Pym, Tigra, Hawkeye, Wasp, and a renegade Mockingbird), a devastated Scarlet Witch discovers her husband’s dismantled fate per an international government conspiracy. A pivotal figure from Vision’s past may or may not still be alive.
Hank Pym expresses limited optimism that he can restore the Vision. In suspicious fashion, Wanda & Vision’s twin boys seemingly vanish, according to their nanny, before they instantly return in Wanda’s presence. As Wonder Man tries to comfort a distraught Wanda several hours later, the team is assaulted by a partially-rebuilt Vision. Making matters even worse, the team is stunned by the presence of a new government-appointed team captain.
Note: Vision Quest occurs during West Coast Avengers # 42-50.
REVIEW:
Aside from its thirty-year old art having faded, West Coast Avengers # 44 is an excellent read. Everything clicks in first-class fashion thanks to John Byrne being on his A-game (case in point: a spot-on cover image). With this storyline and Byrne working the creative controls, the series finally boasts a significant upgrade (in both visuals and scripting) after its promising early issues.
In particular, Byrne devises an intriguing anti-Vision plot (which a deceived Mockingbird soon repents for), as multiple story threads begin taking effect: i.e. Scarlet Witch’s emotional/mental breakdowns; Hawkeye’s demotion; and the team’s dissension re: the U.S. Agent’s forced entry. While previous stretches of West Coast Avengers (due to bouts of humdrum writing and/or sloppy visuals, varying upon the issue) haven’t aged well, WCA # 44 signals far better adventures for this team are still to come.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
There is a single-page ‘Bullpen Bulletins’ column, which includes a brief profile on Marvel assistant editor Marc Siry.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars
