Written by Kurt Busiek
Art by Brent Anderson; Tom Palmer; Tom Smith; Richard Starkings; & Comicraft’s Albert Deschesne
Cover Art by Kieron Dwyer
SUMMARY:
Released by Marvel Comics for April 2002, the issue is entitled “Prisoners – A Love Story.” Kang’s militaristic forces have conquered present-day Earth. Most of its surviving heroes have been forcibly depowered and imprisoned in high-tech internment camps. In hiding, far too few of the super-powered rebels have evaded capture. Simon “Wonder Man” Williams has now fallen, as he joins the Wanda Maximoff – the Scarlet Witch, who already resides amongst the mortals steadily losing hope in one of the impregnable camps.
Soon, Wanda & a shackled Simon helplessly witness Kang’s enforcers enforce its death penalty against innocents to deter potential escapees. Re-establishing an emotional bond, the two Avengers contemplate a desperate bid for freedom.
Notes: This particular edition accompanied a 2005 Marvel Legends Wonder Man variant figure (in his iconic energy form). Also, this story doesn’t specify if it occurs on one of Marvel’s inifinite parallel earths.
REVIEW:
Reminiscent of a bleak What If alternate-reality storyline where the surviving Avengers become tortured Kree prisoners-of-war, this issue benefits most from consistently solid artwork. Despite the poignant chemistry Wanda & Simon share, the depressing plot (as realistic as it seems) won’t likely motivate multiple reads.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
None.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 5½ Stars