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Comic Books & Graphic Novels Marvel Comics

AVENGERS # 51 {aka AVENGERS # 466} (2002 MARVEL Comics)

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

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BDC
October 2020