Acts of Vengeance

Collects Avengers Spotlight (1989-1991 Marvel) #26-28, Avengers (1963-1996 1st Series) #311-313, Quasar (1989-1994) #5-7, Iron Man (1968-1996 1st Series) #251-252, Avengers West Coast (1985-1994) #553-55, Cloak and Dagger (1988-1991 Marvel 3rd Series) #9 and material from Captain America (1968-1996 1st Series) #365-367, Thor (1962-1996 1st Series Journey Into Mystery) #411-413, Avengers (1963-1996 1st Series) Annual #19 and Avengers Spotlight (1989-1991 Marvel) #29. An alliance of evil threatens the Avengers! Doctor Doom, the Red Skull, Kingpin, Magneto and more have banded together to pit Earth's Mightiest Heroes against totally unfamiliar foes! The Avengers take on Freedom Force, the Mole Man, the Wrecker, the Juggernaut, Controller, Absorbing Man and more - and suffer a devastating loss! Plus: Cloak and Dagger lend a hand, the New Warriors make their debut - and Magneto pursues a secret agenda all his own! But who is secretly pulling the vengeful cabal's strings? Can the Avengers take down the true mastermind before his hidden scheme succeeds?

"Gravity Storm" Acts of Vengeance crossover. Peter and Mary Jane throw a housewarming party in their new Soho loft! It's a really cool place right above Harry and Liz Osborn's loft! Meanwhile at the Daily Bugle, Graviton stops by in search of Spider-Man! Whoa, the master of gravity usually tangles with the Avengers and the Fantastic Four! Why is he after the wondrous wall-crawler? It's all part of the act! The Acts of Vengeance that is! Is Spidey ready to step up his game? Cameo appearances by Flash Thompson, Glory Grant, and Aunt May. (Notes: Elements of the story continue in Spectacular Spider-Man 158. Graviton previously appeared in Fantastic Four 322.)

"Cunning Attractions!" Acts of Vengeance crossover. Plot continues from Web of Spider-Man 59. The Amazing Spider-Man has new powers! But he's not sure where they came from...and what all he can do with them! To test his remarkable abilities, the wall-crawler visits an auto wrecking yard! However smashing a few old cars is not enough! The amazing one needs a bigger challenge! Will the Master of Magnetism do? In unbelievable fashion the new and improved web-slinger clashes with Magneto over the skies of New York City! Has the web-spinner bitten off more than he can chew? Plot continues in Spectacular Spider-Man 159. Cameo appearances by Mary Jane Watson, Flash Thompson, Doctor Doom, the Kingpin, and the Wizard. (Notes: This issue features a full-page ad for the Countdown storyline running thru Incredible Hulk 364-367. This story was reprinted in 1993 in the trade paperback: Spider-Man -- The Cosmic Adventures.)

"Shaw's Gambit" Acts of Vengeance crossover. Guest-starring the Hulk. Plot continues from Web of Spider-Man 60. The powerful cabal masterminding the Acts of Vengeance is still trying to kill the web-slinger despite his new cosmic powers! And the next super-villain gunning for Spidey is Sebastian Shaw! However the Hellfire Club's Black King likes to fight by proxy! And who better to use than the Hulk! Shaw picks up the former Green Goliath in the Nevada desert and drops him in the middle of Manhattan! And the battle is joined! The cosmic-powered wall-crawler and the gamma-radiated Hulk throw down from Times Square to the Roosevelt Island ruins! An out-of-this-world ending! Plot continues in Spectacular Spider-Man 160. Cameo appearances by Mary Jane Watson and Flash Thompson. (Notes: This issue completes Todd McFarlane's dynamic 2-year run as the penciler of the Amazing Spider-Man series -- highlighted by the co-creation of Venom (aka Eddie Brock) and the initial Venom story arcs in issues 298-300 and 315-317. This story was reprinted in 1993 in the trade paperback: Spider-Man -- The Cosmic Adventures.)

Acts of Vengeance Aftermath - "Power Prey!" The Acts of Vengeance is over! But Loki, Graviton, and Sebastian Shaw still want another shot at your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man! Inside Shaw Industries, the X-Men's long-time foe tinkers with past and present Sentinel robots! High above the Earth, the Asgardian god of mischief takes notice and decides to push along Shaw's research by merging the prototypes into the Tri-Sentinel! And then Loki sends the gigantic robot to destroy the Amity Point nuclear power plant! Is the end near for New York City? Not quite! In a brilliant flash of light, the Amazing Spider-Man transforms into Captain Universe! And with the enigma force pulsing through his veins, the wondrous wall-crawler charges the Tri-Sentinel! Can the spectacular one prevent a nuclear meltdown in the Big Apple? In Spidey we trust! Cameo appearances by Mary Jane Watson, Flash Thompson, and the Black Cat. (Notes: This issue begins Erik Larsen's 2-year run as the penciler of the Amazing Spider-Man title. This story was reprinted in 1993 in the trade paperback: Spider-Man -- The Cosmic Adventures.)

Acts of Vengeance crossover - "The Weakest Point" A dozen flying robots interrupt a peaceful afternoon on Avengers Island! Are the robots trying to kill Earth's Mightiest Heroes? No, not really. They just want to sink Hydro-Base to the bottom of the harbor...by poking large holes in the floating island's support system! The Avengers should be able to stop these rambunctious robots; however, only one avenger is home...Quasar! Left with no other choice, Quasar rallies the mansion's staff to defend the island! Can the likes of Peggy Carter, Fabian Stankowicz, and Michael O'Brien keep Hydro-Base afloat? Or will the Avengers' beloved mansion descend to a watery grave? Cameo appearances by the Mandarin, Loki, Doctor Doom, Starfox, and Nebula. (Notes: Hydro-Base first appeared in Sub-Mariner #61. The Avengers moved to Hydro-Base in Avengers 278. The letters page contains the results of the fans' 1989 favorite avenger poll.)

Acts of Vengeance crossover - "Has the Whole World Gone Mad?" Story continues from Avengers West Coast #53. With the Avengers' east coast headquarters in disarray; four avengers from the west coast branch travel to Manhattan to organize a defense against the nationwide attacks on the Avengers! The Falcon joins the Vision, Scarlet Witch, Wasp, and Hank Pym beneath Avengers Park to develop a strategy! However, the heroes' strategy session is abruptly halted by the arrival of Freedom Force. Why have the Blob, Avalanche, and Pyro come looking for Earth's Mightiest Heroes in this time of crisis? Their motive is unknown! But their intent is not...crush the Avengers! At the site of the former Fifth Avenue Mansion, the titanic tussle begins! Will the west coast Avengers score an east coast victory? Story continues in Avengers West Coast #54. Appearances by Doctor Doom, Loki, Mandarin, Magneto, Red Skull, Wizard, and the Kingpin. Cameo appearances by Nebula, Captain America, Iron Man, Thor, and the Wrecker.

Acts of Vengeance crossover - "Thieves Honor" Script by John Byrne. Art by Paul Ryan (breakdowns) and Tom Palmer (finishes). Cover by Paul Ryan and Tom Palmer. Story continues from Avenger West Coast #54. Avengers Park lies in ruins after the clash between Earth's Mightiest Heroes and one half of Freedom Force. With a break in the action; Captain America, Wonder Man, and the Vision begin salvaging items from the submerged Avengers Island. However, the respite from battle does not last long! As the Mandarin and the Wizard decide to take the fight directly to the Avengers themselves! Wonder Man and the Vision challenge the Wizard in the air, while the shield-slinger, thunder god, Hellcat, and Black Widow attack the Mandarin on the ground! Can the Avengers finally cancel these two super-villains' acts (of vengeance)? Meanwhile in California, the Master of Magnetism reunites with his daughter Wanda to help her recover from her recent personal tragedies. Story concludes in Avengers West Coast #55. Appearances by Doctor Doom (robot), Loki, Red Skull, and the Kingpin. Cameo appearances by Hawkeye, Mockingbird, Hank Pym, Agatha Harkness, Magneto, and the Scarlet Witch. (Notes: The Avengers battle the Mandarin for the first time since Avengers Annual (1st series) #1. The Vision rejoins the east coast branch.)

Acts of Vengeance Crossover. "Tales from the Vault!" It's the prologue to the Acts of Vengeance storyline! A powerful stranger frees the Wizard from his prison cell inside the Vault, and then the Wizard proceeds to free the entire cell block of super-criminals! The Guardsmen at the Vault are quickly on the ropes and place a desperate call for help to...Avengers Island! Second story: "Tales from the Vault Part 2" Script by Dwayne McDuffie. Pencils by Dwayne Turner. Inks by Chris Ivy. Iron Man is the first superhero to arrive on the scene at the troubled Vault, and Hawkeye is the second. After the two avengers skirmish with one other, they get down to business and tackle a gang of super-villains including Orca, Scarecrow, and Whirlwind. Can Hawkeye and the golden avenger restore order to the Vault?

"Hurting Inside" Acts of Vengeance crossover. Boomerang is preparing for another battle against Iron Man, when suddenly a mysterious villain encourages him to fight Hawkeye instead. Is the ace archer ready to battle a new opponent? Second story: "Some Assembly Required" Script by Dwayne McDuffie. Pencils by Dwayne Turner. Inks by Chris Ivy. Hydro-Base along with Avengers Headquarters now lies at the bottom of the Hudson River. Stingray and several reserve Avengers including the Black Widow, the second Captain Marvel, Firebird, Hellcat, and Moondragon try to salvage what they can...and also defeat the Mad Thinker's Awesome Android! Cameo appearances by Captain America, Iron Man, Quasar, Thor, Wonder Man, U.S. Agent, and the original Human Torch.

"Denver Doubles" Acts of Vengeance crossover. Have Hawkeye and Mockingbird turned to a life of crime? It appears that way as the two avengers or two people dressed like them are committing crimes! Clint and Bobbi travel to Colorado to hunt for the imposters! Second story: "Second Thoughts" Script by Dwayne McDuffie. Pencils by Dwayne Turner. Inks by Chris Ivy. At a gathering in Washington D.C., the Wasp and Wonder Man are preparing to speak against the super hero registration act, when suddenly a giant being called Gargantua attacks! Which super-villain has sent Gargantua to the U.S. Capitol Building?

Acts of Vengeance Epilogue - Iron Man and Hawkeye appear. "What's The Point?" Hawkeye goes on a mission to rescue the weird villain known as MadCap who is currently a prisoner of Dr. Karl Malus. Second story: "Tales From the Vault" Script by Dwayne McDuffie. Pencils by Dwayne Turner. Inks by Chris Ivy. It's the epilogue to the Acts of Vengeance storyline. Everything seems to be getting back to normal at the Vault as numerous super-villains have returned to prison; however, the Wizard is not yet finished fighting! Iron Man teams up with one of the Guardsmen to battle the Wizard and Klaw to hopefully bring the Acts of Vengeance to a close. Cameo appearances by Captain America, Quasar, Thor, Vision, Wasp, Wonder Man, Thing, and the Human Torch.

Acts of Vengeance crossover - "The Plan Proceeds!" The West Coast Avengers are reeling following the distressing events of last issue. The Scarlet Witch is comatose after losing her children, and the emotionless Vision wants to transfer to the east coast team. And then out of the blue the U-Foes attack! Why are the Hulk's usual adversaries ambushing the Avengers in Southern California? It's all part of the Acts of Vengeance! Ironclad, Vapor, Vector, and X-Ray vs. Earth's Mightiest Heroes! Story continues in Avengers (1st series) 312. Cameo appearances by Magneto, Loki, Ann Raymond, and Immortus. Avengers Lineup: Dr. Pym, Iron Man, Scarlet Witch, Vision, Wasp, Wonder Man, and the original Human Torch. (Notes: This issue was reprinted in 2020 in the trade paperback: Acts of Vengeance Avengers. The TPB collects AWC issues #53 thru #55.)

Acts of Vengeance crossover - "The Troubled Earth" Story continues from Avengers 312. The Mole Man is the next unexpected super-villain to attack the Avengers! On three separate fronts, the Fantastic Four's long, long-time foe sends his subterranean creatures to strike the west coast team. In the skies above Los Angeles, Shell-Head and the U.S. Agent clash with Giganto! While a mile underground, Wonder Man and the golden age torch tackle the Mole Man and his minions! And over the Rocky Mountains, the flying Tricephalous knocks the Avengers' quinjet (that was returning from New York) out of the sky! Death seems certain for Hank, Jan, and Wanda; until a magnetic savior arrives on the scene! Why is Magneto suddenly helping the West Coast Avengers? Story continues in Avengers 313. Cameo appearances by Loki, Captain America, Quasar, and the Vision. (Notes: The cover is an homage to the cover of Fantastic Four (1st series) #1. This issue was reprinted in 2011 in the hardcover: Acts of Vengeance Omnibus.)

Acts of Vengeance crossover - "The Troubled Earth" Story continues from Avengers 312. The Mole Man is the next unexpected super-villain to attack the Avengers! On three separate fronts, the Fantastic Four's long, long-time foe sends his subterranean creatures to strike the west coast team. In the skies above Los Angeles, Shell-Head and the U.S. Agent clash with Giganto! While a mile underground, Wonder Man and the golden age torch tackle the Mole Man and his minions! And over the Rocky Mountains, the flying Tricephalous knocks the Avengers' quinjet (that was returning from New York) out of the sky! Death seems certain for Hank, Jan, and Wanda; until a magnetic savior arrives on the scene! Why is Magneto suddenly helping the West Coast Avengers? Story continues in Avengers 313. Cameo appearances by Loki, Captain America, Quasar, and the Vision. (Notes: The cover is an homage to the cover of Fantastic Four (1st series) #1. This issue was reprinted in 2011 in the hardcover: Acts of Vengeance Omnibus.)

Acts of Vengeance conclusion - "The Breaking Strain" Story continues from Avengers 313. Marvel's Acts of Vengeance crossover event reaches its apex as the true mastermind is revealed: Loki, the god of evil! Loki was the first villain the Avengers ever fought! And he might be their last if the east coast and west coast teams cannot halt his sinister scheme! Nine avengers led by the Mighty Thor charge into battle vs. the lord of lies! Can Earth's Mightiest Heroes deny Loki his ultimate act of vengeance? Meanwhile in California, the Scarlet Witch undergoes a dark and dramatic transformation courtesy of her father -- the Master of Magnetism! Appearances by the Kingpin, Mandarin, Magneto, Red Skull, Wizard, Agatha Harkness, Wonder Man, U.S. Agent, and Immortus. Avengers Lineup vs. Loki: Captain America, Dr. Pym, Falcon, Hawkeye, Iron Man, Mockingbird, Thor, Vision, and the Wasp. (Note: Avengers Spotlight #29 serves as the epilogue for the Acts of Vengeance storyline.)

Acts of Vengeance conclusion - "The Breaking Strain" Story continues from Avengers 313. Marvel's Acts of Vengeance crossover event reaches its apex as the true mastermind is revealed: Loki, the god of evil! Loki was the first villain the Avengers ever fought! And he might be their last if the east coast and west coast teams cannot halt his sinister scheme! Nine avengers led by the Mighty Thor charge into battle vs. the lord of lies! Can Earth's Mightiest Heroes deny Loki his ultimate act of vengeance? Meanwhile in California, the Scarlet Witch undergoes a dark and dramatic transformation courtesy of her father -- the Master of Magnetism! Appearances by the Kingpin, Mandarin, Magneto, Red Skull, Wizard, Agatha Harkness, Wonder Man, U.S. Agent, and Immortus. Avengers Lineup vs. Loki: Captain America, Dr. Pym, Falcon, Hawkeye, Iron Man, Mockingbird, Thor, Vision, and the Wasp. (Note: Avengers Spotlight #29 serves as the epilogue for the Acts of Vengeance storyline.)