TITLE: The Avengers Issue #23
RELEASE: December 1965
COMPANY: Marvel Comics
Writer: Stan Lee
Penciller: Don Heck
Delineator: John Romita
Letterer: Sherigail
The earlier issues of “The Avengers” are always fun to read and while I don’t own many of the 1960’s issues, nevertheless each time I do, I just have a kick reading the character dynamics and seeing how much has changed today from back then.
In this issue, Steve Rogers has left the Avengers after failing as their leader. Clint Barton (Hawkeye) was very hard on Steve, mocking him and challenging Captain America whenever he had the chance.
And the Wanda Maximoff (Scarlett Witch) is not happy about it and giving him a piece of her mind.
But could it be that Wanda has had a crush on Steve?
So Steve Rogers is lost and now letting off some steam, goes to take on various boxers who laugh at Steve Rogers (not knowing he is Captain America) and thinking he is a goodie-goodie.
But watching from afar and seeing all the trouble is Kang the Conqueror. So, upset that he has done well in conquering other planets in different centuries, he is unable to conquer Earth in the Twentieth Century thanks to the Avengers. And now, he wants to do something about it.
Meanwhile, Kang the Conqueror is intent of having Princess Ravonna as his wife, the Princess doesn’t want to marry him but the King reminds her that in order to save the people of their world, she may need to do what Kang says.
With Captain America gone, he goes on the attack against the Avengers mansion and manages to trap Hawkeye, Quicksilver and Scarlett Witch.
Fortunately, Wanda figures out a way to break away from their glass prison and free the other two, meanwhile Steve Rogers hears in the radio that the Avengers HQ has been attacked and rushes to assist them.
Meanwhile, Hawkeye, Quicksilver and Scarlett Witch do all they can to take on Kang the Conqueror, while Captain America goes to make his return. Can the Avengers stop the madness and defeat Kang the Conqueror?
If anything, the issue is fascinating as it showcases the Wanda Maximoff’s feelings towards Steve Rogers. Steve has alluded to it several times throughout the years that he’s interested but the two never really hooked up.
Interesting enough, there are fans who want to see it happen, so much that there are fanfics bring Captain America and the Scarlett Witch together.
As for Kang the Conqueror, for a man who conquers worlds, he sure does whine a lot.