Set Description:
This is my set of the Cents copies of Avengers issues numbers #1 to #402 in volume number #1 plus the Giant Size comics and Annuals that relate to them.
The set also includes issues numbers #3 and #77 in Avengers volume number #3.
It is my premiere set, and the biggest one in my collection. It also contains the largest number of high-grade comics that I have.
I began building it as a "high grade" (9.0, 9.2 and 9.4 ) Silver Age and early Bronze Age set. When it was nearing completion I decided to try to upgrade it by replacing the majority of the comics with any of those grades with "super-high grade" (9.6 ) copies (recognising the obvious financial restraints on replacing issues numbers #1 to #16) predominantly with white pages, and extending it to include the later Bronze Age issues as 9.8 grade white page copies . Along the way I have added a number of pedigree, recognised collection and CVA Exceptional copies.
This is still a work in progress although, latterly, my focus has shifted somewhat so that where, for example , the opportunity has arisen to buy a key issue within another title at the same time as an upgrade or a late Bronze Age issue to add to this set I have not regarded myself as bound to do that . However, when the opportunity presents itself, I will certainly pick up the 35¢ price variant issues numbers #161, #162 and #163 in order to complete my run of the 30¢ and 35¢ price variants in the set.
Since its formation in 1963 the team has had a vast number of different Marvel heroes on its roster. Whilst building this set I have also sought to acquire the comics containing the first appearances of the team members, such as Journey into Mystery issue number #83 (first Thor), Tales of Suspense issue number #57 (first Hawkeye), Savage She- Hulk issue number #1 (first She-Hulk) and Fantastic Four issue number #52 (first Black Panther), to name just a few. Please check out my "Avengers Members 'First Comic Book Appearances" set in my Custom Sets for the comics that I have. As I started this quite a few years ago (and well before many of the characters were introduced to the wider public via the Marvel Cinematic Universe ) I have been fortunate in acquiring these comics at prices that were generally far less than they are now.
I recognise it is now unlikely that it will be possible financially to upgrade my copy of Avengers issue number #1 (6.5) which is listed within the set without selling it plus my two other existing mid-grade copies ( 5.0 and 4.5 - please see my "Avengers #1 in the U.K." Custom Set for further information regarding them) and/or some other part of my collection.
I have also branched out and begun building Avengers newsstand edition and Canadian Price Variant sets.
In the "Owner's Description " column below I have, in relation to some of the comics (for example issue number #51), included a few personal observations which I hope will be of interest.
Please also see my "Avengers U.K. Editions /Price Variants in the U.K." set for the U.K. Price Variant copies I have of a number of the comics in this set. I was delighted to receive CGC's" Best International Set 2024" Award for the UKPV set.
The Avengers is, and has always been, my favourite comic book. Having read it for well over half a century I still feel it's amazing to have so many wonderful characters in the same stories, where it can be seen how they inter-act together and fight as a team. Much of this has transferred very successfully onto the big screen through the ever-expanding Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Paradoxically, the consistent characteristic of the comic is the constant changing of the members of the team, with members resigning and re-joining, and replacements (either new characters or existing ones in other comics) being inducted.
When it was formed in 1963 in issue number #1 it comprised Thor, Hulk. Iron Man. Ant-Man and the Wasp. In the very next issue the Hulk left (after realising that his fellow team members did not trust him). This paved the way for the re-introduction of Captain America into the Marvel universe (following a test appearance of the character in the form of the Acrobat, one of the Human Torch 's old foes , disguised as Cap in Strange Tales issue number #114) and his membership of the Avengers in issue number# 4.
This was followed by the departure of the entire team, except Captain America, in issue number# 16, and the introduction of Hawkeye, a "reformed criminal" and Quicksilver and the Scarlet Witch, former Mutant terrorists, as new members. The new team lacked the raw power and cohesion of the previous one , and was the subject of constant bickering, with Hawkeye frequently undermining Cap's leadership. The Scarlet Witch 's hex power was unpredictable, and often left her powerless for a time after its use and her brother, Pietro, displayed an unhealthy, overly-protective fixation towards her.
It was some time before the team gelled together as an effective fighting unit, and won the respect of the public, the authorities and, not least, their foes.
To my mind the next series of significant changes occurred through issues numbers #47 (Cap's resignation), #52 and #57 (the Black Panther and the Vision respectively becoming members) , and issue number #75 the return of Quicksilver and the Scarlet Witch.
I liked this version of the team, together with the Clint Barton Goliath, and felt it represented a good balance of strength, power, intelligence and skill, with stories based in the 1970's.
All in all, a period of great writing and artwork.
Avengers Assemble!
Robin
18 March 2024
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