2.170 (535) West Coast Avengers vol 1 #48 ... Marvel ...

And like our reviews on the X-Men, a long time ago, back when the Marvel Universe was at the end of its so-called Bronze Age, spin off from main titles was a rarity and usually each new title would have its own angle and in the corner for the Mighty Avengers, what happened was that the original Avengers team would be deemed to be on the East Coast and as there are many suitable and experienced heroes, it was decided to form a West Coast

In the end of its fourth year run, so many developments have occurred. We have seen a marriage fall apart (Hawkeye and Mockingbird), we have seen Wonder Man become an ego maniac after becoming a Hollywood star, we have seen the deterioration of Tigra into more catlike in appearance and personality (before X-Men's beast's transformation during Grant Morrison's run) ... and we even have the first FF member, Thing to ever join the Avengers even if for a limited run ...

All that said and done, this issue is the culmination of a run that has gone on for more than 6 issues! On the sidelines, we are treated to more developments in terms of the Scarlet Witch's and Vision's twin boys - how they sometimes seemed to disappear without a trace from their quarters. At this juncture, most readers would assume that these are toddlers who are having early access to their mutant abilities ... we guess ... but the truth is something more dire

In addition, we see Hawkeye and Mockingbird finally able to stand each other's presence and busily training the Great Lakes Avengers (an Avengers wannabe team consisting of very funny characters)

But on the main cards for the night is obviously the tale of Vision and Scarlet Witch. Now a while back, the Vision was taken SPOILER ALERT apart and put back together by the USA govt. Unfortunately, for security reasons, they have wiped all traces of his original presence and personality. Hence when restored, he is bereft of his earlier memories and becomes cold and mechanical once more

We see the Witch going to various parties for assistance only to be turned down/ away and her anger seething and with that, she is susceptible to accepting an invitation from what seemed to be a genuine research and academic facility

However, behind said veneer, the administrators are using it to separate the couple as their intention is to lure the Witch and brainwash her into sharing their way of thought. But the baddies are no as smart as they thought they were because they also destroyed the Quinjet and when that happens, our East Coast buddies in the form of Cap A and S Hulk come to investigate and you know there's going to be a bit of whupping!

Ratings: 5/10