Wow, this graphic novel has quite a cast, but I’m only going to mentions those characters that made an impact on the story. The full cast list would account for almost every Marvel Hero of consequence. It seems only fitting though to have such a prestigious cast when you end an era. Don’t get me wrong, I understand that the Avengers were rebuilt not real long after they broke apart, but things could never be the same. In an attempt to modernize the book Marvel will inject popular characters from other series into the Avengers, they’ll add more of a real feel to the book and probably make it darker as well. According to Marvel, it had to be done to keep the book alive so there’s no point in complaining about what has been lost.

I knew going into the book that Avengers Disassembled was going to be the breaking point of the team and I had heard mumbled rumors as to what happened in the book, but I wasn’t exactly clear how it would go down. I was very worried that in order to get to where they wanted to go in the book that it would feel rushed and very contrived. When I finished the book I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised at the story but still saddened by the loss of what had been, exactly how I think Marvel wanted to end the series.

Spoiler

The end of the Avengers comes at the hands of the Scarlet Witch. Her powers have grown to where she can alter reality whether she realizes it or not. As anyone would, she feels disappointment with how certain parts of her life have gone, the difference is that her subconscious can do something about it. I don’t think I can do justice to the story by merely recapping it — I know a first for me. As one would imagine, when the Scarlet Witch wants bad things to happen – whether subconsciously or not – she makes things go very bad. Imagine if the Kree attacked the Avenger’s mansion on the same day that a handful of Ultron clones attacked the mansion, for example.

It is Dr Strange who eventually come forth to help rectify the situation but by that time the damage has been done. The Avenger’s mansion has been destroyed and several members have been killed. It isn’t that there are not enough members for the Avengers to go on, but instead their spirits are broken and many feel that they must move forward in a different direction.

I’m sure there are others that did not enjoy Avengers Disassembled. It’s too controversial an event to make everyone happy. It is a more important book than first blush indicates when multiple Avengers titles launched not too long after. Any fan of the Avengers or just a fan of Marvel in general should pick up this book even if you became a fan after the original Avengers era had ended.

Story
Artwork
Value
Can It Stand Alone
Cool Factor
Average