Avengers Annuals, Avengers

Avengers Annual 15

Somehow I read this out of order.  It’s the first annual East/West Coast Avengers baseball game.  The depiction of baseball’s a little more accurate, at least.  Otherwise, it’s an extended Avengers/Freedom Force fight that’s fine, but not much more.  Nothing memorable, no need to keep it.

Regret buying?  No

Would buy again? No

Would read again?  No

Rating: Didn’t suck

Avengers Annual ‘99

Leonardo Manco art!  Another one of those “wish I saw more of his art” guys.  I know him mostly from his Blaze of Glory/Apache Skies work.  His art is so gritty, it’s like he pours sand over his pages.  I dig it.  

This is a nice issue about how Jarvis and Black Widow handled things post-Onslaught Avengers disappearance.  I’ve read it a couple of times since purchase, and I’m always entertained.  Solid.  

Regret buying?  No

Would buy again? Yes

Would read again?  Yes

Rating: Fine

Avengers 66, 68, 71, 73, 75, 80

No idea how I have these issues.  They must have been in some bargain bin, back when anything old seemed worth buying.

That said, they didn’t suck.  More fun than the issues from the 80s.  They pop with energy that more than makes up for the crude dialogue.  The plots are fun and zip along at a brisk pace.  Still wouldn’t read them again, but happy to keep them around.

PS - Love the trippy splash page on p13 of issue 66.

Barry Windsor Smith by way of Alphonse Mucha?

Regret buying?  No

Would buy again? No

Would read again?  No

Rating: Okay