Marvel Masterworks: The Avengers #3
☆ Be the first to review + Add to your collection — Join freeThis third volume of the Marvel Masterworks series reprints the classic Avengers tales from issues #21-30, including the first appearances of the Swordsman and the introduction of the villainous Kang the Conqueror. The collection also features the return of the original Captain America to the team and the epic battle against the Masters of Evil, showcasing the early Bronze Age storytelling that defined Earth's Mightiest Heroes.
In "The Bitter Taste of Defeat!", the Avengers are disbanded, leaving Hawkeye, Quicksilver, and Scarlet Witch struggling to find work—until the Ringmaster recruits them for a dangerous job. When things go wrong, they're framed and forced to flee, while Captain America works alone to expose the real culprit. The issue’s cover, by Jack Kirby and John Romita, captures the chaos of the moment, and the story unfolds with sharp pacing and classic Marvel tension. Written by Stan Lee, with art by Don Heck and inks by Wally Wood, this 2004 Marvel Masterworks entry is a standout in the team’s early saga.
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Forced to disband the Avengers, Hawkeye, Quicksilver, and Scarlet Witch cannot find work until the Ringmaster hires them. Unable to control them, he tells the police that they tried to rob his Circus. Suddenly the three are on the run. Working on his own, Cap is able to pin the whole scheme on Enchantress and Power Man. Enchantress bails back to Asgard. Power Man, deprived of his lady love, surrenders. The City Council withdraws its order: the Avengers may assemble again. But Cap has had enough of Hawkeye and refuses to re-join.
Plot details indexed by the Grand Comics Database (CC BY-SA).
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