Although it is a very straightforward and standard tale in comparison to its peers, 1986’s Avengers Under Siege storyline (Avengers #270-277) represented a reality of terrorist activity that was not unheard of during the 80s. At heart, that is what it is – a terrorist takeover of an important institution. Perhaps it represented an escapist and hopeful slant to how most turned out back in the day – a hodgepodge of feelings one cannot really process. The process here is much more facilitated by making the villains pretty straightforward in their motivation – they are a group of criminals out for revenge. Granted by comparing the way they are written here to the intricacies most of these characters have nowadays evolved in their own right (Thunderbolts, anyone…?), they are very much one-note, but I cannot say I was in any way bored while reading.
The heroes, however, are more likable. Particularly Captain America, Wasp, and the Black Knight. I will not get into specifics here but a lot happens to these that the burden that has been placed on them by their role within the Avengers has got in the way of their own personal growth. And how this informs the story has made me curious about what happens afterward.
The greatest draw of the story is however the artwork by John Buscema. I have said it before, but the guy was clearly the best for his time. It must seriously be witnessed. And I guess that goes for the story as a whole.
