The Avengers #126
Published and © by Marvel, August 1974
Title: “All the Sounds and Sights of Death!”
Synopsis: The Rudyardan ambassador demands help from Black Panther and the Avengers in protecting the white-nationalist nation’s embassy staff.
Writer: Steve Englehart
Penciler: Bob Brown
Inker: Dave Cockrum
Review: Many Marvel titles are built on an underlying metaphor. The X-Men are an inclusive school. The Fantastic Four are a dysfunctional-but-loving family. The Avengers? The modern American workplace. We’ve got disconnected upper management, hard-driving recent hires and way too many interoffice romances. HR is going to have its hands full with this group. Meanwhile, this issue’s A-story features shocking white nationalism and a convoluted plot featuring Solarr and Klaw. How convoluted? Marvel’s Powers That Be offered a No Prize to the reader who could best explain how the villains came to team up. A mess – but an enjoyable mess.
Grade: B
Cool factor: It’s already clear Dave Cockrum is going to do some excellent work at Marvel.
Not-so-cool factor: Rudyarda doesn’t sound like a good place to be.
Notable: The “Avengers Assemble!” letters page includes an LoC from future Marvel editor Ralph Macchio.
Collector’s note: According to MyComicShop.com, there is a Mark Jewelers variant of this issue. … Beware, this issue contains Marvel Value Stamp (Series A) #46 (Mysterio).
Character quotable: “If I needed a history lesson, Thor, I’d go to the public library! Can’t you see I’m trying to think?” – Captain America, aka Mr. Cranky
Editor’s note: This review was written June 19, 2025.
