The Avengers #190
Published and © by Marvel, December 1979
Title: “Heart of Stone”
Synopsis: While defending against a government attempt to strip their security clearance, the Avengers are called to battle a stony menace.
Writer (plot): Roger Stern
Writer (script): Steven Grant
Penciler: John Byrne
Inker: Dan Green
Review: In the hands of an elite writer, a tale about a government hearing over superhero security clearances could be interesting. Sadly, this mash-up effort from editor Roger Stern and guest scripter Steven Grant falls short. And, despite a few good character moments throughout, the story still lags when the Avengers leap into action against a nondescript stony menace. The story wastes another excellent outing from the art team of John Byrne and Dan Green, who handle both the political and action scenes with aplomb. Not a bad comic by any means, but one that ultimately fails to meet its potential.
Grade: B
Cool factor: Byrne and Green make an excellent team.
Not-so-cool factor: This issue’s rocky villain practically defines nondescript.
Notable: Guest-starring Daredevil.
Collector’s note: According to the Grand Comics Database, the is a 12p British variant of this issue. … According to MyComicShop.com, there is also a Mark Jewelers variant.
Character quotable: “Is that proof enough, you little Hitler?” – Captain America to government busybody Peter Gyrich (and Cap knows a thing or two about Hitler!)
Editor’s note: This review was written Oct. 16, 2019.
