The Avengers #98
Published and © by Marvel, April 1972
Title: “Let Slip the Dogs of War!”
Synopsis: As the Avengers look for Goliath, violent protests stoked by “Mr. Talon” threaten to bring about World War III.
Writer: Roy Thomas
Penciler: Barry Windsor-Smith (as Barry Smith)
Inker: Sal Buscema
Review: Legendary Avengers writer Roy Thomas follows up his epic Kree-Skrull War arc by launching directly into another multipart tale. Luckily, with the exception of a last-page reveal, this issue also serves as a nice done-in-one that allows readers to catch their breath. Thomas has a good feel for these characters and his script taps into the political discord of its time. On the art side, a young Barry Windsor-Smith still struggles with consistency; some panels are quite striking while others remain amateurish. Still, his potential is already apparent. A fun pairing of creative talent.
Grade: B+
Second opinion: “Notable mainly for the return of Barry Smith on the art.” – Pierre Comtois, “Marvel Comics in the 1970s: An Issue By Issue Field Guide to a Pop Culture Phenomenon: Expanded Edition,” 2021
Cool factor: The classic Conan creative duo teaming for a superhero story? That sounds promising.
Not-so-cool factor: Wow, the use of yellow for Asian skin took a long time to phase out of comics, didn’t it?
Notable: The “Avengers Assemble!” letters page includes an LoC from fantasy novelist Stephen R. Donaldson.
Collector’s note: According to the Grand Comics Database, there is a 6p British variant of this issue. … According to MyComicShop.com, there are also Mark Jewelers and National Diamond variants.
Character quotable: “Play, my pretties – play! If music be the food of war… PLAY ON!” – Mr. Talon, aka Ares, music fan
Editor’s note: This review was written Aug. 31, 2024.
