West Coast Avengers
Issue 1 Assemble Wackos
"Avengers Assemble!!!" cried Hawkeye, with bow raised above head as he stood at the back of the courtyard of Avengers Compound. Echoes could be heard as the time-honored call went forth. "Semble... semble... semble..."
Mockingbird, with hands on hips, lived up to her code-name. "Verrrrrrry impressive Mister Hawkeye, sir! But what was that supposed to prove, other than that the grounds produce a great echo? I mean, I already knew you had a great set of lungs. Why do you think I married you?"
Hawkeye turned back to his spanking-new bride and grinned broadly. "I'd assumed it was because you were hopelessly smitten with my boyish good looks and manly charm, Bobbi! Anyway, what's wrong with giving the ol' team call to assemble?
"Not a thing." retorted Mocky "If you ignore the fact that we're the only ones on the whole estate!"
Hawkeye moved over and slipped an arm around Mocky, she returned the favor and the pair walked inside the mansion proper. "It's not an estate, honey- It's a compound! With California real estate costing what it does, there is a big difference!"
"Don't change the subject! We have enough land and buildings here to open a resort, but the only Avengers in sight are 'Thee and me'..."
Hawkeye broke from his reverie. He was sitting on a patio chair on that same courtyard. The cool air blowing off the pacific made the early evening temperature inviting, so Hawk had moved outside to finish his work.
He remembered that not so long ago day*, like it were yesterday, and despite the fact Bobbi was no longer with him, the memory brought a smile to his lips.
He sighed "Well, it was different circumstances than I have now, but Bobbi would still be right if she were saying it now. I've got a fully equipped HQ, but no one to fill it."
He pored over the files, once again, on his Avengers-supplied personal laptop. Trying to come up with six names to fill a roster. After several more minutes he threw his hands in the air. "Aww, the heck with it. Might as well make it a party and invite everybody. Let hem sort it out themselves who'll be on the team." he grinned to himself. "While I'm at it, why not revive an old tradition too...?"
His hands started typing again with a clackety sound.
The next day.
Hawkeye's call to Assemble went out all over the world. Via E-mail, fax, telephone, and communicard. Within 24 hours, all former Avengers West possible had been contacted.
Of course, for certain members, special consideration had been given. Those of the original West Coast team had been contacted personally. So, the night before the big BBQ, Hawkeye had asked them to meet him at the compound.
Jim Rhodes was the first to arrive that evening, given that he lived the closest to the Compound of any of the other founders. He and Hawkeye conversed on the front steps, waiting for the others to arrive.
"I don't get it Hawkeye." said Rhodey "Why do you need me here? You know I dropped out of the Super-hero gig a while back. I'm not much use to the Avengers as just plain old Jim Rhodes."
Hawkeye nodded. "Sure Jim, I know. I'm not asking you to resume a super-hero career either. I just felt that since you were an original member*, I wanted to show you the respect of an invitation. In any case it ought to be fun tomorrow seeing some of the old gang tomorrow, don't you think?"
*
Rhodey grinned "Yeah, I suppose it might be fun at that."
"Besides," said Hawkeye "I've got something in mind for you that doesn't require super-powers. Things are going to be run differently this time. But, let's save that till the others arrive."
As if on cue, a streak of light crossed the early evening sky. It came towards the pair on the stairs. And so, Wonder Man arrived at the Compound, carrying a giggling Tigra in his arms.
"Hello boys," purred Tigra as she lightly dropped to her feet. "Nice to see you all again."
"Same here!" said Hawk and Rhodey together.
Hawkeye offered his hand to Wonder Man "Glad you and Tigra could make it, Simon."
Wonder Man nodded and took Hawk's hand, his face a stone mask. "Not doing much else these days Clint." he said, rather dryly.
Hawk squinted at him, taken a bit off-guard by his old friend and colleagues attitude. "Er, everything OK, Wondy?"
Wonder Man gave a thin-lipped smile, with no emotion behind it. "Oh yeah... everything's just peachy. Can we get this over with? I've got to get back to New York." he walked into the Mansion, leaving three very bewildered Avengers on the steps.
"What the heck was that?*" said Hawk, looking at Tigra
Tigra shrugged "I couldn't tell you Clint. I tried chatting with him on the flight over, I haven't seen Simon in so long, but all I got were short one word answers."
"Well, whatever the problem is, it'll have to wait till later. We got business to discuss. C'mon in Avengers."
Tigra and Rhodey followed Hawkeye inside to the dining room, where a large dinner had been set up for the occasion by the Compound kitchen staff.
Elsewhere...
A darkened room somewhere. Only dimly lit, enough so that all of the occupants at the table in the center of the room can see each other. At the head ot the table stand a woman whose facial features and even entire body are masked by long flowing robes. She is the Crimson Cowl and with her are the new Masters of Evil!
"So," said the Cowl "It has been heard through the grapevine that the Avengers are once again setting up shop in Los Angeles. Not only that, but Hawkeye is going to lead them!"
"I dont get it." said Man-Killer "what do the Avengers have to do with us?"
"Fool!" shouted the Cowl "The Avengers have always been the enemy of the Masters of Evil! We have the opportunity to strike against them while they are still in the stages of setting up. They will be off balance and easy to deal with. Then, I will have my ultimate revenge against Hawkeye!"
Klaw frowned "Cowl, this sounds like a personal vendetta against Hawkeye to me. I had thought you were more professional than that. Had I known of this, I would not have agreed to-"
"Silence!!!" shouted the Cowl "I will not have my motives questioned! Yes, I bear Hawkeye a personal grudge. He once ruined my life after all. However, Master of Sound, rest assured that we are not merely going to attack the Avengers West. I have something much more sinister in mind..."
"What is it?" asked Cyclone
The Cowl drew her robes closer about her. Her eyes narrowed. "I know we planned on breaking the Radioactive Man from the Vault*, but now, with the Avengers moving west, I have recruited a new member. And that new member is here now!"
On cue, the door opened and in stepped... the newest member of the Masters of Evil.
Klaw's mouth dropped open as he recognized the figure "You!!!"
We'll learn more of the Masters of Evil's plans in future issues. In the meantime, let us return to Avengers Compound, where the dinner has broken up, and small talk has finished.
"So, Hawkeye" said Rhodey "What were you saying earlier about new plans for the Avengers West?"
Hawkeye pushed back his plate, which a servant quickly removed from the table. "Now that we're all here I can begin. The Avengers West aren't going to be run the old way. No more 'Understudy Operation' like before. This team is going to be separate and equal to the East Coasters. Cap and I have already discussed the specifics on this. It was the only way I'd agree to lead the team. Anyhow, here's the gist: I intend to set up a Founder's Committee, just like the Eackos have, to settle big time difficulties that are bound to creep up from time to time. You guys are founding members, so I want you all on that committee. That's why I wanted you here before tomorrow when everyone else shows up."
Rhodey frowned "I don't know about this, Hawkeye. Like I said earlier, I'm not in the super-hero gig anymore. I dont think it would be right for me to sit on a committee overseeing super-powered people."
"Wrong." retorted Hawk "You're perfect for the job. I know you to be a man of integrity, Jim. I also think that someone not wearing spandex on the committee will tend to be more impartial about things than the rest of us. Besides, its not like you will have to deal in the day-to-day affairs of being an Avenger. This committee is only going to come together in crises situations."
Rhodey stroked his beard, in thought. "Well, I suppose in that light, I can help out. Provided of course you keep from having too many Crises. All right?"
Hawkeye laughed "I'll certainly try my best to keep them to a minimum!" He looked to Tigra and Wonder Man "So, what do you two have to say about that?"
Tigra smiled and nodded. "I think its a great idea, Hawk. In fact, if you want I'll even be an active member. To help get this thing off the ground. I haven't done an Avenging stint in a while."
"Great! That's the Avengers spirit. Now, just five more members and we got ourselves a team! Simon?"
The three looked to Wonder Man. He had been silent through the whole meal. Only speaking when spoken to, and never saying more than was absolutely necessary. "Sure, Hawkeye. It sounds like you have all the bases covered. I'll be on your little team and Committee. I'm a founder after all. Now, if that's it, I need to get back to New York." Wonder Man rose from his chair and made for the front door
Hawkeye's jaw dropped and he ran after him "Now just wait a minute, Avenger! That's not all! We still have to discuss whom likely candidates are going to be to fill roster slots tomorrow. I need your input Simon."
Wonder Man turned to look at Hawk. The ionic energy in his eyes burned intently. "Clint, I know you. You'll make the right decisions. Right now, I have to get back to New York." the look in his eyes told Hawk not to push this further. So Hawkeye stood there as Wonder Man walked out the front door, his belt jets sending him thundering off into the night.
"Cripes... just what the heck is going on with you, Simon Williams?" he turned to go back into the dining room. "Well, guys. I guess it's up to us."
Somewhere over the southern Nevada desert...
Wonder Man streaks eastward. Anger and frustration boiling to a frenzied pitch inside him. His roiling emotions bent on only one thought...
"Wanda..."
The Ionic Avenger's mind feels tormented... How much has he gone through in his so-called 'life'? Guilty of embezzlement. Then, agreeing to join the Masters of Evil and becoming Wonder Man* in a plot to destroy the Avengers. Then, turning on his erstwhile allies and paying the ultimate price for it. Death.
*Don't suppose anyone out there has ever read Avengers #9? --Scott
But that wasnt the end of Simon Williams story. No, he was resurrected by the Black Talon as a mindless zombie, once again a pawn against the Avengers. But he remembered the man he once was and lived again. Only to find out that his brother Eric, never a person of sterling morals, had fallen completely from grace and become the super-villain Grim Reaper.
Then Simon met possibly the most remarkable person to ever enter his life. Wanda Maximoff, the Scarlet Witch. A woman, whom when Simon finally met her, was already married to the android Vision, whose brain wave patterns were copied from Simon's very own. Simon loved Wanda despite his best efforts not to. Knowing that she loved a robotic copy of himself..
Keeping his feelings unspoken, he suffered in silence. Through many years as teammates with both Wanda and Vision, they were even together when his brother, the Reaper died.*
Later, Wanda and Vision joined the team and Vision was captured by an international conspiracy and completely dismantled.* Simon, saw this as his chance to finally be with Wanda, but she spurned his every advance, feeling Simon, who would not give his brain waves to help restore the Vision, was to blame for his death.
Eventually the old wounds healed and they became teamates and friends once again. The West Coast Avengers folded and Iron Man had an idea for a new team: Force Works. Simon and Wanda both joined. On their first mission, Simon attacked an invading Kree ship in orbit.* Destroying the ship, but caught in its explosion, Wonder Man was dead once again.
*
So would seem to be the end of Simon Williams. But it was not to be so. Long time friend and teammate, Hank McCoy aka the Beast, came to the Avengers seeking help to find the scattered ionic particles that he believed still contained the essence of Wonder Man.* Together with Dr. Henry Pym, they devised a plan to go into space and collect the scattered particles and bring Simon to life. The plan worked and once again, Wonder Man lived!
)
So, once again Simon Williams was among the living. Wanda was there with him, as was the Vision. But Wanda still spruned him and the Vision knew Simon to be a rival for Wandas affections. The two clashed over this, with Wanda stating she was not a prize to be won. A few days later she left the team, stating she needed time away from the Avengers to sort her life out. Not telling anyone where she went.
Simon's reverie brings him back to the present. No matter what, he decides, he will wait for Wanda to return to Avengers Mansion. When she does, he will declare his love for her once and for all... and he knows that this time, things will work out between she and he. It has to!
We watch this man of ions fly across the country, having just examined his psyche. A man twice dead and born again. A man spurned by the one woman he has ever loved. A man whose own brother became a super-criminal and believed him to an obscene mockery of the 'real' Simon Williams. As we examine his psyche, might we not judge it now to be extremely fragile?
And, if we look into those ionic furnaces he has for eyes, might we not detect a hint of.... madness?
The next day, at Avengers Compound.
"Geez Cockeye, I got to admit, you put on quite a spread here today."
Ben Grimm, the ever-loving blue-eyed Thing, lounged back on a patio chair as Hawkeye, with a 'Kiss the Barbeque' apron on, prepped the grill for the steaks that would come shortly.
"Well Benjy, I know all you people didn't come here just to bathe in the glow of my good looks. I needed an incentive to get you here"
Jim Hammond walked by just then and nodded a greeting to Hawk and Ben.
"Hay Torchie!" said Hawkeye who was looking back and forth between Jim and the grill. "Um, I don't suppose you could help me out here?"
Hammond stopped dead in his tracks and simply arched an eyebrow at Hawk.
Hawkeye stared at Jim for a couple of seconds before he realized his mistake and turned three shades of crimson. "Oooo... ah, what I meant was, 'Could you hand me the lighter fluid?'"
Hammond smiled thinly "Oh, of course, Hawkeye." he handed him the fluid, then curtly walked on his way.
"Haw haw haw!" laughed the Thing "That's the first time I ever saw ol' Purplepuss turn red!" he laughed again as Hawkeye glared at him and puffed on his cigar. "Whatta show!"
Looking elsewhere around the verranda where the bbq was taking place, we see a Who's Who of former West Coast Avengers. Standing in various pockets of conversation is: Jim Rhodes, Tigra, Iron Man, Firebird, Yellowjacket, Wasp, Vision, US Agent, Jim Hammond, Quicksilver, Spider-Woman, and the Living Lightning.
If we move about the throng, we can hear various snippets of conversations...
"...Yeah, Rhodes Air isn't doing as well as I'd like, but it's paying the bills..."
"...and I'm done hanging out with the aborigines, at least for the present. I've officially joined the team already...."
"...Well, as Iron Man, I'm pretty tied up with Stark Enterprises' problems at present, but who knows what'll happen down the road..."
"...I'm flattered Hawkeye invited me, since I was never an official part of the team. I guess he just wanted to be sure not to forget me this time. Nice of him, but I'm quite happy with my role in the Champions for right now..."
"...So anyway, I decided to go back to being Yellowjacket after that. This persona no longer holds any fear over me. Still, if it wasn't for you, Bonita, I wouldn't be in this costume today..."
"...I'm not interested in joining right now, but let it never be said that Janet Van Dyne failed to attend a party she was personally invited to..."
"...In the end it turned out Mockingbird wasn't there at all. It was just a ruse by Mephisto to get me, Hawk, the Swordsman and Strange into his domain, so that he could possess our souls. Oop, here comes Hawk now, we'd better change the subject..."
"...So, I'm not really sure what's going on with Heroes for Hire right now. I'm just in a wait and see mode..."
"...Anyhow, as much as Rachel and I loved Newport Beach, I saw Houston as an ideal place for us to start over. In fact, today just happens to be my final appearance as Spider-Woman for the forseeable future..."
"...Well, I haven't been studying as much as I should. With the Avengers and Force Works gone, there's been more than enough criminal activity to keep the Living Lightning busy. But now that their back, and the Champions too, maybe I can get back into college life at USC a little more..."
And so it goes, small talk mostly, as old friends get reaquainted. However elsewhere at the Compound...
He crouches atop the wall, in the shadows of the foliage which surrounds the Compound. He too was summoned to this gathering of heroes, but he has decided only to observe. To gain what information is necessary from the event and then depart. For the Moon Knight no longer joins any team. His fight against the darkness of evil is a fight he must face alone.
And, somewhat farther away than the Moon Knight is from the gathering... In the forests of Transia...
Wanda Maximoff joins in the search for a lost gypsy child.* She was summoned to the gathering, but not having any contact with the Avengers, she is unaware of this. So, the meeting goes on without her...
Meanwhile, back at the Compound, things are not so pleasant as they at first seemed.
"It is all your fault, android, that my sister has gone missing!"
The Vision stood facing Quicksilver, his face as dispassionate as a wall of stone, yet underneath the emotions were in a churning turmoil. Still, he responded to the mutant speedster's accusations in a clam, computer precise voice. "I do not understand what you are inferring Quicksilver. Wanda left the Mansion of her own volition. She stated needing time away from the Avengers. I sought neither to persuade nor dissuade her from this course of action."
Quicksilver's face was livid with rage as he screamed. "Fool! It was your unholy love for her that drove her away! What right has an android to love a woman?"
The stone mask of the Vision broke. "What rights have you, mutant, to tell me whom I can and cannot love?"
"You spit out the word mutant as if it were something low and base! Well, when I'm done with you. that's not all you'll spit out!" Quicksilver made a threatening step toward the Vision.
"I say mutant, the same way you say android. And if you seek to attack me, be certain I will defend myself!" The Vision stepped back, taking a defensive stance, his cape swirling about him.
Suddenly, a repulsor blast shot between the two potential combatants. Hawkeye, with an arrow nocked, stood with Iron Man in front of Vision and Quicksilver.
"That's enough!" said Hawkeye "Both of you! This is a friendly gathering, and we are all Avengers here. If you two can't put aside your differences, then you can both leave."
Iron Man broke in "Right, Clint. The days when Avengers fight among themselves is over, if I can do anything about it. And I think both you you know I can!"
Both the Vision and Quicksilver looked appropriately mortified.*
*
"Now" said Hawk "Enough of this. Lets get back to having fun. Agreed?" They both nodded. Quicksilver moved off to another part of the backyard.
"My apologies, Hawkeye. I let him goad me into a violent reaction. After all these years, I should know better." Then he too walked off.
Iron Man looked sidelong at Hawkeye. "Well, I'll say this Clint. You certainly know how to throw a party."
Later, Hawkeye Rhodey and Tigra have gathered in the Main Assembly room, to discuss the days events. They have spent the last two hours going over potential members.
"So," said Tigra, poring over her view screen. "Here's what we have: Rhodey is out of the super-hero game." Rhodey nods in agreement, as if to finally confirm it. "Simon is on the team... if he ever comes back from New York. Mockingbird is, uh... well..."
Hawkeye gave Tigra a reassuring smile. "It's okay Greer. She's gone. I'm moving on with my life now."
Tigra cleared her throat "Anyhow... Yellowjacket is on the East Coast team. Iron Man has his hands full keeping Stark Enterprises villain-free.. Firebird is busy with the Champions these days. The Thing's with the FF, of course. Moon Knight was a no-show. Hardly surprising, eh? Wasp isn't interested in Avenging right now, having recently left the East Coast team. Wanda didn't show up. We still dont know where she is, exactly."
"We dont know at all." offered Rhodey
Tigra didn't miss a beat "Vision is serving with the Eackos. The US Agent is-"
"The US Agent is on the team. And he'll have words with anyone who says otherwise."
The three founders looked to the door of the Assembly room. There stood the US Agent, with arms firmly folded across his chest. "Is that a problem for anyone?" he said.
Tigra and Rhodey looked to Hawkeye. Hawkeye in turn looked to the Agent. "Not a problem Jack. In fact I was hoping we hadn't heard the last of you when you left early."
The Agent nodded. "I had some personal stuff to take care of.* so, am I on the team, or not?"
"You're on." said Hawkeye. "As long as Jim and Tigra have no objections, of course."
"None here." said Tigra. "I like having a man with big shoulders and a square jaw on the team." she purred.
Rhodey cleared his throat "Well, my reasons are different from yours, Tigra, but you obviously can use the Agent's power on the team."
"So, that's settles it." said Hawk. "You're in buddy. Welcome to the team!"
US Agent cracked a smile. Excellent. I was really hoping I wouldn't have bust some heads." he had a seat at the table. "Now, before I so rudely interrupted..."
Tigra took her cue. "Right. On to Jim Hammond. He's busy running Heroes for Hire. That group is in a state of flux right now, but either way, without his flame powers, he most likely won't be joining anytime soon. Then there's Quicksilver. Um... well, Mr. Hothead left before we could find out about him one way or another."
"Doesn't matter" said Hawk. "I dont want him if he's going to go back to acting like a big jerk all the time again."
"Ooooooookay... next is Spider-Woman. She's gone back to Houston already. Apparently today was her Super-hero swansong."
Hawkeye looked dejected. "I was really hoping to get her, too..."
"We'll have to make do, Clint. The Living Lightning is still too busy with college, although he said he'd fill in as a reservist. Machine Man... hey, where was he today?"
"Who knows?" said the Agent. "The tin-can was barely an Avenger anyway."
"I suppose..." said Tigra "Well, that leaves us with Darkhawk, who is, well... dead.* so, boss. How are we set?
Hawkeye frowned "It's me, You Tigra, the Agent, and maybe... Wonder Man. Kind of a 'Hawk's Kooky Quartet' I suppose." He smirked. "We'll have to make due for the present. I'll wait to hold a press conference until I explore a couple of other possibilities I have in mind." He picked up the gavel "But until then, I guess this meeting adjourned."
"Hold it Barton." said the Agent. "You're forgetting something."
"I am?" Hawkeye looked puzzled, and then he caught on. "Oh, right Jack. Tell ya what. Why don't you do the honors?"
"Me?" the Agent looked surprised. "Well, you're chairperson, but if you say so."
All four Avengers stood as the Agent lifted a fist in the air and shouted the Call.
"Avengers Assemble!"
Hawkeye banged the gavel "Meeting adjourned!"