Avengers #249: Review

Nov 1984

Roger Stern, Al Milgrom

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Story Name:

The Snows of Summer

Review & Comments

Rating:

Avengers #249 Review by T Vernon (April 22, 2023)

Comments: Cover title: The Mighty Avengers, on issues #241-255. Story ties in with the classic Thor/Walt Simonson arc in THOR #349-353. The Casket of Ancient Winters appeared in THOR #346-348, just a few months before this issue. Deathurge returns in QUASAR #2-3 then #21-25, and #39. Maelstrom is back next issue, with his new scheme. Wasp refers to the Weathermen from issue #210. Pencils and inks credited to Joe Sinnott and “Crew,” the latter identified in GCD as Roy Richardson, Jack Able, and Andy Mushynsky.

Review: Way cool! A tie-in to an epic storyline, one from Walt Simonson’s run on THOR. A comical opening with Herc, expert at comical openings, soon gives way to gloom and doom, and sheer terror. Fun issue with another plot to hatch next time.

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Synopsis / Summary / Plot

Avengers #249 Synopsis by T Vernon

Hercules is vacationing on a Caribbean Island and all of the resort’s attractive women are flocking to him. The men are resentful and confront Herc but he scares them off with a little reason and a small show of strength. Suddenly a snowstorm descends on the island, something unknown in the region. Herc swims out to a US aircraft carrier at sea….

At Avengers Mansion, Vision contacts the Titan's world computer ISAAC to ask about Maelstrom whose demise was startling. An alarm sounds, Captain Marvel informs Vision they are receiving distress signals from all over the globe: it is snowing. The rest of the Avengers show up, Wasp, Scarlet Witch, and Starfox. Hercules calls them, telling them he is on his way over in a US Navy jet. Thor enters and explains the crisis: the Casket of Ancient Winters has been broken by Malekith, servant of Surtur the fire demon who has invaded Midgard with his demon-hordes as a step toward conquering Asgard, igniting the flame of his sword and annihilating the universe. So, Thor calls on the Avengers to assemble….

Soon, the Avengers are battling monsters in the streets of Manhattan and finding it tough going as even Captain Marvel’s energy powers are not sufficient to destroy the enemy….

Vision tries calling for help but is unable to raise the West Coast Avengers, Alpha Flight, Defenders, or X-Men. Finally, he tries the Fantastic Four and Reed Richards promises help. Shortly, Reed, She-Hulk, and Human Torch have joined the battle though the latter’s flame powers are of limited use against fire-demons. Hercules arrives by jet, the pilot ejecting him into the sky so he descends by parachute into the thick of battle….

In a secret subterranean lair, Deathurge raises Maelstrom in a new cloned body and informs him that he will serve him twice more before the end. Maelstrom rejects the idea he death has any power over him and orders Deathurge away while he proceeds with the plan to gain all the power in the world, gleaned from his brief contact with the Uni-Mind…..

Vison encounters Hogun of the Warriors Three on the battlefield and learns that Thor is taking the fight directly to Surtur. Hogun believes they have the enemy on the run but then thousands more demons arrive and the battle becomes more desperate….

Story continues in THOR #350.

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