The 50's Avengers (Vol I) #1

March 2001

Cover: Carlos Pacheco (penciller, signed)

Story: "Avengers Re-Assemble!"

Credits: Richard J. Porter (scripter, plotter)

Feature Characters: Venus, Gorilla-Man, The Human Robot, Marvel Boy (I), 3-D Man, Jimmy Woo, The Yellow Claw

Supporting Characters: Suwan, Namora, Jann of the Jungle, Fritz Von Voltzmann

Other Characters: President Eisenhower, Agent Renshaw

F.B.I. Agent Jimmy Woo was on plane, he was wondering why President Eisenhower had summoned him to the White House - and this late on Independence Day too. Jimmy had been at home in San Francisco working on a case.

"Working on July 4th, I must need my head examining." he thought. "I could be with friends, having a drink, eating a proper meal!".

Jimmy slowly fell asleep still wondering why he had to go Washington. Several hours later Jimmy's plane landed at Washington National Airport. "Mr Woo," said the Air Hostess, "the plane has landed. Mr Woo?". "Pardon," said Jimmy waking up "have we arrived?". "Yes sir, if you would like to leave the plane I believe there is a car waiting for you.".

"A car?" thought Jimmy, "this must be important.". Jimmy left the plane, walked across the runway and noticed a black limousine waiting, he walked over to the car. "Mr Woo, I presume." said the driver, "I've been expecting you, get in, we don't want to keep the President waiting do we?".

Jimmy got in the car, the driver did the same and started the engine. The car pulled away, crossed the Potomac river, passed the Washington Monument and ended up at the White House. "You may get out now." said the driver. Jimmy got out of the car and it drove away.

He entered the White House where he was met by the President himself. "Agent Woo, how nice to see you again.". "Mr. President," said Jimmy surprised to be greeted by such an important person "it's nice to see you again too, sir.".

President Eisenhower walked Jimmy to the Oval Office, "Sit down Agent Woo, I have some very important business to discuss with you.". Jimmy waited until President Eisenhower sat down behind his desk, then he sat down. "What kind of important business?" he asked.

"Three months ago, you contacted several super-humans." said the President. "The Avengers." replied Jimmy. "Ah yes, the Avengers. These Avengers helped rescue me from the Yellow Claw. * After they rescued me I asked them to disband and I covered up they ever existed.".

"What has that got to do with me, sir?" asked Jimmy "the Avengers disbanded and went their separate ways." "That my boy is why you are here. A couple of weeks ago I met with Agent Jacob Scott, he convinced me that America needs Super-heroes, so I have given Federal Authorization to a group of heroes called the First Line. I am asking you to reform the Avengers and be their unofficial liaison.".

"Why unofficial, sir?" questioned Jimmy. "Well," replied the President "America can't be seen to be too involved in super-heroics. I have officially sanctioned one team, they will be holding a press conference later this week. I would like America to have more than one group of heroes defending her from unknown threats, that is why I am proposing you refrom these Avengers - we will pay for all equipment necessary, but as far as we are concerned you don't exist.".

"We would also like you based in San Francisco, even as we speak I have engineers retro-fitting the warehouse the Avengers used in their previous adventure * . I trust you will agree.". Jimmy sat and thought about his adventure with the Avengers three months ago, and what his life was like now. "Certainly Mr. President, thank you.".

"One more thing Agent Woo, I trust you know how to contact the Avengers?" enquired President Eisenhower. "Of course, I have been following their progress since they broke up. 3-D Man went back to Los Angeles, Gorilla-Man and Marvel Boy went back to Uranus, The Human Robot has been in storage and Venus is currently in Hollywood.".

"Good work Agent Woo, now I suggest you head back to San Francisco and contact the Avengers." said the President. "I will sir, and thank you again." replied Jimmy. "Oh, one more thing Agent Woo, I would like you to have a couple of reserve members in case of injury, do you think you can do that?".

"Certainly sir, I can easily contact Jann of the Jungle and the Sub-Mariner's cousin Namora, they helped me in forming the Avengers so I'm sure they'll help." said Jimmy. "Excellent, can you see yourself out?" replied President Eisenhower.

Jimmy left the Oval Office and found a different limousine waiting outside for him. The door opened and Jimmy got in. "Agent... Woo..., how... nice... to... see... you... again...". "The Human Robot! But how did you get here?" asked Jimmy.

The Human Robot explained how he had been transported for storage just after the President disbanded the team *, but instead of arriving at the storage facility he had actually been taken to a Research Laboratory on Long Island. The Research Facility housed all manner of equipment which was far advanced of current scientific thinking, and the Government scientists tried to take him to pieces to see how he worked.

The limousine arrived at Washington National Airport. "I... shall.. carry... on... once... we... have... boarded... the... plane..." said the Human Robot. "Please do," replied Jimmy "I'd like to know more about this facility.". They both boarded the private jet and were greeted by the most unlikely of Air Hostesses.

"Venus!" exclaimed Jimmy. "According to my contacts you're supposed to be in Hollywood." "My dear Jimmy," replied Venus "I enjoyed our little soiree so much I have been following the progress of my fellow Avengers." "How?" asked Jimmy. "I am a goddess remember, I do have contacts of my own. I heard the President wanted to see you and so I thought I'd surprise you.".

The trio put on their seatbelts and the plane took off. Whilst in flight the Human Robot continued his story - the scientists found they couldn't take him to pieces without destroying the very part of him they were interested in - his personality. In the end he aided them in their work by retrieving blue prints for himself from his memory banks. "Why did they want blueprints?" enquired Jimmy. "They... did... not... say..." replied the Human Robot, "that... is... something... I... have... wondered.... about...".

The Human Robot finished his tale by saying the FBI had contacted the Research Facility and ordered the scientists to release him. Once released he was met by Federal Agents who told him to meet Jimmy Woo outside the White House and take him to the Airport.

"Which is where I came in," said Venus, "now why did the President contact you Jimmy?" "I can't say." replied Jimmy. "Not yet... soon, trust me." "Of course I trust you." said Venus. "Me... too..." said the Human Robot.

The plane landed at San Francisco International Airport and the trio got off the plane. Before they could get too far across the runway they were stopped by tall burly man of European descent. "You Agent Woo?" asked the man. "Yes," answered Jimmy "and who are you?" "Agent Renshaw, FBI." replied the man "I've been ordered to take you to Avengers Warehouse.".

"Avengers Warehouse?" asked Venus. "I'll explain later." replied Jimmy. "Oh please don't tell me it's that dank, dirty old building we used last time." said Venus. "Alright," said Jimmy with a smile "I won't tell you.".

"Are these... people with you?" enquired Agent Renshaw. "Certainly." answered Jimmy. "In that case," replied Agent Renshaw "if you'll follow me I'll take you all to Avengers Warehouse.".

They all got in the black limousine Agent Renshaw had waiting on the runway. The car pulled away and they drove toward Avengers Warehouse. Eventually the limousine made its way through San Francisco and arrived at the old meeting place of the Avengers.

"It doesn't look any different!" exclaimed Venus. "It's supposed to look the same as it always has," replied Agent Renshaw "undercover and unofficial just like the President ordered." "I haven't told them yet," said Jimmy "not until they're all together.".

The limousine pulled up outside the supposedly abandoned warehouse, and the passengers got out. "If you'd like to follow me," said Agent Renshaw "I'll introduce you to the newly refurbished Avengers Warehouse.".

The quartet entered the building and Jimmy Woo, Venus and The Human Robot were amazed with what they saw. "What happened here?" asked Venus. "You boys have certainly done a good job." said Jimmy Woo. "I... would... like... to... see... more..." said the Human Robot.

"Then if you'll all follow me," said Agent Renshaw "then let the tour begin.". Agent Renshaw started with a tour of the ground level - this had been altered to contain a large Reception area, a Kitchen and Dining Room, a large Meeting Room with a view screen on one wall, the latest in Combat Simulation Rooms, a Control Room, a small Storage Area and a Hangar Bay. He then took the trio to the upper level which contained a Chairman's office, seven Bedrooms, a Bathroom and a Lounge/Recreation Room.

"I'm impressed," said Jimmy "and it's near my appartment as well." "You mean you're not staying here?" enquired Venus "But there are seven bedrooms and there were only five Avengers." "Were only five, this time there will be a few more. If you'd like to wait in the Recreation Room, I'll contact you when the others arrive.".

Venus and the Human Robot stayed in the Recreation Room and got used to their new surroundings. Jimmy Woo and Agent Renshaw went downstairs. At the bottom of the stairs Agent Renshaw turned to Jimmy Woo and said "I'm off, good luck with this assignment - I'm sure it'll be a doozy." "Thank you," replied Jimmy "and I'm sure it will.". Agent Renshaw left the Warehouse, got into his limousine and drove off.

Jimmy Woo entered the Control Room, he looked at the communications array and wondered how he was going to use it to contact the remaining Avengers. After several, not very successful, attempts he suddenly remembered the special wave-length he'd used during the last mission. Jimmy turned the dial on the transmitter to the pre-defined frequency and hoped for the best.

"Jimmy Woo contacting the Avengers, can you hear me? If you can meet me at the old abandoned warehouse in San Francisco. Venus and The Human Robot are already with me. I repeat this is Jimmy Woo contacting the Avengers - your presence is requested by the President himself.".

"I hope that worked," thought Jimmy, "if it doesn't I don't know how I'm going to get hold of them.". Jimmy rejoined Venus and The Human Robot and waited. Several hours went by and nobody had arrived, Jimmy suddenly got the feeling that this assignment was going to be over before it had even begun.

Meanwhile in the Warehouse District on the other side of town, deep beneath a building thought abandoned since the end of World War II, The Yellow Claw was settling in to his new base of operations...

"Well Claw, is this to your liking?" enquired Fritz Von Voltzmann. "It will do," replied the Yellow Claw "it will have to. I did not like leaving my base in Washington, but since those Avengers thwarted my plans * what else was I to do.".

"These are interesting times we live in Von Voltzmann, first we fight these Avengers and now a new group called the First Line have appeared. So many new "super-humans", I shall have to keep my eye on them.".

The Yellow Claw made his way through his new lair until he came to his throne room, his noticed his great-niece Suwan was waiting for him. "Ah Suwan my dear, do you like you new home?". "Yes, my uncle, it is most pleasant." replied Suwan. "And just think my dear," said the Claw "we're close to your boyfriend that accursed FBI Agent Jimmy Woo.".

"Are we Uncle?" ask Suwan innocently. "You know we are, do not worry about him my dear, I have plans for Agent Woo.".

Back at Avengers Warehouse, Jimmy Woo had given up hope of ever seeing the other Avengers again, that was until he heard a knock on the door.

"Who is it?" he asked, half wondering if it wasn't Agent Renshaw coming to see what was going on. "It's me, 3-D Man, I came as soon as I got your call." Jimmy opened the door and sure enough there stood the green and red Avenger himself. Jimmy invited 3-D Man in and took him upstairs to get reacquainted with Venus and The Human Robot.

Before he had time to sit down, Jimmy heard a noise outside - it appeared to be getting louder by the second. "Contacting Jimmy Woo," came a voice over 3-D Man's comm-badge "if you can hear me open the hangar doors, we can't hover out here forever.".

Jimmy rushed downstairs, followed by the other Avengers. He flipped a switch in the Control Room and the Hangar doors opened. No sooner than they were completely open, than the Silver Bullet entered the Warehouse and landed. A door opened in the side of the vessel and Marvel Boy popped his head outside.

"Sorry I'm late," he said "it's a long way from Uranus... have I missed anything?" "Hi Bob," replied Venus "I'm glad you could make it." "I hope you don't mind," Marvel Boy answered as he left the Silver Bullet "but I brought some friends along." No sooner had he said that than Gorilla-Man and Jann of the Jungle appeared from the craft.

"As you know Gorilla-Man was with me on Uranus," stated Marvel Boy "unfortunately I still haven't found a cure as you can see. Anyway we were on our way over here when we flew over the African jungle and noticed Jann." "The boys very kindly gave me a lift." said Jann.

"Excellent," said Jimmy "Just one more person and then I can tell you why I summond you all here." "One more person?" asked 3-D Man "who could that be?" he thought for a moment "of course, Namora, she helped me recover The Human Robot * from his watery grave, so to speak.".

No sooner had 3-D Man said those words than the waters of the harbour began to foam and bubble, suddenly a water spout erupted from the surface and Namora appeared. She dived from the top of the spout and landed gracefully in the hanger, once she had done so Jimmy quickly shut the hanger doors.

"Namora," said Jimmy "glad you could join us." "My pleasure, but why was I summoned?" answered Namora. "If you'll all follow me to the meeting room, I shall begin the debriefing." Jimmy left the hanger and walked in the direction of the meeting room, he was followed by the seven heroes.

They entered the meeting room, it was a large room with grey metal walls, a white plastered ceiling and a varnished wooden floor. On one wall was a huge view screen, and in the middle of the room was an oval table with a dozen chairs around it... the table had a huge A in the middle.

Everyone sat down and Jimmy Woo began. "As you all know three months ago I contacted you as I needed your help against the threat of the Yellow Claw * - it was during this time that you rescued President Eisenhower and he asked you to disband. Two days ago I was contacted by Washington and told to that the President wanted to see me. I met with him and he asked me to contact you all, he has had time to reconsider his position regarding super-humans and would like you to reform the Avengers.".

"That's great." exclaimed Marvel Boy. "There is one condition," continued Jimmy "he had already sanctioned a team called The First Line, and so would like The Avengers to be unofficial." "Typical," said Gorilla-Man "we're needed but not enough to be legal.".

"I'm not going to beg," said Jimmy "but your country needs you, the President needs you, I need you. Please say you'll stay and reform.".

After what seemed like an age, Venus stood up and said "Well, I don't know the rest of you, but I'm in." "So... am... I..." said The Human Robot, "I... don't... want... to... go... back... to... the... Research... Laboratory...". "The President did all he could to improve my reputation", commented 3-D Man "it's the least I can do in return.".

"I'm in," said Marvel Boy "that's if it's alright with Gorilla-Man." "Well, I can't return home looking like this, so until I'm cured you're stuck with me." replied Gorilla-Man. "And what about you ladies?" asked Jimmy Woo "would you like to officially join us?".

"I don't want to be a full-time member if that's ok?" said Jann of the Jungle "I do have my jungle home to protect.". "That's fine," answered Jimmy "I was actually hoping you and Namora would be more like official reserve members.". "That's better for me to." replied Namora "I have only recently left the Monster Hunters and although they helped me in my quest for my cousin Namor, I'd like to spend more time searching for him.".

"Well that's settled then, we un-officially have a group and it couldn't have come at a better time." stated Jimmy. "Why's that?" enquired Marvel Boy. "It's all to do with the case I've been currently working on." replied Jimmy "It involves our old friend the Yellow Claw, rumour has it that since you defeated him in Washington D.C. * he's moved his entire operation here to San Francisco.".

"Hmmph," snorted Gorilla-Man "doesn't that creep ever give up?". "Unfortunately not," replied Jimmy "however I've yet to find any activity of the Claw's here, so I'm assuming he's still setting up. A contact of mine informed me that a German recently purchased an old factory in the Warehouse District and from the description it was none other than..." "Fritz Von Voltmann," continued 3-D Man "I'd like to have a re-match with that Nazi Scum.".

"Then it's settled," said Venus "I take it Jimmy that you want us to go after the Yellow Claw, and I'm taking that group want to see him behind put behind bars, so we're in." "That's great," replied Jimmy "and hopefully I can rescue Suwan from her uncle.".

The meeting ended and everyone got ready to face the Yellow Claw, twenty minutes later they were ready to leave for the abandoned factory.

"Let's go." said Jimmy Woo. "Hey," said Marvel Boy "we do have an official battle cry you know." "Of course," replied 3-D Man "I'd almost forgot. Everyone ready?", they all agreed. "In that case," continued 3-D Man "Go, Avengers, Go!".

Back at the secret headquarters of the Yellow Claw...

"Curses" shouted the Claw. "What is it Herr Claw" enquired Vol Voltzman. "I've been checking up on Jimmy Woo in my ancient quartz crystal and he's reformed the Avengers!".

"Do you want me to find some more super-powered Villains, Herr Claw?" asked Von Voltzman. "Not this time," replied the Claw "I have decided to do this another way, my first super-powered minions defected and that treacherous Tobias Messenger gathered them together before they disappeared ** and as for the last set you found for me * they were useless. No Von Voltzman, I will use my non-powered army to defeat them.".

"What those petty criminals and bums who you've had me finding for you this last month, surely you are joking." "Do not question the wisdom of the Claw, Von Voltzman... you would be wise to remember that." "Yes Herr Claw." replied Von Voltzman. "Now hurry," said the Claw "the Avengers will be here soon and I want you to arrange a surprise for them.".

Fritz Von Voltzman quickly left the Claw and hurried to make sure the Claw's army was armoured up and ready for action.

Whislt Von Voltzman was checking the Claw's Army, the Avengers had made their way to the Claw's headquarters and were outside waiting to make their move.

"Remember" said Jimmy Woo "there is the possibility the Yellow Claw knows we're coming, so we should make this as quick as possible." "What's all this 'we' business," replied Gorilla-Man "we do all the fighting, and you just get to rescue your girl.". "Will you be quiet, or the Claw will know we're here." whispered Venus, "OK everyone, let's go" said 3-D Man.

The Avengers broke into the factory and quietly made their way inside, Jimmy Woo went in one direction to find Suwan and the Avengers went in the other. It was not long before the Claw's Army made their move, they jumped out of the shadows and attacked the Avengers.

"Who are these guys?" asked Gorilla-Man whilst fending two of them off. "I don't know." replied Marvel Boy. The members of the Claw's army were dressed in gold and silver armour and outnumbered the Avengers by at least ten to one.

"I will use my love power on them." shouted Venus, but before she had a chance to use it she received a massive blow to the head and was knocked unconcious. "You can only use your power Fraulein Venus if you are awake." said Von Voltzman. Before her fellow Avengers could get to her the Claw's Army created a wall blocking Von Voltzman and Venus from the others and she was dragged away.

3-D Man tried to use his tri-powers to jump over the assembled army to rescue Venus but was grabbed in mid leap by a couple of the Claw's minions. "Jann" he shouted whislt fighting the minions "there's a rope over there, swing on it and find Venus.". "Will do." replied Jann. She ran towards the rope, dodging minions in the process, as she got close to it Jann grabbed the rope and ran with it.

Just as she was about to swing on the rope a dozen of the Claw's minions went for her, Gorilla-Man and Namora managed to fight them off and she turned to swing. It looked as though she was going to make it, until the rope gave way - it had been cut. Jann's momentum carried her over the wall of minions, as she fell Jann noticed an old beam so she tried to grab it.

Jann grabbed the beam, but it was so old it gave way under her weight and so she fell toward the ground again. The Human Robot noticed this "I... will... save... you..." he said and he made he way through what was left of the wall of minions and waited to catch Jann as she fell.

The Human Robot successfully caught Jann, but the collapsing beam landed on them both and the all the weight made the floor give way underneath them. There was a load creak and crack and the two Avengers disappeared below the floor, the hole was covered by the falling debris.

Elsewhere in the factory complex Jimmy Woo was making his way quietly through the maze of corridors. He knew Suwan had to be here somewhere and that he would rescue her from her mad uncle.

"Jimmy," came a voice out of the darkness. "Suwan, is that you?" replied Jimmy. "Yes my love, hurry before my uncle spots you" said Suwan and she revealed her presence to him. Jimmy ran over to Suwan and they hugged, she grabbed his hand and led him away.

Back at the fight the Avengers had almost defeated all the Claw's Army despite their reduced numbers. "Come on Avengers," shouted 3-D Man "Just a few more and then we go after the Claw." "I have an idea," replied Marvel Boy "stand back.". The remaining Avengers stood back and Marvel Boy used his light jewel on the remaining minions. They soon stopped where they were.

"We've done it." said Namora. "If that's the best the Claw has to offer, then he'll soon be behind bars." replied Gorilla-Man "You should be behind bars in a zoo your monstrosity." came a voice from above. "Who said that?" enquired Gorilla-Man. "I know that voice," said Marvel Boy "it's The Yellow Claw.".

"Very perceptive of you." replied the Claw. The Avengers looked up and saw The Yellow Claw and Von Voltzman high above them, with them were the unconcious bodies of Venus and Jann and a deactivated Human Robot.

"What have you done to them?" asked Namora. "Nothing... yet." replied the Claw "I will free your friends, but only after you agree to my terms.". "We'll never agree to anything." shouted 3-D Man. "In that case," said the Claw "Von Voltzman, dispose of these heroes.".

"Wait" shouted Marvel Boy, "what do you want us to do.". "You heroes are so predictable," replied the Claw "I want the four of you to work for me and kill Jimmy Woo, once you've done that then I'll release your friends.".

Next Issue: "Tooth and Claw" Join us in 30 days for the conclusion of the 50's Avengers first story-arc. The Yellow Claw! Von Voltzmann! Plus 3-D Man reveals a secret to the Avengers!

* = What If (Vol I) #9 (Marvel Comics)

** = X-Men: The Hidden Years #17 (Marvel Comics)