And there was a day unlike any other, when Earth's Mightiest Heroes found themselves united against a common threat! On that day, the Avengers were born--to fight the foes no single superhero could withstand...

Avengers

Issue #5

by Shawn Goodspeed

Steve Rogers, a scrawny boy, volunteered to take an experimental serum to serve his country during World War II. The risk he took made him the pinnacle of human physical perfection. Wielding an unbreakable shield, Captain America became a living legend, and after being frozen for decades in suspended animation, was awakened by the Avengers. He is the ultimate soldier and an Avenger until the end.
Captain America

Wanda Maximoff posseses a mutant hex ability to control probability fields as well as knowledge of the arcane arts. The daughter of Magneto and twin sister to the X-Men's Quicksilver, Wanda has been a longtime Avenger for years. Now seperated from the Vision, Wanda is currently seeing Wonder Man.
Scarlet Witch

Millionaire industrialist and technical genius Tony Stark built an advanced suit of armor to keep his heart beating after shrapnel nearly took it from him. Free of that problem now, Stark continues to don it to fight for justice as Iron Man. The armor is constantly changing but always has numerous weapons and helpful machines.
Iron Man

A founding member of the Avengers, Hank Pym has the ability to either increase or decrease his size using specialized Pym Particles.
Giant-Man

A reformed criminal and longtime Avenger, Clint Barton posseses no superhuman powers, but his archery skills are unmatched. Armed with a variety of trick arrows, Hawkeye has also served as leader of the West Coast Avengers and the Thunderbolts.
Hawkeye

A former Avenger who apparently died in battle, Simon Williams is a being composed of ionic energy. He possesses incredible strength and flight while in his ionic form. Recently, he was resurrected by the Scarlet Witch and the two are currently pursuing a romantic relationship.
Wonder Man

A founding member of the New Warriors, Vance Astrovik was once known as Marvel Boy. With the mutant ability of telekinesis, it has been his lifelong dream to become an Avenger. Now, after accomplishing that dream, he finds that he may not be cut out for it.
Justice

A founding member of the New Warriors, Angelica Jones has the mutant ability to control microwave blasts. While somewhat reluctant to join the Avengers, she has found that she has a valuable place on the team.
Firestar

Beast
Beast

[Editorial Note: This issue takes place before The Uncanny X-Men #5]

Captain America was looking through some files, looking for an eighth member. Tony Stark was helping him. They weren't having too much luck. Not many people had time to be an Avenger any more.

"I thought you said that you had a lot of people waiting to become a member?" asked Tony.

"I did say that, but it wasn't true. I only said that so nobody would feel pressured not to leave."

"Oh. What about Hank? He seemed like he liked being Giant-Man again."

"I already asked him. Many times actually. But he keeps rejecting the offer. "

"Oh."

"Okay. I got it narrowed down to seven. All of them have said recently that they would be reserves if we needed them."

Scarlet Witch walked in. "Who?"

"Oh wait," Captain America began. "Make that five, two of them are busy I know. Okay so the five are: Wasp, Beast, Black Panther, Sub-Mariner, and The Hulk. I'll take Hank and Namor. Tony, you take T'Challa and Hulk. And Wanda, you wanna try Jan?"

"Fine, but can we try Beast first?" Scarlet Witch suggested. "I think he might be able to help us now. Wonder Man always seems to be cheered up by him."

Captain America called Beast at the X-Men Mansion.

"Hello?" Beast said as he put the phone to his ear.

"Hank. It's Captain America from the Avengers."

"As opposed to the Captain America from the X-Men?" Beast joked. "What's up?

"Well, a couple of months ago, when we last spoke, you mentioned that you would be ready if we needed you. We just lost a member and need a replacement..."

"Oh. Sorry Cap, but I don't think I can leave the X-Men now*... but I can come down for a while, until you find someone else that is."

[*Check out recent issues of X-Men and Uncanny X-Men for the reasoning behind that--Jess]

"That'll be great. How soon can you be here?"

"I can get there by tomorrow. I just have to wrap a few things up here."

Captain America agreed and hung up.

"Why didn't you mention Simon?" Scarlet Witch asked.

"He's coming," Captain America said. "So I didn't think I needed to. Okay, now for Janet."

"Wait," Tony stopped Cap from dialing someone else. "Shouldn't you hold off until after Beast is here for a while? We don't want him to travel all this way for nothing."

"Good point. Okay. We'll wait."


The day went by, no action at all.

The next day, Hawkeye was complaining to Dr. Pym, who was working in his lab and didn't hear a word Hawkeye was saying, but was pretending to be listening. Hawkeye had broken his leg a while ago and had been itching for action for a while, but couldn't do anything even if something big happened.

"This sucks," Hawkeye complained. "No action. I know I have a broken leg, but who needs a leg to fire an arrow. Ya know? Too bad Cap doesn't see it our way. He should have let me fight a week ago."

"Yup. I know exactly what you mean."

"Yeah. Hey, maybe you could talk to Cap for me. Maybe you could get him to let me go on the next mission. "

"Uh-huh.

"....Are you even listening?"

"I know how you feel."

"Well, then, I'll just pretend you agreed to do it and we'll see how you get out of it. Hehe."

"Yup."

"Well, I'll be going now Hank. Thanks for listening. Talk to ya later."

"What? Oh, bye Hawkeye. It's been nice talking with you."

Hawkeye grabbed his crutches and hopped out laughing. He wandered into the parlor, where Captain America and Scarlet Witch were waiting for Henry McCoy to arrive.

"Is he filling the open spot?" Hawkeye asked.

"You mean Beast? For now, yes," Captain America said.

"What, did you sucker him in like you suckered me with the 'you'll stay until we find a replacement' thing?" Hawkeye asked with a snicker.

"Yes, but I wouldn't call it 'suckering him in,'" Captain America replied.

"We called him first because if anyone could cheer Simon up, it would be him," Scarlet Witch explained. "We figured that the two could spend a day out and do whatever it is they do. They have so much fun together."

"Oh, so you're just using him," Hawkeye said with a grin. "I see."

"We're not using him," Scarlet Witch snarled at Hawkeye.

"Actually Wanda," Tony Stark began as he walked into the room, "It is kind of using him, but it's for a good cause. And I'm sure Hank will be glad to do it."

"What will I be glad to do?" Henry Pym asked as he walked in the room.

"Not you," Captain America replied. "Tony was referring to Hank McCoy."

"Oh. Has he arrived yet?" Pym asked.

"Not yet," Scarlet Witch responded. "We are waiting for him now. He should be here soon."

A few minutes went by and finally, THE BEAST arrived. He walked in and was surprised to see the five of them waiting there. Captain America stood up and greeted him. Jarvis came and showed Beast to his room. Beast returned a minute later.

"Okay. So where are all the baddies?" Beast asked.

"It's been slow around here lately,....too damn slow," Hawkeye complained.

"Oh really?" Beast asked suspiciously. "Then why was finding an eighth member so vital?"

"It wasn't, but when you said you could come, we figured you would be able to help us out with something," Captain America explained.

"Simon has been really down lately," Scarlet Witch began. "And we thought, who best to cheer him up than his old pal the Beast? We going to tell you over the phone, but Cap didn't feel there was a need to. I hope you don't mind."

"Nah. That's fine. I'll be glad to help a friend. So where is he?"

"He's up in his room," Scarlet Witch informed. "I was hoping you two could maybe spend the day together."

Beast smiled and ran up the stairs to Wonder Man's room. He kicked open the door and found Wonder Man laying on his bed, sleeping.

"Sleeping? At 1 PM? Yup, something's wrong with him."

Beast jumped on Wonder Man, waking him up.

"Mornin' sunshine."

"Whoa! Beast! Ya scared me. What are you doing here?"

"I'm an AVENGER now!"

"You're the replacement? That's great, but I thought you were busy with the X-Men?"

"Well, it's only for temporary. I'll be going back in a while. So while I'm here, I say we have some fun."

Beast hopped off the bed and Wonder Man stood up.

"I don't know. I don't feel like having fun right now."

"Ow come on. Hawkeye said its been slow lately and I don't want to be bored. So come on."

"What do you have in mind?

"I don't know. This New York City. Tons of stuff to do. Let's go."

"*sigh* Fine."

"Great! And don't worry, you'll be home in time to sulk."

Beast walked out of the room and waited downstairs while Wonder Man changed.

"Hope you guys have a good time," Scarlet Witch said.

"We will," Beast responded. "We always do."

Wonder Man walked downstairs and they left. Wonder Man went to take a car, but Beast convinced him that walking would be easier.

"Where exactly are we going?" Wonder Man asked.

"I haven't decided yet. We could catch a movie. Or go to a game. What do you want to do?"

"Well, there is a movie that I wanted to see, but I don't know if it's still up."

"Is that little theater that we used to go to still there? The one that doesn't take movies down until a month after the other theaters do."

"Yeah. I think so."

They headed to that theater Beast was talking about. While waiting in line, Beast asked Wonder Man about Hawkeye's leg.

"It's kind of funny actually," Wonder Man began with a chuckle. "He was running towards the kitchen and Jarvis yelled at him to stop running in the house. And not a second later, he tripped and fell right down the stairs. It was hilarious. I don't think we will ever let him live it down."

"Haha. Just like a little kid."

"Yup."

They bought their tickets and got in the theater.


Almost halfway through the movie, the lights went out. An announcement was made to evacuate the building. Everyone rushed outside and saw two men demolishing cars and street lights. They were wrecking anything they could find. As soon as Wonder Man saw them, he recognized them.

"WRECKER! BULLDOZER!" he yelled.

"The Wrecking Crew?" Beast asked as he ran towards Bulldozer. "I thought they were gone. In jail or dead or something."

"The Wreckin' Crew die?!" Bulldozer turned to Beast. "Ha! What planet you been livin' on Furball?"

Wonder Man charged at Wrecker, while Beast jumped up on a car. Wonder Man swung at Wrecker, but Wrecker blocked his fist with a crowbar.

"Come get me," Beast challenged Bulldozer.

Bulldozer charged head first into the car, but Beast leaped off before Bulldozer hit. Bulldozer jolted his head out of the car and turned to Beast, who was now standing behind him. Beast jumped up and kicked Bulldozer into the demolished car. Wonder Man threw a few more punches that were blocked by the crowbar.

"What happened to ya Wondy?" Wrecker taunted. "Ya lost your touch."

Wrecker smacked Wonder Man with the crowbar a few times. Wonder Man grabbed Wrecker's arm, as if the blows knocked a new life into him. Wonder Man picked Wrecker up and hurled him towards a nearby building, while Beast continued to evade Bulldozer's attacks.

"TURN!" Wrecker exclaimed.

"Turn?" Wonder Man and Beast asked at the same time.

Bulldozer knew what it meant and he rammed into Wonder Man from behind, knocking him into a car. Wrecker got up and ran at Beast.

"Why didn't you just say switch? You villains are getting dumber and dumber," Beast said as he leaped over Wrecker and kicked him in the back while he was still running at full speed. Wrecker fell, but didn't get hurt too much.

"Ya gonna regret doin' that Furball!" Wrecker exclaimed as he got up.

Wrecker walked towards Beast. Wonder Man got up and turned to see Bulldozer charging at him again. He tried to move, but he was too late. He got rammed in the stomach and squished up against the car. Beast grabbed Wrecker's crowbar and tried to get it away from him. Wrecker let go of it, causing Beast to stumble back.

"You can have it for now Furball, but don' expect ta keep it," Wrecker taunted.

Beast began to attack Wrecker with the crowbar, but suddenly, he got hit from behind with a giant metal ball. He was knocked into Wrecker, who punched him and took his crowbar back. Beast fell to the ground, KO'ed.
Wonder Man pushed Bulldozer off of him. Bulldozer stumbled back a bit and Wonder Man walked towards him, in a lot of pain. Bulldozer dove to the side as Wonder Man got smacked in the chest with the same metal ball that Beast got knocked out with. Piledriver suddenly tackled Wonder Man from behind before he had a chance to fall. Piledriver quickly pulled Wonder Man up so Bulldozer could ram into him, and he did. Wonder Man fell to the ground, KO'ed. Wrecker threw Beast's unconscious body onto Wonder Man's.

"Now where are da' rest of da' damn mooks?" Wrecker asked, standing over the fallen Avengers' bodies.

"Which one we lookin' for again?" Piledriver asked.

"That Marvel chick," Thunderball said.

"Yah. Captain Marvel or Ms. Marvel. Somethin' like dat," Wrecker said.

"Neither of them are still with us. And soon, you won't be either," a voice from above them says.

The Wrecking Crew looked up as Wrecker got shot with a proton ray. He was knocked to the ground. Thunderball went to whip his ball & chain at Iron Man, but he got hit in the stomach with Cap's shield. He got knocked back and the ball and chain fell on him. Bulldozer charged at Captain America, but Firestar hit him with a fire blast, knocking him off his feet. Justice and Hawkeye rushed to Wonder Man and Beast. Justice picked them up and carried them to a safe place. Iron Man and Firestar continued to nail Piledriver, Bulldozer, and Thunderball. Scarlet Witch also helped them with their assault. Captain America battled with the Wrecker. Cap smacked Wrecker in the face with his shield. Wrecker tried to hit Cap with his crowbar, but he kept getting blocked.

Suddenly, a mysterious voice began, "It is useless! She is not there! Wrecking Crew, you are relieved of your services."

"What?!" Wrecker exclaimed. "That dumb mook's gonna let us get our butts whooped."

Captain America quickly uppercut Wrecker while he was not paying attention. Wrecker belt him back. Cap smacked Wrecker with his shield in the face. Cap flipped backwards and threw his shield at Wrecker's stomach. It knocked the wind out of him and Captain America followed up with a kick to the face. He quickly grabbed his shield and knocked him in the side of the head. Iron Man finished Bulldozer with a strong repulsor blast and Firestar finished Piledriver with a strong fire blast. Thunderball knocked Iron Man and Firestar down with his ball and chain. Hawkeye shot a paralysis arrow at Thunderball, causing him to become paralyzed. His ball flew back at him, hitting him in the gut. He was knocked towards Wrecker, hitting him, causing both to fall. Captain America made sure they both stayed down. Iron Man and Justice secured the Wrecking Crew to the authorities. Wonder Man and Beast began to wake up and the others help them home. When they got there, they all just plopped down, tired.

"Simon, are you...?" Scarlet Witch began.

"I'm fine Wanda," Wonder Man replied. "Hank actually did help me out. And so did the Wrecking Crew."

"I did my job. Now it's back to the X-Men for me," Beast said. "Sorry Cap."

"I understand," Captain America said. "You were only temporary."

NEXT ISSUE: Cap has to find another Avenger....DONT MISS IT!