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She-Hulk lead the Avengers in stopping Doom’s former herald in Avengers Assemble #4 by Steve Orlando, Valentina Pinti, Marvel Comics
Hate in Rügen
The Avenger Emergency Response Squad (AvengE.R.S.) has been busy. First, they deployed to Rügen, Germany. There, they stopped the spread of hatred when they fought and defeated Sinthea Schmidt, also known as Sin. Sin had acquired the weapons of Erida the goddess of hate. With these weapons, Sin proved to be a challenge for the heroes. However, the seasoned veterans found a way to work together to defeat Sin and save the day.
Exploitation in Kingsport
Following their mission in Germany, the AvengE.R.S. deployed to Kingsport, Massachusetts. The town was under attack by radioactive ghosts of Super-Apes! Ivan Kragoff was at the center of this incident, also known as the Red Ghost. Kragoff was responsible for the ghosts roaming over the town. Eventually the Avengers handled the Super-Apes along with the Red Ghost.
Prejudice in Fangtown
Finally, the Aveng.E.R.S. last outing was to North Brother Island. The island had become a destination for the new vampires in the fallout of the Blood Hunt. Unfortunately for the people relocated to the island, they had become the targets of a group of vampire hunters. The group goes by the Nightstalkers. They slaughtered just about everyone in their sights. This was not just a fight of good versus evil. No, this was an opportunity for the Avengers to show that everyone’s rights and dignity deserve to be defended.
A Busy Society
While the heroes battled Sin in Rügen, the Serpent Society broke into a museum in Stralsund and stole some artifacts. The Society used the same tactics in Kingsport. When the heroes where busy fighting the Super-Ape ghosts, the Serpent Society took the opportunity to hit another location. This way, the Serpent Society were getting away with the burglaries.
Detective Chi
Until Shang-Chi decided to backtrack the AvengE.R.S. steps. This way Shang-Chi confirmed that someone was taking advantage of the incidents to commit crimes. Following Shang-Chi’s trip, he returned to Avengers Mansion to relay what he uncovered to Captain America. Now, the AvengE.R.S. had their eyes peeled. The Serpeant Society can no longer operate in secret.
Devil Worshiphing Snakes
All these escapades by the Serpent Society have a reason. Whether is a good or bad reason, you can be the judge. As it stands now, Pit Viper is the Serpent Society’s current. The items that have been stolen are core components for something called the Serpent’s Tears.
This concoction will honor or rather summon the Society’s main backer. The one serpent who’s old as time itself. The red menace who slither through the garden. These are the tears of Mephisto. That’s correct, the Serpent Society is working to make some sort of pack with the devil of the Marvel Universe.
*Spoilers for issue #4*
Isolation in Latveria
The Marvel Universe is still reconciling with results of the Blood Hunt. One of the outcomes was Doctor Doom becoming the Sorcerer Supreme. No one knows what the new Sorcerer Supreme is up to. Because he sealed Latveria from the world with a magical barrier. Many have tried to make way through the barrier, but they have all failed.
In Avengers Assemble #4, the heroes had to deal with the rampage of one Zora Vukovic. Also known as Victorious, former Champion of Latveria and previously the Herald of Doom. Just like others, Victorious tried to make her way inside the barrier of Latveria but could not pass through. Victorious did not take the rejection lightly.
Victorious no more
Instead of cutting her loses and going home, Zora rampaged all over the magical barrier. Zora’s Power Cosmic did not pierced the barrier rather is bounced off to Latveria’s neighboring countries. Incremently causing more damage with each blow she landed on the barrier. Of course, this was a considerable threat. So the AvengE.R.S. deployed to Latveria.
Herald of None
Soon after confronting Zora, the heroes understood the situation. This did not call for an all-out brawl with a wielder of Cosmic Power. But rather, what Zora needed was a moment of clarity. Someone who’s entire identity was attcahed to Latveria was now forbidden entry to the same country.
Sad to say it like this, but Zora was lost. No longer the Champion of Latveria, no longer Doom’s herald. No reason given, no explanation extended. All Zora knew was that Latveria and Doom rejected her now that he was the Sorcerer Supreme.
Unmasking Victory
Ultimately, the AvengE.R.S. got through Zora. The once Champion of Latveria was now on her own, to discover herself. Without her home country, the people she championed nor her ruler Doom. Zora took off her mask, accepted her new fate and restore all the damage she caused during her tantrum.
Unsure what this meant, the AvengE.R.S.let Zora take her leave. Although she wrecked havoc briefly, she repair everything before leaving. No harm, no foul.
What About the Art?
New issue, new artist. That has been the case in the ever artist revolving door that is the Avengers Assemble series. Issue #4 has Valentina Pinti on the pencils who kept up the quality of all her predecessors. Sonia Oback has been the constant with the coloring which has provided cohesiveness from issue to issue. But Cory Petit managed to steal the show a few pages with the lettering.
I give this issue an 8 out of 10
I left the Serpent Society plot alone, so I don’t spoil the issue entirely. But trust me, those snakes are becoming a bigger problem than anyone could have predicted. Steve Orlando is dragging the AvengE.R.S. all over the place to teach us a new lesson at every single stop. They fight hatred, exploitation, prejudice and discrimination. While they also punch bad guys in the face. Which is exactly what I want from my Avengers.
