Avengers #22Avengers #22
Title: "The Road Back”
Writer: Stan Lee
Penciller: Don Heck
Inker: Wally Wood
Captain America says that Power Man didn’t plan their frame up on his own. He says that they have to find the brains behind him. Wanda asks what good that will do. She says that the mayor has made it illegal for them top function as a team. Hawkeye says that it is too late for pep talks and that they are finished. Cap says that after all Hawkeye’s big talk that he is willing to give up that easily. Hawkeye says that Cap isn’t impressing anyone, and that he knows that they are licked. Wanda says that they should just say goodbye as friends. Quicksilver asks why they should prolong this unhappy moment. Steve tells them to get lost. He says that he never could stomach quitters. Wanda says that she regrets that. She says that only a fool fights on after the battle is over. She says that they should accept defeat gracefully. Steve asks how she ever got to be an Avenger. Quicksilver grabs Cap by the shoulder. He says that Cap lead them to defeat and then has the gall to attack one that was his supporter. He says that no man talks to his sister like that. Cap hits Quicksilver with his shield and says that he isn’t a punching bag for those that can’t control their temper. Quicksilver says that Hawkeye is right and that someone needs to take Cap down a peg. Quicksilver punches Steve. Steve says that Quicksilver lets Power Man make a fool of him, but he is ready to attack his partner. Cap says that Quicksilver is so proud of his speed. He says that this is his chance to show it. Cap throws his shield and sends it ricocheting around. Quicksilver snatches the shield in mid-flight. Quicksilver throws the shield away and says that now they will test his mettle without his shield. Hawkeye tells Quicksilver that Cap will “make mince meat” of him. Hawkeye holds Quicksilver back with his bow. Cap tells Hawkeye to let Quicksilver go. Hawk asks if Cap wants to boost his ego by batting him around. Hawkeye says that if anyone is going to fight him it will be him. Quicksilver tells Hawkeye to let him go and that he will not hit Captain America. He says that he sees that there is nothing to gain. Cap says that it is about time Quicksilver wised up. Hawkeye says that they wouldn’t want to be accused of hitting an old man. Wanda says that all of them should be ashamed of themselves. Quicksilver says that this team is finished and that as far as he is concerned it can stay that way. Steve says that they have been through so much, and that they should part on better terms. Wanda says that Steve is right, but Pietro tells her to forget it. Cap says that before Hawkeye goes that he wanted to thank him for stepping between him and Pietro. Hawkeye says that he would have done the same for a stranger. Hawkeye tells Cap not to let his shield get rusty.
Steve says that they are really gone, and that he never would have believed it. He wonders how he will ever face Thor, Iron Man, or Giant-Man again. He says that he was chosen to be the keeper of the flame, but that the torch is out now. He says that he tasted defeat before when he lost Bucky and now this. Cap says that losing a battle is one thing, but this time he lost an entire team. Steve gets dressed into civilian clothes. He straps his shield to his back and puts an overcoat on. He says that despite their bickering and petty jealousies that in his heart he thinks that they could have been as good as the original Avengers. He says that now it can never happen, and that as leader the responsibility was his. Steve says that perhaps the others were right and he is just too old. He says that maybe he should have stayed in the past. He says that there is no way that Steve Rogers can never live up to the legend that Captain America has become.
The other Avengers are trying to find work. Hawkeye is turned away from “Mr. Sullivan’s show” (Ed Sullivan for those not in the know) because he was declared to be a public menace. Quicksilver is turned away by a carnival. He is told that the other carnival workers would walk out, and that crowds wouldn’t feel safe around him. Wanda is turned away because pretty girls are a dime a dozen in show business. The guy asks why he should hire anyone that has a hex power. Wanda says that she can sing, but the man tells her that a canary can sing too. He says goodbye. Every interview ends with them being told that the public is afraid of them, and that no one wants anything to do with them. Someone tells them that they are lucky that they are not in jail.
Pietro says that they never should have left Europe, and that perhaps it is time they went back. Wanda says that they have to redeem themselves first. She asks Pietro if he has heard anything from Captain America. Quicksilver tells her to forget about him and let him return to oblivion.
Across town in a tent, Ringmaster addresses his performers. He says that now that they have served their sentences that they are free to resume their circus act, but that they have been playing to empty stands all week. Ringmaster says that he has a plan. He says that the Avengers have disbanded. Cannonball says that they are way ahead of Ringmaster, and that Princess Python already sent them a telegram. Princess Python says that they should be hearing from them any minute now. Ringmaster says that legitimate producers won’t have anything to do with them, but that they will fit perfectly into their plans.
A short time later, Wanda tells Pietro that as soon as she received the telegram that she contacted Hawkeye. She says that he will meet them in ten minutes and that they finally have a job where they can use their talents.
An hour later, Ringmaster tells them that they are hired and that they will start tomorrow. Wanda says that she can’t help wishing that Steve Rogers was with them. Hawkeye says that he wouldn’t join up with them unless he could be the star of the show. Pietro tells Hawkeye to knock it off. He says that they all know that Hawkeye doesn’t dislike him any more than he or Wanda does. Ringmaster thinks to himself that he will wait until tomorrow to tell them what is really expected of them. In bed that night Ringmaster can hardly sleep because he is so excited about the ex-Avengers combining with him. He says that he will be unstoppable. The next day, Ringmaster tells them about his hypnotizing the crowd and them going into stands to collect the money. Quicksilver says that he hopes that Ringmaster is kidding. Ringmaster says that they have no choice but to do what he says. Ringmaster tells them to look into his eyes. Quicksilver runs around. Ringmaster says that no one escapes him. Quicksilver says that he isn’t trying to escape. He punches Ringmaster and says that this is the most fun that he has had in weeks. Cannonball charges Quicksilver says that his power can’t save him from him. Quicksilver says that his power could save him from a thousand Homo Sapiens. He says that it is like they are fighting in slow motion to him. Clown is going to attack Quicksilver from behind, but Wanda trips him up from behind when she hexes a rope around his foot. Princess Python jumps Wanda from behind and covers her eyes. Wanda flips her off. Princess Python says that all she has to do is whistle and her python will come. Wanda uses a hex and causes water to blast into Princess Python’s face. The Flying Gambonnos drop things at Hawkeye from above. Hawkeye wraps them up in a twirling wire arrow. The strongman charges Hawkeye with a large wooden pole, but Hawkeye splits it into two with one arrow. Quicksilver is finishing up beating on Cannonball when Ringmaster returns with the police. He says that they attacked them and that they are trying to rob them. The police say that they were ordered to disband and that the judge won’t go so easy on them this time. Quicksilver says that with everything that has happened that no one will believe them. Quicksilver tells Hawkeye to use his smoke arrow to allow them to escape. The police say that they will get them sooner or later, but Hawkeye says that they will find a way to prove their innocence first. Wanda wonders what will become of them now. Hawkeye says that at least from the bottom there is no where to go but up.
The newspaper boy sells copies of the paper talking about the manhunt for the Avengers. Fans of the Avengers argue with fans of the Fantastic Four regarding the Avengers’ innocence. The police are tracking down many phony leads. One cop says that he is kind of happy that they are phony because he hates the idea of putting an Avenger in jail. People want to know why the original Avengers don’t return and take over. Iron Man is busy fighting a giant android, Thor has returned to Asgard for his greatest battle, and Giant-Man’s whereabouts are a mystery to everyone.
Enchantress and Power Man watch the
television report about the Avengers being wanted. Power Man
says, “Well, baby, we did it! The Avengers are finished for
good now!” Enchantress says that nobody calls her
‘baby’. Power Man asks what she is acting all
‘high and mighty’ for. He says that they are partners.
The doorbell rings and Enchantress says that she suggests that he
answer the door. Enchantress wonders if Power Man really thinks
that she could love a mortal. She says that there is something
about the way he carries himself though. Power Man answers the
door. A rotund man is there and says that he has come to make him
rich. Power Man says that whatever he is selling that he
isn’t interested. Enchantress says that they should listen
to his offer first. The man recognizes Enchantress and says that
her being Power Man’s partner makes his offer a “sure
fire”. Power Man tells him to spit it out. The man says that
he is a press agent, and that he wants to make them the
“biggest front-page item since the Beatles!” Power Man
says that the man is nuts and asks what they need publicity for.
The man says that since the Avengers broke up that someone will
have to take their place. He says that the public has come to
trust them. Enchantress says that she never considered that. The
man says that is where he comes in. Power Man says that even if
they do replace the Avengers that they don’t need him. The
man says that they need him and that he will do the thinking for
them. He says that although it isn’t generally known that he
was the one responsible for the Avengers’ downfall.
Enchantress tells Power Man to be careful as he gets right up in
the man’s face. Power Man says that he and the Enchantress
were the ones that sent the Avengers around on a bunch of wild
goose chases to make the public think that they had cracked up.
The man says that he never suspected, but Enchantress says that
Power Man is a vain fool and that he is talking too much.
Enchantress says that her supernatural power is telling her that
something is wrong with the man’s briefcase. He tries to
deny it, but Power Man grabs the briefcase and a roll of tape
falls out. Power Man says that he was recording their
conversation. The man says that he got enough to prove that the
Avengers are innocent. The man rips his disguise off to reveal
that he is really Captain America. Enchantress tells Power Man to
grab the tape, but Captain America scoops it up by throwing his
shield. Captain America says that he was hoping that Power Man
would try something because he has a debt to repay. Power Man
says that he beat him before and that he can do it again. Cap
says that he is ready for him this time. 
Power Man
charges, but Captain America smashes his shield into Power
Man’s face. Cap says that Power Man is stunned, but that he
isn’t hurt. Power Man grabs Captain America around the
waist, but Cap gives him a judo chop. Cap says that strength
isn’t everything. Cap sees that Enchantress is trying to get
into the act, and that he has to keep Power Man between them. Cap
flips Power Man. He says that he has to do the unexpected so
instead of pressing his advantage Cap makes a run for it with the
tape.
Cap goes up the stairs. He says that
Enchantress had plenty of chances to put a spell on him, but he
thinks that she wants to see how he will do on his own. Power Man
follows Cap up the steps, but Cap pulls the carpet up from under
him and sends him falling down the steps. Power Man gets up
enraged and walks up the stairs. Power Man tries to surprise Cap
by smashing through the wall instead of going through the
doorway. Cap heard him coming and strikes him with the shield as
he comes through. Cap thinks to himself that this is pointless
because nothing he does can hurt Power Man. Cap finally realizes
that Power Man’s power reminds him of Wonder Man’s
power. He realizes that Enchantress found a way to give him the
same powers. Power Man says that won’t do Cap any good. Cap
swings around a pole and kicks Power Man in the face. Cap hits
Power Man on the ground and asks if he still thinks that the
Avengers are easy prey. Cap says that he is the oldest and
weakest one. Power Man says that he will destroy him when he gets
back up, and that Cap knows he can’t hold him off forever.
Power Man finally gets a punch in.
He grabs Cap
by the torso and smashes him through a wall. Power Man says that
Cap put up a pretty good fight for a nobody. Cap falls down the
steps and goes unconscious. Power Man says that it is a good
thing that Captain America doesn’t have super-strength or no
one would ever be able to beat him.
Power Man carries Cap back to the room to show Enchantress, but Enchantress has been put to sleep with one of Hawkeye’s sleep gas arrow. Hawkeye says that they have another for him. Power Man says that nobody puts him to sleep and throws Captain America into Hawkeye. Quicksilver zooms by and knocks Power Man off his feet. Quicksilver hits Power Man at full speed with a lamp, but Power Man doesn’t even feel it. Quicksilver loses his footing in the confined space and bumps into a wall. Hawkeye shoots his arrow at Power Man, but it just bounces off him. Power Man says that he doesn’t even need to touch Hawkeye to beat him. Power Man rips up the floor and causes Hawkeye to fall over. Power Man turns to Scarlet Witch and says that no woman’s hex is going to beat him. Wanda performs a hex and wraps Power Man up in the drapes. Quicksilver tries to spin Power Man around like a top, but Power Man doesn’t even budge as Quicksilver pulls it off. Hawkeye fires his arrows to let Quicksilver get away. Power Man tries to hit him, but misses. Hawkeye says that he is fighting a team now. Wanda says that the three of them will defeat him. Captain America says that the four of them will do it and hits Power Man in the head by throwing his shield. Cap says that Power Man is through and that the tape is already on its way to the police. Enchantress wakes up. She says that she fears that she backed the wrong man. She says that Power Man lacks the killer instinct. Power Man asks what she means. She says that she means “farewell”. Enchantress teleports away. Power Man says that she can’t leave him. He says that he did it all for her, and that she is all that mattered. He says that he will make it up to her and asks what good is his power without her. Enchantress says that it is best this way because no man may love an immortal. Wanda says that now is their chance, but Power Man tells her to relax. He says that the fight is over, and that without her he has nothing to fight for.
Cap asks the others what brought them to him. They say that they just heard an emergency signal and followed it to him. Cap says that he didn’t send a signal. Cap looks at his shield and sees that when he scooped up the tape that it accidentally cut his transceiver wire. They ask what tape he is talking about. Cap says that it was a tape of Power Man admitting that he and the Enchantress framed them. He says that they will be absolved of guilt.
Minutes later, the sergeant at the police station says to get the tape to the City Council, and that they are going to have some apologizing to do to the Avengers. He says that the DA got the truth about Ringmaster out of Princess Python. One cop asks what about Power Man. The sergeant says that since there are no official charges against him that he is free to go. As Power Man walks out, Hawkeye says that he doubts that is the last time they will see him.
At a special meeting of the City Council, they decide to make Sunday ‘Avengers Day’. They decide to give them back their special priority cards and the key to the city. They say that it is the least they can do especially since it will be a huge tourist attraction.
Quicksilver says that it looks like Steve saved the day. He says that they will let bygones be bygones. Cap says, “Guess again, Avenger! I’ve played straight man to you jokers long enough! You can get yourselves another clown! Now that our names are cleared, I’m kissin’ you off…!” Hawkeye says, “I’ll be a monkey’s uncle! He means it!”
Avengers Files rating: 9 out of 10
Well everything that I had a problem with last issue is gone. Arrows bounce right off Power Man. Plenty of action and excitement. Cap gets a rare lose at the hands of Power Man. Actually it’s a very strange ending as the bad guys weren’t defeated so much as they just gave up. The threat of Power Man is preserved and the good guys win anyway. The read is much lighter and not as ponderous as the last issue. Don Heck does a great job, especially with the action in this book.