Avengers #273Avengers #273
Title: “Rites of Conquest!”
Writer: Roger Stern
Breakdowns: John Buscema
Finished Art: Tom Palmer
Colors: Paul Becton
Editor: Mark Gruenwald
Inside the bar, Hercules is holding up a table with at least twelve people standing on it on his back. One of the riders tells Hercules that he only has eight more seconds until he wins the bet. Hercules says that he isn’t called the Prince of Power for nothing. Suddenly the table snaps in half and everyone falls to the ground. Mike the bartender asks if everyone is okay. One woman tells Mike that no one is going to sue him. Another suggests that he get some better tables. Mike says that the table was solid oak and asks Hercules if he knows how much they cost. Hercules says that the Avengers will cover any costs. Herc turns to the man sitting at the bar and asks him if he is going to let the table’s weakness affect their wager. The man says that it looked to him like Hercules was going to win the bet. He tells the bartender to get a round of drinks for the house on him. He says that he never drank with an Avenger before. He asks if all of Herc’s buddies are as strong as him. Hercules says that none of them are as might, but that they are all gallant heroes. He says that Captain America is just a mortal, but that his battle prowess makes him the equal of a dozen foes. He says that Captain Marvel is as fast as light and as powerful as lightning. He says that Black Knight’s skills are as sharp as his irresistible sword. He says that they must not forget Namor and that on land, sea, and air that there are few that are as mighty as Namor. The man says that he heard that Hercules and Namor didn’t get along. Hercules says that Namor is head strong and speaks out of turn, but that he has proven himself a noble ally. He says that he will miss Namor. The man asks if Namor quit. Herc says that it is just a personal leave and that he will return someday. The man says that Herc forgot someone. He says that the Wasp is the boss Avenger. Herc says that Wasp is finishing a term as chairwoman and that is all. The man ribs Herc and says that she still tells him what to do. He asks Herc what it is like to take “orders from a dame?” Herc crushes the glass he is holding in his hand. Suddenly the man flies through the large panel window of the bar to the street outside. The man lands right in front of an oncoming truck. Herc rushes out of the bar in a panic. He says that no mortal must die because of him and that he won’t allow it. Herc jumps in front of the truck and stops it in its tracks essentially destroying it. Hercules is helping up the man apologizing when he notices that the man is unharmed. The man says that he must live right and that Herc should check on the driver. While Herc is telling the truck driver and the bartender that the Avengers will pay for any damages, the man sneaks away.
The man walks down the street and gets into the back of the van. Yellowjacket tells the man that he has more nerve than sense. She says that it was almost his funeral when he started razzing Hercules. Wrecker says that he has been through worse. As he takes off his shirt he says that the bug on him must have worked then. Yellowjacket says that she doesn’t design things that don’t work. She tells Wrecker to put his shirt on and not to forget his mask. Wrecker asks if something about his “kisser” bothers her. Yellowjacket says that if he uses that for kissing that he must lead a lonely life. Wrecker tells her to shut up and make the report.
At a secret command post, Moonstone is
listening to Yellowjacket’s report. Yellowjacket says that
the bar is still bugged and that Hercules is already back to
carousing. Moonstone says that the Baron will find the
information interesting. Baron Zemo says that he does find it
interesting. Moonstone spins to the sound of Zemo’s voice
and Zemo asks if he startled her. Moonstone says that she
didn’t hear him come in. 
Zemo says that
he knows she wasn’t expecting him back so soon. Zemo
commends Yellowjacket and Wrecker on a job well done and says
that their time is their own until further notice. Wrecker asks
when they are going to see some real action. Zemo says that it
will be soon and signs off. Zemo turns to Moonstone and asks her
why she is manning the monitors when she has other duties to
perform. He asks if her other task is complete. Moonstone says
that she was just stretching her legs a little. Moonstone says
that since Fixer was on monitor duty all night that she offered
to relieve him. Moonstone asks Zemo if he is afraid that she will
learn too much about his plan. Zemo says that her project is
imperative to the mission and that he suggests that she return to
it at once. Moonstone says that without her project they would be
too vulnerable to accomplish much of anything. She says that she
guesses her work is crucial to any plans. Moonstone flies off.
Zemo says that Moonstone has him at a disadvantage and that she
knows it. He says that of all the super-criminals that he
assembled that Moonstone presents the most threat to his
leadership, but that she isn’t the only one. He says that
Wrecker’s complaint is a common one among the physical
recruits and that he must show them some action to keep them
faithful. He says that if he strikes too soon though that he
won’t fare any better against the Avengers than his father
did. He says that he has to learn more about the Avengers’
affairs and that Captain America is his most formidable enemy. He
says that he has to learn Captain America’s location and
that he must tolerate Moonstone long enough for her to give him
the means to deal with Captain Marvel, the most powerful Avenger
of all.
At that moment, Captain Marvel is zooming past the surface of the moon. She says that when she was little that she dreamed of flying to the moon and that now she can do it in seconds. She says that it is the perfect place for her to test her new energy powers. She transforms herself into subatomic particles and flies directly through the moon. She says that it gets easier every time, but that she has had enough exercise for now. She thinks about having a late snack, but instead decides on some breakfast. Seconds later, Captain Marvel is sitting at a table in France. The waiter is shocked by her sudden appearance. She asks to see a menu. As he hands her the menu he asks if she is the Avenger Captain Marvel. She says that she is, but the waiter thinks to himself that he is an idiot and wonders who else it could be. Captain Marvel says that this was a good idea and that she will have to take advantage of her powers more often.
Baron Zemo stalks through the corridors. He thinks that scans showed an energy beam crossing the moon and Earth before disappearing over the Gulf Coast. He says that they must find a way to neutralize her. Zemo enters Moonstone lab and says that they must speak. Moonstone says that she is in the final testing stage and asks if it can wait. Zemo says that it cannot. He says that Captain Marvel passed through the moon last night and that she is even more powerful than he believed. He says that she promised him a defense against her, but that he is beginning to doubt that such a thing is within Moonstone’s power. He says that he has given her technical help and equipment, but that so far she hasn’t produced anything. He says that if she can’t give him some results that he will find someone that can. Moonstone motions to Blackout and says that he is Zemo’s defense system. Zemo asks if this is the man that she insisted that they free from Project Pegasus. He says that he heard he can access an extradimensional force, but that he heard that he was a “raving paranoid”. Moonstone says that he is, but that she has been able to work wonders with him. Moonstone says that he goes a bit catatonic sometimes, but that it just make him and his power easier to control. Moonstone tells Blackout to show Zemo how he will protect them. Blackout says, “Pro… tect…” and suddenly Zemo and Moonstone are surrounded by all black. Zemo asks what this is. Moonstone says that it is darkforce, a chunk of another dimension brought to Earth and that nothing can get through it/ Zemo pulls his disintegrator and fires it. The blast has no affect and Zemo says that it seems the darkness absorbed the beam. Moonstone says that is it exactly. She tells Blackout that he can stop and the darkforce disappears. Moonstone says that before she met him that Blackout could only tap into solid masses of matter, but that now he can generate warps into that other dimension. She says that Captain Marvel transforms into energy and that she won’t be able to do anything against the darkforce. She says that they don’t have a thing to worry about. Zemo thinks to himself that now Moonstone has him at a greater disadvantage than before. Suddenly there is a loud crash. Moonstone asks if they are under attack, but Zemo says that it came from the next chamber.
In the workout room, Hyde punches Piledriver and tells him that he goes too far. Hyde says that Piledriver’s power is just a fraction if his and that he could handle the whole Wrecking Crew himself. Moonstone appears before Hyde and fires a blast at the ground. She tells Hyde to back off and that they are all together in this. Hyde asks if she dare threaten him with a laser blast. Moonstone is trying to explain, but Hyde says that nobody tells him what to do. Suddenly Zemo’s hand is on Hyde’s shoulder. He tells Hyde to calm himself and magically Hyde is calm. Zemo tells Hyde to go relax. Moonstone watches disbelieving as Hyde walks off. Zemo says that he will attend to Piledriver and that Moonstone better go keep watch over Blackout since they will need him. Moonstone walks off wondering if Zemo has some power that he has kept hidden from her. Piledriver says that he did as Zemo asked and waited five minutes before razzing Hyde. Zemo says that he did fine. Piledriver says that Zemo must have had his reasons, but that he wouldn’t want to fight Hyde again. Piledriver says that he is crazy. Zemo says that once should do it, but that he would wait a few days before speaking to Hyde again. Piledriver says, “No Kiddin’!” After Piledriver leaves, Zemo looks down at the tranquilizer he injected Hyde with. He thinks that there was enough to knock out an elephant, but that it only sedated Hyde. He says that Moonstone will figure out his ruse, but that it should be long enough for him to safeguard his command.
Later that night at a posh Manhattan nightspot, Black Knight emerges from a car. Entertainment Tonight rushes to the car and people start to gather around. The reporter asks Black Knight where the Wasp is. Black Knight says that she is well in hand and reveals Wasp standing on his hand. Wasp says that on behalf of the Avengers that they are proud to do their part for the March of Dimes. Black Knight thinks to himself that Wasp sure knows how to make an entrance. Wasp flies up and changes back to full size. She says that this size is better for dancing and that that she is going to dance the night away. As the photographers start flashing away, Wasp mutters her thanks to Dane for coming with her. She says that these galas can be a bore, but that it is for a good cause. Dane says that he would go anywhere with her. CBS News comes up to Wasp and says that they were informed that Namor has left the Avengers. The reporter asks if this is true. Wasp is stunned and says that Namor only took a leave of absence. Dane asks who they were informed by. The reporter says that it was an anonymous tip. He asks if Namor’s absence will help or hurt the Avengers and follows up by asking if he will be replaced. Paladin places his hand on the reporter’s shoulders and tells him to let Black Knight catch his breath. Wasp’s face lights up when she sees him. The reporter asks Paladin what he is doing there. Paladin says that he is a friend of Wasp’s and asks the reporter how he has been doing since the fracas in the Middle East. The reporter says that he is still with the network and asks Paladin if he is there to try out with the Avengers since he hears there is a vacancy.
Zemo sits back and watches his tip yield some interesting results. He notices that Wasp is quite taken with Paladin, but that Black Knight doesn’t seem to care for him at all. Fixer enters the room with a box for Zemo. Zemo tells Fixer that the signal-intercept monitors tapped into the newscaster’s cameras perfectly. Fixer says, “Thanks. Your headband is ready. I made all the modifications you wanted.” Zemo says that it doesn’t appear any different and that it even weighs the same. He asks Fixer if he is sure that it will work. Fixer says, “I fixed it… it’ll work.”. Zemo dons his modified headband and asks how “Operation Flag” is going. Fixer says that there is good news. He says that Captain America has been spotted in southern Florida and that as instructed he dispatched Whirlwind to intercept him. Zemo says that is exactly what he wanted to hear. He says that everything is falling into place. Zemo tells Fixer that he wants everyone in the briefing room at once.
Within minutes
everyone is assembled. Moonstone leans against Goliath as he sits
on the floor. Wrecker sits next to Hyde and Blackout stands.
Titania and Absorbing Man sit together. Piledriver, Bulldozer,
and Thunderball sit together. Yellowjacket and Tiger Shark stand
before the podium. Baron Zemo stands at the podium and Fixer
stands on Zemo’s left. Goliath says that they are all there.
Titania says that she hopes that they get to cut loose a little
and that she and Crusher have been sitting on their hands for
weeks. Creel says that Titania is right and Bulldozer agrees.
Thunderball tells Bulldozer to shut up. Tiger Shark tells
everyone to shut up and let Zemo speak. Zemo thanks Tiger Shark.
Zemo says that there isn’t one of them that haven’t
known defeat and been humbled by those that society has deemed as
‘good’. He says that they have been humiliated by the
Avengers. Zemo asks who these Avengers are. He says that their
ranks are always changing and yet they always remain unbeatable.
Zemo says that they can do it because of unity. He says that the
Avengers are nothing more than a collection of heroes united
against a common foe, but that they can present a united front as
well. He says that together they can defeat whoever rises to
oppose them. He says that they outnumber the Avengers and that
for all their power they will fall before their superior numbers.
He says that they must decisively defeat the Avengers in public
and ground them beneath their boots. He says that they can then
turn their attention to the Fantastic Four and their other
friends. Zemo says that society’s greatest heroes will fall
before them, but only if they are truly united. Zemo asks if they
are with him. Moonstone steps forward and says that unity is a
good idea, and that many of them are grateful for getting them
out of prison, but asks why they should follow him. She says that
he is just an ordinary man with no special powers. She says that
they should choose their own leader. Zemo points to Moonstone and
says, “Blackout, restrain her!” Blackout imprisons
Moonstone in a cube of darkforce over all but her head. Moonstone
tries to stop him, but Zemo says that Blackout answers his
commands now that Fixer helped him duplicate the circuitry of the
apparatus that she used to help Blackout. Zemo says that
leadership is his by right. He says that it was his late father
that formed the first group to oppose the Avengers. He says that
he has vowed vengeance on Captain America and all his allies. He
says that he has endured much to gather them all there and that
he will not give up command now. Moonstone says that she
withdraws the question. Zemo tells Blackout to release Moonstone
and that they may need her. Zemo says that events that ensures
victory have fallen into place. He says that they have to act
now. He asks if they will put aside their differences and work
together with him. Goliath says that Zemo can count on him. Hyde
and Wrecker agree as well. Moonstone says that she means no
disrespect, but that she wants to hear his plan for overcoming
the Avengers. Zemo says that ‘overcome’ is too weak a
word and that he speaks of total defeat and humiliation.
That night, Avengers mansion is all but
empty. Hercules would have been on duty, but at the last minute a
“charming young lady” called Herc at the last moment.
Jarvis offered to sit in for Hercules, which was exactly as Zemo
had planned. Jarvis sits drinking from a mug and reading a book.
At 11:26 PM, the ground begins to shake. 
Jarvis gets up
to see the Masters of Evil smashing through the omnium steel
gates. The defense system stun cannons rise out of the ground,
but Goliath stomps on them. Wrecker and Thunderball smash the two
dozen detention coils that come from the doors. Bulldozer smashes
through the door. Bulldozer says that the door only had a couple
inches of steel under the oak door. Wrecker tells everyone to
keep moving and to let nothing stop them. Piledriver says that he
wishes Hyde wouldn’t stick so close to him and that he seems
like the type to carry a grudge. Goliath asks why the ceilings
have to be so low when a flying stunnulator arrives. Bulldozer
charges into it and destroys it.
High above the mansion, Fixer and Zemo fly above the mansion. Absorbing Man and Titania report in that they tied up traffic just like Zemo wanted and that the street was deserted when the others were dropped off. Creel says that he still wants to know why they couldn’t be in on the assault. Zemo tells Creel to be patient and that they still have things to do on the outside. Zemo says that they have their orders and to carry them out. Fixer tells Zemo that someone is trying to send out an emergency alert on the third floor. Fixer says that he is jamming it. Zemo tells Fixer to give the location to their troops.
The door starts to pound in while Jarvis keeps trying to send the emergency signal. Hyde smashes down the door. He tells Jarvis to step away from the console and he will only break one of Jarvis’ arms.
At 11:31 PM, Zemo and Fixer land at the
third floor hangar deck. Zemo shows Fixer that there are no
Avengers quinjets there. He says that when the government forced
the Avengers to remove their aircraft that the saw an opening to
be exploited. He says, “Imagine, being ordered around by
bureaucrats!” Zemo says that it appears that their
operatives have been quite through as he surveys the damage. Zemo
walk into the mansion’s once secure assembly room. Zemo says
that he trusts that all went as planned. Jarvis is gagged and
tied to a chair on the table. Hyde says that it was almost too
easy. Goliath says that Hyde is just angry that he stopped him
from removing the butler’s arms and legs. 
Wrecker holds up
his crowbar and says, “Baron Zemo, Avengers mansion now
belongs to the Masters of Evil!” Zemo says that it will be
the first of many victories.
Avengers Files rating: 10 out of 10
I don’t think I’ve made any bones about the fact that I am a villains lover in comic books, but really this issue has it all, or at least the beginning of it all. The Masters taking over the mansion. The dark foreboding plotline. Buscema and Palmer combining for the dark ominous and fully fleshed out artwork. The only thing that I don’t like about this book is that now that it has been done it seems like it might never happen again.
READ CAPTAIN AMERICA #324 TO CHECK OUT WHIRLWIND’S MASTERS OF EVIL ACTIVITY