Avengers vol. 3 #45Avengers vol. 3 #45
Title: “Life During Wartime”
Writer: Kurt Busiek
Penciller: Manuel Garcia
Inker: Bob Layton
Colors: Tom Smith
Editor: Tom Brevoort
In the 40th century, Kang’s armies chant his name. Kang tells Centurion that it is such a wonderful sound- the sound of loyalty, of devotion, of worship. He says that one day they will cheer for him. Kang points to the Pillar of Conquest where the worlds of his empire shift through the images unendingly. Kang says that it is vast now, but that it will be even more vast with him as his son and heir. Kang says that for a long time he struggled against a predetermined fate, but that now he is free for the curse of becoming Immortus and has turned his attention towards the future. Kang says that Centurion has proven himself to the men as his second in command. Kang says that it is good to have a family and crown prince. Centurion asks if that makes his mother the queen. Kang tells Centurion not to think too much of women or give them too great a status. He says that women are a weakness and a distraction. He says that they are good for being soldiers and mothers, but little more. Kang says that he told Centurion of his birth. He told him that his mother was screened for genetic purity and for a perfect match to Kang’s DNA. The woman was then installed within his room for as long as it took. The woman tried to talk to Kang, but Kang tells her that he does not need her to speak to him. His mother was then transported 25 years into the past to bear Centurion. Kang came to visit Centurion every fortnight to supervise his training and upbringing. Kang says that it was a pleasure to watch him transform from an awkward youth to his final exercise. Kang tells Centurion to remember that the genes only give him the potential. He says that it is the mark you leave that measures a man. Kang tells Centurion that his mother is the past, and that he should concentrate on the future.
Kang says that it is time to get back to work. He says that the 21st century has always been his greatest challenge, and that the champions of this world have earned his lasting respect. Kang says that as much as he has enjoyed their rivalry that it is time to end the game. Kang says that in commemoration of Centurion’s status as crown prince he is going to give Centurion this era as a vassal state. Kang says that this will be his greatest victory and Centurion’s first. Kang tells Centurion to go prepare the forces. As Centurion walks out Kang watches him go. Kang says nothing as he thinks of the test that Centurion has not yet passed.
At the Pentagon, Captain America, Wasp,
Thor, and Firebird meet with General McGinty. Captain America is
bandaged up and sitting in a hovering wheelchair. McGinty shakes
Cap’s hand and thanks him for coming. Cap says that most of
the team is on R&R so it was no problem. McGinty says that he
heard about what they averted in Russia and says that he was
sorry to hear about the squad’s injuries. Cap says that the
Avengers heal quickly, and that Quicksilver is already up and
about. Cap suggests that they get down to business. McGinty says
that they brought them there of course to discuss Kang. McGinty
says that Kang has declared war on all civilized nations, and
that it looks like he might have the power to back it up. McGinty
says that the President, the UN, and NATO are all very concerned.
McGinty shows the Avengers the reinforced troops that they have
positioned where Kang has said that he will attack first, but
that they still don’t know where it will occur. McGinty says
that there have been rioting and uprisings by super-villains and
others. He says that too many men are being used to suppress
these uprisings. Wasp says that it is of course the way Kang
wants it. Cap says that he tells us where he is going to attack,
but keeps them from being truly prepared so that when he wins it
will demoralize the world thinking that he can tell them where he
is going to attack and still win. McGinty says that is why they
must win. 
Thor excuses
himself and walks out of the room. Firebird tells them to keep
talking and she will go after Thor.
At Avengers mansion, Tony Stark is calling in to say that he is so busy trying to crack through Kang’s force field that he doesn’t have time to suit up as Iron Man. Scarlet Witch tells him not to worry about it as they have more active Avengers now than they have in years. Another call comes in so Wanda switches over. Warlord Kro greets Scarlet Witch and says that he wished to thank them for returning their rebellious tribesmen to them. Wanda says that they were just trying to keep the peace. Kro says that is what he wishes as well. Kro says that they are in the Avengers’ debt, and that they may call on them whenever they choose. Kro signs off. Wanda says that she has dealt with Dr. Doom, but that Kro has ominous down cold. Yellowjacket tells Wanda that she could take him easy. Wanda asks Hank if he has decided to become Yellowjacket again. Hank says that it might seem like a weird choice, but that it was as Yellowjacket that he had his greatest problems and that he wants to face them as Yellowjacket to find out if he is truly cured. Wanda says that Hank is one of the all time best, and that he will do fine no matter what costume he wears. Hank thanks Wanda for her words.
Inside the quarters of Jack of Hearts, Jack has just completed the permeation process that allows him to remove his armor without leaking the zero-energy that gives him his power. He has just over four hours before he has to be back in costume. Triathlon enters the room and asks if he has to do that every time he wants to take off the armor. Jack says that he does, but that it is an improvement. He says that he used to have to remain with the mists the entire time. Jack thanks Delroy for inviting him out. Delroy says that they had better get going. He says that Yvonne gets cranky if she has to wait around. Jack asks if Yvonne is the one that he set him up with. Delroy tells Jack to relax, and that he will like Yvonne. Delroy thinks to himself that Jarvis and Photon were right in that all he had to do to be accepted was to reach out a little. As they’re walking out, Warbird asks them if they have a minute. She says that she and the Vision wanted to talk a moment about the Triune Understanding. Warbird says that she wanted to do this without leaders so that it would be unofficial and deniable. Vision says that Firestar and Justice are undercover inside the Triune Understanding as a favor to Iron Man after they took their leave. Vision says that Justice and Firestar sent out a report that the Triunes were recruiting followers against a threat from space, and that they are building a spaceship that is to be powered by the life-force of the Triune Understanding. Triathlon says that is news to him. Warbird says that Justice and Firestar are doing their best, but that they are young and inexperienced. She suggests that they send in someone that is more capable. Triathlon objects and tells Warbird to remember that he is a Triune and that he believes in their principles. Warbird reminds Triathlon that he had the Avengers priority frequency before he ever joined. She asks him if that doesn’t raise some worries. She asks him too if he thinks that they are being completely open about his connection to the 3-D Man. Delroy hesitates. Warbird says that she isn’t saying they are villains, but that there are questions that need answering.
Thor stands on top of the Capitol. Firebird asks him what is wrong. Thor says that it is nothing, and that he just wanted to watch the sky change. He asks to be left alone, but Firebird presses again asking if this has something to do with what happened in Russia. Thor yells at Firebird, but when she doesn’t budge he admits that she has spirit to stand up to him. Firebird says that she just thought that Thor needed a friend, and that she wouldn’t be a good friend if she let him chase her off. Thor says that he is thinking about leaving the Avengers after this current threat has passed. He says that when he thought that Captain America was dead that he was overcome with grief and rage. Thor says that he is immortal, and that mortal’s lives are so brief in comparison. He says that he thought that he wasn’t so emotionally attached, but now he sees that he was wrong. Thor says that it is foolish of him to make such close bonds as if they weren’t all going to die. Firebird says that she thinks that Thor would be giving up something precious to spare himself pain. Thor says that Firebird doesn’t understand. Firebird admits that she might not, but that she is going to try and change his mind before the current crisis is over.
Back at Avengers mansion, Triathlon agrees to have the Triunes checked out. He says that if there is dirt that they will find it, but that if there is not that they will prove that. Triathlon asks what they do. Warbird says that Triathlon can make the introductions. She says that it isn’t so hard to believe that Triathlon might have gotten one of them interested in learning about the Triunes. Triathlon asks what would a bunch of super-heroes want with spiritual guidance. Vision says that they all need guidance. He says that Warbird is an alcoholic, and that he just recently lost his wife and is looking for purpose in his life. Vision says that only one of them should go so as not to weaken the Avengers, and that he suggests that he be the one. He says that he is suited for observation and that he finds the Triunes faith intriguing. Warbird tells Vision not to become a convert on them. Triathlon says, “Hey!” Jack says that their cab just pulled up. Jack and Vision walk out, but Warbird holds Delroy back for a minute. She says that there is another reason she suggested this. She says that she knows that there was some strain between him and the team, but that she thinks that he is a good guy. She says that she hopes that it really does turn out to be nothing. Delroy says thanks, but says that this is the first time someone suggested spying on his church to make him feel better. Delroy asks Warbird if she and Vision wold like to join he and Jack for some dinner and a few clubs. Warbird accepts.
As the four Avengers leave together, Quicksilver watches them go from the mansion’s roof. Jarvis brings Quicksilver some refreshments. Quicksilver says that was very kind of Jarvis. Quicksilver says that he was just wondering where the others were going. Jarvis says that he is sure that they would let him join them. Quicksilver says that he doesn’t think so. He says that he might do some combat simulation. He says that he finds that he wishes that they would be called back into action. Quicksilver says that at least in battle he knows what he is. He says that away from battle he is a failed husband and an absent father. Jarvis starts to interrupt, but Quicksilver says that he knows what he is. Quicksilver says that he is arrogant, quick-tempered, and unlikable. Quicksilver says that he doesn’t mind usually what people think of him, but that sometimes he wishes they would be called into action.
At the Pentagon, Wasp says that Attuma’s troops have not returned, and that they think he is having some trouble with Namor. McGinty says that they had hoped that the Avengers could have taken the fight to Kang and ended this by now. Wasp says that they have been busy with the uprisings as well, and that they would be making plans to attack Kang right now if they weren’t there. McGinty says that he didn’t mean it as a question to their dedication. He says that they have been forced to make back up plans and wanted them to be aware of their next step. McGinty shows the Avengers the production of the Sentinels. Wasp says that they have to be kidding. McGinty says that they aren’t a jokey bunch there. He says that they believe that the Sentinels can pierce Kang’s force field. Captain America says that with all due respect this is a bad idea. He points out that each time the Sentinels are used that they rebel against their creators. Cap says that it is just too risky. McGinty says that they understand that it is risky, but that they feel it is a risk they have to take. He says that the Sentinels won’t be ready to launch for 96 hours, and that the Avengers have that long to stop Kang. Cap says that they will find a way to take down Kang. Suddenly the ground starts to rumble.
All around the city giant teeth-shaped
buildings start to rise out of the ground. The constructs rise
out of the ground until they are half a mile high and a quarter
mile thick and then they keep going. A soldier reports that
whatever the constructs are that they have surrounded the entire
city. Another soldier runs in and reports that this is happening
all over the world. He says that Boston, Chicago, San Francisco,
Los Angeles, and Toronto are already surrounded, and that they
are getting more calls every minute. Wasp wonders if this could
be Kang. The screen behind them comes on by itself and a voice
says that it is exactly the opposite in fact. 
The Master says
that they have failed to protect the world from Kang and so he
has to step in. Master introduces himself and says that all
people who live on the Earth are his subjects whether they know
it or not. He says that they are all under his protection.
Avengers Files rating: 6 out of 10
Well this issue seems to drag a little. Mostly an in-betweener issue this book spends a lot of time talking to Avengers and not much occurring. Kang reveals Centurion’s “origin”, and the Master introduces himself into the struggle. I’m not saying that this is a bad issue… just an ordinary one. 3 out of 5. Likewise Garcia does a decent job, and even has a few good shots, but for the most part I find his art a little goofy looking. The faces are too cartoonish for me.