Avengers #85
1st Appearance of Squadron Supreme
(FINE)
"Avengers #85," released in February 1971, is a noteworthy issue for several reasons, primarily because it marks the beginning of the "Squadron Supreme" storyline. Written by Roy Thomas with artwork by John Buscema, this issue features the Avengers encountering an alternate universe team known as the Squadron Supreme, who are essentially analogs of DC's Justice League characters within the Marvel Universe.
The story titled "The World is Not for Burning" kicks off when the Avengers, including heroes like Vision, Scarlet Witch, and Quicksilver, accidentally find themselves transported to another dimension. In this alternate reality, they meet the Squadron Supreme, consisting of characters such as Hyperion (analogous to Superman), Nighthawk (similar to Batman), and Doctor Spectrum (paralleling Green Lantern), among others.
This cross-dimensional encounter arises due to experiments conducted by the Avengers' own Black Knight, leading to an unexpected and somewhat hostile first meeting with the Squadron Supreme. The issue delves into the complexities of these interactions as both teams initially clash due to misunderstandings and suspicions about each other's intentions.
The artwork by John Buscema in this issue is particularly striking, effectively capturing the distinctive features and powers of the Squadron Supreme, as well as the dynamic battle scenes that ensue between the two groups of heroes. His illustrations bring a vivid sense of action and drama to the story, enhancing the overall impact of the narrative.
"Avengers #85" sets the stage for further exploration of alternate realities within the Marvel Universe and serves as a foundational piece for the development of the Squadron Supreme as recurring characters in later Marvel comics. This issue is a classic example of superhero crossovers and the blending of different universes, themes that have long fascinated comic book readers and creators alike.
