The celebrations of Avengers Day have been few and far between on the printed page since its proclamation in the fall of 1967--but in 1998, writer Kurt Busiek and artist George Perez arguably make up for that in spades in the tenth issue of the rebooted Avengers series, where the team basks in the adulation of the citizens of New York in the wake of the heroes' return from their apparent sacrifice during the conflict with Onslaught. This time, we find Avengers Day culminating in a parade through the streets that might make the Macy's parade look tame by comparison.
By now, the uniqueness of the Avengers in terms of the media frenzy surrounding their public appearances and their lineup changes has been overshadowed by a running joke regarding their swelling ranks, where one often wondered if there was anyone by this point who hadn't become an Avenger. Yet the media reports* still offer a perspective that's quite different than the one we readers experience with our unlimited access behind closed doors--and at times like these, it's fascinating to observe the speculation and observations of those who only know the Avengers from the reports of their exploits and announcements.
*Props to the Stunt-Master for appearing to have finally found his calling! (If only briefly.)
By "the Avengers have counted among their number," we're left to assume that Busiek refers to not only the Avengers but all who have fallen within their orbit; otherwise, there are seventeen characters** pictured in the full-page assemblage above who had not been inducted as Avengers by this point in time, if ever--although "counted among their number" certainly implies membership. It's not important to settle the issue here and now--but later in this story a few of Busiek's inclusions will be somewhat distracting.
**At least by my own count--out of curiosity, what's your tally?
But there is an Avenger in the team's current lineup who isn't present in these festivities, someone who has been distracted in her own right by her encounter with sorceress Morgan Le Fay in the 6th century--or, more specifically, Morgan's power, which has inadvertently caused her own mutant abilities to show disturbing signs of evolution. She has also become concerned with her startling ability to summon the deceased Avenger, Wonder Man, back to the world of the living when the need arises (or even unconsciously). And so the Scarlet Witch seeks counsel with Agatha Harkness, a woman who has previously guided Wanda in the use of her power, and who now implies that Wanda has contacted her not a moment too soon.
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