"The Avengers and the Thunderbolts" (1999/01/03) from the novel The Avengers and the Thunderbolts (First printing: January 1999)

Reader Rating: Above Average; Thunderbolts Interest: High

Roll Call: Atlas, Hawkeye, Jolt, MACH-1, Moonstone, Songbird

Summary: Baron Von Strucker enlists Baron Zemo and Techno to help Hydra crack the secrets of Zemo’s father. The resulting line of super-powered soldiers, dubbed the Blitz Squad, form the first line in a series of Hydra attacks on high-tech facilities around the country. First separately and then together, the Avengers and the Thunderbolts battle the conspiracy. The Avengers are Captain America, Firestar, Iron Man, Justice, the Scarlet Witch, Thor, Wonder Man, the Vision.

Continuity: This novel is plotted to snap perfectly into Avengers and Thunderbolt continuity. Text notes that Zemo is ambidextrous, and that he maintains his vitality through his father's inventions.

Comments: Author Pierce Askegren’s meandering story is not very imaginative and the second half threatens to implode under the weight of the plot. But he presents the large cast solidly and consistently (especially Techno), and builds a few moments of real suspense. If anyone ever figures out Cap's rope-trick escape (he promises to explain but never does), please let me know!