This issue takes us on a wild ride, filled with unexpected twists and turns! We pick up right where the previous issue left off, with Quicksilver recovering from his tumble and finding himself in a most peculiar place.
Quicksilver’s Unforgettable Encounter with Bova
Quicksilver wakes up in a cottage, tended to by a friendly cow named Bova, who seems to know him intimately. Bova reveals a fascinating tale, one that sheds light on Quicksilver’s mysterious past. She recounts her role as a midwife in the citadel of the High Evolutionary, a brilliant scientist who created a race of superhuman beings, the Knights of Wundagore. Bova was specifically created to care for the children in the citadel, and she played a pivotal role in Quicksilver’s life. She tells the story of a desperate pregnant woman, Magda, fleeing from her cruel and powerful husband. Bova delivered Magda’s twins, Pietro and Wanda, and witnessed strange lights in the sky on the night of their birth.
A Heartbreaking Story of Loss and Mystery
Sadly, Magda vanished shortly after giving birth, leaving a note for Bova warning her of her husband’s potential threat to their children. Fearing his sinister influence, Magda chose a tragic end, venturing out into the storm and ending her life. Bova was left with the twins, and the High Evolutionary decided they would be raised by a traveling couple, Bob and Madeleine Frank. However, tragedy struck again. Madeleine, already a mother to a mutant child, gave birth to a deformed child who sadly passed away, and she too succumbed to her injuries. Bova then presented the twins to Bob Frank, attempting to pass them off as his own. But overwhelmed with grief after losing his wife, Bob fled the citadel, leaving the twins’ origins shrouded in mystery.
A New Beginning for the Twins
The High Evolutionary, realizing that the citadel was no place for normal children, gifted the twins to a Roma couple, Django Maximoff and his wife, who had recently lost their own twins. This unexpected gift brought a ray of hope into their lives, restoring their lost children.
A Twist of Fate: Pietro’s Discovery
As Bova recounts this poignant story, Quicksilver is stunned to realize that Django is the man who raised him and Wanda. He asks Bova about his father, but she doesn’t know the answer. The revelation of his past leaves Quicksilver with a heavy heart and a burning question: where is Wanda?
Wanda’s Perilous Situation
Wanda’s encounter with the sinister Modred continues. Bound by magic atop a cursed altar, Wanda fights valiantly against the dark wizard who seeks to use her as a vessel for his evil master. She manages to break free, using her powerful hex, and engages Modred in a fierce battle. But the odds are against her, and she’s forced to concede defeat. However, in a sudden burst of determination, she knocks Modred off the cliff, sending him tumbling down the mountainside. Yet, Modred is not easily defeated and reappears, striking Wanda with a bolt of magical energy, leaving her unconscious.
A Vision of Danger: Quicksilver’s Urgent Mission
As Quicksilver bids farewell to Bova, he sees a vision of Wanda in the night sky. The vision warns Quicksilver that he will die if he attempts to find her. Undeterred, Quicksilver races down the mountain, encountering Django in the woods. They are attacked by enchanted trees but manage to escape. Facing multiple magical assaults, they return to the village, where Quicksilver contacts Avengers Mansion.
The Avengers Respond: A Mission of Rescue
The Avengers are enjoying a meal when the Vision bursts in with news of Quicksilver’s desperate call. They immediately prepare to depart, but Gyrich, their overseer, refuses to authorize the mission, citing the lack of a U.S. security interest. Captain America, in his temporary leadership role, makes a mysterious phone call, and to everyone’s surprise, the President grants the Avengers permission to proceed. Gyrich tries to assert his authority, demanding that the Vision remain behind, but Cap assures him that Wanda will be returned safe and sound.
A Shocking Revelation: Wanda’s Possession
Quicksilver, along with Django, reaches East Transia, only to be ambushed by Wanda… or so they thought. It’s not actually Wanda, but rather a sinister force, the demon Chthon, who has taken over her body. This startling revelation sets the stage for the next issue, where the Avengers face a new and formidable threat.
The Black Widow’s Valiant Struggle: “The Valiant Also Die!”
The Black Widow faces a grueling lie-detector test, designed to determine her true loyalties. Despite her commitment to the Avengers and S.H.I.E.L.D., she manages to beat the test and is released. However, Hawkeye and Hercules remain captives.
The Avengers’ Bold Assault
The rest of the Avengers arrive at the base and launch a fierce attack against the communist troops. Hawkeye escapes and joins the fight, while Captain America is separated from the team and engages in a one-on-one battle with the Red Guardian. During the duel, Cap loses his shield but gains the upper hand until Colonel Ling electrocutes him, much to the Red Guardian’s dismay.
The Black Widow’s Triumph
While the Avengers are distracted, the Black Widow attempts to disable the Psychotron, a weapon of immense power. Caught in the act, she’s shot at by Colonel Ling. The Red Guardian bravely jumps in the way, taking the bullet, allowing the Black Widow to complete her mission. Just as she’s celebrating her success, she’s shot by Colonel Ling but is quickly rescued by Hawkeye.
A Victory Achieved, but at a Cost
With the Psychotron deactivated, Hercules breaks free, and the Avengers regroup, finally escaping the base. They are relieved to learn that the Black Widow is expected to make a full recovery, but they’re left to face the consequences of their battle.
This issue leaves us on a cliffhanger, with the Avengers facing a formidable enemy, and Wanda’s fate hanging in the balance. Will they be able to overcome the challenges that lie ahead and save their teammate? We’ll have to wait for the next issue to find out!
