2009, THE WORLD AT WAR! From the ashes of long dead Soviet Russia arises a new threat. Its
mission? World domination! One by one countries have fallen in line behind the flag of the one
globe, through either force, coercion, or bribery . The United States and its few remaining allies
are pushed into a corner, but our first line of defense, as always are The Mighty Avengers,
Earths Mightiest Heroes! This is their story in the worlds darkest hour! This is
(Splash page of a secluded house, very rustic looking, The roof holds a satellite dish , which is
sort of a contradiction to the surroundings. On the porch sits a man listening to a radio. He rocks
slowly in a rocking chair. His face is in shadow. Over the tree tops a Quinjet approaches.)
Welcome back to the defining story in the Avengers and Marvel Universe future. Welcome back
to AVENGERS 2009: THE WAR
Page 2
The man on the porch suddenly spins his head sideways, as if listening to something. Suddenly
he arises from his chair and disappears into his house.
Cut to the just landed Quinjet. Captain America and Yellowjacket disembark. With them is the
Human Torch.
Cap A: "You sure he's around here Torch ? "
torch : "Yes Cap. Last time I spoke to him he was living somewhere in these woods according to
Reeds Location finder."
Yellowjacket: " I'll shrink down and fly ahead, see if I can find him. "
Cap A : "Be careful Hank, no ones spoken to him in several years and we don't know his mind
set."
Page 3
Y J : " Roger Avenger ." ( Y J Salutes Cap almost playfully , then disappears from sight.)
Torch : "I'd flame on and look ahead, but I'd be afraid to set a blaze here. Then I'd have to put it
out, and that's a royal pain."
Cap A : "Noted torch. So I believe we should head to that cabin we spotted earlier."
The Two men walk
Torch : "Yeah, I think you were right. We shouldn't've landed where we would've spooked 'im."
Page 4
Suddenly a 30' tree flies through the air at them from out of nowhere.
Off panel voice : "Go Away !"
Torch takes to the air , incinerating the tree before it can hit the quickly leaping Cap
Off panel Voice : "Leave here now and you won't be hurt."
Suddenly two more trees are flying through the air at them. Torch swoops in and grabs Cap ,
avoiding both trees. Instantly a net like substance drops from the trees atop them both, tangling
them and hanging them from the trees surrounding them.
Off panel voice : "Go home . I don't want any. I'm done with all that. I have a family. Go fight
amongst yourselves. I've paid my dues. No more, do you hear me no more !"
Cap looks on from the net he and Torch are stuck in, trying to see their attacker.
Cap : "Who are you trying to convince Avenger ? Us or yourself ?"
Off panel Voice : I know what I'm doing . Don't think you can come here after a few years and
drag me back into the game. It's over for me. Now leave or I'll start playing for keeps."
Page 5
Cap hangs there, the Torch next to him, unable to flame on and burn his way out of this without
killing Cap.
CapA : " If that's what you want Avenger, then who am I to try to persuade you otherwise ?
I just assumed you were more responsible than that. At least the Spider-Man I remember was."
Out of tree walks a man we've seen before. He's bare chested and wearing jeans .He has a slight
beard and he wears web shooters on his wrists.
Without another word he makes a thirty foot leap to the web net and begins to tear it apart,
letting the heroes free.
Page 6
Cap A : "Where do we go from here Spider-Man ?"
Spidey : " Back to my home I suppose for coffee and donuts."
Torch : "Hey buddy, the least you could do is make believe you're happy to see me."
Spidey fires off a quick burst of webbing , gagging the torch.
Spidey : "That's for tracking me and telling them ( He jerks his thumb at Cap ) where I was bone
head."
The torch flames on his head, burning the webbing off.
Torch: " Okay, I guess we're even then."
Spidey Turns and begins walking at a brisk pace towards his home. Cap and the Torch turn and
look at each other, the torch shrugs.
Spidey : " You two dweebs coming ? Or do I have to entertain AntMan myself. "
Torch : "He's Yellowjacket again, been that way for about five years."
Spidey : "I know Flame top. Geeze, leave a guy alone a few years he forgets humor."
Page 7
Scene of Peter, Cap , Torch and Yellowjacket sitting on the porch
Peter :"Hang on a minute gents, let me get us a couple of iced teas and some munchies. Then you
can tell me why you interrupted my life."
Peter disappears into the house as a young girl walks out
Girl : " Hullo, are you really Captain America ?"
Cap A: " Yes Honey, and who are you ?"
Voice from inside the house: "That's May, my daughter."
All three look at each other wide eyed and unbelieving.
Y J :" He has a daughter ? "
page 8
A beautiful woman walks around the corner of the house
M J : "No, we both have a daughter."
She extends her hand to first Cap. Then Johnny and lastly Hank
M J : "My name is...
Torch : "Mary Jane Watson ! I remember you ! I had your swimsuit calender about 15 years ago
!"
Peter walks out carrying a tray of filled with glasses and a pitcher, in his left hand he holds a bag
of chips
Peter :" Watch it there buddy, that's my wife you're ogling."
Torch : "You dog ! Who knew you were that studly to get a real babe."
M J Laughs as Peter shifts uncomfortably in his seat.
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Peter : "So what brings you three here? Trying to drag me back to the "real" world ?"
CapA : "Spider-Ma- wait a minute, what's your "real" name ? "
Peter : "Haha, Peter. Peter Parker "
Yellowjacket : "THE Peter Parker ? The man who developed the gene therapy cure for radio
mutagenic dermatosis ? "
Peter: "Guilty as charged."
Torch : "Waitaminute ! I remember where I saw you now, you worked for the Bugle ! I met you
a few times in your civvie ID. Boy you musta been laughing your head off at me."
Peter: "Naah, only half the time matchstick."
May : " Daddy, you really know Captain America and Yellowjacket ? But who's this man ?"
Page 10
Peter bursts out laughing
Peter : "Well Johnny, as usual your reputation precedes you."
Torch : "Not my fault you bring up your kid without teaching her about the greatest superheroes
in the world, the Fantastic Four ."
May : "You know the Fantastic Four ? Can you get me the Things autograph?"
Torch : " I don't believe this! "
At this point all except The Torch break out laughing, Mary Jane hugging her daughter as she's
practically crying with laughter
Cap A (After composing himself ) : "Peter, we need your help. I'm sure you know about the war
going on worldwide. Well they took Wakanda two days ago. We're going in to rescue T'Challa.
We need your help Peter."
Yellowjacket : " Pete, we're going in two days. We need your help. We're trying to put together a
stealth strike team. "
Peter : "With the walking road flare here ? (Points his thumb at the Torch ) You're talking
Stealth ? You've got to be kidding."
Page 11
Cap A :" Peter, Johnny came because he wanted to see you, not because he's going on the
mission. "
Peter :" Well Cap, I retired form all that. Why do you need me? There're plenty of others who
can do what I do."
Y J : "There's no one who can do what you do Peter."
CapA :" Peter, you are the best at what you do period. No one can or has taken your place since
you left."
Peter : "Geeze, doesn't Wolverine have dibs on that line."
CapA : "Peter, Wolverine and half the X-Men died defending the American side of Niagara falls
six months ago."
M J : "May honey, come inside now and help Mommy start preparing dinner."
Page 12
Everyone waits until M J and May disappear into the house.
Peter :"Okay then Cap cut to the chase, what do you really want ?"
Torch : "We want you back Peter. We need your heart and your tough as nails willpower."
Yellowjacket : "Peter, your mix of powers is unique. You're able to lift over ten tons, you have
reflexes at least ten times as fast as anyone else, and your Spider sense warns you of danger
before it happens."
Cap A : "Peter...Spider-Man your powers are unique. You are unique. The world needs you once
again."
Peter : " I'm sorry Cap , Johnny, Y J , but I've given enough for this world. ( He looks over his
shoulder into the house) I lost my daughter for three years. The Green Goblin did that, well him
and the Jackal together actually. Anyway the point is, I paid my dues. I did the dirty work for
almost twenty years. And almost no one even said "thank you". I've been shot at by crooks and
cops alike. I don't need the abuse anymore. Heroes have come and gone in that time, and there
are plenty who can take my place. Let someone else do the dirty work for now."
Page 13
Cap gets up and extends his hand to Peter.
CapA : "We don't do this for recognition Peter, but you already know that. I think you may have
conveniently forgotten it is all. I respect your decision though and I do understand it."
Torch : "No comment buddy, I'm not here to judge you. But it is good to see you again."
Peter shakes hands all around
Peter :" Why don't you guys stay for dinner? MJ and I would love to have you."
Y J : "I wish we could Pete, but there're plans to make and we only have a limited time."
The men say their good byes and make their way back to the Quinjet.
Page 14
MJ walks onto the porch as Peter stares at the burning sky over the thick treetops.
M J : "You told them no didn't you? "
Peter : "Of course I did. We agreed to move to the woods of West Virginia for a reason. With the
money I made from that Gene therapy cure and your savings from modeling and acting we don't
need anything else."
He puts his arms around her
Peter : "I love you Mary Jane Parker. I don't want to leave you and May alone ever again."
She kisses his neck
M J :"I understand that Peter, but what if they really , truly need you ? I'm sure they must because otherwise they wouldn't've come for you. "
Page 15
Peter : " M J , all I want is to be left alone with my family. I've given enough to the world. I don't
need this anymore."
M J :" No, but what if the world needs you ? What if one of those brave souls die because you
weren't there to make a difference ? What if we lose this damnable war because there was
something only you could do and you weren't there to do it ?"
Peter : "Mary Jane , stop ! I know they can do this without me ! I know it !"
M J : "Do you? Are you trying to convince me ? Or are you trying to convince yourself ?"
Peter : "What are you saying M J ? You think I should go ?"
M J : "Peter, what if you can make a difference? What if your presence turns the tables and we
win this thing ? What if you don't go ? What if we lose and May has to grow up in slavery
because of it ?"
Peter: " STOP IT DAMMIT ! This is to much ( He walks away hands on his head ) the weight of
the world doesn't have to be on my shoulders. I don't want this responsibility ! "
Page 16
M J : "Whether you want it or not you don't have a choice, you can make a difference. With great
power comes great responsibility . You know those words, no you LIVE those words. "
Peter : "I don't want this , I DON"T WANT THIS !"
With a massive swing of his arm he breaks a tree in two
M J : "Peter, do what you feel is right. I'll think no less of you if you stay. I love you Tiger.
Always have, always will."
Peter walks over and hugs her again , then kisses her passionately.
Peter : "I love you with all my heart and soul Mary Jane Parker. Now I have to run if I'm going to
catch those three ."
Page 17
Pete runs into the house and scoops up May,
Peter : "May, I have to go away for a few days, but I' ll be back real soon. You help your mother
until then ."
May : "Okay Daddy, I will. Hey Daddy, did our trick work with Mr Torch ? He really thought I
didn't know him didn't he ?"
Peter kisses his little girl on the head
Peter: " Yes my little baby girl, our trick worked fine."
May : "I'm not that little daddy, I'm 11 and a half now ya know."
Page 17
Peter : "I know punkin, I know."
Minutes later Spider-Man emerges from where Peter Parker had disappeared to. He kisses his
wife and child once more then shoots a web to a distant treetop and pulls himself up and away to
the clearing where the Quinjet was last seen.
Aboard the Quinjet...
Torch : "He's not coming is he ? "
CapA : "He'll show. His sense of responsibility won't let him turn his back on us."
Y J : "Cap, the man deserves to make his own choices."
Cap A : "I know Hank, I'm not saying he won't. I do believe he'll be here momentarily though."
Page 18
suddenly there's a knocking from the roof, the Torch opens the upper hatch and Spider-Man
swings in.
Spider-Man : "Not a word, any of you. Especially you matchstick."
Johnny makes the sign of zipping his lip as they all buckle up.
The Quinjet stabs towards the burning sky, making one last pass over the Parker home.
Cap A : "There's your family waving to you Mr Parker. You should be proud of them. I'm sure
they are of you."
Spidey : "Pride has nothing to do with it Cap. I love them , pure and simple."
Suddenly as all four men watch as little May Parker does a backflip off the porch and onto the
roof, bouncing into the air and somersaulting till she gets to the roof top. There she waves at the
Quinjet until it's gone from sight.
Page 19
Cap A : "Well I'll be..."
Torch : "She has your powers ! "
Spidey : "Always a master of the obvious I see hot head."
Y J : "Amazing "
Spidey : "Yep, that's my kid ."
The Quinjet arcs through the waning sunlight, it's hypersonic flight path taking it straight on
towards Manhattan.
Spidey : " Alright Cap. Now the truth. Why 'd you need me ?"
Cap looks at Spider-Man and lets out a sigh, one that seems to deflate his whole body at once.
CapA : " Spider-Man, we're counting on your Spider sense to guide us through a very dangerous
situation. We'll be invading Wakanda, as you already know, and your unique danger sensing
ability will allow us to circumnavigate as much danger as possible."
Spidey : " Okay, I can see that, but the bottom line is why go through all the trouble to find me ?
I know there are other ways to go about this. You're the ultimate tactician, you' woulda thought
of a way around this."
Page 20
Y J : " Guys . We got five blips on an intercept course and closing fast. I'm sure they're hostile
from the approach vector. It's pure attack."
Torch : "Great, here we go again."
Spidey moves up in the cabin next to Y J Who's piloting the ship.
Spidey : "Can we outrun 'em? "
Y J : "I don't think so, they're gaining on us as we speak. Hold on everybody, I'm fire walling this
baby."
The Quinjet reaches it's ultimate escape velocity speed, literally almost a dozen times the speed
of sound.....and still the blips are gaining.
CapA : "Okay Hank, lets play this our way, not theirs. Put us down somewhere open with some
sort of cover on the fringes. We have to take away their advantage which is speed of flight."
Spidey : "Yeah, the advantage we know of at least."
Page 21
CapA : " Well we can also assume they're either extremely tough skinned or wearing armor of
some kind to be able to survive the stress of flying that fast."
The Quinjet dives into the Jersey Marshlands, settling in amongst the trees and brush.
CapA : "Okay, everybody out , Hank fly ahead and reconnoiter our position. "
Y J : "Will do ."
Yellowjacket disappears from sight
Torch : "Are they still on the scope Cap ?"
Cap A : "Yes, and closing fast. That last maneuver of Yellowjackets lost them a little to well it
seems."
Spidey : "Hhhmmm, I'm going out to have a look around myself."
CapA : "Yes, I think we all should clear the area and take up positions around the Q-jet. Johnny,
don't flame on until they get near enough for you to effect."
Torch : "Right Cap."
Page 22
The men clear out , Spidey leaving through the roof hatch in one leap, Cap and the Torch leaving
from the main door hatch, disappearing into the marsh.
Silence.
Then the whine of turbines split the air as five green hued figures descend from above
Torch ( Whispering ) : "Cap, these thugs are wearing Guardsmen armor."
CapA :" Yes, but it's been upgraded and adapted. I wish Iron Man was here, he'd be able to tell
the hand involved from just the technology alone."
The Guardsmen slowly descend on the Quinjet.
Cap A :" They'll be looking for us with infra red , what do you say to giving their sensors a little
surprise. "
The Torch smiles and suddenly flames on, rocketing upwards on a huge plume of flame,
Torch : " Howdy boys. Welcome to the party !"
He fires a massive blast of flame at the closest Guardsman, knocking him from the sky. Instantly
another is on him firing a repulsor-like weapon that tags him twice, hard
Page 23
Instantly a red white and blue symbol of freedom smashes into the closest guardsman, then rolls
away from it with the continuation of the blow. Cap hurls his shield at another Guardsman, this
time right at the stunned Guardsmens face, slashing through metal mesh armor the shield returns
to the hand that threw it.
Cap A: " Surrender now. "
Guardsman : "No you American scum , never. But you will not even be given that option. We
will make an example of you. You die here and now. The Three remaining Guardsmen fire their
energy weapons at Cap, who deflects them off his shield.
CapA : ( I'm in trouble here, where's Spidey and Yellowjacket ?)
Suddenly one of the thugs is blasted twenty feet by an unseen foe, as a massive disrupter blast
takes him down.
Y J : "Now there was two."
In a move so fast as to be a blur Spider-man swings down from the trees in one smooth arc, kicking another of the Guardsmen with all his amazing strength in the side of the head, hurling him across the dreary marsh.
Page 24
Spidey : " WA-hoo, you boys sure know how to throw a party here, gee, you should've invited me
sooner."
Y J " We would have Spider-Man , if we could have found you sooner."
Yellowjacket suddenly grows from microscopic size to thirty feet tall, right under the last
Guardsmans chin, he unleashes a powerful haymaker as he grows, knocking him flying.
, right into the just recovered Torches blast that fuses the armor into one mass of useless steel,
effectively imprisoning the Guardsman in his own armor.
Page 25
Cap A: "Okay, well done gentlemen. Now we have someone to interrogate . Hopefully these men
have some information we can use against our mysterious enemy."
Cap begins to approach the nearest Guardsman , when Spider-man, reacting so fast that the
others only barely perceive his movement, leaps forward, knocking Cap out of the way as he
grabs both the Torch and Yellowjacket in his webbing , dragging them all away in a powerful
leap as the assembled Guardsmen suddenly explode, literally atomizing the ground they stood
on.
Spider-Man : "You guys okay ?"
CapA : "Yes, thanks to you. Spider sense I take it?"
Spidey : "Uh-huh."
CapA : "Now you know why we need you. We all would've been badly wounded or worse if not
for your vaunted powers."
Spidey : "Point taken."
Torch : "These guys completely self- immolated. They burned themselves to a crisp rather then
be captured.
Y J : "No, they didn't do it themselves. I picked up a frequency burst on my helmets receiver,
slightly off from the signals Hornets use. They were burned to death from afar."
Spidey : "Pleasant enemy we've got here gents."
Next : Mission: Wakanda begins in earnest.