Avengers (Vol III) 25

The Ninth Day

logo9.JPG (90628 bytes) Creators -
Writer: Kurt Busiek
Artist: George Perez
Inker: Al Vey
Colorist: Tom Smith
Letterers: Richard Starkings & Comicraft's WA
Editor: Tom Brevoort
Editor-in-chief: Bob Harras

Date Published -
February 2000

Cover -
The Avengers (Quicksilver, Wonder Man, Scarlet Witch, Captain America, Thor, Iron Man, Firestar, & Justice) and the Exemplar heads (Stonecutter, Conquest, Tempest, Juggernaut, Carnivore, Decay, Bedlam, & Inferno)

Plot -
Over New York City, the Exemplars, the group of super-beings empowered by mystical emblems of power, have captured their last member, the Juggernaut. But unlike them, he does not want to compete in their ploy to take over the world. The Exemplars want to take each section of humanity and wage a war to determine who has the right to rule the world. Meanwhile, at Avengers Mansion, protestors continue their vigil outside, while Iron Man and Giant-Man try to create something to stop the Exemplars. On the roof, help arrives in the form of Hercules, and Thor tells him of the danger. Inside, the Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver talk about the past and future, most importantly, their father, the villainous Magneto. The Scarlet Witch worries that she has lost her brother to him, but Quicksilver tells her that nothing has changed between them. Meanwhile, Captain America and Duane Freeman, the Avengers federal liason, go over the entries on the Exemplars, finding that each of them is driven and ambitious, but also frustrated and angry. But before they can find out more, Jarvis tells them that some of the protestors made it the doorway. Cap tells Jarvis to let the protestors go, but not to answer an questions, deeming the Exemplars more important. Cap summons the Avengers and they begin their flight towards the Exemplar's floating city. But on the way, they are met by old friends: Spider-Man & Nova! On the way, Firestar and Justice can only watch as Iron Man and Giant-Man use their minds of combat Stonecutter's defenses. But Firestar makes the realization that Iron Man and Tony Stark are in fact the same person! And finally, the Avengers make their way through, fighting the Exemplars. But the group is too powerful, too great for the Avengers. They are losing, so Quicksilver changes tactics. He distracts them, allowing the Avengers to blindside them. But Conquest manages to grab him in mid-run and nearly flings him over the edge. The tide of the battle turns, and the Avengers are defeated. They are captured and trapped within a floating energy field, all save Captain America, who escaped during the melee. Returning, he tries to convince the Exemplars that they aren't themselves: the power itself is overcoming them. Iron Man and Thor combine powers to free themselves, but Cap seems to be winning. But then Carnivore attacks, but before he can reach Cap, Bedlam lashes out freeing the Exemplar's minds. Inferno realizes what's happened and whisks Exemplars away into the sky. The Avengers quickly decimate the falling ship and manage to make it home without further battle. The Juggernaut hands himself over, because the Avengers saved his life. But back at the mansion, the protestors prove too much, blocking the Avengers way. In rage, Thor throws his hammer at one of the reporters. Inside, Cap tells them that he feels his presence is simply hurting the Avengers. Without another word, he leaves.

More -

Juggernaut

Justice