Conskipper wraps up our interview series with the writers of Bloomsbury Academic’s first wave of Marvel Age of Comics books with Paul Cornell’s look at The Avengers exploits in the 1970s.
Marvel Age of Comics: The Mighty Avengers Vs. The 1970s delves into the work of Roy Thomas, Steve Englehart, and Jim Shooter on The Avengers throughout the decade, highlighting their commentary on the Civil Rights and Women’s Liberation Movement and government corruption.
We spoke to Cornell about his examination of the Mighty Avengers in our exclusive interview with the writer.
Why do you believe The Avengers is the title that best encompasses the culture and times of the 1970s?
It’s the market square of the Marvel Universe, with characters from every corner, so it’s a good index of the times.
How was The Avengers a comic that’s central message was “that outsiders of all kinds can and should be included in the ranks of the main, official team” and how did this support you “…through those difficult years”?
Because the first major renovation of the team was to bring in criminals and mutants, and that policy of reform and openness continues to West Coast Avengers today. It was important for an outsider kid who was bullied at a school that was about the establishment to see an establishment that accepted outsiders and saved the world.
Your book primarily analyzes the work of Roy Thomas, Steve Englehart, and Jim Shooter through the 1970s. How would you generally categorize each writer’s approach to the team?
Thomas: continuity; puzzle-solving; Sc-Fi. Englehart: radicalism; redemption; confrontation. Shooter: populism; omnipotence; workplace issues.
Another contributor to the legacy of the Avengers in the 1970s was Steve Gerber. What did Gerber add to the Avengers during his run on the title?
It was one issue! But an amazing one. All his adult sensibilities and literary depth and suddenly we’re looking at super-heroes through a Vertigo lens, decades before Vertigo existed.
Which member of the team captures the true essence of the team in this decade?
The Scarlet Witch, always a barometer of feminism.
Favorite storyline from this era?
The Celestial Madonna. Perfect shape to three redemption arcs, tied up in a bow at the end, with themes and even in-jokes perfectly resolved.
Which Avengers artist do you consider to be the most prominent in the 1970s?
Let’s put George Perez aside, because he’s obviously the right answer, and say either Buscema, inked by Tom Palmer, as the soul of the Roy Thomas era.
If you were able to write another entry in the Marvel Age of Comics series, what title/story would you profile and why?
The Defenders! Always good, always gonzo!
Upcoming projects?
Out now: the graphic novel cosy comedy cryptid crime Who Killed Nessie? with Rachael Smith, and my latest Lychford rural fantasy novella, Gnomes of Lychford. Lots of great stuff yet to be announced!
