The Avengers, Vol. 1 Annual #17A (Marvel Comics 1988) Direct Edition

The Avengers, Vol. 1 Annual #17A (Marvel Comics, 1988) Direct Edition delivers the climactic chapter of the Evolutionary War storyline, as a reserve Avengers team races across the globe—and beneath the Pacific—to stop the High Evolutionary’s genetic bomb.

With the active Avengers unavailable, a diverse lineup answers Jocasta’s desperate call for help: Captain America, Falcon, Beast, Hulk, Hercules, and the second Yellowjacket. Their mission takes them from a former Stark International plant in Long Island to Lemuria, where they encounter Kro’s undersea kingdom and an attack led by Attuma. After Captain America persuades the rival leaders to cooperate, the heroes pursue the High Evolutionary to the volcanic island of Krakatoa for a final battle inside the genesis chamber.

What’s Inside

• Main story: “Prometheus Mutans!”—Part 11 of the Evolutionary War storyline
• Script: Walt Simonson
• Pencils: Mark Bright
• Inks: Mike Gustovich and Valerie Gustovich
• Cover: Sal Buscema
• Backup story: “Beyond Life,” scripted by Mark Gruenwald, with art by Ron Lim and Tony DeZuniga
• Length: 68 pages
• Cover price: $1.75

The backup story continues the history of the High Evolutionary, including confrontations with the Beyonders and the Incredible Hulk. The issue also connects to Spectacular Spider-Man Annual 8 and the crossover events in Incredible Hulk #350, making it a particularly relevant addition for readers collecting the complete Evolutionary War sequence.