The West Coast Avengers, Vol. 2 #75A (Marvel Comics 1991) Direct Edition

The West Coast Avengers, Vol. 2 #75A is a 48-page Marvel Comics Direct Edition from 1991 featuring a double-sized crossover with the Fantastic Four. In “Hostages to Fortunes,” a day at a new Los Angeles amusement park turns into a battle between the powerful future femizon Thundra and the warlord Arkon.

The Avengers and Fantastic Four are visiting the park for the benefit of Franklin Richards and Rachel Carpenter when the conflict pulls both superhero teams into opposing sides. Unable to stop the war, Earth’s Mightiest Heroes and the Fantastic Four must choose where they stand—leading to a battle royale with a shocking conclusion.

Issue Details

• Title: The West Coast Avengers, Vol. 2 #75A
• Edition: Marvel Comics Direct Edition
• Year: 1991
• Story: “Hostages to Fortunes”
• Length: 48 pages; double-sized issue
• Cover price: $1.50

Creators and Characters

The issue is scripted by Roy Thomas and Dann Thomas, with pencils and cover art by Herb Trimpe and inks by Herb Trimpe, assisted by Charles Barnett III. The West Coast Avengers lineup includes Hawkeye, Iron Man, Living Lightning, Scarlet Witch, Spider-Woman, Wonder Man, and the U.S. Agent.

With its amusement-park setting, Fantastic Four guest appearance, and major confrontation between Thundra and Arkon, this issue stands apart as a distinctive West Coast Avengers crossover. It also connects to later appearances in Avengers #358 and #359 and was reprinted in the 2012 trade paperback Avengers West Coast: Along Came a Spider-Woman.