Avengers #40

Prince Namor (The Sub-Mariner) Appearance, Black Widow Cameo, General Thunderbolt Ross Cameo, and Mole Man Cameo

Avengers Vol. 1 #40, published in May 1967, features the first Silver Age appearance of Red Guardian (Alexei Shostakov)—the Soviet counterpart to Captain America. This key issue introduces one of Marvel’s most iconic Cold War characters, as the Avengers are drawn into a tense international conflict.

While the Red Guardian would become better known in later appearances, this debut set the stage for Marvel’s East vs. West superhero narrative, with Captain America forced to face a mirror image of himself in both skill and ideology.

Featuring Hawkeye, Goliath, the Wasp, Hercules, Quicksilver, and Scarlet Witch, this issue blends Cold War themes, espionage, and high-octane action into one unforgettable Silver Age showdown.

Written by Roy Thomas and penciled by Don Heck, this comic is both historically relevant and a must-own for fans of Captain America’s ideological battles.

🔗 Source: Marvel Fandom Wiki – Avengers Vol 1 #40

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🔥 Why You Need This Comic:

• 🛡️ First appearance of the Red Guardian (Alexei Shostakov) – Soviet equivalent of Captain America

• 🌍 A Cold War-era storyline with deep historical relevance in Marvel lore

• 🏛️ Key development issue for Hercules, Goliath, and the Avengers' global presence

• ✍️ Written by Roy Thomas, illustrated by Don Heck

• 📚 A Silver Age Marvel key featuring ideological clashes and superhero espionage

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🎯 Perfect For:

• Collectors of first appearances of international Marvel characters

• Fans of Captain America and his Cold War-era rivals

• Readers interested in political storytelling in superhero comics

• Investors seeking undervalued Silver Age key issues with MCU relevance (Red Guardian featured in Black Widow 2021)

Writer/s: Roy Thomas
Letterer/s: Sam Rosen
Inker/s: George Bell
Cover Artist/s: Don Heck
Interior Artist/s: Don Heck

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