Steed and Mrs. Peel (the other Avengers) face John Cartney and his family once more in Steed and Mrs. Peel vol. 3. Cartney still wants revenge for the events in the Hellfire Club, and he wants a working body again. Cybernaut technology provides the opportunity to attain both goals in this volume which collects issues 8-11 of Steed and Mrs. Peel Ongoing.
Monroe has kept Steel’s trademark hat, the understated response to danger, and the flirtation between Steed and Mrs. Peel. That last is more strongly present than in the TV show. Content-wise, the reader new to the series need not worry: It is not necessary to remember the events at the Hellfire Club; it is enough that Cartney does. He and his children create a strange, creepy triad whose backstory emerges as the tale goes on.
Liang’s art captures the fun of the tale, balancing the serious nature of some of the threats with the offhand, often whimsical treatment Moore gives Steed and Peel’s adventure. Liang also keeps the unique style sense, with Emma’s classy one-pieces and Steed’s car showing up on cue. Also: Steed is still carrying his sword umbrella.
Add some whacky science, a little bit of mind control, a lot of danger, and some clever titles, and the story is familiar territory for fans of the duo and a crazy adventure for all readers, new or old.
Writer: Caleb Monroe
Artist: Yasmin Liang
Colors: Ron Riley
Letters: Ed Dukeshire
Cover: Joseph Michael Linsner
Before 2012, it was definitely fun pranking Americans on the fact that there was an Avengers movie made in 1998 starring Sean Connery as the villain. And if they actually watched the trailer and saw the ridiculous non-Avengers things in it, one could just say, it’s a silver age adaptation. An evil organisation in multicoloured teddy bear outfits just doesn’t compete with some of the crazier stuff the silver age pulled, like when Batman and Robin had to determine which of the Beatles was secretly dead.
I found out about this series the other day, and it seems interesting! I’ve never actually seen the show, so hopefully this comic series will be a good introduction to the franchise.
I think it’s close, though the show was at times even zanier.
Do try to grab an episode or two of the British Avengers if you can–the black & white are especially fun–the show doesn’t reinvent itself quite as thoroughly as Doctor Who, but there are definitely phases. Some libraries carry a few Avengers episodes.