In this episode:
Mike and Ed discuss Giant-Man’s return to mass surveillance. How far does his ant network go? Is the entire country being monitored? The entire world? Now that Giant-Man is part of the Avengers, is his surveillance technology being shared with StarkCorp and the US Military? Also, why has he shifted from organized crime to petty larceny? Do only rich people get the help of the Avengers?
Beyond the Issue
The villain in this issue is a common-criminal who also happens to be a stage magician. While Dr Strange has made it clear that magic exists in the Marvel Universe, in this case “The Magician” just uses parlor tricks and sleight of hand to confuse and distract. He is slightly similar to Miracle Man from Fantastic Four #3, only without MM’s super powered hypnosis. It is also yet another example of the Wasp being captured requiring rescue from Giant Man.
In this issue:
Hank Pym (Giant-Man) plans to propose to his partner in super-heroism, Janet Van Dyne (the Wasp). But before he pops the question, Janet makes him jealous by going to a party where she expects another man to propose. Meanwhile, Hank’s ant surveillance system picks up the Magician, whom Hank suspects is a criminal. Turns out he is right, and that the Magician has been robbing high society parties. Han decides to set up a complicated sting operation, along with the police, that involves setting up a high society party on a boat, and another one on a decoy boat that is meant to attract the Magician and his crew. The plan works, and thus begins the battle between Giant-Man and the Wasp vs. the Magician. The Magician is soundly defeated.
Assumed before the next episode:
People are wondering if they are being used as bait for sting operations.
This episode takes place:
After the Magician has been laid low by the combined powers of Giant-Man and the Wasp.
Episode 129: Avenger for me but not for thee (Tales to Astonish #56) -- May 1964