In this episode:
Mike and Ed discuss the potential causes for the Hulk leaving the Avengers and being replaced by Giant Man. The Hulk’s rampage through a Stark Industries manufacturing floor was attributed to an alien impersonator, but if so, why did the Hulk leave the team immediately after? Was the impersonation claim a coverup to allow the Hulk to leave without admitting liability? Also, now that Stark Industries has admitted to having Iron Man on their payroll, do we believe the corporation is funding all of the Avengers?
In this issue:
The Avengers have a board meeting. Not the most exciting thing, but even Asgardian gods and gamma-irradiated monsters need to discuss Other Business sometimes. Meanwhile, the Space Phantom arrives on Earth from outer space, dead set on destroying the Avengers to clear the way for his people to invade the Earth. The Space Phantom is able to impersonate people, sending the originals to Limbo while he does so. He invades the Avenger headquarters and thereafter impersonates the Hulk, starting a fight and otherwise causing mayhem. The Space Phantom, as the Hulk, causes a ruckus in teh street, and interferes with a Stark company weapons test. The Avengers rush in to stop the “Hulk” from causing further harm. The Space Phantom then impersonates Giant Man, and then Iron Man, and then back to Giant Man, and then back to Iron Man, causing mayhem throughout. He is only thwarted when he tries to impersonate Thor, which he apparently cannot do because Thor is a god. The Space Phantom is shunted off to Limbo as a result of his failed attempt at replacing Thor. The Hulk then quits the Avengers, unimpressed with the Avengers after learning what they really think of him during this adventure.
Assumed before the next episode:
The world distrusts the Hulk even more due to Space Phantom’s actions while impersonating him.
This episode takes place:
After the Space Phantom has been defeated.
Episode 88: Avengers Reassembled (Avengers #2) -- November 1963