I traced that Iron Man punch on page 5 a bunch of times back in the day.

I don't know why, but this Iron Man rendered by JB is my all time favorite.

Look at the way JB positions Iron Man's legs at the bottom panel of page 5.

You can see IM balancing in the air with the thrusters. 

The close up shot of the Hulk's foot on Wonder Man's head is classic!

When I open a Hulk comic book now, I expect this type of action.

JB, were you planning to show us this posse again in future issues?

Milgrom was drawing it in West Coast Avengers at the time and it looked really clunky (and I usually liked Milgrom's art). JB, Bright and Layton made it work...but it still wasn't the streamlined Iron Man that we knew and loved.

One of my favorite issues of all time, maybe even in the top 3.  This represents so much 4 color goodness.

First, great fight scenes.

Second, JB really got across the power of these 4 Avengers even though they are actually losing the battle.  Each one is given tremendous respect.

Third, I really enjoyed how each Avenger was portrayed.  Wonder Man doesn't know who Doc Samson is, simply because he's never been in the same comic as him before.  So many other comics would already have a similar meeting lack this moment of recognition by stating he's already read about him the team files or some such.  Iron Man is clearly the dominant Avenger here, acting confidantly as an impromptu leader and spokesperson - befitting him as one of the founders of the Avengers, a past chairman, and the only one with a solo title.  A slight touch, but important.

Fourth, Doc Samson's new uniform was great.  Visually shocking, and it immediately grabs your eye, both the style and dominant red color.  It's a shame that other artists couldn't make it work like JB did because they overemphasized certain distinct elements.

Fifth, there is so much promise of future stories in this issue.  It just reeks big drama.  The moment Iron Man threatened to bring in all the Avengers, I started salivating for that big fight.  Great use, and respect of, guest stars.

Speaking of IM's armor...what was the backpack for?

+++++++++++++++++++++++

If I remember correctly, it was part of the armor's propulsion system.

Oh lucky for Hercules to be "dropped from a mighty height" and still land smack dab on Hulk, who was not in that spot when Namor let go of Herc...LOL....only kidding.

My favorite battle of almost any Hulk battle.  I was really into IronMan at the time and I loved seeing Mr Byrne draw that red/silver armor.

Love that photo-cartoon in the back, too. 

What was the plot as laid out for the next "twelve" issues, Mr Byrne?  We only got 2 or 3 more out of you, right?