Brothers In Arms!

Jack Kirby and Paul Reinman

The Avengers #3, the comic I personally consider the single best book Marvel Comics ever published. I've argued before that this single comic, had for a mere twelve cents so many decades ago, has more plot than perhaps a full year of Marvel comics in these modern days. The comic gets overshadowed because of the significance of the next issue, the one which showcased the return of Captain America, but I've always considered this one the better story and perhaps just maybe the best story.

When I ran across this peculiar Argentinian comic book cover (a reprint of The Avengers #3 I presume) featuring Marvel's Hulk and Sub-Mariner I was at first struck by the peculiar poses the two powerful characters strike. They are, I suppose, in each other's powerful grip struggling mightily to overcome one another -- the stress and strain evident int he quaking each figure displays. But I swear it looks like they might be dancing, or perhaps that the Hulk is helping Namor up after  he's tumbled down having had perhaps too much Atlantean Ale.

Here's a recreation of sorts by longtime pro Bob Layton, a faux cover for the issue produced by accounts from a Jack Kirby sketch. It's plenty good, but lacks the awesome drama of the original cover above.

The comic has been reprinted many times, notably in the third issue of Avengers Classic, this time with a cover by Art Adams.

I first saw the story from the third issue of The Avengers in Marvel Super-Heroes #21, paired with an issue of the X-Men. This one showcasing a rockem' sockem' cover by Bullpen legends Marie Severin and John Romita. Sweet!

Here's another look at the Kirby original with a south-of-the-border flair.

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