Avengers (1963) #144

1st appearance & origin of Patsy Walker as Hellcat


Hawkeye threatens to quit the Avengers when he gets back to the present day.


"Claws!" – (17-page story) – At the Brand Corporation complex, the five Avengers, accompanied by Patsy Walker, who had been captured by the Squadron Supreme, have broken free, but their movements are monitored by Hugh Jones, head of Brand's parent conglomerate, Roxxon Oil, and his security chief, Patsy's ex-husband, Colonel Buzz Baxter. Attacked by guided missiles, Iron Man, Captain America, and Patsy take refuge in a storage area, where they find the costume once worn by the masked heroine called the Cat. Inspired, Pat dons the outfit and takes on the identity of the Hellcat. The trio is rejoined by the Vision, the Scarlet Witch, and the Beast, but then the Squadron Supreme attacks once more. When the police arrive to investigate the disturbance, Hugh Jones presses a button, and Avengers and Squadron alike are transported to the Squadron's alternate Earth.


NOTE: Includes Marvel Value Stamp Series B #39 (Thor's right arm).

NOTE: Letters page features letters from future Marvel writers Mary Jo Duffy and Peter Gillis.