Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch travel to their homeland to search for a solution to their waning powers. Goliath goes to South America to ask cell expert Dr. Anton for help in finding a cure for his inability to change from ten-foot height. He fights a squad of costumed attackers at Anton’s lab and forces one of them to lead him to the Forbidden Land, where Anton is imprisoned. There, the Keeper of the Flame identifies Anton as an intruder who will betray the secrets of the Flame of Life. The Keeper’s followers charge Goliath, but the Forbidden Land’s exiled ruler, Prince Rey, helps Goliath escape. As Black Widow’s feelings for Hawkeye compromise her brainwashing, Swordsman and Power Man fight over her. Wasp learns about Black Widow’s warehouse and reports to Captain America and Hawkeye, who insists on following Wasp’s lead alone. Hawkeye storms the warehouse and battles the villains. He takes pride in besting Swordsman, his former teacher. After attacking Hawkeye herself, Black Widow comes to her senses and helps him defeat Power Man. News of Anton’s disappearance leads Cap and Wasp to deduce Goliath’s whereabouts.
The credits include the fictitious Irving Forbush (“arbitrator”). The Forbidden Land’s true name, El Dorado, is revealed in Hulk #239, ’79. The Keeper of the Flame’s name, Lann, is revealed in Hulk #240, ’79. Wasp wears a red skullcap in Av #30-31, ’66. The Avengers implement “Plan S,” which involves their separating to conduct a search. Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch take a leave of absence from the Avengers that lasts until issue #36. As Hawkeye’s lover, Black Widow begins an extended involvement with the Avengers in this issue, becoming part of their supporting cast, until she eventually joins the team in Av #111, ’73.
