A man hires a masked killer named the Assassin to exterminate the Avengers on behalf of their enemies. The Assassin’s men lure Captain America into a trap and the hired mercenary shoots the hero, leaving him critically injured. The Avengers gather at the hospital to protect the dying Cap from another attack. After Thor and Iron Man leave, Hawkeye encounters more of the Assassin’s men and forces them to flee. Hawkeye relieves Beast, Vision and Scarlet Witch from their vigil over Cap, and none of them suspect that they all are targets.
The Avengers battle the Zodiac (Av #120, ’74). The Avengers fight Grim Reaper and Hydra (Av #108, ’73). Thor strikes Destroyer (Thor #224, ’74). Captain America belts Moonstone (Cap #175, ’74). Iron Man battles Dr. Spectrum (IM #63, ’73). Vision faces Magneto (Av 110, ’73). Hawkeye fights Zzzax (Hulk #166, ’73). Captain America and Vision fight Space Phantom (Av #108, ’73). Hawkeye argues with Cap (1). Cap trains Hawkeye (2). Cap and Hawkeye chum it up (3). Captain America and Hawkeye battle the Sons of the Serpent (Av #32-33, ’66).
Issues #145-146 occur out of publication order, sometime after issue #149. This two-issue story was originally intended to be published in GSAv #5, ’75 before it became an all-reprint issue; this issue’s Mighty Marvel Checklist features an outdated description and cover for Av #145 that applies to Av #147. The Assassin’s identity as a woman is revealed next issue, as is the fact that her employer is her father. Scott Edelman is credited with script assisting. Denise Wohl’s lettering on p14-15 is uncredited.
