The Avengers were formed in order to protect those in need and save the world from any threat. But now they face the biggest challenge ever as not only does Earth hang in the balance, but all of the Nine Realms as well in The Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, Volume Four — Thor’s Last Stand, a DVD compilation of the remaining seven episodes from season one of this stellar animated series.

“The Casket of Ancient Winters”
Malekith the Accursed, a dark elf, has obtained the Casket of Winters and perpetuates an eternal winter on Midgard (Earth). The Avengers need to find and stop Malekith before life on Earth becomes a frozen tundra.

“Hail, Hydra!”
Black Widow arrives at the Avengers’ doorstep requesting help in retrieving the Cosmic Cube. Both AIM and HYDRA are battling each other to control the cube’s power and are destroying New York in the process. However, the Avengers need to take a leap of faith in believing the Widow’s story before taking action.

“Ultron-5”
Ant-Man finds that his pacifist thinking doesn’t mesh with the Avengers so he decides to quit the them. However, his creation Ultron has taken a life of its own and plans to initiative Pym’s quest for world peace even if it means eradicating all human life in the process.

“The Ultron Imperative”
The team believed Ultron to be destroyed only to find out that he transferred his consciousness into the world’s technology system including the S.H.I.E.L.D. Hellicarrier. The Avengers need to find a way to eliminate Ultron or watch a nuclear catastrophe. It doesn’t matter how hard the Avengers hit Ultron because he just keeps coming. Can anyone stop this mechanical menace?

“This Hostage Earth”
Thor is trying to get back to Asgard but finds that his efforts are blocked. He needs to find another way of getting home for there is trouble over there. However, the Masters of Evil are back and have bolstered its group with the additions of Grey Gargoyle, Living Laser, and Chemistro. Even if the Avengers make it past them, there is far worse danger awaiting the team that affects all of the Nine Realms.

“The Fall of Asgard”
The Avengers have been separated and transported to various worlds in the Nine Realms by the Norn Stones. Captain America is in Niflheim (the land of the dead); Black Panther in Svartaflar (home of the dark elves); Hawkeye in Alfheim (the home of the elves); Giant Man and Wasp in Jotunheim (home of the Frost Giants); Iron Man in Nidavellir (land of the dwarves); and Hulk in Vanaheim (a world of mystics). Meanwhile, Thor is shackled and awaiting execution in Asgard by Loki who reveals that the planned this takeover from the very beginning. The team needs to find a way to come together and stop Loki, if they survive the latest threats after them.

“A Day Unlike Any Other”
The Odinforce is now under Loki’s control making him all-powerful and nearly impossible to stop, but the assembled Avengers along with the Asgardians mount an attack to do exactly that. But the God of Mischief just may be too much for everyone unless the Avengers find a way to cut off his power source.

The first season ends on an epic note. The team has fought many threats but none as massive as the beings from the Nine Realms. It allowed the Avengers to actually let loose in order just to survive. The Hulk especially was having a field day taking on ogres and frost giants. Everything came full circle with Loki as his master plan was finally revealed that he started back in the beginning of this series. It was clever of the writers to allow the audience to think that the Loki was neutralized very early on so it took away from his presence. And it should end with Loki considering that, in the original comic book story, he inadvertently created the Avengers in the first place.

The Ultron storyline was actually quite scary and took on quite the Terminator-type situation. Think of Ultron as Skynet and imagine humanity try to save itself before cataclysm becomes reality.

And just when you think things wrapped up nicely, a nice cliffhanger was thrown in at the very end to really make a statement that bigger things are coming. Kang’s prediction may actually come true with Captain America becoming a huge catalyst of an upcoming war.

I was impressed with everything that was achieved with the first season of this show. The voice acting is done very well. Each character has a great personality and it shows through in both words and actions. The animation looks simple but it really isn’t at all. The colours are vivid and bright helping add to the excitement.

And I love the humour that is peppered throughout these stories. One that I find hilarious is the clash of worlds between Tony Stark and Thor. Stark hates magic because he doesn’t understand it while Thor believes that technology is the bane to man’s existence. The one person who brings the two together and explains it to both of them in a logical manner is Black Panther. Ever the diplomat he is. The other is the Hulk never having the patience to wait for the automated doors or elevators and making his own entrance into the room, albeit through a wall or ceiling, much to a perplexed Tony Stark who can’t understand why the Hulk can’t just use the door. Priceless.

The Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, Volume Four — Thor’s Last Stand really ends the first season on a great note and quickly sets up season two. Considering how much was thrown in the inaugural year, I can only imagine what’s in store for the next season considering that I think the battle between the Kree and Skrull empire is coming to Earth with the Avengers caught in the middle.


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Related Reviews
The Marvel Superheroes (1966): Captain America: The Origin of Captain America & The Fantastic Origin of the Red Skull   ||  The Incredible Hulk: Origin of The Hulk & The Power of Doctor Banner   ||  The Invincible Iron Man: The Death of Tony Stark & The Crimson Dynamo   ||  The Mighty Thor: Enter Hercules & Battle of the Gods  ||   Sub-Mariner: Atlantis Under Attack & To Conquer a Crown 
Spider-Man (1967-1970): The Origin of Spider-Man & The Kilowatt Kaper 
Fantastic Four (1978): The Olympics of Space 
Spider-Man (1981): Dr. Doom Master of the World   ||  Lizards, Lizards Everywhere  ||  Spider-Man Vs. The Vulture: The Vulture Has Landed 
Spider-Man and his Amazing Friends (1981): The Origin of the Spider-Friends  ||  A Firestar Is Born  ||   Spidey Goes Hollywood  ||  The X-Men Adventure
The Incredible Hulk (1982):  Unmasked  ||  Volume 2: The Incredible Shrinking Hulk 
Spider-Man (1994-1998): Spider-Man: The Ultimate Villain Showdown  ||  Daredevil Vs. Spider-Man  ||  Spider-Man Vs. Doc Ock  ||   Spider-Man: The Revenge of the Green Goblin  ||  Spider-Man: The Venom Saga
The Spectacular Spider-Man (2008-2009): The Complete First Season  ||  Attack of the Lizard  ||  Volume Two  ||  Volume Three  ||  Volume Four  ||  Volume Five  ||  Volume Six  ||  Volume Seven  ||  Volume Eight  
Wolverine and the X-Men (2009): Volume One: Heroes Return Trilogy 
The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes (2010-present): Volume One: Heroes Assemble  ||  Volume Two: Captain America Reborn  ||  Volume Three: Iron Man Unleashed  


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***This is part of my 2012 Funny Pages Write-Off. Let your inner geekdom out. You have until the end of July.

Recommended: Yes

Viewing Format: DVD