First Look — Avengers Standoff: Assault On Pleasant Hill Alpha

I’ve got a confession to make. I love the title of the first part of the “Avengers Standoff” crossover, Avengers Standoff: Assault on Pleasant Hill Alpha. Uh, except for how long it is. And the colon. And the ‘Alpha.’

What I really do like is the Assault on Pleasant Hill part, since it seems like a ridiculous notion, Earth’s Mightiest Heroes making a full frontal attack on some sleepy suburb. That’s why I’m confident writer Nick Spencer and artist Jesus Saiz have something unique in store for us come March.

Here’s how Marvel describes this issue, which will set in motion the events that draw in multiple teams of Avengers, S.H.I.E.L.D. and more:

"From the outside, Pleasant Hill looks like the perfect small town community. But this gated community has more than its fair share of secrets. Secrets so explosive it will draw estranged allies Steve Rogers and Sam Wilson back together to save a friend in danger and put things right. But when the combined might of two Captain America’s isn’t enough, who do you call? In the face of unspeakable evil, Avengers teams from across the Marvel Universe will assemble like never before! But what’s hidden in Pleasant Hill might even be too much for them to handle…"

An evil big enough to make Steve and Sam patch things up? Where do I buy it? Joking aside, it’s been a while since we had an old school Avengers crossover like “Acts of Vengeance” or “Operation: Galactic Storm” (Google ’em, kids). I’m looking forward to this one, and these preview pages by Saiz aren’t doing anything to change my mind.

Looks like it’s actually a meeting of three Captain Americas since Bucky Barnes is there too. Good stuff.

Next: Avengers Standoff: Welcome to Pleasant Hill #1 First Look

Avengers Standoff: Assault on Pleasant Hill #1 or Alpha, or whatever Marvel decides to call it, will be in stores and on digital on March 2. Looking forward to it.