In the 1970’s, Marvel Comics was experimenting with a lot of genres. Roy Thomas (mostly known for his work on the Conan books by Marvel) created a super hero team called the Invaders that didn’t so much battle crime but rather fought the Nazis in World War II. Marvel released Giant Size Invaders #1 several years later in 1975 to see if there was a place for the team as a full out Marvel title. The Giant Size comics sold well enough that the Invaders did indeed become an ongoing series that ran for 41 issues.
Reading the Invaders today, the series can feel rather dated. Set in World War II, the diction of the characters is sometimes difficult to endure. An example of which would be Toro constantly referring to the Human Torch as “Pappy.” Also, the book was very much a victim of the heroes over and over again puffing out their chests to show that they are the best and willing to come to blows with anyone who claims they aren’t.
Another problem of the series is that frankly, Captain America, Bucky, Torch, Toro, and the Submariner just don’t come across as exciting characters in the manner they are depicted. The book doesn’t find its flow until the Liberty Legion is introduced, the Invaders begin to pick up additional members to their own team like Spitfire and Union Jack, and enemies that are actually awesome characters themselves like Baron Blood come along. Still, those later issues make this Invaders Classic volume worthy of its $40 cover price.
