The West Coast Avengers - Vol 2 - #44 - 1989 - Better a Widow... - (FN)

A certified landmark issue in late-1980s Marvel history. Written and illustrated by the legendary John Byrne during his definitive run on the title, West Coast Avengers #44 delivers a masterclass in balancing high-stakes tragedy with quirky comic relief. This issue is famous for two major Marvel milestones: the harrowing progression of the "Vision Quest" storyline and the historic debut of a fan-favorite superhero team.

The West Coast team is still reeling from the horrific discovery that the Vision was abducted and completely dismantled by a rogue global security coalition. Back at the compound, Hank Pym succeeds in physically rebuilding the synthezoid's body. However, a major obstacle arises: to restore the Vision's humanity and personality, they need to download the brain patterns of Wonder Man (Simon Williams) once again. Traumatized by his own past and harboring complex feelings for the Scarlet Witch, Simon refuses, leaving the Vision as a completely emotionless, chalk-white husk. This devastating psychological blow pushes Wanda Maximoff (Scarlet Witch) further toward the edge of despair.