The Avengers #287, page 22 (1987) - Enter: Machine Man!

It's New Year's Eve and as the year comes to a close, you know I always like to end it in a big way. So, how better to do that, then with an ending cliffhanger page, drawn by one of the biggest comic artists ever known, "Big" John Buscema!

This particular issue of Avengers is special to me, as it was the very first issue of the series I ever read, when I first got seriously into comics. So, the nostalgia factor on this piece is very high. It also just happens to be the final issue written by Roger Stern in his five year run of the series. Yet another ending to spotlight the year doing the same today. And while there's no Avengers on this page, you still get the reveal of one of Marvel's more esoteric creations entering the scene: Machine Man!

As far as the art goes, I can't ever think about the Avengers without immediately thinking of the artistry of John Buscema and Tom Palmer. Their run on the title throughout the 80's set a standard that others have had a hard time trying to match. You see all the classic fundamentals of how to layout a page for maximum visual storytelling. But, as is always the case with "Big" John, it's his figurework that stands out the most. That final panel reveal, with Machine Man standing right there in all his glory, shows you why John Buscema is a legend in this industry. Superbly inked by his long time collaborator, the great Tom Palmer, it's easy to see why this art team dominated the book for such a long time!

The ending of the year is often seen as a time for quiet reflection of what has been and where you go from here. And an effective end page from a comic should do the very same thing. That this one hits me directly in my nostalgia, only enhances that effect for me. It makes it a great way for me to end my collecting year and gear up for what 2026 will bring! Happy New Year, everyone!