The Avengers Annual #1

The Mandarin is back and he's planning something big! The Avengers scramble across the globe to stop him, but can their efforts really triumph over the Mandarin's villainy? Plus, and unexpected appearance of Ultimo!PART 1: THE MONSTROUS MASTER PLAN OF THE MANDARINWhilst imprisoned, The Living Laser constructs a new pair of his wrist lasers that he uses to escape his cell. He is confronted by Iron Man and the pair face-off. Iron Man is defeated and The Living Laser attempts to break through the prison walls but is teleported away by a shimmering light. The Golden Avenger realises this is the work of The Mandarin and calls together an emergency meeting of The Avengers.The escaped convict is teleported to The Mandarin’s lair where he’s commanded to join Mandarin’s other “lackeys” Swordsman, The Executioner, The Enchantress and Power Man. The Living Laser refuses but after the Oriental Overlord displays his power by easily destroying “Namor”, everyone falls into line. The Mandarin then proceeds to explain his plan – a plan involving a colossal diamond.Elsewhere Iron Man is first to arrive at the Avengers Mansion where he is attacked by Hercules who mistakes him for a trespasser. Thor enters and breaks up the fight. We learn from a beat cop that Avengers Mansion is off limits like the UN Headquarters and the Baxter Building. The rest of The Avengers appear and the meeting takes place.The now colony sized team are interrupted by a transmission from Nick Fury who informs them super villains are attacking in Asia, Africa and South America. Fury says this is an international incident so S.H.I.E.L.D. can’t get involved. Captain America devices a strategy and despatches teams of Avengers to the various locations - with the exception of himself and Quicksilver who stay at the mansion. Meanwhile The Mandarin is delighted that his plan is coming together.PART 2: TO PERISH BY THE SWORDThe Mandarin plots to take over a small South American country rich in diamonds...