A new variant cover for Avengers #1 gives new life to a classic piece of Vision art by Paul Smith, hearkening back to one of the synthezoid's most emotional and impactful stories, from 1982's Marvel Fanfare #32.
The exciting relaunch of the Avengers, written by Jed MacKay (Moon Knight, Iron Cat) with stunning art by C.F. Villa (X-Men, Black Cat), is introducing a fresh roster for Earth's Mightiest Heroes, comprised of Captain Marvel, Iron Man, Thor, Captain America, Black Panther, Scarlet Witch, and Vision. To celebrate the amazing reveal of MacKay and Villa's Avengers #1, Marvel has been releasing a series of gorgeous variant cover for the issue, including the "Hidden Gem Variant Cover" by Paul Smith that offers an updated and re-colored version of a classic Vision .
Paul Smith's "Hidden Gem Variant Cover" for Avengers #1 is not new art, but a recolored version of the final page of Marvel Fanfare #32 (1982), the ending to an emotional story called "Rosie" - written by Roger McKenzie with art by Smith - that serves to comionately humanize not only Vision but also the vulnerable of society overlooked by many 'human' heroes. The Vision debuted in 1968's Avengers #57 as a creation of the villainous Ultron, but quickly turned heroic after meeting the Avengers. Much of the character's history has been about him struggling with his sense of humanity and loneliness. Vision has died multiple times and been rebuilt throughout his publication history, was famously in a long term romantic relationship with the Avengers hero Scarlet Witch, and later created his own family in 2015's The Vision, of which Champions hero Viv Vision is the only family member still alive.
Paul Smith's Avengers Cover Honors A Classic Vision Tale
The titular Rosie is a homeless woman living in New York City - named because of her habit of giving out red roses to people walking past her corner - and is a member of the community familiar to heartbreaking story for Vision, and while Paul Smith's updated variant cover for Avengers #1 doesn't include Rosie's name, her Rose symbol is still on the grave, continuing to honor a character who appeared only once but made a major impact on a beloved Avengers hero.
Rosie's Death Is a Major Moment in Vision's History
The Avengers #1 by MacKay and Villa marks the beginning of Marvel's celebration of the Avengers' 60th Anniversary, so it is the perfect time for Paul Smith to restore this gorgeous piece of Vision art, honoring both his and Rosie's legacy - especially since Vision will be reing the Avengers roster after a long absence.
Avengers #1 from Marvel Comics debuts in stores on May 17, 2023.
Source: Marvel
