Avengers vol. 3 #50Avengers vol. 3 #50
Title: “Book of Revelation”
Writer: Kurt Busiek
Penciller: Kieron Dwyer
Inker: Rick Remender
Colors: Tom Smith
Editor: Tom Brevoort
(This story will be told in two ways. Some of the time the sentences will be written in italics to refer to the “And it came to pass…” portions of the story. The regular text will describe the story as it is happening.)
And it came to pass... that there were three beings that were supreme in their realms. They guarded and shaped their realms. Together the three beings were known as the Trion. Long ago, even as they measure time, the Trion took action to safeguard their realm. Acting as one, they created a perfect sphere of darkness and took all the darkness and evil tendencies and poured them into that sphere. The evil was concentrated and imprisoned forever, except for one tiny shard that tore through into another realm. In that realm the shard began a great journey across the vastness of space.
Captain America, Jack of Heart, and a slightly glowing Photon float unconscious in space. Machines come by and start to drag them into Kang’s ship, but suddenly they are blasted into pieces as Living Lightning and Quasar. In the Q-Bubble, Cap wakes up muttering battle commands. Quasar tells cap that it is all right. He says that Kang apparently destroyed their ship and knocked them out, but that he and Living Lightning got there before his robot drones captured them. Living Lightning says that Photon must have partially phased into energy form or there is no way that she could have survived the vacuum. Photon asks what happened to the Scarlet Witch. Lightning says that the drones reached her before they got there and towed her back to Kang’s base. He says that they have been unable to penetrate the force field. Cap suddenly remembers that Kang was going to attack with Sentinels. Quasar says that they have another situation that might take precedence.
And it came to pass… that the universe reacted to the presence of the evil by forming opposition just as a body would mount opposition to a disease. Three fragments of light were created and began a journey of their own to wait for a time when they would be found and used against the taint that had invaded their world. In time, one of the fragments (the second one) was found by a ship that was commanded by sentients that were on a mission of reconnaissance and conquest.
Cap says that they already have a crisis right in front of them and that they don’t need to go looking for more. He says that they should return to Earth immediately. Quasar says that they can’t just ignore a threat that could be as dangerous, or worse, than Kang. Cap says that it could also be irrelevant. He says that they have been dividing their forces too often lately. He says that a single misstep could have tragic consequences. Photon says that she thinks that they are about to hear from another quarter. A ship flies right up to them and greets them. The voice identifies itself as Jonathan Tremont of the Triune Understanding, that they have several of their comrades aboard, and that they would like it if they joined them.
And it came to pass… in the Naga Hills of India on the planet Earth, there grew a village and in the village there were three brothers. One brother grew very wise, one grew very strong, and the third and youngest brother had charming ways. But there came to this village a sickness that swept through the people, and for all their wisdom and strength, two of the brothers died. The youngest brother wondered why he had been spared, what purpose the universe had for him. What role was he to play?
Jonathan Tremont stares out in space as Cap talks with Vision, Justice, and Firestar. Cap says that it is good to see them, but asks how they got there. Vision says that they are there on the mission with the Triunes and that there is much to tell him. Cap says that they can do that later, and that they don’t have much time. Cap says that he assumes this mission and this threat are related says to briefly tell him what and where it is. Tremont says that in brief the threat they speak of is there. He points out the window and the enormous dark pyramid right before them. Cap says that maybe they do need to talk about this.
And it came to pass… that in the region of California in the United States, there were two more brothers (Chuck and Hal). One was strong and one was weak and sickly, but there was a bond between them, and the bond attracted a young woman (Peggy) to both of them. The elder, stronger brother was a warrior who was chosen to test a flying machine. Though the flying machine was great, during the test, it encountered another far more advanced flying machine. The warrior brother was captured by the larger ship, but he bested his captors (skrulls) and flew free once again. As he was soaring free of the destruction of the invading craft, he was bathed in light, heat, and power because the invader craft had held the second fragment of light. The brother managed to land his flying machine in a fashion, but even then he was being changed or transformed by the light that burned within him. The elder brother struggled to reach his brother, and even as he was being pulled into two, his brother’s bond with him held him together embracing him and grounding him. Where there was once three there was now one. The younger brother walked the Earth, but he could release his brother’s spirit and give it form for brief periods. In that form and era the two brothers became a single hero.
After Vision tells cap about the launching Cap says that he doesn’t like the idea of human psyches powering a ship, but that he doesn’t like hearing about Avengers spying on private citizens either. Vision says that it was necessary, and that it was as they discovered. Cap says that it is always easy to justify things after the fact. Cap says that he is going to have to have a talk with Vision, Iron Man, and Warbird, but that for now the hand has been dealt. Cap mentions that Quasar found it on the scanners. Quasar says that they had to investigate it because it was moving directly towards the Earth and that the data indicated that it had enormous power. Tremont says that it holds more than power. He says that what pulses within is pure unalloyed evil and may be the greatest danger Earth ever faced. Tremont says that this is the triple evil that has been foretold, and that destroying it is the entire reason that the Triune Understanding was created.
And it came to pass… that the two brothers who became one hero had ceased to be an active hero and that for many years he had been barely seen. The sickly brother came to love the woman who had loved his brother, and she loved him too. They wed and had a family that grew and departed. In time, the brother began to have urgent, insistent dreams. He told his wife that he could feel them calling to him, and that even though it is dangerous that he has to go answer them before he cracks up. His wife told him to go, but made him promise that no matter what happens that he would return to her.
Captain America, Vision, Firestar, Justice, Quasar, Living Lightning, Triathlon, Tremont, and four of the Triune Understanding approach the pyramid within a Q-Bubble. Cap says that he wants to be clear. He says that they are there to investigate, but that they are needed on Earth so if this is something that can be put off they will do so to return to fighting Kang. Tremont agrees but adds that Cap will see that the Triple-Evil will not be able to wait. Living Lightning is looking for a way to get in, but looking closer he sees that the pyramid is not machinery, as it appears, but rather it is some kind of hide or scab. He touches the pyramid and they are all transported within.
And it came to pass… that the younger brother’s quest brought him to an area north of the Naga Hills in the Himalayas. For months he felt the call and continued his search. His guide was worried about one of his age and impaired condition being up in the mountains, but the younger brother said that it was too important and that he must keep going. Winter came and the brother kept searching. Finally he finds the place he is looking for. He drops to his knees and begins digging. He unearths one of the three fragments of light when suddenly he is hit from behind by his guide. The guide says that it is here, and that it belongs to him.
Jack of Hearts is greeted by several SHIELD agents. They say that they have great news and that they have found a way to give him complete control over his powers. He will be able to turn it on and off at will and can finally have a normal life. They also say that there was a mistake made and that he is not half-alien, but 100% human.
Miguel Santos stands on a stage after being elected governor. A reporter says that his time as Living Lightning made him a shoo-in. She asks if he will go to the Senate next. Miguel asks why he shouldn’t go all the way.
Vision is being pulled in two directions as both Darby and Wanda want to be with him. Vision senses that something is wrong and that this is not real.
Three small pale aliens monitor the
group’s dreams as they are suspended in the air by glowing
energy pyramids. Photon is accepting the position as Avengers
Chairman again in her dream. In Firestar’s dream, the
Avengers are disbanding because the world is at peace. Everyone
is enjoying themselves except Captain America who seems to be
struggling. He says, “I want… I want… Kang…
He’s threatening… attacking Earth…
retribution… I don’t have time… I don’t…
don’t… I don’t have time for this!” 
The energy
pyramids over everyone’s head explode. Cap asks the aliens
why they are controlling their minds and feeding them fantasies.
The alien says that there is no need to be harsh, and that they
were only trying to help them. He says that they were scanning
their minds and trying to help make their wishes a reality. Cap
says that all he needs is a way out of there so they can get back
to Earth where they are needed. The alien says that they
don’t have to rush off. Cap tells the Avengers to come with
him and that they will find their own way out. The little pale
alien suddenly transforms into a large, black insect-looking
alien. He says, “Blue Man, I so sorry, but we cannot allow
you to depart.” The entire chamber they were standing in was
another illusion that shatters to reveal thousands of the black
insect creatures. Justice says that he thinks that they found the
Triple-Evil.
And it came to pass…that all of them feel “awareness” as images and information enters their minds:
The shard of darkness journeyed through space. Everywhere it traveled it radiated foul corrupting evil, and everywhere it went it encountered resistance. All who encountered it, fought it, and all that fought it were lost. The best and bravest were enticed into dreams and death, and their corrupted bodies became soldiers in the service of darkness. Their ships became armor, and their planets and civilizations became part of the shard’s power. And its journey continued and its power grew.
Tremont blasts at the aliens. He tells the Avengers to battle well, and that they are fighting for the entire human civilization. Cap says that Tremont doesn’t need to tell them that as he kicks one of the aliens to the ground. Cap tells Jack to blast one at three o’clock. Quasar says that it seems Living Lightning got that action that he wanted. Lightning says that he was thinking more along the lines of space pirates as opposed to the end of the world. Justice says that he can’t believe that they are helping an anti-mutant bigot like Tremont. Firestar says that she doesn’t think that Tremont is really anti-mutant, but that he was just doing whatever he could do get more recruits and increase his power. Triathlon says that Tremont is right and that this threat needs to be opposed, but that something more is going on. He says that he can almost sense it, or maybe he is remembering it. Photon remarks to Vision how easily this is going. Suddenly the Avengers all find that the aliens that they are fighting have found a way to adapt to their powers. Cap tells everyone to keep moving and swap opponents. He tells them to strike, move on, and never fight the same creature twice. He says then they won’t be able to adapt to their powers. Tremont says that Cap’s warning comes too late for him, and that he is surrounded. Tremont says that he may be trapped, but that he has powers beyond those they know. Tremont says, “Brothers! I need thy strength… thy power! I call on you, brothers… come to me!” Pagan and Lord Templar flow out of Tremont. They say that they hear him and respond. Justice says that Pagan and Templar were part of Tremont, and that he is liking Tremont less and less. He says that all those fights were just to make him look better.
The guide had the third shard of light. It had called to him to, and even though he needed the American to find it for him, he knew that this was how it was meant to be. He had clung to his brothers’ spirits ever since their deaths. They were with him always. His brothers appear before him and thank him for restoring their lives. They say that they will serve him in all things. He had a purpose. He told his brothers that a threat was coming and that they must amass power to deal with it.
Templar tells Justice that he will not allow harm to come to him, but Justice tells the “fakes” to get away from him. Firestar and Living Lightning have been knocked out, and Justice says that he will take care of them himself. Pagan says that Justice may not want their aid, but he has it anyway. Quasar tells Justice to let it go until the battle is won. Triathlon floors another alien and then sees Tremont. He says, “You! I remember now! You… hurt me! In the mountains! You hit me… from behind… but how… how could… it wasn’t me…” Tremont realizes that Triathlon is remembering what the American experienced.
The charming young brother came to the west and began gathering believers and all the time he could feel the darkness and evil coming closer and closer. He saw and felt a dream of a champion empowered by one of the shards of light arising and doing battle with the darkness. He saw the champion fall, his mind was gone, his body and soul was corrupted, and he was drawn into the darkness. He knew that one shard alone was not enough. He would need greater power. His voice was heard and he drew more and more followers. He used the power of the shard to reach into the spirits of his acolytes and draw on their energies, and he began to change becoming something outwardly human, but something far more inside. He knew that even that would not prove enough. The other was still with him who had internalized the second shard just as he had the second. In time, a troubled athlete, who had valued victory over honor, came to him for surcease of shame. In the athlete he found a spirit that sang close to that of the other who had internalized the second shard. It was close enough to hold the other. It required months of preparation and soothing of the athlete’s soul, but in time he would be another servant, a weapon against the coming evil. He became Triathlon and won more converts and more power.
Triathlon says that he remembers it all now. Triathlon says that Tremont seemed so caring, but he didn’t care about his followers or his teachings, all he cared about was power. Tremont says that he helped people. He eased their pain and gave them harmony, but that he needed the power to stop the Triple-Evil. Tremont starts to radiate power. He says, “…And it was all in service of this one moment… inservice of this great victory! I shall be a savior, Triathlon… the savior of an entire world!” Triathlon asks what happens after he has done that. He asks what he does with the power then. Tremont says, “The Earth will have been saved. Saved by my hand. And what better reward for he who accomplishes such a miracle than a gift… the gift of total dominion over that which has been saved! Over Earth… and all who live on it!” Triathlon goes and tells Cap that they have to stop Tremont too. Cap says that he can’t say that he is surprised, but that they will have to do the best they can. Tremont says that he senses the power he must defeat, but that he still needs much more power. Tremont drains the life from his followers that came along.
Jack and Photon start blasting Tremont as they watch his followers drop to the ground as skeletons. The aliens start running away. Photon says that she thinks that they fear the power. Cap says that it is one less thing to worry about. Cap says that they have to try and make Tremont see reason or commandeer his power. Tremont says that he will need his brothers’ power too. Templar and Pagan say that he brought them back to life, and that he can’t just kill them again. Templar and Pagan are absorbed. Tremont says, “I do what I must brothers! What only I can do! And now I sense it… the true prize here! It is the pyramid itself… suffused with the spirits. The power of all those who lost their lives fighting it… whose souls were taken by the evil! I can wrest it from the darkness… become as a god myself! And all I need… is the last of the power needed to oppose the darkness! The power of the second shard! The power within you Triathlon!” Tremont tries to blast Triathlon, but Triathlon dodges. Tremont says that they both know that Triathlon can’t escape him forever. He says that he couldn’t take the power into himself before, but that now he is something more. Tremont says that for Earth’s salvation that Triathlon must fall. Tremont blast Triathlon, but as the bond starts to become severed Triathlon becomes himself, the 3D Man, and Hal. They dodge Tremont’s next blast. Tremont follows Triathlon, but something has caught Triathlon’s eye. He says that it is the first shard. He can feel that this is where the champion who bore it fell and that the shard fell there as well. Triathlon/3D Man/Hal reaches down for it. Tremont says that he mustn’t as Triathlon/3D Man/Hal is transformed by the power of the first shard. Triathlon/3D Man/Hal says that this is what he was always meant to do. He says that they were supposed to find the shards and unite them. Triathlon/3D Man/Hal says that the power must be wielded by one who has turned from pride and strives for others instead of himself. Triathlon/3D Man/Hal says that in Tremont’s hands that it would have been corrupted and the power would have become part of the darkness. Triathlon/3D Man/Hal says that the third shard must be united with the others. Triathlon/3D Man/Hal drains Tremont’s power off. As he transforms back into a human being he says that he can’t go back to being just human now. Triathlon/3D Man/Hal then attacks the pyramid and the darkness. They call for the heart of darkness to come out and battle. Down on the ground, Tremont says that he made this happen and that he was an instrument of destiny. Justice says that he can try that in court, but that he thinks life without parole is his destiny.
And it came to pass… that the shards were united and their power was wielded by one that fought for others instead of for himself. The darkness swept over him and tried to seduce him with power and lies, but he knew the hollowness of such promises and knew the path they led to. When the darkness was fully about him and sunk deep in his body he blazed forth with the power within him. He burned with a pure, clear light that caused the darkness to shriek and burn.
Triathlon/3D Man/Hal says that it is done. Cap says that the world owes them a great debt. Triathlon/3D Man/Hal says that there is no debt and that they were glad to help. Triathlon/3D Man/Hal says that even though the evil is gone they can still feel the essence of the beings that the darkness killed. They say that it killed so many. Tremont is growing withered and old. He says that the power should have been his. Quasar tells him to put a sock in it. Cap asks if Triathlon/3D Man/Hal can tap into the power and recreate their ship so they can use it to get back to Earth and stop Kang. Vision interrupts. He says that now that the pyramid’s energy shields are down that he has managed to radio Earth. Vision says that they must have been caught in that illusion chamber for much longer than they thought. He says that they have been there for weeks and that in that time Earth has surrendered to Kang.
Avengers Files rating: 5 out of 10
Well the story is huge and epic. It’s a little annoying that it got placed right here in the middle of the Kang storyline and right after Kang was seemingly victorious. This story was building for three and a half years and it shows. I never liked Tremont or the Triune Understanding in the least. You know you’re secretly excited when Ultron returns or Count Nefaria is there. They’re cool villains. Tremont was annoying and I found his villainy in the name of “good” annoying as well. One wonders how this news will be received by the Triunes on Earth and how the “PC thugs” will react to the news that Tremont caused so much trouble only for his greater glory. The writing gets a 4 out of 5 even though I didn’t care for the subject matter. The art gets a 1 out of 5. I really don’t like Dwyer and can only hope that his run will be a short one. All of his lines are too thick