Defenders vol. 2 #4
Title: “Ride of the Valkyrie”
Writer: Kurt Busiek and Erik Larsen
Penciller: Ron Frenz
Inker: Scott Hanna
Colors: Gregory Wright with Color Arts
Editor: Tom Brevoort
Hulk and the Defenders are smashing away on all the waves of risen dead. Pluto is fighting with Lorelei as he says that she has ruined his plans, but he says that he will still seize the day. Lorelei says that Pluto betrayed her and stole her power. They continue fighting over control of the Valkyrie that they created. Wave after wave of underworld creatures are pouring out. As the fighting goes on they all hear a distant rumbling. The rumbling grows louder until it becomes a thunder. The thunder arrives in the form of the Valkyrior. Hulk notes that the “Sword Girls” have spears when they should have swords.
Brunnhilde “former member of the Defenders Valkyrie” greets her former teammates and lets them know that they have been made aware of Midgard’s plight and are there to fix things. She tells them that Pluto and Lorelei are getting away and that they should go after them while the Valkyrior deal with the dead.
Hellcat assures Nighthawk that it really is the true Brunnhilde, but Nighthawk says that he has been out of it for so long. He says that it is a little odd to wake up and have a close friend turn into Thor. They go after Pluto and Lorelei. Hulk says that they are going to smash the bad guys, but that he was already smashing bad guys. Strange says to give him strength. Nighthawk says that Strange should think back on all the good old days when they were all at his house eating his food and breaking his things. Nighthawk says that maybe Strange shouldn’t think of them.
Pluto and Lorelei continue to fight over control of their Valkyrie. Pluto says that his plan can still be salvaged if Lorelei just gives him control of the Valkyrie. He offers her a continent when he rules the world. Lorelei says that it was her power that created the Valkyrie and that she will control it. She says that Pluto’s plan will be salvaged, but with her in control. Pluto says that it was his genius and the item of power that made the creation possible.
The fighting suddenly stops as the Defenders arrive to oppose them. The Defenders tell them both to give up control of the Valkyrie. Hulk says that he will smash them if the don’t stop bothering Sword-Girl. Pluto orders the Valkyrie to attack his enemy, but Lorelei contradicts the order and tells Valkyrie to attack her enemy Pluto. As they argue back and forth the strain becomes greater and greater on the Valkyrie. Strange tells the others to stay back and let the events unfold. Valkyrie finally manages to break the hold that both their controls and strikes them. Pluto and Lorelei are furious and say that she will pay for this, but the Defenders step up and say that they don’t think so. Pluto says that the Defenders should not have involved themselves in this, but now that they have they will pay. Lorelei agrees.
Suddenly Zeus bursts onto the scene and busts Pluto for breaking the covenant. Pluto throws himself on Zeus’ mercy. Lorelei starts to rub it in, but Zeus says that she will be punished by Asgard for her role in this as well. Pluto and Lorelei decide to put aside their differences and teleport away together.
Zeus departs but before he goes he repairs the rift to the underworld. Everyone is happy that things have ended until the created Valkyrie points out the innocent mountain man that was killed by Pluto. Hellcat asks Brunnhilde what will happen to this new Valkyrie. Valkyrie interrupts and says that she is her own woman. Brunnhilde commends her on her pride, but suggests that she might find the same guidance that she did if she rode with the Defenders. Namor interjects that this is not a team, and that as soon as the curse is lifted that they won’t be a team. Brunnhilde says that things have a way of running their own course. She gives Valkyrie her sword Dragonfang and gives her Aragon to help her with her adventures on Midgard. Valkyrie asks if she is really welcome with the team. Nighthawk says that he would love to have her. Brunnhilde flies away with another Valkyrie.
Namor now turns to the other Defenders and demands that they go with him to liberate Altantis. Dr. Strange says that they will, but first says that he must break the curse because they could just as easily be teleported away as they are liberating Atlantis. Namor says to blazes with Strange then. He asks the Hulk. Hulk says that he is tired of Namor attacking him and then asking for his help. Hulk sticks his tongue out at Namor. Namor says to blazes with all of them and flies away. Hulk leaps away. Strange asks Silver Surfer if he will return with him to New York and assist him in his research. Surfer says no. He says that time has made Strange cold and distant. He says that he is heartsick and tired of humanity. Surfer flies off alone. Strange flies home with Nighthawk, Valkyrie, and Hellcat.
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