Tales to Astonish #71Tales to Astonish #71
Title: "“Escape… to Nowhere!”
Writer: Stan Lee
Penciller: Adam Austin
Inker: Vince Colleta
Namor says that Krang has sealed off the exit, and that even his great strength can’t smash his way free before the giant squid is upon him. Namor says that he can’t be defeated now, and that he must be true to his destiny and heritage as Namor the avenging son. Namor looks at the shell with Neptune’s mark on it. He says that this was supposed to be his first clue, but that for now it is his only weapon. Namor hurls the shell at the squid with such force that it severs the squid tentacles before it can grab Namor. Above the slain monster there appears a vision of Neptune. Neptune says, “Well done, valiant one! Now must thou proceed to the forbidden deeps to face the next peril that awaits thee!” After the images fades, Namor decides that he has to figure out a way to get out of the sealed cave. Namor starts spinning around and around and uses his own body like a drill to create a hole to the outside.
Namor says that this is exactly what he expected when he spots one of Krang’s hyrdo-powered soil movers that must have been used to seal him inside the cave. Krang’s men fire a cannon at Namor. They say that they must kill him or it will mean their lives. Namor swims under the blast and throws over the soil mover. He says that they are undeserving of his true wrath. As the men swim away, Namor tells the traitorous cowards to rejoin Krang because they deserve each other. Namor says that as for him he is going to continue his quest, and that nothing is going to stop him from his goal. Namor says that when he wins his prize that will be a day of reckoning.
As Namor swims off, Krang watches him go on a screen. Krang says that Namor may have evaded his first trap, but that there shall be many more. Dorma says that it is written that none can interfere with the royal quest. Krang tells her to be quiet and that he knows that her heart belongs to Namor. He says that she is the one that sent him on the royal quest thinking that he would regain his throne. Krang says that he permitted it because he knows that her love can never be his while Namor still lives, and that is why he promises her that Namor will die before his quest is over. A tear rolls down Dorma’s cheek. He says that when that happens that she will become his queen, but that until that moment she can leave his presence. Dorma swims away and says that if Namor dies that it doesn’t matter what happens to her because her heart will have died as well.
As Namor swims towards his next destination he thinks about what punishments he will dish out to his betrayers. Namor says that there are some that follow Krang out of a sense of duty, and that they shall go unpunished, but that those that serve Krang in the hopes of getting “undeserved riches” had better watch themselves. He says that his royal wrath will descend upon them. Namor says that no matter how long it takes that he will succeed because he is Namor and was born to rule. Namor says that he must not fail because if he dies that Krang will declare war on the surface world, and then all life would become endangered. Namor says that he has no love for the surface world, but that mass annihilation is not his way. Namor says that he will plan and scheme. Suddenly Namor notices that he is being observed. Namor sees “an ancient from the outer reaches of Atlantis”. Namor asks the elderly man what brings him out there. On his knees, the old man says that he has journeyed hoping to see the rightful ruler of the seven seas, and that now it has paid off because he is looking at Namor. The old man says that some people in high places have betrayed him, but that these people love him, wish him well, and will never lose faith in him. The old man says that now when he dies he can do so with a happy heart because he has spoken the truth the Namor. Namor tells the old man to rise because his words have made his heart happy, and that his faith in him will be his strength. Namor says that even though the man is old and humbled that it is for him that he fights and it is for him that he will succeed. The old man watches Namor swim away and thinks to himself that even though Namor is alone, unarmed, and armorless that he is eternal Atlantis.
Namor says that he has to go now and seek the second clue to Neptune’s trident.
Back at the royal palace, Dorma says that she betrayed her prince because he did not return her love, but that even if he should regain his throne that his heart will still be cold to him and so she hasn’t gained anything. Dorma says that she can be a queen with Krang though she holds no love for him, but that with Namor she is nothing. Dorma says that she will not give up, and that she will win him over or destroy both of them in the attempt.
Within the city of Atlantis, the people become annoyed as Krang’s tax collectors have returned to them again. One man says that they are bleeding the nation dry, and that they can pay no more to Krang. The tax collector tells him to hold his tongue or suffer the consequences. The man tells them that they will be the ones who suffer the consequences when their rightful monarch returns. The guy he is with tells him to be quiet as he is putting both their lives at risk. The man says that the truth can never be silenced. He starts praising Namor, but he doesn’t get far as the tax collector draws his weapons and kills the man. The tax collector says that this pile of riches is not enough to honor Krang, and that they collecting will continue until it reaches his tunic. The people murmur to each other that they take everything for the mighty war machine. They say that even if Namor finds the trident that Krang would not surrender the throne. They say that they are on the brink of a disaster that even Namor might not be able to save them.
In the castle, Krang tunes in to monitor Namor’s progress. Krang says that Namor should be approaching the second site. Krang says that Namor looks so confident, but that he doesn’t know the peril that awaits him.
Namor is swimming along and sees a mass of
seaweed. He realizes that the seaweed isn’t a mass, but that
it is in fact a gigantic seaweed man. The seaweed man tells Namor
to turn back. He says that none that live can pass through his
domain and that in the hidden deeps that he reigns supreme. Namor
says that he is seeking the second clue to Neptune’s
trident, and that he cannot alter his course until he finds it. 
The seaweed man
says that Namor is a fool, and that only after defeating him can
he have the clue. The seaweed man says that he is invincible. He
tells Namor to come no further, and that he has been warned.
Namor says that he will never turn back. The seaweed man says
that Namor will die where he stands then. The seaweed man keeps
swinging at Namor. He says that he has guarded his domain for
ages and has defeated every intruder as they came. Namor says
that the creature’s enormous reach keeps him from striking
distance, and that even though he keeps dodging the
creature’s blows that just the force of them is almost
enough to jar him to the point of unconsciousness. Namor says
that he needs to find a weapon. Namor grabs a stalagmite and
hurls it at the creature. The seaweed creature effortlessly
catches the spear and breaks it in two. He asks Namor if he
really thought such a puny thing could hurt him. The creature
grabs Namor and says that once a victim is seized in his grip
that he can never escape. Namor feels himself weakening.
Prince of the Realm rating: 8 out of 10
It’s funny the difference an issue makes. Namor probably didn’t even need to go on his quest. The people are already sick of Krang and would probably fully support Namor taking over. Still the quest is very cool, and the seaweed man is a very credible foe. Namor says that he is almost knocked unconscious by the force of the misses. Adam Austin is already showing a familiarity with the characters and his art just “feels” Namor. I couldn’t figure it out before, but I think Adam Austin reminds me of the golden age Namor’s that they reprinted in the back of the Marvel Features where the Defenders started.
Title: “Like a Beast at Bay!”
Writer: Stan Lee
Penciller: Jack Kirby
Inker: Mickey Demeo
Hulk turns to Rick Jones and tells him to
get back. Rick says that they are going to launch a giant
missile, but he sees that he is too late as it has been fired.
Hulk recognizes the rocket as the Sunday Punch. He says that it
is lucky for them that it was launched nearby so it hasn’t
had enough time to build to top speed. 
Rick says that
they have no chance. Hulk says that as long as he has the most
powerful legs in the world they do. Hulk grabs Rick and leaps. As
they fly through the air Hulk says that he would have liked to
have thrown one right hook at that thing, but that it is lucky
because it only has to deal with an atomic missile now. The
missile passes right by Hulk on its path to the enormous
humanoid. The missile hits, but Hulk and Rick are clear of the
mushroom cloud. Hulk says that this isn’t over yet since it
will rise up after them. Hulk asks Rick if he saw the humanoid
and if the missile finished it off. Rick says that he saw the
missile hit, but that he couldn’t tell what happened. Rick
calls Hulk “Doc”, but Hulk tells him never to call him
Doc. Hulk says that Banner is dead and that he is just the Hulk
from now on.
Suddenly they are caught up in a giant wind. Rick asks what is happening. Hulk says that it is the delayed shockwave. He says that he was counting on it to lift them up over the danger of the fireball. As they’re returning to Earth, Hulk notices that Rick passed out from the thin atmosphere, but figures that it is just as well since their landing is going to be rough. The trajectory carries Hulk and Rick outside the radiation area.
Back at the base, Talbot says that he can’t tell if the blast got the Hulk or not. Ross says to forget the Hulk and that the humanoid was their primary target. Talbot says that the smoke is finally clearing and that the humanoid is down. Ross is happy and says that is what he was waiting to hear. He says that since the Sunday Punch is one of their new “clean bombs” that leaves no lasting radiation that they can go do an immediate inspection.
Minutes later, the army is surrounding the downed humanoid. Talbot says that because of its rubbery composition that the humanoid didn’t disintegrate, but that it is now completely inoperative. Talbot says that this will give their research boys something to do. The clean up begins and the soldiers say that there is no sign of the Hulk. Suddenly a wall of flame surrounds the humanoids. Ross says that someone or something is trying to stop them from inspecting the humanoid.
Leader watches the humanoid burn. He says
that he was forced to hit the flame destruct button so that his
humanoid wouldn’t fall into others’ hands. He says that
within seconds all that will remain of the humanoid is a pile of
ashes. Leader says that once again the Hulk has unwittingly
interfered in his plans, but that this time he will not escape
him again. 
Leader’s
scanners picked up the Hulk and Leader says that he is going to
stay on the Hulk until he learns his secret. Leader says that he
doesn’t know who the boy is or why the Hulk saved him, but
that it will be clear in time. Leader says that soon he will make
the Hulk his ally or destroy him.
Hulk says that he can’t revive Rick, and that he is hardly breathing. Hulk says that the shock must have been too much for him. Hulk decides to try artificial respiration. He blows air down into Rick’s mouth. Rick’s eyes flicker. Rick says that they made it. Hulk says that they did, and that he will be as good as new soon. Hulk hears the soldiers returning to base and thinks that they must be coming to attack them. Hulk is getting ready to attack them, but Rick says that they are probably just returning to base. Rick tells Hulk not to attack, but Hulk says that they will never stop hounding him. Rick says that he is weak and needs rest. Hulk says that he will take Rick to the cave where he will be safe, but then he is going out on his own with no one to stop him. As Hulk leaps along, Rick thinks to himself that even though the Hulk has Bruce Banner’s brain that he is changed. Rick says that he is colder, fiercer, and more violent than Bruce ever was.
As Hulk leaps along, Talbot spots Hulk leaping along. Talbot says that they have got enough firepower to finish the Hulk off now and that is just what they are going to do. Ross wonders if Hulk was responsible for blocking them from the humanoid. Talbot says that it doesn’t matter because Hulk will never hamper or defy them again. Ross tells Talbot to tell their jets that if they lose sight of the Hulk that they will answer to him. Talbot says that there is no need because they have already spotted him going into a cave. Talbot says that Hulk is trapped.
As they drop into the cave, Rick sees that the jets have spotted them. Rick says that Ross knows where their hideout is. Hulk says that he has more important things to worry about. He says that he has to make sure that he will not change back into Banner for the next forty-eight hours. Rick says that he forgot about the bullet in Hulk’s brain, and that if he changes back into Banner that he will die. Hulk says that he won’t change back to Banner as long as he can activate these machines every two days. Rick says that if the bullet could be removed that nothing could hurt him. Hulk says, “Yeah, if! And if I wasn’t the Hulk, maybe I’d be Rock Hudson!” Hulk suddenly hears cannon fire. Rick says that the plane must have radioed Hulk’s location in. Rick says that they must have rushed some artillery out there. Suddenly the cave starts to shake. Hulk says that they are under attack. Rick says that if they destroy the lab that the Hulk is finished.
Talbot yells through a megaphone. He tells Hulk that they know he is in there, and that if he doesn’t come out and surrender that they will hit him with everything they have. Ross says to hit him with another salvo to show him they mean business. The soldiers say that they hope that the brass knows what they’re doing, and that if the Hulk comes charging out of there that anything is liable to happen. The tanks fire again. Ross says that Hulk had his warning.
Inside, Rick tells Hulk to let him run out there and try to explain. Hulk says to forget it, and that he knows how to stop them and that he is the only one that can do it. Rick says that Hulk can’t go out there and fight them. Hulk says that he is sick of running. He picks up a giant rock and says that there is nothing that those cannons can do that he can do twice as good. Hulk throws the rock out of the mouth of the cave and crushes one of the tanks.
Ross tells everyone to fall back and regroup behind the ridge. Behind the ridge, Ross says that the Hulk is desperate and knows that he is surrounded. Ross says that he has waited a long time for this, and that he has to come to them sooner or later. Talbot says that the Hulk has escaped before, and that they have to keep him on the defensive. Ross asks Talbot if he is trying to tell him how to engage an enemy. Ross takes the bull horn. Ross says that Hulk will be his prisoner within the hour or be destroyed. Ross shouts down to Hulk that the planes overhead are carrying nuclear warheads. Ross says that this is Hulk’s last chance, and that if he doesn’t come out and surrender that they will blow the cave off the face of the map.
Hulk tells Rick that he has to get out of here, and that they won’t hurt him. Rick says that Hulk doesn’t stand a chance, and that he has to surrender with him. Hulk tells Rick that he said to get out. Rick says that Hulk can’t fight atomic bombs and that there must be another way. Hulk says that if Rick won’t go that he is going out there. Hulk says that they won’t bomb the cave if he isn’t in it. Rick tells him not to go out there unless it is to surrender. Ross says that Hulk had his chance and they begin firing. Hulk tries to shout out that someone is in there with him, but they can’t hear him over the gunfire. Hulk carries Rick to the front of the cave. Rick asks Hulk what he is doing. Hulk says that this is the only way. Hulk says that they will stop their fire long enough for him to join the, Hulk says that no matter what happens to him that he isn’t dragging Rick into it. Hulk says that once Rick is clear that it doesn’t matter what happens to him. Hulk says that this is going to be his end one way or the other.
As soon as Rick is forced from the cave, the holographic figure of the Leader appears to the Hulk. Hulk recognizes Leader as the one that tried to imprison him before. Leader says that he brings Hulk his last hope. Leader says that by means of his projecto-ray that he can transport him from the cave to where he will be safe. Hulk says that he will be safe from the army, but then he will have him again. Leader notes that something has changed Hulk and that he now speaks with intelligence, but that they can discuss that later. Leader says that they are both products of gamma ray inducement. Leader says that with his brains and Hulk’s power that they are destined to become allies. Leader says that together they can rule the world. Leader tells Hulk to acknowledge him as his leader and swear to serve him or he will leave him there to face certain death.
No Excuses rating: 8 out of 10
This is a little strange. This issue is clearly a filler issue to get the story from one arc to the next, but because the book is only half a book it quickly wraps up the cliffhanger from last issue, rambles around a little bit, and then launches into the next story arc. It’s not a bad issue, but it’s very frantic. Kirby does a great job storytelling, and his style is as always fantastic, but nothing really happens in the issue itself.