Tales to Astonish #72Tales to Astonish #72
Title: "A Prince There Was!”
Writer: Stan Lee
Penciller: Adam Austin
Inker: Vince Colleta
Namor says that he is weakening with each second, and that if he doesn’t find a way to prevail in seconds that he will die and Krang will be free to attack mankind. Namor says that he cannot hope to equal his strength, but that if he shifts his leverage just right that he might be able to throw him off the way surface people use judo. Namor gets free, but says that he still can’t leave until he finds the second clue. Namor says that there is only one way to avoid the creature’s grasp. Namor starts swimming at great speeds around the creature in ever widening circles. This creates a whirlpool around the creature. Namor says that this will stagger him for a moment or two, but that if he doesn’t find what he is looking for in that moment that the quest will be lost and his life along with it. Namor’s whirlpool builds to its strongest, and Namor’s strength returns to him. Namor says that the creature said that he could only find the clue if he defeated him, and that he has done that if only for a moment and yet there is no sign of the clue. The whirlpool sweeps the seaweed creature up and Namor spots an iron door with the mark of Neptune on it where the creature was standing.
Namor quickly swims over and lifts the massive door up. Namor says that this is no ordinary door, and that only a true sub-mariner could lift it. Namor looks below, but doesn’t spot anything within. Namor wonders what hollow mockery this is, but thinks to himself that the word of Neptune is always true. Namor looks up as something approaches. A fish is carrying the second clue. The fish speak in the voice of Neptune, “Believe the evidence of thine eyes, gallant one! The clue you seek is before you… sparkling in the mouth of the humblest of my undersea subjects…” Namor recognizes Neptune’s voice and notices the sparkling diamond in the fish’s mouth. Namor says that he knows what he needs to know. Namor says that at the farthest corner of his realm that there is the forbidden Diamonds of Doom. He says that they have existed since the beginning of time. They have been feared and shunned by all, but that he must go there now to face whatever danger awaits him.
In the Imperial Chamber, Dorma is a prisoner both to her thoughts and to the guards that Krang has watching her. Dorma says that she betrayed Namor, and that if he dies that she is his murderer. She says that it doesn’t matter that she did it out of love, and that the guilt and sorrow will be hers.
In another part of the castle, Krang is
furious that Namor has survived his second ordeal. Krang says
that each moment brings him closer to victory. Krang says that he
must not panic, and that as long as he can watch him with his
undersea scanners that they can find another opportunity to
strike at Namor. Krang says that all the resources of Atlantis
are his, and that he will never surrender to Namor. Krang says
that for now, however, that it is time to dwell on more pleasant
matters. Krang says that Lady Dorma must become his queen. As he
walks down the hallway, Krang thinks how Dorma is truly loved by
the people, and that with her by his side that none would ever
challenge his reign. He says that her beauty is also the greatest
prize that a king could ever hope to possess. Krang enters
Dorma’s chamber and says that there is no need for her to
remain a prisoner. He says that all she has to do is agree to
become his bride, and that half of the realm will become hers.
Dorma says that Krang cannot give what is not truly his. Krang
tells her to watch it. He says that her beauty enslaves him, but
that he is still king and that his patience is not without a
limit. Krang tells her to speak now, but to choose her words
carefully so they do not become her last. Dorma says that the
only thing that Krang is king of is villainy, treachery, and
deceit. She says that the throne of Atlantis will never truly be
his while Namor lives. Dorma says that Namor will continue to
live so long as justice is sacred. Krang says that he isn’t
going to listen to this anymore, and that she will pay for this
indignity. Krang withdraws a capsule that starts making smoke
around Dorma. As Dorma collapses to the ground, Krang says that
he offered her a monarch’s throne, but that she has made her
choice. Krang says that those he cannot conquer he destroys.
Dorma says that she has failed Namor in the past, but that she
will not fail him again, and that no matter what her fate is that
she will endure it without complaint or surrender. Dorma says
that she will die a queen because she has truly worshipped a
king. 
The smoke starts
dissipating, but as it does so it reveals a thin plasti-cage
slowly forming around Dorma. Dorma says that the gas was not
deadly, but that the prison will never cause her to consent to be
Krang’s bride. Krang says that remains to be seen as never
is a long time and his resources are virtually limitless. Krang
pushes a button his belt and the floor beneath Dorma starts to
sink. Krang says that now Dorma will know what it means to incur
his wrath.
As Dorma descends she thinks that Krang knew what her answer would be all along, and that he had all of this prepared. The pasti-cage descends to street level and Dorma thinks that Krang means to humble her by putting her on display as a captive. One of Krang’s soldier announces for the crowd to attend the words of their monarch Krang. He tells them to behold the fate of any that incur the king’s displeasure. The guard points over to Dorma and says that for her disobedience that the Lady Dorma is banished forever to the subterranean world of the Faceless Ones. Dorma thinks to herself that it would have been better for Krang to put her to death before sending her there.
Minutes later, the guards maintain expressionless faces despite the dread apprehension they feel in their hearts as they bring Dorma to the base of an undersea mountain. They beg Dorma’s forgiveness, but they do not dare go against Krang. A voice tells them to go back to their master, and that he will dispatch the female. Dorma recognizes the voice as that of Zantor, servant of the Faceless Ones. The plasti-cage slowly moves into the cave of Zantor. Zantor says that all those that displease Krang come to him sooner or later must come to him, but that she is the fairest of all his victims. Dorma tells him to be quiet and that the very sight and sound of him is offensive to her. Zantor says that she is going to be a lady until the end then. Zantor says that she will see what pride gets her now that he lowers the Dome of Doom. Zantor flicks a switch and says that nothing can save her now, but says to himself that she can no longer hear him as the rays of living light engulf her. He says that she belongs to the Faceless Ones now.
The dome sinks lower and lower until it hits the bottom. Dorma’s dome shatters on the ground. She looks off in the distance to see the Faceless Ones coming for her.
As Namor keeps searching for the Diamonds of Doom, he gets a chill feeling of dread that a terrible danger has befallen one that must be saved. Namor says that it is surely an omen, and that he must find out what it means. Namor obtains a mental message from a passing school of fish that it is Dorma and that she has been banished to the realm of the Faceless Ones. Namor says that only he can save her, but that he cannot turn from his prize because that means he would forfeit the prize. Namor says that if he does that, that it is the entire world that would pay the price. Namor says that he dare not think of Dorma, and that he must press on. Namor thinks that a prince of the blood must be true to his duty even if the sorrow in his breast is more than he can endure. Suddenly, Namor is struck by a blinding radiance. Namor knows that it must be the Diamonds of Doom. Namor wonders why they are called the Diamonds of Doom because they are beauty is beyond belief. Namor suddenly feels weak and realizes that the diamonds are draining his strength and life force. Namor says that if he remains there that he will die, but that he cannot turn back either. Namor can no longer stand and collapses near the diamonds. Namor says that this can’t be his end, but the darkness starts to overtake his mind.
Prince of the Realm rating: 8 out of 10
The quest continues to be an entertaining read. I like the mythological feeling that the quest provides. The mysteries of the deep is something that becomes lost in the latter Namor issues, but for now they’re cool to see. Adam Austin continues to impress with his depiction of Namor. Krang’s appearance actually becomes more defined here and he comes off as more of a weasel than he had in previous issues.
Title: “Within the Monster Dwells a Man!”
Writer: Stan Lee
Penciller: Jack Kirby
Inker: Mickey Demeo
Two troops with flame-throwers approach the
mouth of the cave and fire in. 
The flame
passes right through the holographic image of the Leader. Leader
says that all Hulk has to do is say the word and that he will
transport him to safety. Hulk says that he doesn’t need
anybody as long as he has his strength. Hulk collapses the
entrance to the cave. Leader says that will stop them for now,
but that they will attack with artillery and then missiles.
Leader says that even the Hulk can’t defeat the army, but
that he can help him escape. Leader says that then the two of
them can rule the world together. Hulk says that he doesn’t
want any part of the world, and that the Leader can have it.
Suddenly the mouth of the cave blows open again. Leader says that
he told him that they would move to artillery next. Leader says
that Hulk’s time grows short.
One of the soldiers says that the only way they are going to defeat the Hulk is to bring the entire mountain down on him. Ross says that is exactly what they will do then. Rick Jones tells Ross that he mustn’t. Ross tells Jones to be quiet. He says that he wouldn’t think that he would plead for the Hulk since he was just holding him captive. Rick says that it wasn’t that way, but before Rick can finish “super-genius” Talbot says that he understands and that Rick must have been in league with the Hulk. Before Rick can reply, Ross’ order is carried out and missile start launching at the mountain. The missile are not nuclear, but they do flatten the mountain.
Inside the cave, the gamma equipment is destroyed. Hulk says, “My equipment! My gamma-ray machines! They’re being wrecked… smashes to pieces!” Leader says that it is only a matter of time until Hulk shares their fate. He asks why Hulk doesn’t join him. Hulk says that he doesn’t join anyone. He says that he doesn’t need anything from anyone. A piece of machinery drops from the ceiling and lands on the Hulk. Leader says that his patience is not unlimited, and that this is his last chance to let him save him. Hulk thinks to himself and realizes that with his machinery destroyed that he can’t stop himself from being changed back into Bruce Banner. He says that once he does that the bullet in his brain will kill him. Hulk decides that Leader is a scientist, and that maybe he has some equipment. Leader says that he is waiting for Hulk’s answer. Hulk decides that every man is his enemy, and that he doesn’t owe the human race anything. Hulk accepts Leader’s offer. Leader rubs his hands together greedily and says, “At last!”
Leader’s image vanishes and Hulk asks
where he went. Suddenly Hulk is transformed into electro-waves.
The electro-waves that was the Hulk travels from the Hulk’s
desert cave across the Atlantic Ocean to the heart of Italy at
nearly the speed of light. In his lair, Leader tells Hulk that
there is no need for alarm and that his matter-portation is as
harmless as it is spectacular. Hulk is pieced back together into
his human form. Hulk steps forward out of the Leader’s
machine and into his lair. Hulk says that when Leader called
himself a genius that he wasn’t kidding. Leader says that
the gamma rays that turned his skin green gave him the strongest
brain on Earth just as a similar gamma ray accident must have
given him the strongest body on Earth. Leader says that back in
the cave that Hulk referred to the shells destroying his
equipment, but that a surely a brute like him could have no
knowledge of science. Hulk thinks to himself that he was careless
and has to watch himself closer. Hulk tells Leader to nevermind
that but to tell him where he is and why he is there. Leader says
that Hulk is in one of his secret laboratories. Leader says that
he has a network of them hidden around the globe. Leader points
out how his humanoids are the perfect laborers because they never
have to stop working, never complain, never rebel, and will use
all of their plastic strength to protect him. Hulk says that the
has met a few of them before. Leader says that they are helping
him with his “greatest experiment… the search for some
way to create new life!” Leader shows Hulk a powerful liquid
nutrient feeding giant artificial eggs around the clock. He takes
Hulk to the hatching room where the new “warrior
humanoids” hatch from the eggs ready to battle. Leader says
that it is too bad that they are artificial creatures. Leader
says that with his genius that it is only a matter of time until
all of mankind his slaves. Leader says that Hulk is going to be
the leader of his warrior guard. Hulk says that he has seen
enough. He says that he has no use for the human race, but that
he isn’t going to be a “creep like you…”
Suddenly Hulk feels something happening to him. Hulk drops to the
ground. 
Leader says that
Hulk is merely being taught never to defy him. Leader says that
the entire time that Hulk was standing next to him that he was
inhaling a powerful, odorless sleeping gas that he has been
immunized to. Leader says that when Hulk awakens that he will
give him his first commands.
Ross leads a task force into the now demolished cave. The soldiers say to be careful because the Hulk might still be alive. Ross says that he must be buried under the wreckage, but that they will dig until they find him. Rick thinks to himself that there is no way the Hulk got out and that no one will ever know that Bruce Banner was also killed today. Talbot says that he won’t believe that the Hulk is dead until he sees the body. Talbot says that the Hulk has fooled them too many times in the past, and that he is so strong that he could probably survive anything. Talbot sees all the destroyed scientific equipment and says that all this stuff couldn’t have belonged to the Hulk. Talbot suspects that this cave belonged to both the Hulk and to Bruce Banner. Talbot tells Rick Jones that even though he can’t prove it that he knows that there was a connection between the Hulk and Bruce Banner before Banner’s death. Talbot says that they never did find Banner’s body. He asks Jones if the Hulk made off with it and brought it here. Talbot says that Jones might as well come clean. Jones says that he can’t tell Talbot anything. Talbot whispers to Ross that Jones holds the key in some way. Talbot says that both Hulk and Banner were connected to him. Talbot wonders if the Hulk could be a product of one of Banner’s secret experiments. Ross says that he never thought of that. He says that for all they know that the Hulk could be a super-robot built by Banner. Ross orders Rick Jones into custody for questioning. Rick says that if Bruce is dead that nothing else matters.
In a very special building on the outskirts of Rome, the Leader looks out the window and says that this is the perfect hideout. Leader says that to the unsuspecting people below this is an expensive art gallery, and yet they know nothing of the real treasures that are locked within these silent halls. Leader walks from the window and says that he has to go check on the Hulk again. He thinks how he has to find a way to bring him completely under his control. Leader says that there is much about the Hulk that puzzles him. Leader says that Hulk’s intelligence has increased since he first saw him, and that he has to find out why. Leader says that he is also curious as to why the Hulk said that the equipment in that cave was his. Leader says that there is time enough for that later, and that the Hulk cannot escape him. Leader figures that Hulk will sleep for at least two hours longer and takes his leave.
As soon as Leader leaves the room the Hulk begins to stir. Hulk realizes that the sleeping gas has set off a reaction and that he is changing back into Bruce Banner. Hulk says that if the change occurs that he will doe instantly, and that he has to prevent it from coming. Hulk says that the change is occurring slowly, and that he has time. Hulk looks around for something he can use in the Leader’s laboratory, but he can’t find anything. He says that it would take too long to change the equipment, and that his fingers are too blunt anyway. Hulk starts smashing the place up in frustration. Hulk says that this isn’t fair, and that it can’t end like this. Hulk starts randomly pushing buttons and opens the wall to the Leader’s statue gallery.
Leader is working on his amphibious humanoids that he will use to invade Namor’s realm once he takes over the surface world when an alarm goes off. Leader figures that the Hulk must have woken up and gone on a rampage. Leader turns on the screen and sees that Hulk has entered his statue gallery. Leader gets into a control chair and says that he has to get the Hulk back under control. Leader says that it is time for the Hulk to learn the secret of his statues.
The statues start to move towards the Hulk, and Hulk realizes that they aren’t really statues, but disguised humanoids. Hulk plows into one of the humanoids and throws him into another. Hulk thinks to himself that it doesn’t really matter at all if he beats them all because in minutes he will change back to Banner and die anyway. One of the humanoids holds out a club at Hulk and zaps him. Hulk drops to the ground. Hulk lies there on the ground and ignores his humanoid adversaries. He just devotes all his concentration and strength to not changing back into Banner.
No Excuses rating: 9 out of 10
Hulk spends much of this issue either hovering near death or about to die. Leader plays his hand and plays it well. Hulk doesn’t want to follow the Leader, but he is really left with no choice. Kirby does a great job doing the Hulk/Leader scenes and the tour of the Leader’s lair. Talbot and Ross finally start to piece things together even if they are looking in the wrong direction with their suspicions. Excellent issue.