Tales to Astonish #91Tales to Astonish #91
Title: "Outside the Gates Waits Death!”
Writer: Stan Lee
Penciller: Bill Everett
Inker: Danny Adkins
Namor is watching a replay of the news where Byrrah was telling everyone that since he defeated Namor in a battle that they should vote for him over Namor. Namor hits something and says that Byrrah cheated, but that he cannot prove it. Namor says that Byrrah found a way to sap his strength during the fight. He says that his strength has returned since them, but that it is too late. He says that his people have forsaken him. Dorma and Vashti say that even though the people have been deceived that they will remain loyal. Namor says, “But, what of Atlantis?’ Namor says that he has given them his heart and hand for years only to be disavowed. Dorma tells him not to be bitter. Namor says that it is not a bitterness, but a rage that burns in him. Dorma tells him not to lose faith and that he still has the royal trident. Namor asks what difference a trident makes. Suddenly Atlantean troops charge in and say that they are there by the imperial order of Byrrah. They say that Byrrah has ordered his arrest. Namor starts fighting with the troops and says that while he lives that there can only be one prince and that he is it. One of the troops manages to trap Namor in Byrrah’s ionic force field. Namor says that he is trapped by a weapon from his own royal arsenal. While Namor is helpless the troops place him in a shatterproof pressure capsule. They start to carry him off to Byrrah.
Moments later, the captured Namor is brought before Byrrah. Namor looks and sees that Attuma and Krang sit by Byrrah’s side. Krang says that Byrrah has kept his word and vanquished Namor. Byrrah says that now they must make him their partner. Attuma says that he wants Namor put to death first. Byrrah says that it will be done then. Byrrah tells the guards to send Namor to Inferno Isle. Namor thinks to himself that no one has ever returned from there. As they prepare to take Namor’s capsule a cannon that will fire him to Inferno Isle, Namor thinks to himself that the people don’t suspect that Byrrah is going to betray them by allying himself with Attuma and Krang. He says that it is no longer his concern and that since they have abandoned him that they will get what they deserve.
At a deep sea missile site, the guards load Namor’s capsule into the breach of the cannon. They fire Namor off. As the capsule reaches the surface, the nose of the capsule pops off and Namor is free. Namor is sent soaring and lands on Inferno Isle. As Namor lies there, a noise grows louder and louder. Suddenly the volcano seems to come to life as monstrous figure emerges from the top in a blast of lava. Namor says that must be the secret of Inferno Isle. The giant monster swings at Namor, but Namor dodges by diving into the water. The monster’s hand follows Namor into the water and for as fast as Namor is the monster is faster. Namor is snagged in the monster’s hand.
Dorma tells Vashti that she can no longer take not knowing the fate of her beloved. She says that even though Byrrah has ordered a curfew that she must find Namor even if it means her death. Vashti says that his heart goes with her and that he will help Namor in his own fashion.
Dorma heads to Byrrah’s lab. Byrrah is so confident that he hasn’t even locked the door. Dorma spots a strange projector overlooking all of Atlantis. She wonders what the purpose of the projector is. Suddenly, Dorma is discovered by two guards. One notices that it is Dorma, but the other said that it doesn’t matter and that Byrrah has ordered death for anyone that breaks the curfew. Dorma tries to blind the guards with the projector ray, but the projector works in an unexpected way. The guards drop their weapons and start to beg Dorma’s forgiveness. Dorma realizes that the projector emits a hypnotic ray. She says that is how Byrrah won over the people. She says that now that she has reversed the effect that the hypnotic effect is broken.
All over Atlantis, people are awakening from their hypnosis. The wonder how they could make such a horrible mistake and some comment on how it is like they are being awakened from a dream. They say that Byrrah must be overthrown and Namor restored. The people go off to storm the castle.
Inside the throne room, Attuma and Krang sit by Byrrah’s side. Byrrah orders the generals of Atlantis to put their armies under the command of Krang and Attuma. Attuma says that they will rule Atlantis with an iron grip. The generals are saying how they will obey when a beam comes through the window. The generals awaken and say that only Namor may command the armies of Atlantis. They ask who dares to sit upon his throne. Attuma jumps up and punches Byrrah. Krang calls Byrrah a weakling and says that he has failed them. Attuma says that he promised to share an empire with them, but that he can’t even control his own generals. Byrrah says that his plan was perfect and that someone must have betrayed him. Byrrah says that they can’t desert him now and that when the people learn how he deceived them that he will be lost. Attuma and Krang say that though Namor is their sworn enemy that Byrrah isn’t fit to speak his name.
Namor escapes
the monster’s grip and says that another few seconds would
have killed him. Namor notices that the hand that held him has
undergone a chemical reaction. Namor says that he knows what he
has to do now. Namor says that he must taunt the monster and make
him mad with rage. Namor coats his fists in mud to protect him
from touching the monster. Namor punches the monster and when the
monster dives at him, Namor dives into the sea. The monster hits
the water and immediately the water begins to steam. The monster
is transformed into a giant mass of inanimate lava. Namor says
that his realm is threatened like never before, but that because
his people have forsaken him and that their fates are on their
heads.
Attuma says that Atlantis must be destroyed before Namor’s armies can be raised. He says that fearing Byrrah’s plan wouldn’t work he left his supreme weapon outside the gates. Krang says that if Atlantis cannot be won by treachery that it will be destroyed by force. He says that if it can’t be theirs that it will cease to exist. Attuma sets the controls and as the weapon gathers momentum he says that they must flee to safety. Krang says that Namor has been destroyed and that now Atlantis will be too. Namor sees the maelstrom that is destroying Atlantis and says that only Attuma could have created. Namor flies to the core of the machine and smashes it apart. The vortex continues to grow more out of control, but Namor uses his strength to brace the city against it until it fades. Attuma says that they have failed again and that Namor has returned to fight for those that have forsaken him. Attuma says that they have to escape before he turns on them. Krang says that they will strike again later, but that they will never be handicapped by Byrrah’s futile plans again.
Namor says that it is a good thing that he returned when he did. He says that only the outer periphery has been destroyed. Vashti and Dorma call to Namor. Vashti says that their prayers have been answered. Dorma says that she has saved Atlantis again. Namor says that his subjects have still rejected him. Dorma says that it was a hypno ray that allowed Byrrah to steal the people’s will. Vashti says that Dorma risked her life to ruin Byrrah’s plan. Dorma says that she would do it a thousand times for Namor. Namor says that his faith is restored since he was not betrayed. He asks them why they weren’t affected. Dorma says that no gleaming ray can overcome the power of love. Namor hugs them. Vashti says that he is holding them in a very unregal manner. Namor says that there is a time for pomp and a time for kingly pride, but with his heart overflowing he is abandoning royal protocol and just thanking Neptune for them. Dorma asks about Byrrah. Namor says that he will wander homeless and friendless, despised by all.
Byrrah walks alone and says that no punishment could be more severe. He says that it was in envy that he struck and in weakness he failed. He says that as always Namor wins.
Prince of the Realm rating: 5.5 out of 10
Quite a come down from last issue. I’m a little confused by this issue. On the first panel Byrrah says to vote for him and within the same scene we learn that he is already ruler. The other thing that I’m not really getting is why they ruler of Atlantis would want to be partners with Attuma and Krang. What is Byrrah getting out of the deal? He’s already the big shot! Everett’s stuff looks much better with Adkins’ inks. Art gets a 3.5 out of 5.
Title: “Whosoever Harms the Hulk..!”
Writer: Stan Lee
Penciller: Gil Kane
Inker: Gil Kane
Ross watches as
Abomination leaps away with his daughter. Ross says to look at
the Hulk. He says that for all the Hulk’s strength it meant
nothing against the Abomination. Talbot says that the Hulk did
try and that they have to give him that. Ross says that if only
he was alive that maybe he could lead them to Betty. Suddenly it
occurs to Talbot and he asks how they know that the Hulk is dead.
Ross asks why they are wasting time. He calls out for some
soldiers and tells them to take the Hulk to Banner’s lab.
Talbot says that he will go get a medic and will have him waiting
at the lab when they arrive. One soldier that is carrying the
Hulk says that his body is still warm and that maybe he is still
alive. Ross says that Abomination is gone with Betty and that the
Hulk just have to be alive.
In Banner’s lab, the doctor says that the Hulk does still have a pulse, but that it is weak and getting weaker. He says that it is a miracle that he lives at all and that he took enough punishment to kill a hundred men. The doctor says that the Hulk’s body is so different that it doesn’t respond to normal treatment. He says that he thinks that it is hopeless.
Out in the corridor, Rick Jones is running past the soldiers. He keeps getting by them. One of them asks why they can’t catch a single kid. Another says that Rick is as slippery as an eel. One soldier is blocking the door. Rick shouts out for General Ross to let him see the Hulk. Ross tells the soldiers to let Rick in. He says that maybe Jones knows something they don’t and that they can’t take any chances. Rick tells Ross to use the gamma electrodes and that if anything will revive the Hulk that they will. Talbot requests permission from Ross to go into the hills with a platoon. Ross says that it would take Talbot days, but that the Hulk could do it in minutes. The doctor activates the gamma electrodes at full strength. The Hulk twitches. Ross wonders if that means the Hulk is reviving or if it was his final reaction before death. Rick says that they are working and tells them not to stop. Suddenly Hulk raises his arm and shouts that he lives. Hulk sits up and says that there are soldiers all around him. The soldiers all draw their guns, but Ross orders them to stay back. Ross says that Hulk has to listen to him and that they need him to do something. Hulk says that no one tells him what to do and that no one can capture him. Ross says that they aren’t trying to capture him. Hulk says that Ross is lying and trying to trick him. Hulk says that soldiers always carry guns. Hulk pushes the soldiers over and plows through the wall. Ross orders that atomic mortars be readied, but Rick says that the Hulk doesn’t know what he is doing. Rick tells Ross to let him talk to Hulk. Rick sees that Hulk is getting ready to leap. He runs over to Hulk and says that he can’t go running off now. Hulk tells him to get back. Rick continues and says that they need Hulk’s help. Hulk says that he told him to get back and pushes Rick to the ground. Rick says that it doesn’t matter what he does to him. Rick says that he will never forget the way he saved his life from the gamma bomb that turned him into the Hulk. Rick says that this is finally Hulk’s chance to show everyone that he isn’t a menace. He says that Hulk can become a hero and no longer be hunted. Hulk says that Rick is talking too much and that only Banner likes talking. Rick says that if only Hulk would remember that he is Banner. Rick grabs hold of Hulk’s leg. He says that he has never done or been much. He says that he knows that he has no right to ask any favors, but that it isn’t for him. Rick says that it is for the General’s daughter. He says that Hulk could prove himself. He tells Hulk that he is his friend and that he can trust him. Rick says that if only Hulk will do what the General wants. Hulk says no and adds that he has no friends and that the General is his enemy. Rick drags along as the Hulk keeps walking. Rick says that he has to keep trying. He says that even if the Hulk doesn’t care about his life to think of Betty. Rick says that he can save Betty’s life. Suddenly Hulk remembers Betty and recalls that she was taken prisoner by the Abomination. Suddenly Hulk’s rage passes as Rick is hanging on to Bruce Banner’s leg. Bruce tells him to get up. Rick tanks Bruce for listening to him.
Rick quickly tells Bruce about how the Abomination came to be and how he is even stronger than the Hulk. Ross says to tell Banner the most important part about how Abomination made off with Betty. Bruce freaks. Ross says that only the Hulk can match the Abomination’s leaps. He says that Banner can’t do them any good and that it is the Hulk they need. Bruce tells Ross to calm down. He says that Betty means as much to him as she does to him. Bruce says that if Betty can be saved that they will do it. Bruce asks what direction Abomination went. Ross says that he went northeast. He asks why Bruce is stalling and tells him to change into the Hulk. Bruce reminds Ross that Abomination is stronger than the Hulk. Bruce says that they can’t take chances with Betty captive. Ross says that Bruce won’t help, but Bruce says that he didn’t say that. Bruce says that they need a plan and that he thinks he has one. Bruce says that instead of the Hulk going after the Abomination that they will have the Abomination come to them. Bruce asks if they remember the Infinite Weapon he was working on. Bruce says that it is designed to repel gamma attacks. Bruce says that he can modify it in minutes to send out infra-gamma beams. Bruce says that the Abomination won’t be able to resist them. Rick asks that if Abomination is stronger than Hulk how he plans to fight him. Bruce says that he will explain when they reach the lab.
In the lab, Ross orders Infinite Weapon Ray activated. Bruce says that all personnel must answer to him and that they don’t have time to re-transmit orders. Ross announces to everyone that Banner is in charge until further notice. Banner starts barking out orders. Rick asks what Bruce is going to do when Abomination arrives. Bruce says that Rick will see when the time comes. One of the men on the video scanner reports that the Abomination is headed right towards them. The other soldiers are dumbfounded watching the Abomination’s muscles rippling and his speed and power. Banner says that when Abomination gets closer that he wants all of them to clear out.
Seconds later, Abomination lands outside
the area. Abomination says that something was drawing him there.
He says that it is tormenting him and that he can’t resist
it. He says that it is coming from the lab and that the closer he
gets to it the stronger the pull gets. Abomination smashes
through the wall and spots Banner. Abomination puts Betty down
and says that she will keep until he finishes Banner off.
Suddenly Banner activates a machine and Abomination reels. 
Bruce says that
each second in front of the ray will sap his strength.
Abomination says that he can’t do this. Bruce says that it
will only take a few more minutes. Banner starts to get too
excited. His blood pressure rises and he begins to change into
the Hulk. Hulk smashes the machine Banner was using on
Abomination. Abomination says that Hulk is a fool and has set him
free. Hulk says that it will only be until he reaches him. Hulk
punches Abomination three times and sends him flying through the
wall.
Stranger watches the fight from a thousand galaxies away. Stranger says that even though their strength is now equal that the Hulk is by far the more savage. He says that he can now see that the Hulk will never serve another master. He wonders if he was mistaken about mankind. He says that if a brute can be that valorous that there might be hope for the rest of mankind. Stranger says that the Abomination, however, is evil. He says that with his Hulk like power should make him the hireling he seeks. Stranger says that Abomination won’t be missed on the Earth. Hulk watches as Abomination rises into the air. Strange bids humanity a farewell and says that he leaves them to their own destiny. He also removes any control that he might be holding over the Hulk.
Ross comes up to Hulk and says that he saved his daughter and defeated the worst menace, but he says that as long as he remains the Hulk he doesn’t know what to do with him. Hulk tells them to stay back and that he doesn’t want people around him. Hulk says that where he walks, he walks alone.
No Excuses rating: 9 out of 10
I love this issue. I’m a little confused as to why Ross suddenly lost all confidence in his forces to deal with big green monsters, but other than that the issue has it all. For once Bruce Banner gets to help save the day. Bruce shows why he is one of the smartest men in the Marvel universe. One can only wonder how many times Hulk has beaten the Abomination because Banner found a way to sap Abomination’s strength. Kane’s artwork is once again incredible. The shot of the soldiers carrying Hulk off to the lab conveys such power.