Tales to Astonish #94

Title: “Helpless, at the Hands of Dragorr!”

Writer: Roy Thomas

Penciller: Bill Everett

Inker: Bill Everett

Editor:  Stan Lee

Namor sits on his throne talking to his warlords. He asks if Atlantis will suffer more indignities at the hands of the puny surface men, or if they will take arms that the realm may be safe once more. The warlords all stand behind Namor. Namor says that it is up to him then and that he says that it will be war. Namor says that first there are many preparations to make and that when the time comes that Atlantis will prevail or perish. One warlord says that war with the humans is a clash that their fathers dreamt of. Dorma tells them to beware lest their dream become nightmares. The warlords turn and demand to know who questions the word of the one true Sub-Mariner. Namor asks Dorma why she questions his decree. He asks what the air-breathers are to her. Dorma says that they are nothing to her, but that Atlantis is all. She says that if he persists in this madness that their city is doomed. Namor tells Dorma that she forgets herself to be speaking of her monarch’s decree as madness. He asks if she believes that he would lead them into battle before he is certain of victory. He says that those thoughts from another would reek of treason. Dorma offers her apologies and asks if she can take her leave. Namor tells her that she may go until she has faith again in her sovereign.

Dorma goes to Vashti and asks him why Namor seeks the advice of warlords instead of that of the Council of Elders. Vashti says that he believes it is because Atlantis turned against him so recently. He says that Namor desires to show Atlantis that his loyalty belongs only to Atlantis.

The warlords tell Namor that they will make the preparations he instructed. Namor says that he must depart and that there are matters to be weighed and that the hour grows late. Namor heads to the spots where he comes when he needs to gather his thoughts. He says that if ever he needed the wisdom of Father Neptune that now would be that time. He says that his fighter’s instincts tell him that the surface dwellers must be humbled, but wonders how it could come to be.

A rocket crashes through the window of the Council Chamber and before Dorma. Dorma finds the missile empty except for an invitation to Namor. She says that her heart is telling her to destroy it, but that it is her duty to deliver it to Namor. She asks Neptune to have mercy on them all.

Later when Namor has returned to the throne room, Namor reads the invitation and says that these are the words of a monarch gone mad. He says that Dragorr, who recently became dictator of a small surface nation, asks him to join with him in an alliance. He says that together that they could conquer the planet. Namor asks if this fool thinks he would really ally himself with a mere human. Dorma asks if he wisely renounces the evil offer. Namor asks if there is any doubt, but adds that just refusing isn’t enough. Namor says that Dragorr must be taught not to insult a Prince of the Blood, and that he is the one that will teach him. Dorma says that he can’t go and that it could be a trap. Namor says that again she thinks that she can tell him where he can go and can’t go. Namor tells her to be gone. He says that his patience is at an end. He says that he will go where he will and that he will do what he must. Dorma says very well, but that she prays he sees his folly before it is too late.

Namor swims away. He thinks that it saddened him to speak that way to Dorma, but she must learn that his word is law. He says that whatever fate awaits him that he will face it alone and undismayed.

As Namor nears his destination, Gnome sees him approaching. He says that he isn’t surprised that Namor took the bait since he is the one that masterminded this most brilliant of schemes. Gnome says that he has sworn to bring Namor to Dragorr and that he will. He asks his lumbering comrade what he thinks of that.

Namor swims and sees a darkened shape in his path. Even Namor’s speed is not enough and he swim right into it. The shape is an electrical net and Namor is zapped. A swirling vortex touches down and pulls Namor up to the surface. Namor is drawn up into a large glassy capsule. He realizes that he has come to Dragorr’s land as a captive and not an avenging son. He thinks to himself that he will bide his time. The soldiers are told to handle the capsule carefully. Namor thinks that they are fools to believe that this prison is strong enough to hold him. He thinks that he is only biding his time until he is taken to the castle of Dragorr… his true goal.

Inside the palace, Namor starts to try and smash his way out. The troops see this and the one in charge tells the others to go ahead and use the electro-blaster to free Namor. Namor thinks that they seek to free him for their own purposes, and that it must not be. He says that he must act now while the element of surprise is still his. Namor busts out of the capsule. He goes to destroy the weapon, but he can’t get to it in time and is shot with it.

Gnome laughs at Namor’s plight and says that he has one more task to fulfill. Gnome calls in to the guards and tells them that he conveys Dragorr’s orders to take Namor to Dragorr’s chambers.

The guards quickly do as they are told because Dragorr’s word is supreme… even if given through the despicable Gnome. The electro blasts allow the troops to lead Namor where they want him to go. Namor thinks that the time is soon near when Dragorr will pay for this effrontery.

Namor stands before Dragorr. Dragorr says that Namor has an awesome reputation, but that his soldiers’ blasters brought him down to size. Namor asks the purpose of this cowardly trap is. He says that he came of his own volition. Dragorr says that he will do the talking. Dragorr says that it amuses him to see the haughty Sub-Mariner immobilized by his guards. He says that he sent that message to Namor just to get him there and that it did. Dragorr says that there are rebels in his recently acquired domain and that Namor is going to defeat them for him.

Outside, the rebels are preparing to fire the cannon that they captured in the hopes that it will destroy Dragorr’s stronghold. One of the men says that they are still out of range. He asks what if the cannon misses. He is told that means the end of democracy in their country. The cannon fires and hits Dragorr’s stronghold.

Dragorr says that the fighting has begun, but that the rebel’s attack will be futile against Namor. Namor tells Dragorr to do his worst, and that he will never do his bidding. Dragorr asks why he should do his worst when he can do his best. Dragorr pushes a button and Namor’s brain is on fire. Namor says that he didn’t realize that as he stood there that the electro-blasts were draining his will power. Namor finds himself flying toward the rebels. Namor thinks to himself that with all the weapons at Dragorr’s hands that it is strange that he choose him to attack the rebels. He says that there must be more to his actions that it appears. Namor says that he doesn’t care about smashing rebels anyway. He says that they are surface men just like their tyrant is. He says that all air breathers are enemies of Atlantis.

Namor is astounded that though his will be weak that his strength is as great as ever. He lifts a tank over his head and says that Dragorr’s electro-blasts were works of genius. Namor catches a missile and notices that the rebels’ attacks lessens with each passing second. He wonders if they don’t have the weapons to continue. The rebels spot Namor and the rebels figure that their cause is lost since Namor commands all the legions of the sea. Namor realizes that he was brought there to break the rebels’ will, but that his power is fading since it has been too long since he has been in the life-giving sea. Namor says that he is too weak to fly and that he will fall victim to Dragorr’s enemies. Suddenly Namor feels an electro-blast from Dragorr’s castle and notices that it is filling him with energy. Namor is forced to return to Dragorr’s castle.

Dragorr asks Namor now that he has seen the power his science can give him if he wants to be allies. Namor says never and that Dragorr wants slaves, not allies. Dragorr tells Namor that he has spoken his own epitaph. Dragorr tells his guards to take the “fish-faced fool” away.

Back in Atlantis, Dorma hears from their radio monitors that Namor is helping Dragorr and smashing his foes. She puts on “proper apparel” and says that she is going to see for herself because it is not the way of the true prince to interfere in the petty quarrels of surface-men. The “proper apparel” is a traciometer which Dorma uses to track Namor’s genetic pattern. She says that where her prince goes that she will follow. Sometime later, Dorma swims up to a Caribbean Isle. The rebels aim their weapons at her figuring her to be under Namor’s command. Dorma tells them that they must take her to the one that is their leader. Dorma tells their leader that they have to believe her that Namor is under control. She says that if they help her rescue him that Namor might aid them in their fight. The rebel leader says that Dorma risked her life to be there and that she deserves a chance to prove herself. Dorma climbs through a secret tunnel. She thinks to herself that the potion she drank will only allow her to breathe air for an hour. She says that if she is out of the water after she will die.

Dorma emerges from the tunnel to see Namor in the electronic grip of a pillar. She calls out to Namor, but he is too weak to respond. Dorma thinks that she is glad that she brought a hydro-rifle. First Dorma blasts the pillar holding Namor captive and then she shoots Namor full of water. Namor says that once again that Dorma has ministered to her sovereign’s needs in his hour of need. Namor tells Dorma that he came there to humble the evil Dragorr and that must still be done before they depart. Dorma points out a brutish form in the throne room and says that can only be the one he seeks. Namor and Dorma stand before Dragorr. Namor asks Dragorr why he stands there without guards or weapons. He asks Dragorr if he thinks he can stand alone against him. Dragorr calls Namor a pompous fool and tells him to step forward and learn the folly of opposing Dragorr. Dorma says that Dragorr sounds so confident, and that she suspects some base trickery. Dragorr hits Namor before he can respond. Dragorr asks Namor where his boasts are now. Namor thinks to himself that Dragorr’s fists are like metal and that he is as strong as him. Namor thinks that though they are equal in strength that his speed is greater. He presses Dragorr over his head and tells Dorma to use her hydro-rifle on him now. Namor throws Dragorr and Dorma, though confused, does as she is told. Dragorr shouts, “Water! No… no!” Dragorr’s body jolts as if hit by an electrical shock. Dorma says that Dragorr can only be a robot. Namor says that he suspected as much. He hits Dragorr and knocks the Gnome out of his back. Gnome calls Namor a lumbering oaf and says that they could have been partners in conquest, but that now it is over. He says that his robot is ruined. He says that his army would obey Dragorr without question, but that they only loathe the despicable Gnome. He says that he will not languish in some dark dank dungeon. He says that they will never take him alive and leaps out the window.

Outside the rebels catch Gnome in a net. They recognize him as Dragorr’s advisor. Gnome calls them blundering fools and asks why they didn’t let him perish. He says that he can’t bear the scorn of those he has wronged. He says that it is better to die than to await their judgment.

Sometime later, the rebel leader tells Namor that he has liberated their nation. Namor tells the man that he doesn’t want his praise and that the affairs of humans are not the concern of the Sub-Mariner. The leader tells Namor that his harsh tones can’t make them forget the debt they owe him. He says that right now they are preparing for free elections. Namor says that words like liberty and freedom roll off the tongues of surface men so easily. He asks what they care of the safety of Atlantis. Dorma says, “My Lord… please.” The rebel leader tells Dorma not to mediate, and that he just wants Namor to know that their nation will never do anything to endanger Namor’s kingdom. Dorma says that they should leave and that the hour is late. Namor says that because she wishes it that they will depart in peace.

As they swim back to Atlantis, Namor is silent. Dorma thinks to herself that his silence fills her with foreboding. She thinks that if Atlantis attacks the surface world that she fears they will be doomed.

Prince of the Realm rating: 6 out of 10

This is kind of a lame story. One might think that Namor, when confronted by a war mongering ruler of a land, might rethink his headstrong notion of attacking the surface world… but he doesn’t. Nice to see Everett back though. I really enjoy his variation on Dorma here. Enough of the sitting at home fretting about Namor stuff. Go do some adventuring of your own! 4 out of 5 for the art.

Title: “…To the Beckoning Stars!”

Writer: Stan Lee

Penciller: Marie Severin

Inker: Herb Trimpe

Hulk is throwing a tantrum. As he smashes the side of a mountain he shouts that he is bigger and stronger than anybody, and that is why they fear and hate him. He says that there is no place on Earth for him to go where he won’t be hunted or hounded. As Hulk’s rampage stops, Hulk notices that the sun is coming up. He says that it is a new day for everyone but him. He says that for him it is another day of running, hiding, and hating. He says that all that are touched by the sun are his enemy. Hulk looks up and sees a star and says that if only he could reach them that there might be a place for him out there. Hulk hears a gun shot and wonders if they are after him so soon. He looks around the rocks and sees two hunters. One hunter says that this ought to satisfy him and that the caribou is only stunned. The other hunter says that he doesn’t like it. He asks why they should serve him, and that for all they know that he intends to destroy them all. The first hunter calls him a fool and says that he knows the power of the New Man. He asks if he thinks the New Man will ever let them desert him. The second hunter is saying that the name even sends shivers down his spine, but then the two hunters spot the Hulk. Hulk says that he heard them talking and asks who this New Man is and what his power is. The two hunters start running. The second hunter says that he told him they should have quit. He says that he would rather face the New Man than the Hulk. Hulk shouts for them to come back. He says that he wants to talk and learn about New Man. Hulk presses a large rock over his head and says that he could drop them with one throw, but Hulk slams the rock against the ground and wonders why he should bother. He says that someday men will come back and want to talk to him, but that it will be too late. Hulk says that they had their chance, and that now he makes the rules. Hulk draws a line on the ground and says that anyone that crosses that line answers to him.

The two hunters run back to their camp. The first hunter says that they have to send a message to tell him what they found. The men call out a mayday to the High Evolutionary. Their signal for help is directed off the planet and into the High Evolutionary’s ship. The second hunter complains that they don’t even know where his secret location is. The first hunter tells him to shut up and that he thinks he is getting something. High Evolutionary tells the men to speak fast and that every moment is precious. He says that whatever danger they may be facing that his is far more deadly. The hunter asks if it is more deadly than the Hulk. He says that the Hulk is there and that they can’t stay there any longer. High Evolutionary says that if it is the Hulk that they must stay there and to send Hulk to him no matter what the cost. High Evolutionary says that he only has one specimen left, as he motions to a bear, and adds that soon there will be no one to protect him from the New Men. The hunters say that it is impossible and asks how they are even supposed to subdue the Hulk. High Evolutionary tells them to use the special rifle pellets he sent. He says that once he has the Hulk that they will no longer have to serve him. The first hunter tosses the second hunter a rifle and tells him that he wanted to quit working for him and that his is his chance. He tells the second hunter to take the gun and that he is the better shot. The second hunter says that he won’t do it against the Hulk. The first hunter pulls a handgun on the second hunter and tells him to do it or he will finish him now. The second hunter asks what if he misses and says that no one stands a second chance against the Hulk. The first hunter tells him not to miss. He says that if the High Evolutionary says the pellets will stop the Hulk that it is good enough for him.

The hunters get back to where the Hulk is. The first hunter says that the second hunter is shaking. He says that he is the one with the gun and asks what he is afraid of. The second hunter says that the nobody, the police or the army, has been able to stop the Hulk. He says that he isn’t human, but a monster. Hulk kneels down to where the caribou is and sees that it is still alive. Hulk says that maybe he can help and carry the caribou to water.

High Evolutionary says that the New Men are out of control, running wild, and destroying everything in sight. He says that his final experiment has failed, and that he is all alone on an alien planet with no hope and nothing to fight with. He says that his only chance is if the Hulk reaches him in time. High EvolutionaryH says that if only he had never begun those accursed experiments. He says that he just had to prove that he could speed up an animal’s natural evolution. The experiments worked and he called his super beasts the New Men. He created a new knighthood in the land of Wundagore. He told all the New Men that there they would be undisturbed by humans. The New Men all hailed their master. High Evolutionary says that Thor then found them an even safer place on a planet where they could be free to follow their own destiny. He says that at first he thought they had found utopia, but then he failed to notice the New Men reverting to their bestial heritage. Like a floodtide, the savagery continued until, with their super strength, the New Men were threatening to destroy a world. High Evolutionary says that he has tried with new specimens to find a remedy for the madness, but that it is too late. He says that now he stands alone as the world he created topples around him.

The second hunter manages to hit Hulk with his stun pellets. Gas spreads all around Hulk. The second hunter says that he isn’t taking any chances and fires another pellet at Hulk. Hulk still stands. The second hunter says that they were the only two pellets. Hulk starts to reel as he lumbers toward the hunters. Hulk says that no one can stop him, but then he falls over unconscious.

High Evolutionary says to send Hulk to him at once, and that they need serve him no longer. The two hunters load Hulk into a rocket. The second hunter wants to go faster, but the first says that he is moving as fast as he can. Inside the rocket, the hunters decide that there is no sense in putting Hulk into one of the cages since there isn’t a cage built that will hold the Hulk. The rocket takes off and High Evolutionary tells his former charges that they are ordered to destroy all the equipment before they leave. The first hunter says that it will be a pleasure. The second hunter asks where the rocket is heading. The first hunter says that he doesn’t know, and that he doesn’t want to know.

Hulk starts to wake up though he is chained down to the table. Hulk says that he must have been asleep and that it is hard to remember anything that happened. Hulk hears heavy footsteps coming and knows that it can’t be any ordinary man’s footsteps. The form walks up to the cages to check the cargo while the ship flies on autopilot. He says that there isn’t many specimens this time and that the High Evolutionary will be displeased. The form shines its flashlight on Hulk and asks what sort of creature this is and why it isn’t it caged like the others. Hulk sits up and smashes out of the chains holding him down. Hulk says that no one chains him. The creature says that it doesn’t know what “Hulk” means, but that a Knight of Wundagore doesn’t retreat no matter how mighty his foe is. Hulk says to stay back, and that he doesn’t want to hurt him, but that he chained him and that no one makes him a prisoner. Hulk swats and knocks the creature down. Hulk looks at the creature and sees that while it is like an animal that it is also like a man. Hulk wonders how he got there and what he is doing there. Hulk turns and sees through the window that he is in space. Hulk says that he doesn’t know how it happened, but that he is finally leaving Earth. He says that he is going to some new world, and that it doesn’t matter if he lives or dies. He says that all that matters is that he is getting another chance.

No Excuses rating: 7.5 out of 10

Review and pictures by The Leader

RETURN TO HULK ISSUES

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