Duke O’Dawd

After a honorable discharge from the military, Duke O’Dawd and his friend Kerry Flynn are enroute to Manila where Duke intends to catch a ship back to the United States. Are they pass through the Himalayas they get caught in a terrible storm. Trying to maintain control in a tornado while also avoiding bolts of lightning the pair are forced to crash land outside of a bizarre looking city. Tragically, Kerry is killed in the crash. As Duke assesses the situation he is approached by two citizens from the city who carry him inside. Duke is confused why he is being treated like a big celebrity, but the two men assure him that their leader, Leng-Lu will explain everything. He is taken to Leng-Lu who is a man on his deathbed. Apparently, the people of this city are under the oppression of Frango. Leng-Lu believes that Duke is the “great deliverer” a being foretold to free the people of Bayakura from oppression with great power. Duke vows to live up to this expectation just moments before Leng-Lu dies.

Instructed to go to a nearby laboratory, Duke O’Dawd runs into some of Frango’s men but easily overpowers them. At the lab, Duke meets a scientist named Wah Le who gives Duke the “Wonder Belt” a device that contains a Ato-Motor which allows the wearer to control the emanations that come from exploding atoms. This will grant the wearer the ability to fly, give superhuman strength, and project a contra-magnetic field around the wearer that can destroy any metal weapon used against them. With the Wonder Belt, Duke — disguised as a regular citizen — is able to use the power to quickly dispose of Frango and his minions before they can loot the royal treasury. With Frango disposed, Wah Le assumes the throne of Bayakura and wishes Duke the best of luck on his travels back to America.

Recurring Characters

Duke O’Dawd, Kerry Flynn, Wah Le

Continuity Notes

• Part of this story is retold when the Human Meteor’s origins are recounted in Invaders (Vol. 2) #3