Tales to Astonish #87

Jan 17

Jan 17 Tales to Astonish #87

Moment of Truth!

With Lady Dorma and Warlord Krang hostages of the US Army and their ability to breathe on land wearing off, Namor rushes off to save them unaware that he is walking into a trap. Finding himself caught in the trap, the Sub-Mariner manages to dodge most of the shots and ends up getting struck in the arm by a mortar shell, injuring him.

The Sub-Mariner manages to grab the next holding Dorma and Krang and bring it out to the ocean, revitalizing both his lover and his hated foe. Krang attempts to capitalize on the fact that Namor is injured and attacks the prince of Atlantis. As Krang gains the upper hand in battle Dorma flees the scene making Namor believe that she is only looking out for herself. He is wrong in his assessment as she returns to Atlantis and reports to Lord Vashti what has happened. Vashti then activates a teleportation device that transports both Namor and Krang back to Atlantis. There Krang is subdued by the guards.

Namor is put through the Medi-Ray and healed to full health. Returning to his throne he has the captured Warlord Krang brought to him. Instead of out right executing him, the Sub-Mariner decides the best way to deal with Krang is to show the people of Atlantis that Krang is unfit to rule by battling him one-on-one in the arena. When Krang complains that Namor's strength is superior to all Atlanteans, Namor agrees to let Krang choose whatever weapons and armor that he can carry into the arena. Krang prepares by putting on a suit of magnesium armor, an indestructible helmet and shock gauntlets believing that these weapons will allow him to best Namor in battle.

In the battle, Krang at first has the upper hand with his shock inducing weapons, however Namor's superior strength prevails as he picks up his opponent and throws him against a pole, snapping the pole and knocking him out temporarily. Named the victor of the battle, the Sub-Mariner punished Krang for failing to remain in exile orders him to be taken to the most isolated deeps of the sea to live out his exile due to the fact that Krang's meddling made Atlantis the enemy of mankind once more and almost started a war between the surface and Atlantis.

After Krang is disposed of, Namor summons Lady Dorma and explains that he had learned the truth about her siding with Krang and tells her that all is forgiven as she had sided with Namor's enemy to insure his safety and that she is once more welcome at his side as his chosen mate. They then address the people of Atlantis once more where they are cheered on by it's people.

Recurring Characters

Sub-Mariner, Lady Dorma, Vashti, Krang

The Humanoid and the Hero!

As the Hulk continues to battle the Hulk-Killer, it is learned through interrogation that the Hulk had nothing to do with the missile redirection and that, if anything, he was a hero for saving the city. When news about the Hulk's battle reaches Boomerang, he leaves his hideout to wait and see if the Hulk will win the battle or not.

As the Hulk's battle against the humanoid rages on, Rick Jones tries to get involved and is struck down. The Hulk transforms back into Bruce Banner. Banner comes up with a way to stop the Hulk-Killer by transforming into the Hulk and attacking the humanoid with a giant electrical transformer. This short circuits the Hulk-Killer, but also knocks the Hulk out. General Ross orders medical help for the Hulk as Boomerang watches on, pleased that the Hulk has survived so that he can get his revenge.