Evolution, Part One |
Muir Island Research Center, located off the coast of Cape Wrath in the North Sea
The great dragon Rathoon soared above the smoking ruins of Muir Island, his heart filling with dread. Since being reawakened in this time, he'd seen little sign of mankind's advancement... Instead, he only saw the same awful capacity for destruction that had marked them during his first encounters with them. It was sad, really... They were a noble species, but one that seemed destined for self-destruction.
He swooped lower, aware that the rest of the Pendragons group were due to arrive in moments. The group was flying in an experimental prototype loaned to them by the Weird Happenings Organization, who were eager to make amends for their role in the recent Jim Jaspers fiasco.
Landing softly just outside the main entrance, the dragon felt the slightest brush in his mind. It was the team's leader, Captain Britain, using her telepathic link to scout ahead. What do you see, Rathoon?
"This place is seriously whacked, Betsy," the dragon rumbled, sounding like a hip-hop Sean Connery. He picked up a bullet-ridden piece of debris. "Whoever hit this place was playing for keeps."
Any survivors?
Rathoon didn't have to be a telepath himself to sense her unease. Though she rarely talked about her days with the outlaw band of mutants known as the X-Men, Rathoon knew those memories were important to her. Apparently, Moira McTaggert and this island were a part of those days. "Not yet, but I'm about to move inside and--"
Rathoon?
The great dragon's ears perked up and he scanned his surroundings. The building itself was smoking, with the door half torn away. The grounds themselves were littered with spent shells, pieces of ripped clothing and the occasional spattering of blood... From all appearances, this was a dead place now. But he'd definitely heard something... "I think there's someone still here, Betsy."
Be careful! In fact, you might want to wait for us to get there. We're approaching fast.
The dragon smirked at her concern. He was an elder beast, after all. There was precious little in this or any other world that filled him with fear. He was just about to say so when a roar of animalistic rage filled the air. He whirled about just in time to see a naked, feral creature pounce upon him. The thing was all teeth and claws at first, but Rathoon saw maddened pain in its eyes. The monster drove her claws hard against his dragon scale and, though they did not break the skin, they sent pain lancing through the dragon and caused him to howl in surprise.
Rathoon grabbed the beast by the neck and tossed her away, drawing himself up to his full height as the snarling beast ragained her footing. "Take it down a notch, yo?" the dragon said, plumes of smoke beginning to slide forth from his nostrils. "I don't want to cook your arse, but I will...."
The were-creature was bleeding, Rathoon saw, from numerous gunshot wounds that had reduced her body to tatters. If she were still capable of understanding his words, he wasn't sure... especially not when the monster swayed unsteadily and collapsed.
The dragon scooped her up in his arms, careful for any sudden moves the thing should make. Up close, he could see that the furry face looked young and feminine.
We're within visual range now, Rathoon! We'll be landing any second.
Rathoon heard the engines and looked up to see the approaching vehicle. Betsy must have sensed the battle, he realized, and urged greater haste. The creature stirred in his grasp, drawing his attention away from the other Pendragons. A single word escaped her lips -- "Moira...."
London, the Applegate Club
Harrison Halpin could not deny that the meal was absolutely delicious. But anything less than that would have been a surprise, for the Applegate Club was London's elite eatery, catering only to the higher powers in Parliament and the A-list members of the entertainment industry. Dabbing at his lips with a napkin, Harrison stared across the table at the man before him. The man was known as a power-broker in political circles, a former advisor to the last three Prime Ministers -- including the demonic Clive Winthrop. But no one held that against him... demons were quite common in politics, though they were generally not of the infernal kind.
For his part, Thomas Kelsey was watching Harrison with the keen eye of a hawk. "I think it's safe to say that the Party would support you. Most of them are hungry for someone just like you -- youngish. Handsome. Bold new vision. All that rot." Kelsey smiled, displaying a row of crooked teeth. He could have afforded to have them fixed, of course, but he believed they gave him a 'man of the people' air.
Harrison smiled softly. He had a vaguely Hugh Grant look to him, with slightly tousled hair and eyes that always seemed to be overly self-aware. He distrusted Kelsey to the core... but he also knew the opportunity that was being offered him. "If," he began, "I do accept this... I want it known that I'm not going to bow down before any special interest groups." He nodded at an Elfin girl who filled his wine glass. She fluttered her eyelashes at him and moved away, but he saw that she'd left behind a folded up piece of paper, stuff under his glass. Her number was written on it, he knew... along with directions to her flat. He had that way with women. "And that includes the current media darlings known as the Pendragons."
Kelsey nodded sagely, dismissing much of what Harrison said. It was all politico-speak. But the remark about the Pendragons did catch his attention. "They're very popular, y'know. I wouldn't go mucking about with them if you don't have to. In fact, riding their coattails might be a good idea."
"Absolutely not." Harrison leaned forward, his brown eyes twinkling. "Everyone seems so bloody willing to forgive and forget with them. You remember when Blackheart held London in his grasp? When we turned our weary eyes to the skies in the hope that the Pendragons would come forth and save us? They failed. They got their chance at glory and failed. Thousands of people died that night -- including my wife. She had her soul sucked right out of her and used in some damned occult sacrifice. Why should we be funding these people?"
Kelsey chewed his lip. "Even so... I wouldn't make a public go at them."
"I'm not afraid of them," Harrison replied. He caught the eye of a minor pop star at another table and winked. She blushed wonderfully. "Everyone's changed since the Barrier went up. Some people folded up on themselves, turning to New Age religions -- or Old World ones. But some of us found steel in our hearts." He smiled, as if catching himself. "Sorry. I tend to ramble a bit. I just want what's best for everyone."
"I know you do. That's your best selling point." Kelsey held out a hand. "Just say the word, m'lord... and I'll make you the next Prime Minister. Guaranteed."
Harrison hesitated only briefly before shaking the offered hand. "Let's do it."
Muir Island Research Center
"There's no sign of anyone else on the Island," Breeze replied. A small gust of wind accompanied her arrival and everyone in the room blinked in surprise for she'd stepped out only seconds before.
"You're faster than I remember," Shamrock said. The green-clad heroine was standing next to Adam Crown, who remained sullen and distant.
Breeze smiled at the compliment. "I think Jaspers must have had a high impression of me. At this rate, I'm practically as fast as Spitfire."
"We might need your speed, if what I suspect is true." Bruce Banner stood before a computer console, with Dark Angel beside him. "The main computer was badly damaged, but I've managed to get it running enough to open some of the files... This was brilliant work."
Shevaun leaned forward, studying the screen. "He's right. Looks like Moira's been doing research on something called the Barrier Gene. I think she's found a genetic clue as to why some people were altered by the Black Mass Barrier and some weren't."
"There's a gene for that?" Shamrock asked, stepping forward.
"Possibly," Bruce confirmed. He wore jeans, a t-shirt and a warm jacket. His slender frame gave no indication that the mighty behemoth known as the Hulk lurked within. "I'm going to download as much as I can and study this back at Lyonesse. I think it's safe to say that this was the information Moira's attackers were after, too."
"How can you be sure?"
"The computer says that the files were accessed less than an hour ago -- after she'd already placed her call for help to us."
Adam glanced around the room, allowing the others to carry their own conversations. He still felt out of place amongst them, though no one had outwardly blamed him for his actions alongside Jaspers. He'd been a fool, though. He'd betrayed the team and lost Ginny... She was nowhere to be found. And I actually fancied myself a new Arthur, he mused. I should be dead, not Joey Chapman.
Adam's dark thoughts were interrupted by a flash of movement on one of the flickering monitors above his head. He stared at, but saw only the dark sub-basement level. With minimal power to non-essential areas, the sub-basement was cloaked in flickering light, but Adam could see ankle-deep water lining the floor. He was just about to pass it all off as a figment of his imagination when he saw it again -- a large, dark shape moving through the water. What it was he couldn't quite tell... but it looked dangerous, nonetheless. "I thought you said we were alone here."
"I did," Breeze replied, glancing his way. "I searched the whole base, top to bottom."
Dark Angel nodded, as well. "Betsy and I psi-scanned the island, too. If there's anyone here we don't know about, they're unconscious or dead."
"I just saw someone on this monitor." Adam stepped towards the door, his hand drifting towards the hilt of his sword. He'd been quick to violence lately, finding that it gave him a powerful outlet for his anger. "I'm going to check it out."
"Can I come?"
Adam paused in the doorway and glanced at Bruce, who was pushing his glasses up the bridge of his nose. The two men held each other's gaze for a moment and Shevaun felt Adam's reluctance. In the end, though, Crown merely nodded and said "If you have to."
Bruce nodded once at Shamrock and followed after his new teammate.
Shevaun caught the brief exchange and nudged the other woman. "What was that about?"
"What was what about?" Molly asked innocently.
"That look between the two of you."
"Oh, stop."
Shevaun laughed, but said nothing. It had been a long time since Molly had found a suitor... Have your fun, girl. But be careful with Bruce. Stronger women than you have had their hearts broken by that one.
Captain Britain stared down into the face of an old friend and she marveled at the lines of pain she saw reflected there. It had been far too long since they'd seen each other, but Betsy still remembered Rahne as an innocent, sweet girl... She's all grown up now. Time flies.
A fluttering of the girl's eyelids made Betsy gasp. She's waking up! Betsy quickly removed her helmet and set it aside. "Rahne... It's me. Betsy."
Rahne Sinclair opened her eyes, feeling a sudden surge of fear as memories began to crash in on her. The horrible attack... and then that dragon--! But the woman before her had such open, warm eyes... and she seemed familiar, as well. "Betsy? Is that really you?"
"Yes." Betsy blinked back her surprise as the younger girl threw herself off the table and into her arms. Sobs of grief and pain wracked Rahne's young body and Betsy smoothed down the girl's hair and held her tight. "There, there. Just tell me what happened."
Rahne Sinclair pulled back after a moment, looking embarrassed. The vulnerability that Betsy remembered was still there, though it was tempered by painful maturity. A mutant and former student of Charles Xavier, Rahne had served alongside both the New Mutants and X-Factor as Wolfsbane... but as of late, she'd come to call Muir Island home. "It was so terrible, Betsy! I heard the gunfire and rushed to Moira's side, but there was nothing we could do. They were like beasts, armored and carrying huge rifles...."
"Who were they? Do you know?" Rahne looked away, her eyes tearing up again. Betsy held her again and whispered "Rahne... Maybe it would be easier if I just peeked in your head. Would that be okay?"
The younger girl nodded eagerly, as if relieved that she wouldn't have to narrate the story aloud.
Seeing she had her friend's acceptance, Betsy reached out with her mind. When contact was made, she saw the turmoil and despair that now afflicted Wolfsbane. The attackers had been beasts in more than just name... they were hideous mockeries of men, some furred like a bear, others bearing wings of shimmering gossamer. But they were pained things, too, grunting and cursing as if every step, every move, was agony. They had stuck hard and fast, coming by both sea and air. Helicopters and small gunships had brought them forth, smashing through the Island's defenses until they had found Moira. Rahne had fought back with great ferocity but it had done no good. In the end, Rahne had been beaten down... and when she'd recovered, Moira was gone.
Captain Britain sat back, digesting what she'd seen. "We'll find her. Don't worry."
"I wasn't powerful enough to stop them. I tried but..." Rahne's voice dropped an octave and took on a note of danger that Betsy had never associated with it before. "If I find them, I'm going to rip them in half. I swear it."
Notting Hill
Harrison Halpin stepped into his trendy home and immediately began tugging at the tie he wore. The evening had been well spent, indeed. After brokering his deal with Kelsey, he'd taken the waitress up on her offer and shagged her so hard that he'd thought his head was going to burst. None of these things did anything to soften the sorrow he carried with him, but he'd practiced hard at ignoring his pain. It was easier that way.
He avoided turning on the telly. The news would be full of his name soon enough. Instead, he poured himself a glass of Scotch and drank it down quickly, savoring the warm feeling that floated through him. Great Britain was poised on a precipice and who knew what lurked on the other side? Was it a return to prominence, such as not seen since the turn of the 20th Century? Or was it danger and anarchy? Halpin wished he knew for certain.
"Harry? Is that you?"
Halpin turned and saw his niece Ginny standing in the doorway to the living room. She was dressed for bed, wearing only a long sleep shirt with Manchester United across the front. "Yes. Sorry I woke you."
"It's okay... I couldn't sleep anyway." The girl stepped into the room, brushing a lock of brown hair behind an ear. "I keep thinking about Adam."
Harrison frowned. "That bastard treated you like shite. You can do so much better."
"I just... I don't even remember what it was we fought about!" She sagged into the couch and looked like she was going to cry. Again. "All I know is I love him. Maybe I should--"
"No!"
Ginny looked up in surprise at the vehemence in her uncle's voice.
Harrison set his glass down and moved to sit next to her, slipping an arm about her shoulder. "I know you think that Albion was some kind of holy hero... But you know the truth now. You told me yourself. Albion hasn't returned to us at all -- it's just Kate McCllellan's boy in the armor now. And even he's gone over to the Bane. The Pendragons are all about lies and deception. They dress in fancy clothes and give themselves media-friendly names to win our trust... but you and I know better. You aunt died because of them and that Adam Crown used you like a cheap tart. Bugger them all, I say!"
Ginny turned away, smiling slightly. "You do make me feel better. How did your dinner go?"
"Excellently. In fact... you're talking to the next Prime Minister of England."
"You're joking! Really?"
Harrison nodded and hugged her tighter. "Brighter days for the both of us, girl. I promise you that."
And I promise that the Pendragons are going to get theirs. Oh, yes.
Muir Island
"So what madness compelled you to join this group?" Adam Crown asked, peering into the dark sub-basement. He held a flashlight in one hand, shining it into the shadows.
Banner moved behind him, staring about himself. The basement had been a storehouse of sorts, apparently, with computer equipment now sitting in the increasingly high waters. "When Molly touched me... I felt empowered. It was incredible. Like nothing I'd ever experienced."
"I felt the same way when I first began a Pendragon. The good feelings fade, I'm sorry to say." Adam paused, holding up a hand for Banner's silence. A hole in the far wall was letting in large amounts of seawater and the shadowy shape could be seen, huddled behind a box of some kind. "Anyone there? We're here to help."
A low moan of pain answered him and a voice that sounded blubbery and wet replied "Help? There can be no help for something like me."
Adam felt movement behind him and he glanced back to see that Banner was gone. In his place was a hulking green giant.
Turning back to the stranger, Adam said "Come out where we can see you."
The figure rose, moving into the flashlight's beam. He wore overalls and had a gun of some kind strapped around his chest, but his physical form was what caught the Pendragons' full attention. His skin was rubbery white and his face was oddly shaped, with a small fin protruding form his back. "They left without me. I blacked out from the pain and they left me."
Adam gasped under his breath "He looks like a dolphin...."
The figure snarled, revealed small, sharp teeth. "Not a dolphin! A whale! I'm Beluga, the New Man!"
Adam barely had time to draw his sword before the figure was rushing towards him, his bulk tensing for a fight. His first blow sent Adam flying towards the wall. He would have smashed against it had the Hulk not caught him by his collar. The green-skinned behemoth smiled coldly. "Now why would you do that? Because he's ignorant about sea life?"
Beluga panted, his fists clenched. Pain shone from his bright eyes. "Every breath... I hurt. Every move... is so awful. You have no idea!"
The Hulk gently set Adam down and stared into the beastman's eyes. "We can help you. We have mages and scientists who can--"
"No more tests! No more pain! Never again!" Hysteria tinged Beluga's every word and he lashed out again, backhanding the Hulk's jaw. The blow was powerful to stagger the Pendragon but nothing more.
"Don't do this, Beluga. I want to help you."
Beluga's response was to drive a powerful fist into the Hulk's midsection. This time, the jade giant found himself knocked backwards into the water. The strength of the whale-man was incredible, but it still paled before the Hulk's brawn. Banner rolled out of the way of a follow-up blow and drove a hard elbow into the back of Beluga's head. While his opponent was reeling, the Hulk caught him up in a bear hug. "It's over. Stop fighting."
Beluga roared in agony, his entire body spasming. He jerked wildly, straining the Hulk's ability to hold him tight. Then, as quickly as the spasms began, they faded, leaving him limp in the Hulk's grasp.
"I think he's dead," Adam Crown said, rising from the ground. He was rubbing his bruised chin, looking a bit unsteady.
Hulk turned Beluga around and felt his heart drop. The whale-man was indeed dead, that much was obvious. "Poor bastard."
"Was it ever human?"
"Maybe, but I doubt it." The Hulk glanced up the stairs to see Dark Angel descending. "Shevaun, we've got major trouble. I've seen beast men like this before, though they weren't in pain like this."
Shevaun stared at the creature in disbelief. "Where?"
"A man named the High Evolutionary. He has a habit of transforming animals into human-like beings. Calls them New Men. If he is involved in this, this could be very bad... especially if his work habits have slipped this badly."
"What you're saying matches what the wolf girl told Betsy. She says the Island was attacked by animal-men, but that many of them seemed in near agony." Shevaun reached out and used a minor spell to heal Adam's wounds. He flashed her a brief, tentative smile. "I've heard of the Evolutionary, but only in passing. Why would he need Moira's research? Isn't he supposed to be more advanced with genetics than anyone else on Earth?"
"Normally, yes," the Hulk replied. "But something's obviously gone very wrong."
"Where do we find this madman?" Adam asked.
"Best bet is Wundagore Mountain in Transia...."
Wundagore Mountain
Moira McTaggert woke to a world of hurt. She felt tired and pained, like she'd spent far too long in her lab. Again.
But then she remembered the fire. The guns. And poor Rahne....
Looking around, she saw that she was in a bare room, outfitted only with a bed and small basin of water. A window was barred, but showed countryside beyond the walls. Animal-men like the ones who had attacked the Island were working in distant fields, but she saw one of them collapse suddenly, clutching his side in agony. She felt her heart go out to him despite the things she'd experienced... his pain was that profound.
"A tragedy, isn't it? For such beauty to be afflicted with such unreasoning pain."
Moira whirled about to see an armored being standing in the center of her room. How he'd entered was beyond her for the door remained tightly sealed. "Who are you?"
"My birth name was Herbert Wyndham, but I've long since evolved past such labels. Now I am called the High Evolutionary."
"How enlightened," she snarled. "I want t'be released. Now."
"You are not a prisoner," he calmly replied. "Rather, think of yourself as a colleague. I need your help."
"Ye have a funny way of asking for it."
The High Evolutionary clasped his hands behind his back, studying her. "I feared you would not come otherwise. I... apologize. The New Men are as children to me and they are dying. Horribly. And it is beyond my power to save them, it seems. The Barrier has wreaked havoc with my science...."
Moira crossed her arms. "A young girl who's practically a child t'me might be dead or dying back on Muir because o' you!"
"I... Perhaps showing you is the only way to make clear how great my need is." The High Evolutionary's gloved hands reached up and began removing his helmet, slowly pulling it free to reveal his features to her. "Your study of the Barrier Gene is crucial to me at the moment. Do you now understand why?"
Moira felt the hair prickle up on her arms and the nape of her neck. She stared into the man's face... "My God."
Where Wyndham's face should have been, there was nothing but a swirl of flies, buzzing about dripping flesh. His skull peeked through, disgusting and white.
"Help me, Ms. McTaggert. Before my children and I die." Orbs of light flashed within the skull. "Or I swear to you that I will take actions to insure your assistance."
TO BE CONTINUED
Next Issue: "Evolution" continues as the Pendragons come face-to-face with the altered High Evolutionary. What strange effect has the Black Mass Barrier had on one of the world's most powerful beings? Plus: Dark Albion makes a deadly new ally as we begin slowly gearing up for the cataclysmic issue 50!
AUTHOR'S NOTES
A lot of feedback coming our way lately -- I'm very flattered by all the attention and I'm glad that more people than ever seem to be jumping on the Pendragons bandwagon. This particular storyline features some much-requested guest-stars and will answer some questions about the Barrier's magical effects.
Let's get to the letters --
First up is David Evans:
Hello Barry!
I thought I'd drop you a line to rell you how much I enjoyed the Tempus Fugit arc. You really created a sense of struggle for the Pendragons and I'm sure the effects on the tean especially Adam will be felt for a long time to come. By the way I love the addition of the Hulk especially the brains and brawn combo that is the current status quo. While I'm here just a few questions:
1) What is the current roster of the Dark Guard what with Shamrock back with the Pendragons and Horus and the Captain dead?
2) Will we see any of the following popping up in Pendragons Micromax, The Black Knight, Captain UK, The Captain Britain Corps, Motormouth and Killpower, The Warheads, Night Raven, Chamber, Wolfsbane, Batroc or the Exiles?
3) Will we ever see Joey again?
4) Will we see any of The Warpies e.g. Oak, Lodestone or Silkworm?
5) Any idea of when we will see the next issue of the Crusaders cross over as I have just read all of the Crusaders run and really enjoyed it?
The addition of the Hulk has been somewhat controversial, with some folks on the Avengers 2000 list wondering when I'll stop with the use of American heroes. I don't think I've gone overboard, but I will be using mostly Marvel-UK folks from here on.
1) The Dark Guard's new lineup is scheduled to debut in Captain Britain: House Braddock # 12.
2) Some of those folks will indeed be popping up in the next few issues -- with Wolfsbane popping up in the story you just read! I'm hoping that Trav Hiltz will do more Motormouth & Killpower stories, too. Check out Tales of the Pendragons # 4 for a nice story featuring them.
3) Perhaps, but probably only in flashbacks.
4) No plans for the Warpies at present, though I've considered doing something with them.
5) No set timeframe for this one, as it's being done whenever the always-busy Neil Gow finds the time to work on it.
And now a letter from Robert Rock:
Hi Barry,
Just finished Pendragons #41 and I had to send you a note to tell you what a good read I thought it was. The issue was well paced as a breather between story arcs that did good work to set up stories to come. I really like the idea of the Hulk being part of the Pendragons. I like the direction that Adam's character is going and look forward to how he develops.
Is Kenneth's Union Jack going to intersect with the Pendragons or will he stay separate and intersect with the more supernatural titles?
Cheers for yet another good read.
The new Union Jack Weekly series will remain fairly independent of the Pendragons title, though you'll see some "bleed over" from time to time. Glad you like the addition of the Hulk and what's cooking with Adam Crown!
Jason Trenner:
I love that the Hulk is now a Pendragon. Though I doubt the rest of the Defenders "Big Four" will. Now on to the questions:
1) Is there any chance of someone getting Red Sonja's sword and be transformed into the infamous warrior?
2) Is there any chance of Kuth Gath showing up?
3) Will the Warlock series Warlock show up in Pendragons?
4)Will the Avengers 2k/Pendragons Exiles show up again?
5)Is there any chance of a reborn Marduk Kurios (aka the Satan that fathered Daimon Hellstrom and Satana) vs. Hellstrom vs. Satana story?
6) Is there any chance of the Pilgrim showing up?
7) Is there any chance of the She-Thing showing up?
8) Will any Darkhold cults show up sooner or later?
Another person in favor of the Hulk...
1) An interesting thought but I doubt I'll do anything in this direction.
2) Y'know, the storyline in Uncanny X-Men where he took over New York is one of my all-time favorite storylines. I hadn't really given any thought to the character appearing here until your letter, though. Now it's got me thinking....
3) Nope. Some of the Pendragons will be popping up in that series (which is available via Avengers 2000's Other Worlds imprint), but Warlock won't be appearing here.
4) One never knows. We'll see.
5) This one is a possibility, as I've brought up the name Marduk in this series before... and Satana has appeared several times over in Ghost Rider U.K.
6) If you mean the character introduced in Black Knight: Destiny Walk, the answer is no. He'll be appearing in future issues of that series, though. If you mean the Pilgrim from the old Ultraverse, where Ghoul and Lord Pumpkin hail from... the answer is no.
7) None.
8) Yes. :-)
Josh Reynolds:
Well, finally I've caught up with this epic in the making known as Pendragons. And what an epic! Heroes ceasing to exist, dragons making out in public, reality warping, Furies tearin' up the real estate, Doom up to no good, Cam doin lord knows what and Jim Jaspers bouncing around once more! This is the good stuff here, m'man and I'm hooked. Heckfire, I plan on re-reading the entire series just to get my weekly fix of the Pendragons, Joey or no Joey...but seriously, the new Union Jack is someone I'll be reading about with interest, moreso than I did with Joey I'm afraid. Joey may've been a roughneck but by god you knew he was a hero to the core...Kenneth now, he's a different story altogether it seems and quite a nasty and puzzling one at that. And I like nasty and puzzling...makes for better fight scenes.
Too, the addition of Fin Fang Foom (whom I hope we'll be seeing more of) and the Hulk has increased the mayhem potential of this book by quite a few notches (not that it needed the help, but more mayhem is good mayhem no matter how you sell it). Barry m'man, you have outdone yourself on these last few issues and that's saying something. You succeed in keeping me interested in these assorted characters and their radically altered world as well as eagerly looking forward to each new issue (even moreso than any of the comics I pick up at the local comic book store). Keep it up!
High praise indeed! I'm thrilled that you enjoy my stories so much -- hopefully the road to issue # 50 will continue pleasing you.
Trav Hiltz:
The Hulk? I'm skeptical on this one, but willing to give it a couple issues before I pass judgement. I would like to see more U.K. and European heroes in action. We only get glimpses of the Commonwealth and whatever happened to Micromax? I like Gully as the computer hologram. Reminds me of when Vision's body was zapped so he spent a couple months as a computer hologram. Maybe give him a solo story.
Hopefully, I'll bring you around to the "Hulk is good" crowd, Trav. I've held off on doing a major Commonwealth story for one simple reason: Gary Dreslinski told me he'd like to do something with them in Black Knight: Destiny Walk. One of the things that arise from working in a shared continuity is that you sometimes don't do things you might otherwise -- but I do promise to show more of the Commonwealth soon. Micromax... I get asked about him fairly often, but I'm not sure when you'll see him here. I never liked him much and there are other European heroes I'd like to use first... but I might give in if there's a big demand for him.
You can reach me at aric_dacia@yahoo.com
