Back to GatefoldIssue #11 by Mike Exner III
THE TRIAD RESOLUTION Part 2: "Once Lost ButNow Found" |
Previously in Thunderbolts: After successfully escaping the clutches of the Man-Beast, the T-Bolts were forced into battle with the CSA who pulled a double-cross on Mach-1. Once the Thunderbolts were able to escape, they scrambled back to base where they learned that Ogre had figured out a way to track Charcoal. Living Lightning and Moonstone both made their way to the Charcoal's last known location where they were attacked and defeated by the monstrous beast known as Pagan. What fate is in store for our two unconscious heroes? Read on, friends and find out!
Ogre watched as multiple tracks of red light crossed over the computer screen in front of him. Each illuminated line represented the motion of an individual member of the Thunderbolts. She-Hulk, Songbird, Mach-1 and Atlas were all racing towards the two stationary blips of red on the screen. The two motionless dots of red light represented Moonstone and Living Lightning.
The monitor also registered the vital signs of each member of the team. Ogre knew from the readings of accelerated heartbeat and adrenaline, that Moonstone and Living Lightning had engaged some sort of enemy in the rocky clearing. But now the readings were as dull as paste. Both heroes were knocked cold and had to be in danger. Ogre was picking up a nasty energy signature from somewhere nearby the unconscious bodies.
"Ogre to She-Hulk… come in She-Hulk," said Ogre into the small microphone attached to his ear.
There was a hiss of static as She-Hulk responded. "I read you, Ogre. What ya got?"
"Both Moonstone and Living Lightning seem to be unconscious. I'm also picking up a quite stunning energy signature within the general vicinity of the downed T-Bolts," said Ogre as he watched the strange energy on the screen grow ever closer to the fallen heroes.
"We are almost to the location now, Ogre. I think we'll shoot first and ask questions later. She-Hulk out," said She-Hulk and then the communication device went silent. Ogre frowned. Staying in contact during the battle would have been a more logical choice. Ogre's scientific know-how might have been useful in dealing with an enemy capable of defeating Moonstone and Living Lightning in just minutes. Hawkeye would have certainly wanted Ogre to help. But ever since Moonstone had taken over the team things had been quite a bit less organized.
"It's a miracle this team is still holding together," muttered Ogre as he flicked his fingers over the keyboard in front of him.
"You don't know the half of it, chubby," said a voice from behind him and Ogre turned in surprise and fright. Standing in the doorway to his lab was a man in a business suit with dark sunglasses and bright red hair. The man was flanked by two men with armor that resembled that of Guardsmen from the Vault.
"Gyrich?" said Ogre and the man smiled.
"Very good, fat boy. You win the prize," said Peter Gyrich as he motioned with his hand. The two Guardsmen immediately raised their arms and blasted at Ogre. The energy struck the monitor behind Ogre and shattered it into fragments. Ogre dove for the ground and heard the crunch of Gyrich's expensive shoes as he approached.
"Ogre, former criminal agent of Factor Three… you're under arrest," said Gyrich as the Guardsmen hoisted Ogre to his feet. Ogre watched as at least half a dozen more Guardsmen entered the room and began examining the contents of Ogre's laboratory.
Henry Gyrich smiled as the Guardsmen went about their work. "And when the Thunderbolts return. I guarantee that they're next."
# # # # # # # # # #
"Hands off the merchandise, ugly!" said Songbird and then screamed. Her voice filtered into the sonic carapace around her neck and shoulders and then discharged as a solid pink energy that Melissa Gold formed into a huge pair of tweezers. The tweezers grabbed the creature known as Pagan and spirited him away from the unconscious forms of Moonstone and Living Lightning.
"What is that thing?" said Atlas as he was lowered to the ground by Mach-1.
Mach-1 fired some gas grenades in the general direction Songbird had carried Pagan and then grimaced. "I don't know, but I guarantee he won't be winning any fashion contests with that outfit of his."
She-Hulk landed heavily on the ground and immediately eyed the fallen Thunderbolts. "Mach-1! See what you can do about Karla and Miguel. The rest of you follow me."
"Yes ma'am," said Atlas as he grew immediately to fifteen feet. Mach-1 rushed over to the spot where Moonstone and Living Lightning had fallen.
"Man, Miguel has the coolest costume," said Mach-1 as he stooped over the young hero to assess the damage.
"I'll make sure and tell him you said so," said a voice from nearby and Abe watched as Moonstone got shakily to her feet.
"You should sit back down, Karla. That sucker looked as big as the Hulk. You could have a concussion… or worse," said Abe as he got up from his knees to approach Moonstone.
Moonstone frowned and waved him away. "I'm fine, Abe. I've been hit harder… trust me. I will admit that the monster's strength is on par with the Hulk though. Where are the rest of the Thunderbolts?"
Abe pointed behind him towards the layer of smoke that had lightly covered the rocky valley. "They went after the big medieval guy."
"Are you in contact with them? This guy is no pushover, Abe," said Moonstone and Mach-1 glanced up from examining Living Lightning.
"I think they'll be ok, Karla. She-Hulk and Atlas are as strong as they get. And trust me, Melissa is no pushover. I bet they're wrapping up that creature right about n…" said Mach-1 but then paused and was stunned into silence as Atlas went hurtling through the air over their heads.
Moonstone and Mach-1 looked at each other in stunned silence. Moonstone lifted into the air and energy crackled from her hands. "See? Told you."
"Yeah, yeah," said Mach-1 as he turned towards the battleground in an attempt to shield Living Lightning's body. Moonstone began to approach but then stopped in her tracks when Songbird and She-Hulk retreated out of the smoke.
"What's going on, She-Hulk?" said Karla as She-Hulk picked up a large rock and tossed it back in the direction she'd come.
"Guy is a bit tougher than originally thought, Moonstone. He chucked Atlas aside like he was a paperweight," said She-Hulk as she and Songbird regrouped near Mach-1 and the unmoving form of Living Lightning.
"Mach-1, if you can risk it… move Living Lightning across the clearing and check on Atlas," said Moonstone as she fired multiple blasts of energy into the smoke. "We need all of the Thunderbolts up and about."
"I'll see what I can do," said Abe as he lifted both himself and Living Lightning into the air. Moonstone watched Mach-1 spirit Miguel away and then turned back to the smoke as a thunderous roar sounded throughout the clearing.
"Songbird, She-Hulk. Listen up. When the creature comes out of the smoke we've got to hit him with all we have," said Moonstone as she lifted a little higher into the air. She could hear the monstrous tread of the beast as it approached. "Songbird, you hit him first… something from above. Drop a giant anvil on him for all I care. I'll go next with a barrage from the air. Then She-Hulk hits him with everything she's got. Move, Thunderbolts!"
The Thunderbolts nodded as Moonstone launched herself into the air. She-Hulk crouched to the ground and Songbird eyed the smoke, waiting for the creature to appear as the tremors continued to grow in intensity.
"Guy sure doesn't seem to have a problem with letting us know he's coming," said She-Hulk. Songbird strained her eyes but the smoke was too thick to see anything.
And then the tremors abruptly stopped. Songbird and She-Hulk both shot their gaze up to the hovering Moonstone. Karla Sofen looked back down at the two heroines and shrugged.
"Moonstone, watch out!" said She-Hulk as a blur of motion rose from the smoke and collided roughly with Moonstone. The two combatants crashed to the ground and the lumbering beast known as Pagan wrapped his massive hands around Moonstone's throat.
"Karla! Go intangible, damn you!" said Songbird as she screamed and formed a giant safe over the two struggling forms.
"Pagan kill stupid blonde lady," said Pagan as he choked the life from Moonstone. Karla could see the pink mass above her head through the blurry haze of her vision. She concentrated with all her might as it fell.
The sonic construct crashed into the back of Pagan and ground him into the earth. She-Hulk immediately leapt forward to press the attack as the safe dissipated into pink slivers of energy.
Pagan popped up from the ground covered in dust and rock. She-Hulk reared back her fist and slammed into Pagan with all of her might. Pagan was thrown clear of the square-shaped crater and smashed into the side of the mountain.
"Moonstone, are you all right?" said She-Hulk as she looked down into the depression where the safe had fallen.
"I'm fine, She-Hulk," said a voice from behind Jennifer Walters and she turned in time to see Moonstone rise from the ground behind her. "I was able to slip into intangibility just in time to save my skin. Thanks, Melissa."
"Don't mention it," said Songbird as the mountain trembled again and Pagan came crashing out of the hollow his body had formed. "But it looks like Pagan didn't appreciate it nearly as much as you."
The three Thunderbolts formed a tight line as they waited for the villain to make a move, but Pagan paused as a voice crashed into his mind.
Don't be a fool, Pagan. Fighting the Thunderbolts now that they are amassed will gain us nothing. Return to the Triune Understanding. I have use of these super-humans. We will defeat them together.
Pagan roared again as the voice of Tremont infused itself throughout his entire being. It was not in his nature to flee, but the order of Tremont was irresistible. Pagan tensed his muscles and leapt into the air. In instants his powerful muscles carried him out of sight.
"Damn! Songbird, get after Pagan. We've got to follow him if we have any chance of recovering Charcoal and Jolt," said Moonstone and Songbird screamed. Wings formed from her carapace and she lifted into the air.
"Wait, Melissa. Come on back here, honey," said Mach-1 as he approached. Atlas followed close behind with Miguel held in his massive arms.
"Don't challenge my orders, Mach-1. Pagan has to be connected with the disappearance of our teammates. And look at Miguel! If we lose him now, we might never get another chance."
Mach-1 smiled beneath his helmet and lifted his arm. Moonstone looked at a blinking green light flashing on the sophisticated radar screen protruding from Mach-1's forearm. "Miguel is unconscious… but he's going to be fine. And we're not going to lose Pagan, Karla. Because I've got him bugged."
# # # # # # # # # #
MacDonald "Mac" Gargan was confused. Probably more confused than he had ever been in his life. That was saying a lot. The life of the man known as the Scorpion had never been what a person would call "conventional". Ever since the day that J. Jonah Jameson had arranged for Mac to gain the powers of the Scorpion, things had always been a little outside the norm.
But now things were even more difficult. And the reason would have made any self-respecting member of the super-powered criminal elite burst out laughing right in the Scorpion's face.
The reason was silly. The reason was insane. The reason the Scorpion was thinking about giving up his entire life of crime and power was for a woman. Here he was, the Scorpion… the Scorpion, ferchrissakes! Here he was… sitting next to a beautiful woman in the middle of the jungle next to a waterfall. The water cascaded down and formed little rainbows as the sunlight played across the surface of the lagoon. Rainbows, ferchrisssakes! He was the Scorpion. The Scorpion didn't like rainbows.
But it was beautiful. It truly was. The light filtered in through the canopy of leaves above his head and danced across the face of the woman beside him and Mac Gargan couldn't help but smile. She reached out her hand for him and he couldn't help but take it. This was absolutely insane.
He had all but recovered from the deadly wound Baron Zemo had inflicted upon him. The woman holding his hand and staring at him with eyes of the deepest brown had insured that. But still, the Scorpion had only been able to think of vengeance as he lay in that bed with his insides throbbing. He had vowed that if he recovered, Baron Zemo would die for all he had put him through.
But now he was recovered. He felt healthier than he had felt in ages. While he had been injured he'd lost a bit of weight. But the food the natives had been feeding him had quickly brought his strength back. He was leaner now… stronger than he had ever been before. He was hiding his strength from the natives, but he had a feeling that the woman knew anyway.
He couldn't believe he had thought she was a demon when he first laid eyes on her. He could barely believe any of the things that were happening now. The woman smiled when she saw the confused look in the Scorpion's eyes and picked herself off the large rock they were sitting on. She walked to the edge and peered back over her shoulder at Mac with fire in her eyes. The Scorpion couldn't help himself… he smiled. The woman dived off the rock and plunged deep into the deep blue water below. After a few moments of feeling the sun beat down on his back… the Scorpion followed.
# # # # # # # # # #
"What did you do to Jolt? Where is she!?" said Charlie Burlingame as he strained against the chains wrapped around his wrists. He had awoken chained to the wall. But he had no idea how he had gotten here or anything that had happened after the strange man in the colorful costume had defeated him.* Charlie had been chained to the wall for hours now. But now the man who had beaten him was back. And he had a friend.
[* Charcoal got his butt stomped in Thunderbolts #7 - David]
"Calm yourself, Charcoal. My name is Jonathan Tremont. You are my guest. You have met my associate I believe. This is Triathlon," said a man with a tailored suit and a beard with streaks of white running throughout it. The man he gestured towards was the same black man with the tightly fitting suit of red, green, yellow, and black that had confronted Charcoal in the mountains.
Charlie narrowed his eyes and smoldered within. The strange collar he had discovered around his neck beeped. Charcoal guessed it was some sort of device used to cancel his powers. "Guest? Your goon kicked my can all over the place and then chained me to a wall! If I'm your freaking guest, then let me go!"
"I'm afraid I can't do that, Charles. No… I think I'll be keeping you as my guest for some time. With time… I'm sure you'll find ample reason to stay."
"Not likely, dickweed," said Charlie and Tremont frowned. "Once the T-Bolts figure out where I am… they'll be making sure you spend the rest of your time in a stone cell for what you did to me and Jolt!"
"We have only restrained you because of your propensity for violence. And I have done nothing to Jolt, Charlie," said Tremont as he motioned to Triathlon who ducked out the door they had entered. "As a matter of fact… Jolt has decided to stay with the Triune Understanding."
"Bull," said Charlie and Jonathan Tremont smiled.
"Your disbelief is to be expected. But I assure you that Jolt has decided to remain with us of her own free will. You may ask her yourself… if you like."
"I think I'll do just that," said Charlie as Triathlon entered the room once more.
"As you wish. Bring her in, Triathlon," said Tremont and Charlie's eyes widened as Jolt entered the room.
"Jolt! Fry these guys and break me free. They took me by surprise, but we can take them together," said Charlie as Jolt approached him. A mass of energy formed in her hand and Charlie blinked as Jolt held it out to him.
"I am one with the Understanding, Charlie. You will be one with the Understanding as well. In time, the entire world will understand that the way of the Triune Understanding is the true path."
Charlie looked past Jolt into the beaming face of Jonathan Tremont. The pride in his eyes was enough to make Charlie want to choke the life from him. "You brainwashed her, you sick freak! When the Thunderbolts get here…"
"Silence him, Jolt," said Tremont, and Jolt placed her hand to Charlie's chest. The mass of energy shook through him and for Charlie… the world went black.
"Pagan has arrived," said Tremont as Jolt and Triathlon both turned to him. "The Thunderbolts will be sure to follow."
"Go up to the surface and help Pagan greet them, Triathlon," said Tremont and with a rush of air, Triathlon was gone. Tremont looked to Jolt. "Stay here with Charcoal, Jolt. Keep an eye on the boy until I summon you."
Tremont stepped out of the cell and closed the door behind him. He leaned against the wall and focused. An aura of energy surrounded him and Lord Templar slipped from the form of Tremont.
"It is too soon, Tremont. You have not been stabilized by my presence. The danger…"
"I am well aware of the danger, Templar," said Tremont as his eyes flashed with a surge of crimson. "But I need you in the coming battle with the Thunderbolts. In order for the next phase of my plan to be completed, I need the Thunderbolts subdued and brought to me."
"Very well," said Lord Templar and then floated up and through the ceiling. Tremont watched him go and then fell to his knees.
"My mind is my enemy. But I must fight on. The time has come for all I have built to bear fruit," said Tremont and then struggled to his feet. He closed his eyes and then opened them. The crimson hue dissipated and the dark eyes of Tremont returned.
# # # # # # # # # #
"Down there… you see them?" said Mach-1 as he pointed along Moonstone's line of sight towards the ground below.
"I see them," replied Moonstone and then slowed her flight to fall back to where She-Hulk and Atlas were traveling on Songbird's hovering platform. "You're not going to believe this… but Pagan is right below us with another guy. They seem to be waiting on us."
"Well then let's not disappoint them. That sucker got in a lucky punch last time… and I'm dying to return the favor," said Atlas as he jumped off of the platform and into the air.
"Atlas. No," said She-Hulk and Moonstone simultaneously. They both glanced to each other and Moonstone frowned.
"Songbird. Lower She-Hulk to the ground. Place Living Lightning somewhere safe. It looks like this search and rescue mission is going to turn into a battlefield real quick," said Moonstone and then motioned for Abe to follow their lead. The Thunderbolts descended toward the ground after Atlas.
"Here comes one," said Triathlon and pointed up to the sky at the plummeting Atlas.
Pagan cracked his massive knuckles and smiled. "Pagan will smash the puny giant and his friends."
"Right… whatever. I think I'm going to move now," said Triathlon as he darted away from Pagan. Pagan simply stood where he was and Triathlon watched as the rapidly growing Atlas smashed into the armored behemoth from above.
Triathlon wasted no time. He surged forward towards the towering form of Atlas just as the other Thunderbolts arrived.
"Back off!" said Songbird as she activated her sonic carapace and formed a mass of pink energy shaped like a birdcage around Triathlon.
"Take him out quick, Songbird. Pagan is the real threat here," said Moonstone as Triathlon banged his body against the bars.
"Hey, I take offense at that," said Triathlon as a rumbling sounded from underground. "And my buddy doesn't appreciate it when people insult his friends."
"Look out, Atlas," said She-Hulk as Pagan erupted from the earth right on front of where Atlas was standing. The monster burst from the ground and struck Atlas on the jaw with his fist. Atlas was sent hurtling through the air and crashed into the ground.
"Not again…" said Moonstone as she fired full force at Pagan. She looked in the direction Atlas had flown. Pagan's punch had thrown him nearly the length of a football field.
"Stop firing, Moonstone. Let me handle this animal," said She-Hulk as she leapt at Pagan and wrapped her arms around his torso. The force of the collision sent Pagan hurtling backwards.
"Karla, we've got a problem here," said Mach-1 as he circled from overhead.
"What is it, Abe?" said Moonstone as she watched Songbird turn the bars of the birdcage into large serpents that wrapped themselves around the body of Triathlon.
"There's some sort of gated complex over this rise of hills to the east. It looked familiar to me and now I remember where I've seen it," said Mach-1 as he dropped to Moonstone's altitude. "Hawkeye mentioned it to me. It's the Triune Understanding."
"Oh, just perfect," said Moonstone and grimaced. "The last thing the Thunderbolts need is the negative press from waging a super-powered war next door to a religious institution."
"But that's the thing, Karla. The guy Songbird is whooping on… he's a member of the Triune Understanding. And that big guy Pagan is somebody the Avengers tangled with to protect the Understanding."
"So then why the hell are they fighting together against us?" said Moonstone as she watched Pagan take a number of tremendous shots from the fists of She-Hulk.
"Because perhaps there is more to the Triune Understanding than you know," said a voice as a shadow passed along Moonstone's back. Moonstone and Mach-1 turned and watched as a man with gray skin and armor the color of ivory and blood advanced upon them.
"Allow me to teach you exactly what the Triune Understanding is all about," said the apparition as a glowing energy surrounded his hands. The energy fled from his fingers and struck Moonstone in the face.
"Moonstone!" said Abe as Moonstone screamed and began to plummet towards the ground. "What did you do to her?"
"Just a simple spell, my friend… nothing to be concerned about. Tremont wants you alive. And even I wouldn't disobey him," said the man with the gray skin.
"A magician… terrific," said Mach-1 as he launched a security net at the man hovering before him. Abe wasted no time in watching if it would snare him or not. He fired his thrusters and immediately darted after Moonstone. Karla was fairly invulnerable… but they were still pretty high up. It was a long way to drop.
Mach-1 swooped down and caught Moonstone by the elbow. "I hope you appreciate this when you wake up, Karla." Mach-1 continued to descend and placed Moonstone gently on the ground.
"Now to take care of that…" said Mach-1 but then paused as the man with the strange armor materialized directly in front of him.
"My name is Lord Templar, fool. I am a sorcerer of the highest degree… to label one such as I with a title as lowly as magician is an insult deserving of death," said Lord Templar with fire burning in his eyes. With each word spoken from his mouth the sorcerer split in two and produced an almost exact duplicate… until there were six of them standing before Mach-1.
"Um… I'm sorry?" said Mach-1 as he tightened his grip on Moonstone and fired his thrusters again. Mach-1 shot into the air and let loose with a barrage of smoke missiles aimed at Lord Templar and his duplicates.
"Did you really think that would work?" said a voice from behind Mach-1 and Abe turned around just in time to see all six Lord Templars behind him. Mach-1 tried to reverse his momentum but wasn't in time. He collided with the sorcerers who grabbed him and Moonstone. Three of them took Moonstone from the grip of Mach-1 and spirited her away. The other three grabbed Mach-1 and began to pull him towards the ground.
# # # # # # # # # #
"Why do you seem so familiar to me, Pagan?" said She-Hulk as she struck Pagan across the face again with a crushing right.
"Pagan does not know or care, woman," said Pagan as he tried to slam his fists down on She-Hulk. Jennifer darted out of the way and the fists of Pagan slammed into the ground. The shockwave sent her temporarily off-balance.
"You are strong, woman… but Pagan is the strongest there is!" said Pagan as he moved to stand over She-Hulk. Pagan lifted a booted foot in the air and brought it down on She-Hulk's chest. "Now Pagan will smash you!"
She-Hulk's eyes widened in recognition and confusion. There was something so familiar about Pagan… and now Jennifer Walters thought she had it. "Bruce? Bruce… is that you?"
Pagan hesitated and his eyes narrowed. "How… how do you know… how…?"
"Enough!" said a voice from across the valley and She-Hulk and Pagan both looked to see a man standing there dressed in a fine-tailored suit. "It seems my little ruse is beginning to crumble."
"What is she talking about Tremont!" roared Pagan as he took his foot from She-Hulk's chest. "I know what she says is the truth. My name is Bruce. Bruce… Banner? You've clouded my memories in some way, haven't you? Haven't you!?"
"All you need to know, Pagan… is that I can cause you the greatest pain you have ever known," said Tremont and She-Hulk watched as his eyes glowed with a sickly red. Pagan immediately fell to his knees and howled in agony.
"What are you doing to him?" said She-Hulk as she got to her feet.
"I was hoping that my gatherers would be able to defeat you without my interference, She-Hulk. But it appears I misjudged them… and you," said Tremont as he focused his attentions on the jade giantess approaching him.
"Gatherers…? I… I know you…?" said She-Hulk as she continued to advance. Her vision blurred and she faltered on her feet. "What are you… doing to me?"
"Clouding your mind as I have done all the others, She-Hulk. Look, your comrades falter as well," said Tremont as his eyes glowed more fiercely than ever before. She-Hulk watched as Songbird and Mach-1 both collapsed to the ground. The sonic serpents around Triathlon disappeared and Lord Templar picked up Moonstone and Mach-1 and began to approach.
"You're… you're not Jonathan Tremont," said She-Hulk and Tremont smiled.
"No… I'm not," said Tremont as the skin of the man began to melt and fall away. She-Hulk watched the Armani suit fall away and the graying hair begin to grow and turn the deepest black. The man standing before She-Hulk was familiar. She had seen him in the Avengers files before. She opened her mouth to call out his name… but all that came out was a raspy croak of sound.
"Jonathan Tremont is not real, Thunderbolt. He never was," said the man dressed in black with the flowing cape billowing out behind him. His sharp features and red eyes focused on She-Hulk and made her want to scream. "No… Jonathan Tremont was just a façade… a deception wrapped in a ploy. My name… is Proctor."
# # # # # # # # # #
Next Issue: Proctor? Isn't he dead? Apparently not… heck, anything is possible in Thunderbolts. And wasn't Gyrich fired by the CSA? What the hell is he doing commanding a battalion of Guardsmen? Join us next issue as we barrel down the road to the conclusion of the Triad Resolution! Make sure and fasten those seatbelts. It promises to be a bumpy ride.
# # # # # # # # # #
Lightning Strikes
Well, here we are at the end of another issue of Thunderbolts. I've been having a lot of fun writing this book. The characters just really seem to speak to me. I hope you guys are having fun reading it as well. Unless something drastic happens, I'll probably be leaving the book after next issue. Hopefully I can make it a run to remember. Now… on to the letters! Our first comes from that classy gent known as Russ Anderson! Russ pens the Scarlet Spider and Fallen Angels here at M2K, and everyone should take a look at his run ob Champions at MV1.
I'm just a teensy bit behind on this book. When did this issue come out? September? Apologies to Mike for my lax behavior… especially considering he almost always reviews my stuff as soon as it's out.
Let it be noted that when you give me a review, it makes me want to write all the more. Only one day after Russ sent this letter in… and I finished the issue that you've all just finished reading. I'll try not to let too much time go by before the next one comes out. It will be the last, after all.
Anyway, after the Man-Beast madness of the last several issues, we get the opening to a brand new story arc this time around. As usual, Mike is tying up continuity, giving us the M2K version of the Triune Understanding mess from Marvel's Avengers. From what little inside info I have on this story arc (it's good to be buddies with the writer), I can honestly say that Mike hasn't scratched the surface of the TU conspiracy in this issue. What he does give us is fascinating though, opening up questions about Lord Templar, Pagan, and Jonathan Tremont, as well as the question of why the Understanding is abducting the younger T-bolts.
Well, now we know that Proctor is the mastermind behind the Triune Understanding. But… Pagan is Bruce Banner? Lord Templar is a sorcerer? What the heck is going on? Well, I know… and I sure am having a lot of fun revealing things as I go. Look for the answer to why Proctor wants the Thunderbolts next issue. Things are going to get real intense real fast.
I especially liked the opening scene, which kinda wrapped up some of the loose ends from the previous storyline. I would have liked to have seen this explanation in the previous issue, but it was well-written, and worked as a reminder for this lax reader. When's the next issue coming out Mike? I promise not to wait so long this time.
Here it is, Russ! Now where's my review!? I do think that I put together the Man-Beast storyline a little sloppily. Hopefully I won't forget to put anything in this time around. I won't have another issue to straighten things out. Thanks for the letter, Russ!
Our final letter comes from David Wheatley. David is one of the Editors here at M2K. He also writes X-Force, Wolverine and Excalibur here too! The man is a class act and he gave Thunderbolts #10 an Editor's Choice award! I know… I was excited too!
It's a good story recapping the previous events as well as starting a new arc with little difficulty, as well as furthering the characters of the T-Bolts. It's not a slow issue considering its the start of the arc, nor is it hard to get in to as the villainous trio are second tier villains anyway and not a great deal of background info is needed for them. It works well. Very well.
Thanks, David. Hopefully I've upped the stakes a little with my second-tier villains. The background information on these guys is changing from paragraph to paragraph now. Next issue the entire mystery surrounding the Triune Understanding and the followers of Proctor will be revealed. Hopefully I'll garner the same high praise from this issue and the conclusion as I did from issue #10!
-Mike III
Ogre watched as multiple tracks of red light crossed over the computer screen in front of him. Each illuminated line represented the motion of an individual member of the Thunderbolts. She-Hulk, Songbird, Mach-1 and Atlas were all racing towards the two stationary blips of red on the screen. The two motionless dots of red light represented Moonstone and Living Lightning.
The monitor also registered the vital signs of each member of the team. Ogre knew from the readings of accelerated heartbeat and adrenaline, that Moonstone and Living Lightning had engaged some sort of enemy in the rocky clearing. But now the readings were as dull as paste. Both heroes were knocked cold and had to be in danger. Ogre was picking up a nasty energy signature from somewhere nearby the unconscious bodies.
"Ogre to She-Hulk… come in She-Hulk," said Ogre into the small microphone attached to his ear.
There was a hiss of static as She-Hulk responded. "I read you, Ogre. What ya got?"
"Both Moonstone and Living Lightning seem to be unconscious. I'm also picking up a quite stunning energy signature within the general vicinity of the downed T-Bolts," said Ogre as he watched the strange energy on the screen grow ever closer to the fallen heroes.
"We are almost to the location now, Ogre. I think we'll shoot first and ask questions later. She-Hulk out," said She-Hulk and then the communication device went silent. Ogre frowned. Staying in contact during the battle would have been a more logical choice. Ogre's scientific know-how might have been useful in dealing with an enemy capable of defeating Moonstone and Living Lightning in just minutes. Hawkeye would have certainly wanted Ogre to help. But ever since Moonstone had taken over the team things had been quite a bit less organized.
"It's a miracle this team is still holding together," muttered Ogre as he flicked his fingers over the keyboard in front of him.
"You don't know the half of it, chubby," said a voice from behind him and Ogre turned in surprise and fright. Standing in the doorway to his lab was a man in a business suit with dark sunglasses and bright red hair. The man was flanked by two men with armor that resembled that of Guardsmen from the Vault.
"Gyrich?" said Ogre and the man smiled.
"Very good, fat boy. You win the prize," said Peter Gyrich as he motioned with his hand. The two Guardsmen immediately raised their arms and blasted at Ogre. The energy struck the monitor behind Ogre and shattered it into fragments. Ogre dove for the ground and heard the crunch of Gyrich's expensive shoes as he approached.
"Ogre, former criminal agent of Factor Three… you're under arrest," said Gyrich as the Guardsmen hoisted Ogre to his feet. Ogre watched as at least half a dozen more Guardsmen entered the room and began examining the contents of Ogre's laboratory.
Henry Gyrich smiled as the Guardsmen went about their work. "And when the Thunderbolts return. I guarantee that they're next."
# # # # # # # # # #
"Hands off the merchandise, ugly!" said Songbird and then screamed. Her voice filtered into the sonic carapace around her neck and shoulders and then discharged as a solid pink energy that Melissa Gold formed into a huge pair of tweezers. The tweezers grabbed the creature known as Pagan and spirited him away from the unconscious forms of Moonstone and Living Lightning.
"What is that thing?" said Atlas as he was lowered to the ground by Mach-1.
Mach-1 fired some gas grenades in the general direction Songbird had carried Pagan and then grimaced. "I don't know, but I guarantee he won't be winning any fashion contests with that outfit of his."
She-Hulk landed heavily on the ground and immediately eyed the fallen Thunderbolts. "Mach-1! See what you can do about Karla and Miguel. The rest of you follow me."
"Yes ma'am," said Atlas as he grew immediately to fifteen feet. Mach-1 rushed over to the spot where Moonstone and Living Lightning had fallen.
"Man, Miguel has the coolest costume," said Mach-1 as he stooped over the young hero to assess the damage.
"I'll make sure and tell him you said so," said a voice from nearby and Abe watched as Moonstone got shakily to her feet.
"You should sit back down, Karla. That sucker looked as big as the Hulk. You could have a concussion… or worse," said Abe as he got up from his knees to approach Moonstone.
Moonstone frowned and waved him away. "I'm fine, Abe. I've been hit harder… trust me. I will admit that the monster's strength is on par with the Hulk though. Where are the rest of the Thunderbolts?"
Abe pointed behind him towards the layer of smoke that had lightly covered the rocky valley. "They went after the big medieval guy."
"Are you in contact with them? This guy is no pushover, Abe," said Moonstone and Mach-1 glanced up from examining Living Lightning.
"I think they'll be ok, Karla. She-Hulk and Atlas are as strong as they get. And trust me, Melissa is no pushover. I bet they're wrapping up that creature right about n…" said Mach-1 but then paused and was stunned into silence as Atlas went hurtling through the air over their heads.
Moonstone and Mach-1 looked at each other in stunned silence. Moonstone lifted into the air and energy crackled from her hands. "See? Told you."
"Yeah, yeah," said Mach-1 as he turned towards the battleground in an attempt to shield Living Lightning's body. Moonstone began to approach but then stopped in her tracks when Songbird and She-Hulk retreated out of the smoke.
"What's going on, She-Hulk?" said Karla as She-Hulk picked up a large rock and tossed it back in the direction she'd come.
"Guy is a bit tougher than originally thought, Moonstone. He chucked Atlas aside like he was a paperweight," said She-Hulk as she and Songbird regrouped near Mach-1 and the unmoving form of Living Lightning.
"Mach-1, if you can risk it… move Living Lightning across the clearing and check on Atlas," said Moonstone as she fired multiple blasts of energy into the smoke. "We need all of the Thunderbolts up and about."
"I'll see what I can do," said Abe as he lifted both himself and Living Lightning into the air. Moonstone watched Mach-1 spirit Miguel away and then turned back to the smoke as a thunderous roar sounded throughout the clearing.
"Songbird, She-Hulk. Listen up. When the creature comes out of the smoke we've got to hit him with all we have," said Moonstone as she lifted a little higher into the air. She could hear the monstrous tread of the beast as it approached. "Songbird, you hit him first… something from above. Drop a giant anvil on him for all I care. I'll go next with a barrage from the air. Then She-Hulk hits him with everything she's got. Move, Thunderbolts!"
The Thunderbolts nodded as Moonstone launched herself into the air. She-Hulk crouched to the ground and Songbird eyed the smoke, waiting for the creature to appear as the tremors continued to grow in intensity.
"Guy sure doesn't seem to have a problem with letting us know he's coming," said She-Hulk. Songbird strained her eyes but the smoke was too thick to see anything.
And then the tremors abruptly stopped. Songbird and She-Hulk both shot their gaze up to the hovering Moonstone. Karla Sofen looked back down at the two heroines and shrugged.
"Moonstone, watch out!" said She-Hulk as a blur of motion rose from the smoke and collided roughly with Moonstone. The two combatants crashed to the ground and the lumbering beast known as Pagan wrapped his massive hands around Moonstone's throat.
"Karla! Go intangible, damn you!" said Songbird as she screamed and formed a giant safe over the two struggling forms.
"Pagan kill stupid blonde lady," said Pagan as he choked the life from Moonstone. Karla could see the pink mass above her head through the blurry haze of her vision. She concentrated with all her might as it fell.
The sonic construct crashed into the back of Pagan and ground him into the earth. She-Hulk immediately leapt forward to press the attack as the safe dissipated into pink slivers of energy.
Pagan popped up from the ground covered in dust and rock. She-Hulk reared back her fist and slammed into Pagan with all of her might. Pagan was thrown clear of the square-shaped crater and smashed into the side of the mountain.
"Moonstone, are you all right?" said She-Hulk as she looked down into the depression where the safe had fallen.
"I'm fine, She-Hulk," said a voice from behind Jennifer Walters and she turned in time to see Moonstone rise from the ground behind her. "I was able to slip into intangibility just in time to save my skin. Thanks, Melissa."
"Don't mention it," said Songbird as the mountain trembled again and Pagan came crashing out of the hollow his body had formed. "But it looks like Pagan didn't appreciate it nearly as much as you."
The three Thunderbolts formed a tight line as they waited for the villain to make a move, but Pagan paused as a voice crashed into his mind.
Don't be a fool, Pagan. Fighting the Thunderbolts now that they are amassed will gain us nothing. Return to the Triune Understanding. I have use of these super-humans. We will defeat them together.
Pagan roared again as the voice of Tremont infused itself throughout his entire being. It was not in his nature to flee, but the order of Tremont was irresistible. Pagan tensed his muscles and leapt into the air. In instants his powerful muscles carried him out of sight.
"Damn! Songbird, get after Pagan. We've got to follow him if we have any chance of recovering Charcoal and Jolt," said Moonstone and Songbird screamed. Wings formed from her carapace and she lifted into the air.
"Wait, Melissa. Come on back here, honey," said Mach-1 as he approached. Atlas followed close behind with Miguel held in his massive arms.
"Don't challenge my orders, Mach-1. Pagan has to be connected with the disappearance of our teammates. And look at Miguel! If we lose him now, we might never get another chance."
Mach-1 smiled beneath his helmet and lifted his arm. Moonstone looked at a blinking green light flashing on the sophisticated radar screen protruding from Mach-1's forearm. "Miguel is unconscious… but he's going to be fine. And we're not going to lose Pagan, Karla. Because I've got him bugged."
# # # # # # # # # #
MacDonald "Mac" Gargan was confused. Probably more confused than he had ever been in his life. That was saying a lot. The life of the man known as the Scorpion had never been what a person would call "conventional". Ever since the day that J. Jonah Jameson had arranged for Mac to gain the powers of the Scorpion, things had always been a little outside the norm.
But now things were even more difficult. And the reason would have made any self-respecting member of the super-powered criminal elite burst out laughing right in the Scorpion's face.
The reason was silly. The reason was insane. The reason the Scorpion was thinking about giving up his entire life of crime and power was for a woman. Here he was, the Scorpion… the Scorpion, ferchrissakes! Here he was… sitting next to a beautiful woman in the middle of the jungle next to a waterfall. The water cascaded down and formed little rainbows as the sunlight played across the surface of the lagoon. Rainbows, ferchrisssakes! He was the Scorpion. The Scorpion didn't like rainbows.
But it was beautiful. It truly was. The light filtered in through the canopy of leaves above his head and danced across the face of the woman beside him and Mac Gargan couldn't help but smile. She reached out her hand for him and he couldn't help but take it. This was absolutely insane.
He had all but recovered from the deadly wound Baron Zemo had inflicted upon him. The woman holding his hand and staring at him with eyes of the deepest brown had insured that. But still, the Scorpion had only been able to think of vengeance as he lay in that bed with his insides throbbing. He had vowed that if he recovered, Baron Zemo would die for all he had put him through.
But now he was recovered. He felt healthier than he had felt in ages. While he had been injured he'd lost a bit of weight. But the food the natives had been feeding him had quickly brought his strength back. He was leaner now… stronger than he had ever been before. He was hiding his strength from the natives, but he had a feeling that the woman knew anyway.
He couldn't believe he had thought she was a demon when he first laid eyes on her. He could barely believe any of the things that were happening now. The woman smiled when she saw the confused look in the Scorpion's eyes and picked herself off the large rock they were sitting on. She walked to the edge and peered back over her shoulder at Mac with fire in her eyes. The Scorpion couldn't help himself… he smiled. The woman dived off the rock and plunged deep into the deep blue water below. After a few moments of feeling the sun beat down on his back… the Scorpion followed.
# # # # # # # # # #
"What did you do to Jolt? Where is she!?" said Charlie Burlingame as he strained against the chains wrapped around his wrists. He had awoken chained to the wall. But he had no idea how he had gotten here or anything that had happened after the strange man in the colorful costume had defeated him.* Charlie had been chained to the wall for hours now. But now the man who had beaten him was back. And he had a friend.
[* Charcoal got his butt stomped in Thunderbolts #7 - David]
"Calm yourself, Charcoal. My name is Jonathan Tremont. You are my guest. You have met my associate I believe. This is Triathlon," said a man with a tailored suit and a beard with streaks of white running throughout it. The man he gestured towards was the same black man with the tightly fitting suit of red, green, yellow, and black that had confronted Charcoal in the mountains.
Charlie narrowed his eyes and smoldered within. The strange collar he had discovered around his neck beeped. Charcoal guessed it was some sort of device used to cancel his powers. "Guest? Your goon kicked my can all over the place and then chained me to a wall! If I'm your freaking guest, then let me go!"
"I'm afraid I can't do that, Charles. No… I think I'll be keeping you as my guest for some time. With time… I'm sure you'll find ample reason to stay."
"Not likely, dickweed," said Charlie and Tremont frowned. "Once the T-Bolts figure out where I am… they'll be making sure you spend the rest of your time in a stone cell for what you did to me and Jolt!"
"We have only restrained you because of your propensity for violence. And I have done nothing to Jolt, Charlie," said Tremont as he motioned to Triathlon who ducked out the door they had entered. "As a matter of fact… Jolt has decided to stay with the Triune Understanding."
"Bull," said Charlie and Jonathan Tremont smiled.
"Your disbelief is to be expected. But I assure you that Jolt has decided to remain with us of her own free will. You may ask her yourself… if you like."
"I think I'll do just that," said Charlie as Triathlon entered the room once more.
"As you wish. Bring her in, Triathlon," said Tremont and Charlie's eyes widened as Jolt entered the room.
"Jolt! Fry these guys and break me free. They took me by surprise, but we can take them together," said Charlie as Jolt approached him. A mass of energy formed in her hand and Charlie blinked as Jolt held it out to him.
"I am one with the Understanding, Charlie. You will be one with the Understanding as well. In time, the entire world will understand that the way of the Triune Understanding is the true path."
Charlie looked past Jolt into the beaming face of Jonathan Tremont. The pride in his eyes was enough to make Charlie want to choke the life from him. "You brainwashed her, you sick freak! When the Thunderbolts get here…"
"Silence him, Jolt," said Tremont, and Jolt placed her hand to Charlie's chest. The mass of energy shook through him and for Charlie… the world went black.
"Pagan has arrived," said Tremont as Jolt and Triathlon both turned to him. "The Thunderbolts will be sure to follow."
"Go up to the surface and help Pagan greet them, Triathlon," said Tremont and with a rush of air, Triathlon was gone. Tremont looked to Jolt. "Stay here with Charcoal, Jolt. Keep an eye on the boy until I summon you."
Tremont stepped out of the cell and closed the door behind him. He leaned against the wall and focused. An aura of energy surrounded him and Lord Templar slipped from the form of Tremont.
"It is too soon, Tremont. You have not been stabilized by my presence. The danger…"
"I am well aware of the danger, Templar," said Tremont as his eyes flashed with a surge of crimson. "But I need you in the coming battle with the Thunderbolts. In order for the next phase of my plan to be completed, I need the Thunderbolts subdued and brought to me."
"Very well," said Lord Templar and then floated up and through the ceiling. Tremont watched him go and then fell to his knees.
"My mind is my enemy. But I must fight on. The time has come for all I have built to bear fruit," said Tremont and then struggled to his feet. He closed his eyes and then opened them. The crimson hue dissipated and the dark eyes of Tremont returned.
# # # # # # # # # #
"Down there… you see them?" said Mach-1 as he pointed along Moonstone's line of sight towards the ground below.
"I see them," replied Moonstone and then slowed her flight to fall back to where She-Hulk and Atlas were traveling on Songbird's hovering platform. "You're not going to believe this… but Pagan is right below us with another guy. They seem to be waiting on us."
"Well then let's not disappoint them. That sucker got in a lucky punch last time… and I'm dying to return the favor," said Atlas as he jumped off of the platform and into the air.
"Atlas. No," said She-Hulk and Moonstone simultaneously. They both glanced to each other and Moonstone frowned.
"Songbird. Lower She-Hulk to the ground. Place Living Lightning somewhere safe. It looks like this search and rescue mission is going to turn into a battlefield real quick," said Moonstone and then motioned for Abe to follow their lead. The Thunderbolts descended toward the ground after Atlas.
"Here comes one," said Triathlon and pointed up to the sky at the plummeting Atlas.
Pagan cracked his massive knuckles and smiled. "Pagan will smash the puny giant and his friends."
"Right… whatever. I think I'm going to move now," said Triathlon as he darted away from Pagan. Pagan simply stood where he was and Triathlon watched as the rapidly growing Atlas smashed into the armored behemoth from above.
Triathlon wasted no time. He surged forward towards the towering form of Atlas just as the other Thunderbolts arrived.
"Back off!" said Songbird as she activated her sonic carapace and formed a mass of pink energy shaped like a birdcage around Triathlon.
"Take him out quick, Songbird. Pagan is the real threat here," said Moonstone as Triathlon banged his body against the bars.
"Hey, I take offense at that," said Triathlon as a rumbling sounded from underground. "And my buddy doesn't appreciate it when people insult his friends."
"Look out, Atlas," said She-Hulk as Pagan erupted from the earth right on front of where Atlas was standing. The monster burst from the ground and struck Atlas on the jaw with his fist. Atlas was sent hurtling through the air and crashed into the ground.
"Not again…" said Moonstone as she fired full force at Pagan. She looked in the direction Atlas had flown. Pagan's punch had thrown him nearly the length of a football field.
"Stop firing, Moonstone. Let me handle this animal," said She-Hulk as she leapt at Pagan and wrapped her arms around his torso. The force of the collision sent Pagan hurtling backwards.
"Karla, we've got a problem here," said Mach-1 as he circled from overhead.
"What is it, Abe?" said Moonstone as she watched Songbird turn the bars of the birdcage into large serpents that wrapped themselves around the body of Triathlon.
"There's some sort of gated complex over this rise of hills to the east. It looked familiar to me and now I remember where I've seen it," said Mach-1 as he dropped to Moonstone's altitude. "Hawkeye mentioned it to me. It's the Triune Understanding."
"Oh, just perfect," said Moonstone and grimaced. "The last thing the Thunderbolts need is the negative press from waging a super-powered war next door to a religious institution."
"But that's the thing, Karla. The guy Songbird is whooping on… he's a member of the Triune Understanding. And that big guy Pagan is somebody the Avengers tangled with to protect the Understanding."
"So then why the hell are they fighting together against us?" said Moonstone as she watched Pagan take a number of tremendous shots from the fists of She-Hulk.
"Because perhaps there is more to the Triune Understanding than you know," said a voice as a shadow passed along Moonstone's back. Moonstone and Mach-1 turned and watched as a man with gray skin and armor the color of ivory and blood advanced upon them.
"Allow me to teach you exactly what the Triune Understanding is all about," said the apparition as a glowing energy surrounded his hands. The energy fled from his fingers and struck Moonstone in the face.
"Moonstone!" said Abe as Moonstone screamed and began to plummet towards the ground. "What did you do to her?"
"Just a simple spell, my friend… nothing to be concerned about. Tremont wants you alive. And even I wouldn't disobey him," said the man with the gray skin.
"A magician… terrific," said Mach-1 as he launched a security net at the man hovering before him. Abe wasted no time in watching if it would snare him or not. He fired his thrusters and immediately darted after Moonstone. Karla was fairly invulnerable… but they were still pretty high up. It was a long way to drop.
Mach-1 swooped down and caught Moonstone by the elbow. "I hope you appreciate this when you wake up, Karla." Mach-1 continued to descend and placed Moonstone gently on the ground.
"Now to take care of that…" said Mach-1 but then paused as the man with the strange armor materialized directly in front of him.
"My name is Lord Templar, fool. I am a sorcerer of the highest degree… to label one such as I with a title as lowly as magician is an insult deserving of death," said Lord Templar with fire burning in his eyes. With each word spoken from his mouth the sorcerer split in two and produced an almost exact duplicate… until there were six of them standing before Mach-1.
"Um… I'm sorry?" said Mach-1 as he tightened his grip on Moonstone and fired his thrusters again. Mach-1 shot into the air and let loose with a barrage of smoke missiles aimed at Lord Templar and his duplicates.
"Did you really think that would work?" said a voice from behind Mach-1 and Abe turned around just in time to see all six Lord Templars behind him. Mach-1 tried to reverse his momentum but wasn't in time. He collided with the sorcerers who grabbed him and Moonstone. Three of them took Moonstone from the grip of Mach-1 and spirited her away. The other three grabbed Mach-1 and began to pull him towards the ground.
# # # # # # # # # #
"Why do you seem so familiar to me, Pagan?" said She-Hulk as she struck Pagan across the face again with a crushing right.
"Pagan does not know or care, woman," said Pagan as he tried to slam his fists down on She-Hulk. Jennifer darted out of the way and the fists of Pagan slammed into the ground. The shockwave sent her temporarily off-balance.
"You are strong, woman… but Pagan is the strongest there is!" said Pagan as he moved to stand over She-Hulk. Pagan lifted a booted foot in the air and brought it down on She-Hulk's chest. "Now Pagan will smash you!"
She-Hulk's eyes widened in recognition and confusion. There was something so familiar about Pagan… and now Jennifer Walters thought she had it. "Bruce? Bruce… is that you?"
Pagan hesitated and his eyes narrowed. "How… how do you know… how…?"
"Enough!" said a voice from across the valley and She-Hulk and Pagan both looked to see a man standing there dressed in a fine-tailored suit. "It seems my little ruse is beginning to crumble."
"What is she talking about Tremont!" roared Pagan as he took his foot from She-Hulk's chest. "I know what she says is the truth. My name is Bruce. Bruce… Banner? You've clouded my memories in some way, haven't you? Haven't you!?"
"All you need to know, Pagan… is that I can cause you the greatest pain you have ever known," said Tremont and She-Hulk watched as his eyes glowed with a sickly red. Pagan immediately fell to his knees and howled in agony.
"What are you doing to him?" said She-Hulk as she got to her feet.
"I was hoping that my gatherers would be able to defeat you without my interference, She-Hulk. But it appears I misjudged them… and you," said Tremont as he focused his attentions on the jade giantess approaching him.
"Gatherers…? I… I know you…?" said She-Hulk as she continued to advance. Her vision blurred and she faltered on her feet. "What are you… doing to me?"
"Clouding your mind as I have done all the others, She-Hulk. Look, your comrades falter as well," said Tremont as his eyes glowed more fiercely than ever before. She-Hulk watched as Songbird and Mach-1 both collapsed to the ground. The sonic serpents around Triathlon disappeared and Lord Templar picked up Moonstone and Mach-1 and began to approach.
"You're… you're not Jonathan Tremont," said She-Hulk and Tremont smiled.
"No… I'm not," said Tremont as the skin of the man began to melt and fall away. She-Hulk watched the Armani suit fall away and the graying hair begin to grow and turn the deepest black. The man standing before She-Hulk was familiar. She had seen him in the Avengers files before. She opened her mouth to call out his name… but all that came out was a raspy croak of sound.
"Jonathan Tremont is not real, Thunderbolt. He never was," said the man dressed in black with the flowing cape billowing out behind him. His sharp features and red eyes focused on She-Hulk and made her want to scream. "No… Jonathan Tremont was just a façade… a deception wrapped in a ploy. My name… is Proctor."
# # # # # # # # # #
Next Issue: Proctor? Isn't he dead? Apparently not… heck, anything is possible in Thunderbolts. And wasn't Gyrich fired by the CSA? What the hell is he doing commanding a battalion of Guardsmen? Join us next issue as we barrel down the road to the conclusion of the Triad Resolution! Make sure and fasten those seatbelts. It promises to be a bumpy ride.
# # # # # # # # # #
Lightning Strikes
Well, here we are at the end of another issue of Thunderbolts. I've been having a lot of fun writing this book. The characters just really seem to speak to me. I hope you guys are having fun reading it as well. Unless something drastic happens, I'll probably be leaving the book after next issue. Hopefully I can make it a run to remember. Now… on to the letters! Our first comes from that classy gent known as Russ Anderson! Russ pens the Scarlet Spider and Fallen Angels here at M2K, and everyone should take a look at his run ob Champions at MV1.
I'm just a teensy bit behind on this book. When did this issue come out? September? Apologies to Mike for my lax behavior… especially considering he almost always reviews my stuff as soon as it's out.
Let it be noted that when you give me a review, it makes me want to write all the more. Only one day after Russ sent this letter in… and I finished the issue that you've all just finished reading. I'll try not to let too much time go by before the next one comes out. It will be the last, after all.
Anyway, after the Man-Beast madness of the last several issues, we get the opening to a brand new story arc this time around. As usual, Mike is tying up continuity, giving us the M2K version of the Triune Understanding mess from Marvel's Avengers. From what little inside info I have on this story arc (it's good to be buddies with the writer), I can honestly say that Mike hasn't scratched the surface of the TU conspiracy in this issue. What he does give us is fascinating though, opening up questions about Lord Templar, Pagan, and Jonathan Tremont, as well as the question of why the Understanding is abducting the younger T-bolts.
Well, now we know that Proctor is the mastermind behind the Triune Understanding. But… Pagan is Bruce Banner? Lord Templar is a sorcerer? What the heck is going on? Well, I know… and I sure am having a lot of fun revealing things as I go. Look for the answer to why Proctor wants the Thunderbolts next issue. Things are going to get real intense real fast.
I especially liked the opening scene, which kinda wrapped up some of the loose ends from the previous storyline. I would have liked to have seen this explanation in the previous issue, but it was well-written, and worked as a reminder for this lax reader. When's the next issue coming out Mike? I promise not to wait so long this time.
Here it is, Russ! Now where's my review!? I do think that I put together the Man-Beast storyline a little sloppily. Hopefully I won't forget to put anything in this time around. I won't have another issue to straighten things out. Thanks for the letter, Russ!
Our final letter comes from David Wheatley. David is one of the Editors here at M2K. He also writes X-Force, Wolverine and Excalibur here too! The man is a class act and he gave Thunderbolts #10 an Editor's Choice award! I know… I was excited too!
It's a good story recapping the previous events as well as starting a new arc with little difficulty, as well as furthering the characters of the T-Bolts. It's not a slow issue considering its the start of the arc, nor is it hard to get in to as the villainous trio are second tier villains anyway and not a great deal of background info is needed for them. It works well. Very well.
Thanks, David. Hopefully I've upped the stakes a little with my second-tier villains. The background information on these guys is changing from paragraph to paragraph now. Next issue the entire mystery surrounding the Triune Understanding and the followers of Proctor will be revealed. Hopefully I'll garner the same high praise from this issue and the conclusion as I did from issue #10!
-Mike III