2009, THE WORLD AT WAR! From the ashes of long dead Soviet Russia arises a new threat. Its mission? World domination! One by one countries have fallen in line behind the flag of the one globe, through either force, coercion, or bribery . The United States and its few remaining allies are pushed into a corner, but our first line of defense, as always are The Mighty Avengers, Earths Mightiest Heroes! This is their story in the worlds darkest hour! This is
"The darkest hour....."
Avengers 2009: The War Part XI
By Ralph L. Angelo Jr
Splash page : London, as hundreds and hundreds of Guardsmen suited One Globers fill the sky
of a burning shattered city.
Announcers voice: "They came before dawn, teleporting through our defenses and destroying
everything in their way. Our own Super-Heroes were powerless to stop their attack, as these new
Guardsmen seem so much more powerful then anything we've seen before here. The Crusaders
disappeared from the fighting after half a day, no one knows where to and Excaliber fell to the
horrible endless procession of armored devils."
Page 2
Announcer: " These Guardsmen suited enemies of King and Country seem impervious to attack,
their suits repelling everything from small arms fire to cannon and tank shells. But they were just
the first wave, the softening up as it were.. Next came the Titanium men, in fewer numbers, but
far more powerful then the Guardsmen. And now, just as impervious to attack. The final blow
came to London proper less then an hour later when a mile wide finger of flame pointed its
deadly wrath at Buckingham Palace , Parliament, and the House of Commons ,obliterating all
those within ,and the surrounding communities as well. I do not know how much longer I'll be
able to continue reporting to you. The Globers are now moving amongst the people on the street,
incarcerating those who go quietly and killing those that resist . My Cameraman , Nigel
Watersdon and myself Anthony Peller, will try to continue on as long as we might, but I fear the
end is near. Avengers, if you are out there help us! The world needs you now, moreso then ever.
Please help us all ! God save the King!"
Page 3
Pullback view as we realize this was all being watched in Avengers mansion in stunned silence.
Captain America is there, stoic, but almost quivering with anger. Iron Man watches silently, fists
clenching and unclenching repeatedly. The Scarlet Witch sobs every so often, trying to hide her
anguish over a nations death as the Vision seeks to console her. Spider-Man holds his crying
wife and child . As Hawkeye absentmindedly fingers an arrow tip he holds in his right hand.
Finally Yellow jacket speaks, he and the Wasp having stood silently by watching the scenes of
horror as they played out before their unwitting eyes.
Page 4
Y J : "Shut off the monitor Fabian. We've all seen enough."
Fabian Stankowitz moves to comply when the matter is taken out his hands. Into the cameras
view comes a Guardsman who smashes the camera to the floor. It's odd angle falling on the
terrified reporter and cameraman as they back away , begging for mercy. A mercy that does not
come. In stunned silence the Avengers watch as the Guardsman fires a repulser blast through the
chest of the reporter, blood and ichor exiting the other side. And then with a backhanded blow
he snaps the cameramans neck like a twig. Without another thought he takes to the air, as the
camera continues to broadcast.
Y J: "Shut.....it........ OFF!"
Yellow jacket fires a disrupter bolt at the holographic monitor controls, destroying them in one
shot.
ZZZrrack!
Page 5
Cap A: "Okay Hank, that's enough. Get a hold of yourself."
Y J: "Get a hold of myself? My God man, did you just not watch the same thing I did?"
Spider-Man: "We all saw it Hank. All of us."
He turns to his beautiful wife and Child
Spidey: "M J, go down to our quarters. Take May . Things just got way beyond deadly serious.
I'll talk to you before we leave."
Page 6
M J : "Leave? Where the hell are you going? "
Spidey: "To war Mary Jane, to war."
Wordlessly she leaves , her eyes red with tears.
Spidey: "Cap what are we doing here and when are we doing it?"
I M : "Yes, I have to agree with the web slinger. It's time for our all out assault . It's now or never
my friends. This is indeed the worlds darkest hour."
Vision: "Have you strategists prepared anything concrete as of yet?"
Cap A: "Yes Vision, we did, basically just before England as well as Japan finally fell. We have
our battle plans Avengers, it's time to implement them."
Page 7
Space, outside the glowing Burning sky. The Star cruiser "Dragons Eye" Sits and waits . On
board are the ships owner, "Moondragon" , as well as Adam Warlock, Quasar ,Drax The
Destroyer, Captain Marvel, The Silver Surfer, and Beta ray Bill. Possibly the most powerful
assemblage of cosmic entities ever to gather in one spot.
Moondragon: "What do we do my friends? Do we continue to sit and wait ? None of our probes
get through this damnable burning dome, and I for one have not the patience to await its
dissolving on its own."
Warlock : "Patience was never your strong point Heather Douglas. Even as far back as our days
in the Infinity Watch."
Quasar: "No bickering guys. We have to crack that dome open somehow."
Surfer: "That we know Wendell Vaughn. But how? It resists all our combined might. That
should not be even remotely possible."
Genis: "I agree Surf, it shouldn't be. And something Bill said earlier * got me to thinking, What if this is somehow powered from another Universe, another dimensional source. We've all had experience at one time or another here with other dimensional evil. Why not this being a part of such an evil?"
*See issue #7
Page 8
Moondragon: "Hhhmm, you're theory has merit Genis -Vell. Perhaps there is at least a way
around this maddening blockade then, if not through it."
Surfer: "Yes, an excellent idea! Perhaps crossing an interstellar corridor to another point with in
the burning sky will gain us egress."
Warlock: "No . That is not the answer. This dome must fall. If circumventing this blockade were
possible, Dr Strange would have done so months ago. "
Quasar: "Well I just had an even odder idea, something so off base that it just might be right.
You notice how this Dome of flame seems to move as if it were alive? How it moves and leaps,
almost as if it's here against it's will and wants to leave? Well......what if it is?"
Page 10
Back to Avengers Bunker where a Quinjet carrying the Mid States team lands, as the team
disembarks , returning from their battle in the Savage Land.
Rage: "I'm almost glad to be back here Sam, ....almost"
Cannonball looks at his team mate with a sorry and weak smile.
Sam: "Don't you blame yerself big guy, we did all we could 'gainst those globe geeks down
yonder. It's not any of our faults what happened today. We did our best. We was just to late."
The Black Widow follows them and speaks up between their sentences.
Widow: "You are wrong my young friend, it is our fault. We should've foreseen this eventuality months ago , after Mission : Wakanda was finished*. We did not. And now the world is that much closer to paying the ultimate price."
*Issue #6
Page 11
Cap and Spider-Man approach the sizzling Quinjet, as it's internal systems begin a cool down
procedure for the speed created heat radiating from it's metallic skin.
Cap A: "At ease Natasha, your squad did as good a job as any group of Avengers ever could. You
did yourselves proud. "
Widow: "Then why don't I feel that way?"
Spidey: "It's not your fault Widow. No one could've known they were down there mining
Vibranium for the past few months."
Widow: "We should've known Spider-Man, we're the Avengers. It's our business to know."
Without another word Natasha Romanoff turns and leaves, walking deeper into the Bunker,
seething with her own rage and sorrows.
Page 12
Spidey: "That's one angry chick."
Cannonball and Thunderstrike walk over to the two Avengers.
T-Strike : "Hey guys. Are things as bad as I think they are?"
Spidey: "No Strikey, probably worse."
Sam: "Ahm ready whenever yoah are Captain. Say the word and those One Globe sonuva bit---"
Cap A :"At ease Avenger. We're not going off half cocked. Plans have been made. At mid-night
we begin implementing them."
Behind them Moonstone begins to bring supplies back into the Quinjet with Firebirds and Rages
help. The two heroes turn and walk back into the Bunker.
Spidey: "I have a question Cap. One that needs an answer for no other reason than that I'm
asking it."
Cap A: "Go on Avenger."
Page 13
Spidey : "Where's Thor?"
Cap stops dead in his tracks and stares at Spider-Man.
Cap A: "You really don't know do you?"
Spidey : "If I did would I ask?"
Cap A: "Follow me."
They walk in silence , until finally...
Spidey: "What's this? "
Cap A: "The infirmary."
Inside is a lone occupant. Cap pulls the curtain back and reveals....
Spidey : "THOR!?!?"
Page 14
Spidey : "What happened here? Why's he like this?"
Cap sighs deeply and rubs his forehead before taking a seat next to the bed. Spidey adheres to
the wall and waits for his answer. Cap looks at the web spinner and removes his mask. Spidey
waits an instant and does likewise.
Cap A: "During the final days before the Burning sky went up , Norway was destroyed. We didn't
know it at the time, but it was the first test of the burning sky. Thor went instantly catatonic,
falling from the sky while in mid-battle with the Absorbing Man. By the time we arrived on the
scene, the Absorbing man was long gone, and not seen again until he was found by the just
arrived mid-States team. At first we assumed it was mere coincidence, that they attack such a
small and relatively harmless nation as an almost first strike. It wasn't. They knew what they
were doing. They were taking out our most powerful member. Their leader is a tactical genius.
No one ever foresaw this possibility. Even thousands of years after he was worshiped by those
proud people, he still had very real ties to that land. Those ties were destroyed, ripped asunder as
was the land. This is the result."
Both men look at Thor, his chest slowly rising and falling as he continues to breathe.
Page 15
Spidey : "This madness has got to end. We have to win this final battle, nothing in our history
even comes close to this. Not any world war, not the comings of Galactus, nothing. This entire
world is on the brink of annihilation . Who is this lunatic mastermind ? Who?"
Cut to Iron Man, boot jets flaring as he arrives at the Vault, deep in the hidden region of
Colorado. As he lands a portly man rushes out to greet him, two of the Vaults Guardians,
wearing Guardsman mark VII armor approach with the warden.
Warden: "This is quite improper Iron Man. You cannot just order us about as if we were your
lackeys. I'm the warden of the major Super-Villain holding facility in the free world , I---"
I M : "Listen warden, forgive my brusque manner, but it's about to get even brusquer. There will
be no free world left in probably less then 48 hours. Now, do you have his suit?"
One of the Guardsmen walk up carrying a large metallic box.
I M :"Good."
He takes the box .
Page 16
I M : "Now, show me to the newest Crimson Dynamo."
Iron Man and the two Guardsmen walk to a cell, standard non-powered prisoner type.
I M : "You both can leave now. This won't take long."
Guardsman 417: "Uh sir, that's not entirely possible. We 're supposed to stay with you every step
of the way here."
I M : "No. End of discussion. Leave now."
Guardsman 425: "No can do Mr High and Mighty Iron Man. This is our job."
I M : "Fine then."
He thinks two words,
I M : ( Power down)
And just like that , both Guardsmen drop to the floor, like so much dead weight. Their suits
totally useless.
Page 17
I M : "Sorry boys, I know you 're just doing your jobs, but this one's for the world. I'll shut the
override off when I'm done here."
Guardsmen 417: "How? How'd you do this? "
I M :" My boss Tony Stark created and continues to sell the Guardsman suits to the Vault and the
Federal Government. I would be a fool not to know the built in override codes."
Wordlessly he enters the cell before him and throws the metal box at the feet of the man
occupying that cell.
Man : "Vat is this?"
I M : "It's your suit, Constantine. Put it on . Now."
Constantine: "And If I refuse?"
Page 18
I M : "Then I'll tear you limb from limb until I get the answers I seek. This way you at least have
a fair fighting chance."
Constantine: "And vat is it you vant? "
I M : "Your leader. Who is he? There's something very familiar about him. I've seen his methods
before, and why are you the only Crimson Dynamo? Why are there countless Titanium men and
Bogus Guardsmen?"
Constantine: "Hahahahahaha. You fool. Did you truly think I would play your game? Leave me
metal clad idiot. I look forward to the day when I can tear you limb from limb before a crowd."
Iron Man grabs the villain before him and tears him off the bed he's sitting on, then tosses him
across the room. Hard.
Sprak!
Constantine : "Arrggh!"
Page 19
I M : "I'll only say it once more. PUT.......ON.....THE......SUIT."
C D: "WHY? To what purpose will this serve?"
I M : "You get a chance. You defeat me , ...you go free. No questions asked. I beat your ass, you
tell me everything I want to know, or I continue to beat it out of you."
C D : "You don't leave me much choice do you American? "
He begins to don the Armor as Iron Man stands nearby watching.
I M : "No choice at all Constantine."
Instantly the Crimson Dynamo spins and fires his plasma beams at Iron Man, blowing him
through a wall in the Vault, out into the grounds surrounding the facility.
C D : "You have made a grave tactical error American, one that I will kill you for now."
Page 20
Dynamo flies out after Iron Man and unleashes a barrage of sonics aimed at Shellheads helmet.
Instantly Iron Mans hands come up instinctively covering his ears.
C D :" You make this to easy Iron Man. How I have never beaten you before is beyond me.
Overconfident fool!"
He flies above the rolling and squirming Iron Man to unleash a needle thin laser at the helmet
neck line, trying to sever Iron Mans head.
C D :" Your days are done dog, as are your corrupt countries! Soon the "One Globes " Banner
will fly across the entire planet."
I M : " Not.....if ....I can.....help ... it!"
SSShhzz-RACK!
With a massive surge of energy Iron Man sends out an undirected plasma burst, the explosive
force knocking the Dynamo from the sky, as nearby trees bend and break in two from the
hurricane like effect.
I M : " Like that one Yuri? It's new and never been used before. It uses a lot of power, but I have
large reserves. Here have some of them."
Page 21
Iron Man fires his repulsers at the stunned Dynamo, who was just getting back on his feet, and
again he's sent tumbling !
Vroom!
C D : "I will not b-be d-defeated by you, n-not ever again!"
The dynamo stands his ground as his suit begins to hum audibly , it's internal fusion generators
being driven to overload.
C D : "I WILL KILL YOU AND THE ENTIRE SURROUNDING COUNTRY SIDE IF NEED
BE FOR MY FREEDOM!"
I M :"No, no you won't."
Page 22
Iron Man flies upwards and away from his enemy, who immediately gives pursuit.
C D : "Ha ! I knew you for a coward who will run from a superior force."
I M : " You misunderstand Yuri Constantine, I'm not running, I'm merely getting you away from
a populated area."
Suddenly Iron Man spins and fires his Pulse bolts, Weapons that grow more powerful over
distance ! Immediately The Crimson Dynamo knows he's made a mistake, as he tries to change
direction and rocket off on angle, an amazing thing happens, the bolts change direction with him
and follow his form, to an explosive conclusion!
Ba-DOOOM!
Like a broken rag doll the Dynamo falls from the sky to land with a loud
Klang!
Page 23
Iron man flies over to his enemy who is struggling to his feet.
I M : "Still trying ? Good I need to make this a very definite victory."
The Dynamo Charges Shellhead, throwing himself at Iron Man in one last desperate attack, that
ultimately fails!
Boom!
I M : "Good shot Yuri, here's mine."
Iron mans armor faintly glows with augmented strength as he delivers a massive right handed
lunge punch, stepping into the blow and twisting his body from the waist to deliver the most
power and impact!
BA-KOOOOM!
Dynamo flies 50' through the air before landing in a broken heap.
Page 24
Iron Man walks over to the beaten One Globe agent and tears the helmet off the powerless
armor. Pulling his enemy face to face he growls his questions.
I M : "Who is he Yuri? You know who he is and I suspect? Why is there only one Crimson Dynamo and hundreds of Titanium men? Those Nukes he used against Latveria and my nation*, the were Gamma bombs. Who is he damn you, ANSWER ME! "
* See issue #1
Fearfully, saliva dripping from his mouth , Yuri Constantine gives the Invincible Iron Man his
answer, an answer Tony Stark has suspected for some time , but could not believe in his heart.
Page 25
C D : "He is your enemy....a...man who you believe you killed a long....long time ago. Someone
who should've destroyed you from his hidden lair years ago, when you were unsuspecting."
I M : "Say the name Constantine....SAY IT !"
C D : " You already know who it is . You are correct, I can see it in your eyes. Yes it is your long
dead enemy, someone who you mistakenly believed you killed. Someone whose death you
harbored a mistaken guilt for all these years. He is (sigh) ...The Gremlin."
And suddenly Iron Man can hear the laughter ringing in his ears all the way from the Russian
republic. The laughter of a little man whose intellect has driven the world to the brink of
destruction!
Next : The Final battle !
Letters from the front C/O [email protected]
Hey Ralph!
Once again, top quality material. Sorry I couldn't reply sooner, but finals
and job training are starting to catch up with me. Arrrggh! Anyway, the
story is still fantastic! I don't think that there is a single character
you haven't addressed here yet, which is amazing! The end of this last
issue was fantastic! So was seeing the new T-Strike vs. The Absorbing Man.
Anyway, Keep up the good work and I can't wait to see that Thor
explanation!
TJB
Hope it meets with your approval
I've been reading your Avengers 2009 series on the lads.com web site, and was
wondering if you'd mind if I tried to put pencils to your script/story. I was
really impressed by this series, and think I could do it justice with my
artwork.
Thanks,
Bryan
I hope this turns out to your liking Brian , I can't wait to see your pencils .