His father was the greatest of Heroes, saving the entire universe from subjugation time and time again! Now he must continue that tradition , his powers are the same, but his outlook is different. He wields the mighty Nega bands and has the Celestial insight of Cosmic Awareness. The universe is his inheritance, for he is its Protector as he struggles to find his place amidst the Heavens, his buds call him Genis, but he's known and feared by his enemies as........ Captain

Marvel !

Captain Marvel#77

"The Ascension"

Double sized finale to the Black Sun Saga

By Ralph L. Angelo Jr.

Splash Page: The Star cruiser "Rapier Wit" cuts a distinctive path through the ebon night of space, as onboard a tense and very urgent star-link call is being completed.

Page 2

Genis: " ......and that's everything I have on the situation Captain America. Black Sun is now replacing all the entities that reside in stars with his own mind. He is in effect, becoming the universe. "

CapA: "My God man! This is almost beyond comprehension. Of course I'll mobilize the Avengers immediately. Where is his headquarters sequestered on Earth?"

Genis: "Monster Island, Warlock and the Infinity Watches old base."

Cap places his hand over his mouth , while in deep thought.

CapA: "hhhmm, doesn't the mole man have something to do with that island?"

Page 3

Genis: "I'm not sure, but I think a quick com-call to Reed Richards is in order here."

Cap A: "Yes, I'll take care of that immediately. Anything else?"

Genis: "Yes Captain, I'd like you to also contact Powerman and Iron Fist. They were in this mess from the beginning , and I'd like them to be there at the end, no matter the outcome, assuming it's not to much to ask."

Cap smiles.

Cap A: "Not at all Captain Marvel, not at all. The Avengers will see you on Monster island at 1300 hours EST . Godspeed Universal Protector."

The screen goes blank as Genis -Vell sits back , slumping , exhausted in his seat. Eros of Titan, known as Starfox to some sits down next to Genis.

Eros: "How are you holding up?"

Genis smiles weakly.

Genis: "Not well Uncle Eros, whatever Black Sun is doing is effecting me through my Cosmic awareness. So far his re-creating of the Universe seems to be only giving me intense nausea, but I gotta assume it'll get worse as time goes on."

Page 4

Eros: "Yes, I believe you're right. I wonder why he didn't start with this sector of space first, instead of leaving it for last?"

Genis: "Well, he's either giving me a chance at trying to stop him, or he's making sure his power over reality holds before he's caught in its grasp himself."

Eros: "True. I hadn't considered the second, but the first DID spring to mind."

The Destroyer, as well as Firelord join the two heroes.

Drax: "What are our plans ?"

Eros:" I'm.....not sure. Genis?"

Genis: "You'll like 'em Drax. They're real simple. Destroy, destroy, destroy. Until we reach Black Sun himself."

Page 5

Drax: "Ah, a plan with merit."

They all smile at this, except for Firelord, whose thoughts are his own.

On Monster Island , Black Sun is immersed in his Ascension tank, as the stuff of the Universe flows through his physical form.

B S : "Ah, all creation will very soon be one with me. Then all will be remade in my image. Then will the powers of the Universe TRULY tremble, for my wrath will be great indeed!"

Noctu approaches the enclosed bubble like tank where Black Sun floats, closed off from the rest of creation.

Noctu: "Master, all proceeds apace, though there is still no sign of young Captain Marvel."

B S : "Yes, young, and no chance of getting any older, hahaha. I cannot "see" him either faithful one, his vaunted Cosmic Awareness has blocked him from my view as well as me from his. I expect that to change shortly, as more and more Stars fall under my control."

Noctu merely nods, staring stoicly at the creature he calls "Master."

B S : " When he is able to sense me, I will sense him as well. Then I will hunt him down with my own abilities , instead of merely relying on my thousand year old spy network to tell me his whereabouts."

Page 6

Noctu: "Again Black Sun, I urge you to stand on the side of caution. Captain Marvel has proven himself a canny foe. You would do well to give to him the respect he commands."

B S : "Bah, I crushed him almost without effort. Now you think to tell me to be wary of this boy? The time for caution is past Noctu. Now is the time for action."

Noctu: "As you say Master."

Noctu turns and leaves, as Black Sun floats in the transparent Blue gel that makes up his enclosed control pod.

Cut To.....

Avengers Mansion, the Avengers run to a Quinjet, and prepare for an emergency departure.

CapA: " Move team! Time is literally against us. According to Captain Marvel, This "Black Sun" re-writes reality as we speak."

Vision: " I take this to mean we may all cease to exist when this villain turns his attention to Earth."

Page 7

CapA: "Yes Vision, I think that's a real possibility. "

Iron Man: "Then I think it's time this "Black Sun" learned what it means to face the Avengers."

Ms Marvel enters the flight cabin and takes the pilot controls. Cap sits down next to her. He smiles and reaches over to her, grasping her hand momentarily, then becomes business-like again, almost immediately as he begins the pre-flight procedures grimly.

Ms. Marvel : (In a whisper) "I don't mind saying Steve, this one has me a little scared."

CapA : "I know Carol, me as well. Don't worry, if anyone can stop this madman, it's the Avengers."

Ms. M: "I know. Where's Captain Marvel now?"

CapA: "When last we spoke, he was approaching Earth. He should be here soon. We're rendezvousing at 1300 hours . "

Iron Man: "Where's our favorite Avenging Son?"

CapA: "Namor is launching an attack from the sea, he's also bringing a few guests along for the ride."

Page 8

Cut to.... a close up of Powermans face

P M : "Sweet Christmas! This ship is movin' faster under water then most planes do above ! What kinda' technology are you runnin' here Namor?"

Namor smiles as he looks on at Powerman and Iron fist.

Namor: " Atlantian technology is a state secret my friend. And while beneath the waves there is no equal, above ,the surface dwellers have created many marvels as well."

I F : "Now's not the time to be discussing who's toys work better friends, Black Sun has put all of reality at risk. I hope we're enough to stop him."

Namor: "If not Iron Fist, he will at least know he battled against the best this world has to offer. And he will pay for his victory, if indeed it comes in his own blood."

Page 9

P M : "Subby, you got no idea what this guy is like. He's tougher then anything I've ever seen. From what Marvel said to us, this guy's actually a livin' star. "

Namor scratches his chin.

Namor: "Yes, a star in human form. He has his weaknesses Powerman, of that you can be certain. We just have to find them."

I F : "I think we have to continually attack him from all sides, keep his attention riveted on us as Captain Marvel provides the main assault."

P M : "Why not Thor? Why Marvel?"

I F : "Black Sun is obviously concerned, I wouldn't say worried, but concerned about Genis being a problem . That's why he attacked him and not Thor, or Iron Man or someone of that stature. No, he feels Genis is the number one threat to him."

Page 10

P M : "Yeah, that would make sense. Okay, we keep Blackie busy while Captain Marvel continues ta pound on 'im. "

Namor: "There are other avenues I will draw upon as well my friends. Black Sun WILL be surprised."

Aboard the "Rapier Wit" right now Captain Marvel and Starfox, as well as Drax and Firelord have more then a little surprise on their hands.

Genis: " Here he comes again, cut right.......NOW!"

Starfox banks the "Wit" hard to the right , as a huge flying beast swipes its massive claws at the "Wit" , scratching the omni steel hull.

SKREEEAAAK

Page 11

Firelord: "This is foolishness, guiltless beast or not, he's still under the power of Black Sun, and must pay the price."

Firelord blazes a trail out of the "Wit" and engages the gigantic creature, it's bat-like wings beat the air, almost to hurricane effect, as the former herald of Galactus streaks through the incredible winds, to engulf the reptilian monster in a withering blast of cosmic flame !

Whoosh!

Genis-Vell looks on from the cockpit, as Firelord incinerates the strange monster.

Genis: " Hhhmm, I think that could've been handled a little differently, but this type of situation calls for drastic measures."

Eros: "I suppose it does ."

Page 12

Drax looks at the island and shakes his head.

Genis: "What's up Drax? Why the strange look?"

Drax: "Besides the obvious? Well, I used to live here for a while, but I hardly remember it. My mind was so befuddled at that point in my life that I-I really only have vague memories of my time with the "Watch."*

*Drax only regained his full measure of mental competence in an issue of Cosmic Powers Unlimited, after the Infinity Watch had long since disbanded. Ragin' Ralphy

Eros: "Well time to clear the cobwebs Drax old buddy, and do what you do best."

Drax: "Yes, DESTROY !"

The Destroyer rockets out of the "Rapier Wit" and into the fray, as strange ,and Gigantic subterranean beasts attack him and Firelord.

Page 13

Drax: "Hold on Firelord, The Destroyer is here, and he comes to exact foul vengeance on Black Sun!"

Firelord: "A Pretty speech Drax, one I had not expected from you."

Drax: "Well I've been practicing on changing my image."

A huge beast grabs Drax's foot from the ground and hurls him to the nearby cliff face with a resounding

BOOM!

Firelord : " That looked painful, do not worry my friend, I will take care of this monstrosity."

Suddenly the cliff face bursts outwards as an enraged Destroyer exits at mach 5 , slamming full bore into the shaggy beast, carrying it out over, and into the ocean .

Page 14

On the other side of the island, the "Rapier Wit" has landed as Captain Marvel and Starfox exit in a blaze of photons.

Eros: "I don't understand, why aren't we being attacked?"

Genis: " He's playing with us. He knows we're here and he's going to pull a supposed sneak attack on us, reversing what we had planned."

Eros: "How do you know?"

Genis' face grows dark and reflects the cosmos.

Genis: "Because I am....aware."

Eros: "You can sense him?"

Genis: "Yes, since we landed. He must be near the Ascension point . All of reality must be near his control."

Page 15

Eros: "Oh that's just wonderful."

Suddenly the very ground around the two startled heroes comes to life, rearing up as twenty five foot tall creatures made of rock, sand and stone!

Genis: "This is a nice change of circumstance."

Captain Marvel rockets away as a gargantuan stone hand pulverizes the very ground he was standing on !

POOM!

Eros takes to the air as a stone goliath tries to grab him, and misses his speeding form.

Page 16

Eros: "Now what? My pleasure power won't affect these unliving things, and they're stronger then I am, so what do I do ? Keep avoiding them?"

Genis: "No, you fight!"

Genis unleashes an incredible barrage of Photonic power, decimating the stone giants instantly.

Sha-VOOOM!

Suddenly a voice booms from behind them...

Voice: "Fear not brave warriors, thou art not alone in thy quest to stop mad Black Sun, the God of thunder stands with thee!"

Page 17

A rocketing Mjolnir cleaves a stone goliath in twain, heralding the appearance of...

Genis: "THOR! Man am I ever glad to see you big guy. Are the rest of the Avengers here also?"

Thor: "Aye Captain Marvel, they have just arrived and now do battle 'gainst monsters such as these ."

The three heroes take to the air, heading in the general direction of the Avengers landing point.

Eros: " These...things are appearing all over below us. How is Black Sun manipulating reality like this? Even if he is controlling all the stars in the heavens, he shouldn't be able to do anything like this."

Genis: "That's where you're wrong Starfox. Think of it this way. All of creation started with the big bang. What was the first result of that bang?"

Page 18

Thor: "The stars themselves."

Genis: "Right. Now stars are the stuff of creation. In essence all life came from the stars, and still does to this day. Even the power cosmic springs from the stars. Black Sun, by manipulating stellar energy on such a scale, really is controlling all of reality. He can create, and destroy anything he wants, because the power of the universe is at his disposal."

Eros: "Hhhmm, I see. "

Thor: "I fear we are in for the battle of our lives my friends."

Genis : "I couldn't agree more Thor."

Below them, the Avengers battle against dozens of the stone monsters, as a robed figure stands above the deadly battle, his long silver-grey ponytail moving in the wind. Suddenly he sees the flying heroes and spins, entering the caverns in the rock face that leads to Black Suns base.

Page 19

Noctu: (So Captain Marvel is here. Black Suns plans are in jeopardy then. The lad has brought the Avengers with him. That alone is not good. He must be informed.)

Noctu rounds a bend in the corridor at a quickened pace, finally coming before Black Sun, still in his creation matrix.

B S : "What is it Noctu? "

Noctu: "Captain Marvel is here, as are the Mighty Avengers. But you already know that don't you?"

B S : "Of course. Am I not all of creation? Am I not GOD??"

Noctu : "I suppose that you are master. Then why don't you simply destroy your enemies? Make them disappear as if they never were?"

B S : "Alas, that cannot be good Noctu. I must defeat my enemies publicly and with great permanence . The universe entire must know that no one can stand before the power of Black Sun."

Page 20

Noctu: " Master, I beg you, re-think this. Captain Marvel is resourceful and has provided you with a dangerous and sly adversary. His moves against you * have humiliated and destroyed you in a very public light, across the known galaxies. He is not to be toyed with."

* See our last six issues for the complete rundown. Ralph-Vell

Black Sun turns quickly, his evil eyes glowing venomously in his massive, pitch black skull.

B S : "And that is precisely WHY he will be utterly destroyed by me."

Noctu says nothing more as he leaves the room.

Outside the battle rages. Captain America hurls his shield ineffectively into a stone behemoth, as Iron Man shatters yet another one with twin repulser blasts.

Cap A: "We're getting nowhere here. Where's Ms Marvel?"

Vision: (As he shatters a stone monster with a diamond hard fist) "She flew overhead with Thor and Captain Marvel a few moments ago Captain."

Page 21

Cap A: "Okay, make a break for that notch where that strange figure was standing a while back. On my mark team, Iron Man , Vision, lay down covering fire, Yellowjacket, Wasp, fly out of here and to that opening .Then we make our way into that facility."

The Avengers move like the well oiled machine that they are . Iron Man fires repeated repulser blasts, as well as long distance pulse bolts , as Vision fires solar beams through the massive animatons, slicing legs off and making the monsters crumble upon themselves. Yellowjacket grows to full size, swoops down and picks up Captain America as Wasp fires her bio-stings into the creatures faces, ineffectively .

Wasp: "This is not working out boys, we have to hurry!"

Y J : "We're clear Jan, GO, GO!"

Wasp speeds into the opening in the cliff face , as Iron Man and Vision follow behind.

Vision: "We are all in Captain. "

Page 22

CapA: "Good, okay team move it, time is our enemy here as much as Black Sun. "

The Avengers thunder through the rough hewn corridors as we cut to...

The sandy beach along Monster Islands north face. There Noctu stands, his robe flutters against him in the warm breeze as suddenly an Atlantian undersea vessel rises from the water .

Noctu: "So , still more come. This proceeds more dangerously by the minute. No matter I suppose. I shall have to take a more... active hand myself ."

Inside the now flying Atlantian ship Namor, Powerman and Iron fist look at the figure on the beach.

P M : "Who's this clown?"

Page 23

I F : "I have no idea Luke, but I have a feeling we shouldn't take him lightly. There's something about him..."

Namor: " No Daniel Rand, the time for caution is past. Now is the time for action."

Namor flies through the ships corridors as Powerman and Iron fist run after him to the opening hatch, as the ship softly lands on the beach.

Namor hovers above the silver haired Noctu.

Namor: "Whoever you are, I warn you, leave now. You face the Avenging son, as well as Powerman and Iron Fist."

Page 24

Noctu smiles evilly

Noctu: "You have no idea what you face little man."

Astonishingly, before the heroes stunned eyes Noctu's form begins to flow and run like mercury as he begins to fill gigantic proportions. Suddenly Noctu the man is gone, replaced by Noctu the Silver Dragon !

Noctu (His voice like razor blades over glass) : "So little men , mighty Noctu will feast on your bones this night. Prepare to meet your death!"

Namor: " I don't think so "Mighty Noctu." You are not alone in size and power."

From behind his back Namor pulls an ancient horn and blows through it mightily. Then still hovering in the air, as Noctu slowly beats his wings before the silent and battle ready heroes, Namor smiles. And an instant later another creature of epic proportions emerges from the deep, the leviathan known as "Giganto"!

Page 25

P M : "Sweet Mama, Namor had this puppy up his sleeve the whole time? The man is slick!"

I F : "That he is my friend. Now lets do our part as well."

With a roar Giganto, the whale monster attacks the dragon known as Noctu, hurling them both into the sea, as Noctu unleashes blistering blasts of flame, boiling the water around the enraged whale-like creature to steam.

Namor: "In truth, I have no idea who will win this battle my friends. I suggest we rendezvous with the others immediately. "

I F : "Agreed."

P M (with a wry smile):"Lead on Avenging son."

Page 26

Captain Marvel, Starfox, and Thor along with Ms Marvel streak towards the castle in the center of Monster Island , as the denizens of the Island attack almost nonstop. But against the power wielded by these four, they have no chance !

Genis: " Keep up the pressure guys, we've gotta break through Black Suns defenses."

Ms M: " Genis , what are you going to do when we get there? This maniac almost killed you last time. He'll tear you apart ."

Genis: "Oh ye of little faith. Sorry Ms M. But this is the only way. Otherwise the whole Universe might cease to exist as we know it. I have no choice in this. It's my responsibility."

Ms M. : " I understand what you're saying Genis, but there has to be another way."

The Universal Protector smiles .

Genis: "Relax Carol, I think things will turn out for the best ."

Thor: "Aye , some of the most powerful Champions this world has to offer have come to attack this villain."

Page 27

Ms M:(With a smile of her own) " I know blondie, that's why I'm here."

Suddenly a thirty foot beast streaks into view, under its arms, webbed wings allow it to glide after the three speeding heroes, as it changes direction and follows them, roaring it's anger all the way.

Genis: "Okay gang, I've got this one."

Captain Marvel reverses direction and flies circles around the monster, as it swats the air trying to stop his faster-then-the-eye-can-see movements.

Genis: "C'mere leather face, time to go nighty night."

Captain Marvel races into the creatures face and punches it powerfully with a bone crushing right, that knocks the behemoth from the air!

Ta-KOOM!

Page 27

He rejoins the other three as they approach the castle.

Ms M: "Not bad sport. You put a little mayo on that knuckle sandwich huh?"

Genis looks at her quizzically

Genis: " What are you hangin' out with Captain America or something? A sayin' that old I'd expect from him."

Ms Marvel blushes slightly and turns away as Starfox almost laughs, but the weight of the situation is to much to allow that much levity.

Ms M: "Uh, I guess we should make our grand entrance. I'll open the doors, no gentlemen needed."

Ms Marvel blazes through the stone doors, atomizing them in one blow.

Bra-KOW!

Page 28

Ms M: " That's how it's done boys."

Thor : "Aye Ms Marvel , thy strength of arm is legend already here on Midgard. Thou hath reason to be proud ."

Genis: "Enough talk you two, I....feel Black Sun up ahead. He's here ."

Eros: "Then let's go find him. I for one look forward to meeting him."

Genis: "Don't be so sure Eros, this is one bad guy who can give lessons in the word "Bad".

Thor: "E'en so good Captain, he will know the strength of Thors arms afore this day be done."

Suddenly they round a corner and almost run over ...

Thor: "The Avengers! Thou hath made it this far my boon companions. Together now, none may say us nay!"

Page 29

CapA: "We're all glad to see you as well Thunderer. Let's take this megalomaniac down now, and finish this."

Suddenly a voice booms through the very walls, resonating in the core of the assembled heroes very being!

Voice: "Yes Captain America, let us end this battle, in the only manner feasible. Your deaths!"

The group as a whole enters the main chamber where Black Sun still floats in the transparent blue bubble.

B S : "So , this motley bunch is going to stop me? I think not! Die!"

He waves his hand as crimson energies rip from his fingers, exiting the bubble to rip into Thor, hurling him through the castle walls, and out onto the island.

Sha-VOOM!

Page 30

B S : "You will all feel my power, one at a time or in a group it matters not. You will all die this fine day. The day of Black Suns ascension to Godhood."

Eros: "No you maniac, I don't think so."

B S : "Ah the ever charismatic Starfox, perhaps you'll be next to feel the power of Black Sun."

He hurls another energy bolt into Eros, who likewise tries to dodge the hurled blast, but fails miserably, as his limp form exits the castle at another juncture.

Ms M: "Eros!"

B S : "Ah, do I detect a note of concern fair one? Perhaps you will remain alive, to serve as my concubine. You are, as the Asgardians would say, a comely wench."

Page 31

Ms Marvel rockets towards the bubble, punching it with everything she's got !

THOOM!

Ms M: "Wench this sucker!"

B S : "Hahaha, you amuse me woman, none can breach the defenses of God, or didn't you realize this?"

Genis: "You're no God, only another psycho playing at the role."

B S : "Playing? No boy , the time for games is over. There will be no more "playing" . There will be only destruction, yours."

Genis smiles thinly, showing no fear. Only hard , cold determination.

Genis: "Give it your best shot you coward."

Page 32

B S : "Coward? You think me a coward? Hahaha, you amuse me child."

Genis : "Only a coward would hide in that bubble and fight where others can't get to him."

B S : "Very well then arrogant one, I'll play your rather transparent game and leave my ascension chamber. Once outside of it I will finish the mission I started months ago, killing you."

Cut to Titan, as Elysius and Mentor look on at Isaacs long range readouts of the battle.

Elysius: "I should have gone with them Mentor, I could've controlled the animals on that island as easily as I control the birds that land on my shoulders."

As she speaks, two small , colorful birds land on either shoulder.

Page 33

Mentor: "Your power would have been useless in this battle Elysius. Black Sun would have overridden it easily, and the monsters would STILL have to have been fought through."

Elysius: "Maybe so Mentor, but my son , as well as my best friend are down there on Earth , battling for their lives, against incalculable odds."

Mentor: "I know my dear, but we must have faith in the heroes to win the day."

Elysius says no more, fuming underneath that she cannot be by her sons side, her son and the man she is beginning to have some very strange, mixed feelings about. The man known as

Thor: "Starfox! Art thou well enough to fly on thy own?"

Starfox: "Yes Thor, I just need a minute to clear the cobwebs.'

Thor: "A minute may be to long my friend."

Page 34

Thor takes to the sky, leaving Starfox behind

Eros: "I'm a...little ...fuzzy now Thor. I-I......."

Starfox collapses, face first in the dirt, unconscious.

Thor re-enters the dominating structure, as he sees Ms Marvel and the Vision hurled away by Black Sun with a back handed blow that shakes the room !

Ba-ROOOM!

B S : "Bah, you are all fools, none of you are worthy of battling me. "

Suddenly Captain Marvel flies into Black Sun from behind, his fists glowing with raging photonic energy, he rams Black Sun with all his might, knocking the behemoth from his feet and sending him across the room.

Page 35

Thooom!

Genis: "Really Blackie? Then why did you attack me so vehemently so many months ago? What was it you psychotic sonuva ---"

Black Sun rolls over from where he landed and fires a blazing energy blast into Captain Marvel, smashing him across the room.

ZZZrrack!

B S : "Ignorant whelp. Black Sun owes you no answers."

Then Iron Man and Thor are there, each firing energy blasts, Thor from Mjolnir and Iron Man , his repulser rays.

Va-KKOOOM!

Black Sun is blown through the wall of the castle. Outside he is greeted by the flying form of the Sub Mariner !

Page 36

Namor: " At last, the villain stands revealed ."

Namor strikes, a powerful right connects with Black Suns' form before he has even landed from the blow dealt by Thor and Iron Man.

Ba-KOW!

Black Sun lands, bouncing on the ground before the feet of Powerman and Iron fist.

Cage: "Well look what the cat dropped off."

Fist: "Don't you mean "dragged in" Luke?"

Cage: "Not where this bag a garbage is concerned."

Powerman kicks Black Sun hard, as the villain begins to rise.

Poom!

Page 37

Iron Fist meanwhile has drawn in his Chi, his power, his very soul into his blazing fist, until it becomes like unto a thing of iron, and then he strikes!

SSSSSSHhhhhhKOW!

Black Sun is sent rolling through the trees, breaking and crushing them with his powerful form.

Powerman and Iron Fist race through the brush after the massive villain.

Fist: "He's over here Luke , I see ....URK !"

Cage : "Danny! "

Powerman barrels through the jungle like growth to find Iron fist being held by the throat by Black sun, his feet dangling in the air, already unconscious. Luke cage rams Black Sun with a powerful shoulder block from behind, causing the massive villain to drop Iron fist.

Cage : "Let 'im go freak!"

BRAK!

Page 38

Black Sun backhands Powerman, sending him flying across the clearing they're standing in.

Ta-KOOM!

Powerman: "UNNGGH!"

B S : " Idiot. Did you truly think you could harm me? I am God! No one can stop me. None of you pathetic heroes have a chance against my powers."

Voice from behind him: " Then you 'll forgive us if we try anyway."

Black Sun spins quickly, seeing Thor, Iron Man and Namor streaking towards him. The sight of these powerhouses attacking him gives even Black Sun pause, and that alone may be enough.

Iron Man: "Avengers Assemble!"

Namor: "Imperious Rex!"

Thor: "For Odin, for Asgard , for all of creation!"

All three strike as one, with a powerful blow that creates earthquake -like shockwaves all the way back to the castle!

BA-FOOOM !

Page 39

Captain Marvel stands shakily , regaining his bearings from Black Suns last blow. Around him lie the insensate forms of Ms. Marvel, Vision, Captain America , Yellow Jacket and the Wasp.

Genis: " Chaos and Order! So many hurt !"

He scans the room quickly with his cosmic awareness.

Genis: "And thankfully no one killed."

Suddenly Genis hears..

Sha-raaak! Sha-raaak!

Genis leaps to the air, flying out the already destroyed castle wall.

Genis: (Those are Iron Mans repulsers at full power.)

Page 40

Captain Marvel come upon the clearing where the battle is taking place. He sees Iron Man being held by the throat, as his armor is actually being crushed. He fires his repulser rays into Black Sun, with no discernable effect. As Thor hammers at Black Sun with Mjolnir, The Sub-mariner lays nearby, unconscious or worse.

Genis: "LET THEM GO , NOW!"

Captain Marvel flies into Black Sun, striking him at the right arm and shoulder joint, with all his strength, causing him to drop Iron Man, who crumples , unmoving to the ground.

Genis lands next to Thor, who stands helmet-less and bleeding from the mouth as Black Sun, obviously wounded stands ready for the final assault.

B S : "So, it has come to this then. Captain Marvel and Thor Vs. The living Star, Black Sun. Hahahahaha."

Page 41

Both heroes stare at each other uncomprehending ,as from above...

Drax: " Laugh no more monster, now you are DESTROYED!"

Drax unleashes a withering blast of energy from the left, as Firelord does likewise from Black Suns right

Va-SHOOM!

But suddenly the blasts reverse direction and flow back to their creators,

Ba THOOM!

Knocking both heroes from the sky , to join the ranks of the defeated.

Page 42

B S : "Now where were we? Ah yes I remember now, DIE!"

He fires blazing energy at Thor and Captain Marvel, Thor blocks it as best he can with Mjolnir while Captain Marvel takes the full brunt of it, and is hurled through the sky like a leaf before a storm.

B S : " Fate has decreed you fall today Thunderer, before the might of Black Sun."

He pounds Thor unmercifully, as Thor returns the blows, punch for punch, but Thor is weakened , while Black Sun seems to almost be growing stronger by the minute , since his near defeat moments ago.

Thor: "Ne'er will Thor fall to thee villain, not while breath doth remain in his chest will the God of Thunder falter !"

B S : "Then breathe will you no longer !"

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Captain Marvel again drags himself dizzily to his feet.

Genis: (This is getting us nowhere. Thors' goin' down any minute now, and then it'll be me and Black Sun, and the way things stand now, I have no chance. Maybe I never did. I remember what Uwey, the master of this star told me, not to attack B S directly, but I was to proud, I hadda test myself against him. And he shrugged me off Like I wasn't even there. Time to get serious. I know what I haveta do now.)

With a blazing photon trail marking his wake , Captain Marvel rockets back to the castle, towards the Ascension pod, there standing in front of it, beaten and wounded is Noctu, in his human form.

Noctu: "So you still live. And I see you have discovered the masters weakness."

Genis' face shows the cosmos as he stretches his cosmic awareness outwards.

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Genis: "Yes, now stand aside,....Noctu. You don't have to be hurt anymore."

Noctu: "That I cannot do Captain Marvel. Even though I know you will defeat me , I cannot let you pass. Do you know what I was before the Master found me? I lived here , on this island. I was a mindless monstrosity until Black Sun used his great knowledge and transformed me into the being you see before you. Now I can change to my ...more powerful form at will. This is the form that will devour you!"

He begins to shift shape , becoming the Silver Dragon once more, when , faster then the eye can follow , Captain Marvel streaks into him, unleashing a pulverizing left that sends Noctu into merciful unconsciousness.

POW!

Genis: ( Now, the final move.)

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Genis -Vell steps towards the Ascension pod, towards , and into. Using his Cosmic awareness to allow his mind, his soul, his very being to be broadcast outwards. The realization of what Captain Marvel has done strikes Black Sun harder then any physical blow could ever do !

Black Sun stands holding the still form of Thor when suddenly he screams.

B S : "NOOOOOOOOO!"

He races through the brush, his massive feet pounding the ground, until , finally he ignites, as unto a blazing black comet, and rockets across the sky, shattering the castle wall even further. He flies on, entering the Ascension pod , to there meet a battle ready Captain Marvel.

Genis: "So , this is it huh? You draw your power from here. All of it. You always did. When you became mortal, you didn't just leave the continuum of the Stars, you were thrown out. I could never read that from you until now, when you finally became one with THIS universe. Now I finally see you clearly. I know you for what you are."

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B S : " For what little good that will do you boy. I will still destroy you."

Genis: "I don't think so. You were always powerful in this dimension, but never anywhere near as powerful as when you first attacked me. You were linking yourself to my photonic powers, siphoning energy from me through the Nega bands. You knew I'd find a way to survive your assault, and that I'd come back attacking you full force. Using all the solar power at my command. Solar power you were absorbing into your damned Ascension chamber. Power that would let you kill your fellow stars and assume their roles. Empowering you to a level never before achieved."

B S : "Yes. All of what you have said is true. If you had died from my first attack, I would have found another to use, and a potential thorn would have been removed. Instead you persevered and overcame every obstacle I placed in your way, all the while making me stronger in the process. But I no longer need you . Die."

Black Sun fires immense amounts of energy into Captain Marvel, but this time The Universal Protector stands his ground, absorbing the attack, absorbing it and re-directing it back at his foe!

B S : "No ! What are you doing ? STOP!"

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Genis: "What does it look like I'm doing ? What I've done all along today. I've absorbed your energy every time you hit me with it, taking the full brunt of your power, assimilating it bit by bit in small amounts, until I could control it and use it myself. Now it's your turn to sweat Mr High and Mighty Black Sun. Payback sucks!"

Captain Marvel batters Black Sun with the very energy Black Sun has used all along, smashing him backwards with devastating force!

Fra-VVOOOM!

Black Sun falls to his knees, driven to the brink of destruction by his own massive power, power now being wielded by Captain Marvel, Protector of the Universe entire!

When suddenly another figure appears in the dark blue void where they battle, too late does Genis realize who it is , as a crushing blow sends Captain Marvel to darkness, his limp form floats off into the unknown and unknowable limbo , disappearing from sight.

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B S : "YOU ! NO ! I am not prepared to face you, not now! Not after this."

A voice like gravel and broken glass reverberates back at him.

Voice : " I know. That is how I planned it all along. After all, how could I let all this power go to waste, when it could very easily be mine. After all , the acquisition of power is Thanos' one true calling in life, is it not? Hahahahaha."

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Epilogue: Captain America and Iron Man stand near a Quinjet as several Avengers limp aboard. Thor and Ms Marvel land from above, before them.

Ms M: "No sign of Genis anywhere guys. He simply vanished."

Thor: "Aye, e'en the Ascension chamber is no more."

I M : "He must have defeated Black Sun, otherwise we all wouldn't be here talking about it."

CapA: "True Shellhead, but something happened while we were all unconscious. Something deadly. I don't know if we've heard the last of Black Sun, but I'm more concerned with Captain Marvels whereabout at present. "

Ms M: "You're not the only one. "

She nods her head in the direction of Starfox, who stands staring at the night sky, wondering if he'll ever see his adoptive nephew again.

Link to our next great ish!

Kree-lore C/O [email protected]

No letters this time gang, but this double sized issue marks the end of the Black Sun saga, my first major story arc here. Let me know how you liked it, please ! Next issue features a story idea from James Johnson (The ever Lovin' Blue eyed James). And it's a good one. See you soon, and let me know what you thought of this issue.

Ralph