Fearing the hour has finally arrived, Shadow Lord and his island materialize in the Mediterranean. Sent to investigate, the US Aircraft Carrier Poseidon hails him, demanding he identify himself; viewing their tone as hostile, Shadow Lord makes the seas rise up. In Italy an archeologist digging near Vesuvius uncovers an apparently mummified hand, which begins moving when he turns his attention elsewhere. Nearby, Beast visits Wonder Man on a film shoot when they receive an Avengers call to investigate the city’s sudden appearance. Publicist Rachel Palmer overhears and follows them to the city for the scoop to boost her career, but is captured by Shadow Lord. He reveals his origin to Rachel just before the other Avengers arrive and attack. They’re unable to counter Shadow Lord’s powers until Beast determines the power is stored in the city itself. Attacking the city takes Shadow Lord’s powers and strength. Everyone realizes they reacted hastily, and Shadow Lord bequeaths his mission to the Avengers with his last breath. Meanwhile, near Pompeii, a stone man attacks the archaeologists, as the Berserker rises.
The U.S.S. Poseidon is swept by a tidal wave, which deposits it undamaged on a small island (d). The Earth-Lords withdraw from civilization and develop abilities to control nature. Berserker threatens the balance of nature. The Earth-Lords erupt Mount Vesuvius, imprisoning the Berserker, and destroying Pompeii. They dissolve their society and bestow their power to Shadow Lord before he and the city are sent into the Shadow Realm to await Berserker’s return (p).
Sid Sterling is named next issue.
