The Earth is in danger of breaking apart and Silver Surfer’s power cosmic proves insuffi cient to reverse the damage. However, Cap theorizes that Molecule Man may be able to. Meanwhile, Molecule Man, drained after fighting the Beyonder, uses some of his waning strength to turn the hospital tent he’s in into a balloon that Volcana then fi lls with hot air, carrying them away from soldiers guarding them. Channeling the jet stream, the Surfer redirects the balloon’s fl ight, bringing it to the heroes. After subduing Volcana, who thinks they want to hurt Molecule Man, they tell him of the impending catastrophe, but he reveals he already knows, as he has been using what power he has to slow the destruction, until he regains enough strength to save himself and Volcana. The Avengers convince Molecule Man to try to repair the damage, though it may mean his death, and with Surfer amplifying his powers, the damage is repaired and the planet saved, though it costs Molecule Man his powers. Surfer takes the couple home, where Molecule Man reveals he faked the power loss in order to be left alone. Surfer knew and kept up the ruse in recognition of his heroism.
Beyonder clears a universe to make room for Battleworld (SecWars #1, ’84). Beyonder follows Cap and uses him as a model for his new body (Cap #308, ’85). Wasp offers Beyonder Avengers membership (Av #261, ’85). The Avengers fi ght Beyonder (Av #265, ’86). Molecule Man fights Beyonder. Beyonder rips open Earth’s crust. Molecule Man shields the heroes from the devastation (SecWar2 #9, ’86). After the Beyonder’s demise, an earthquake rips the ground apart. Namor saves Black Knight from falling into lava, but succumbs to the heat himself and is saved in turn by Mr. Fantastic (p).
