Eternals #4, October 1976

"The Night of the Demons!"
Edited, written and drawn by Jack Kirby
Inker- John Verpoorten
Consulting Editor- Archie Goodwin

SUMMARY

Ikaris flies into battle with the Deviant army, who cry out for aid from Kro. Some eyebeams from Ikaris take down a squad of Deviants, until one of them fires a missile into Ikaris' forehead- a brain mine! Ikaris fights to remain conscious, but passes out, and is brought before Kro. Kro orders a winged Deviant to fly Ikaris back to their raiding vessel.

Fireballs rain down upon New York as the police fall before the monstrous Deviants and the crowds panic, believing Kro to be the Devil. The Deviants play that role for all it's worth!

At Sersi's apartment, Margo & Sersi see the events unfold. Margo fears for Ikaris, but Sersi is confident that he is all right. As the two talk of the Eternals, Deviants and Celestials, Sersi recalls her past- how Ulysses landed upon her island and she turned his men into pigs. At one time, she also visited Camelot, where she showed Merlin a few tricks!

Sersi is well aware of what the Deviants are up to. The humans will investigate and chase them down- and the Deviants will lead humanity to the vessel of the Celestials! Just then, a winged Deviant tries to attack, but Sersi knocks him away with her eyebeams. Margo suggests they flee, but Sersi intends to fight! Three armored Deviants crawl into the apartment and fire "flamers" at her- but she parts the flames with a gesture, protecting herself and Margo! Before they can make another move, Sersi gestures, and...

Sersi:"LIZARDS, you are...and lizards shall you REMAIN!"

Margo:"Oh, Sersi! I-it's simply HORRIBLE! W-will they ALWAYS b-be this way?"

Sersi:"As long as I WISH it! Besides, I somehow think I've IMPROVED their image!"

Sersi decides that it is time to call for help. She turns to a mirror, which shimmers, revealing an image of a lost city- the home of the Eternals!

While New York burns, Ikaris is held within the Deviant vessel. Deviants seal him up inside a metal tube, then launch him below the waves- where he could remain for an eternity.

Back at the Temple, Ajak and his technicians see all of this. The technicians say they can release Ikaris anytime, but Ajak decides to leave Ikaris for the moment- that the Deviants are their concern. He then leaves to find Dr. Damian. Damian is pouring over stone tablets within the tomb, as Ajak breaks the news that New York has been invaded. Damian fears for Margo, but Ajak says the true concern is that the humans may soon find the temple- and the Celestials! The last image we see is that of Arishem, the Judge, standing upon the pillars while smaller, robotic drones work upon the face of the temple.

COMMENTS

Sersi's name is spelt correctly this time! Unfortunately, Ikaris is spelt "Ikarus" on the cover. *Sigh* Methinks the King was a better writer than editor...

Ikaris enters into his first true battle- and is taken out by the third page. That's gotta be hard on fans who like their heroes to be all-powerful.

An enjoyable issue- but as you shall see, this battle carries on a little longer than it should...