The Avengers : the Animated Series

Our story opens with a view of a desolate landscape, dominated by a single, twisted, black stone tower. Lightning crackles across the dark cloud, casting its eerie light on the tower below. The scene closes in on the tower’s upper most window, from which a soft glow can be seen. The room is a large shadowy place with a single window. An ornate, tarnished gold throne dominates the room. Beside the throne sits the room’s only light source besides the window, a glowing crystal ball on a claw shaped pedestal. From the shadows, barely seen bizarre creatures chitter and growl, reacting to both the lightning and to the chambers only truly visible occupant. A tall green and gold clad figure storms around the room, hands clenched in frustration. Loki, god of mischief, god of evil, paces about his throne room.

Loki: Blast it all! Again has my half-brother Thor prevailed against my latest machinations! Will naught rid me of that sickeningly noble buffoon?! Sutur’s flames! I would give Odin’s good eye to see Thor beaten down in humiliating defeat!

The unseen creatures begin to murmur Odin’s name.

Loki: Yes, yes, Odin. (Loki’s voice dripping with sarcasm.) Our “loving Father.” “Noble King of Eternal Asgard.” The Supreme Ruler of the Norse gods of which Thor and I both belong. But for his ever watchful gaze I could strike at his favorite fair-haired son directly, instead of skulking in the shadows.

The creatures begin murmuring “Skulk and dagger.” and “Thor Dies.”

Loki: Silence! I must concentrate! I must plan anew! Am I not the supreme author of lies and plotter of schemes? I will not rest till Thor AND his thrice-cursed hammer both lie shattered at my feet! Orb of Mischief! Show me whence my enemy lies!

With that, Loki turns and strides up the short steps to his throne. He sits as the lights within the orb begin to swirl. Our view tightens around the Orb, for within it we see an airplane touching down on a runway. The scene changes, and now we are inside the airport, watching as passengers wander away from the gateway into the terminal. The Orb focuses on one couple in the crowd, a young man and woman. The man has blonde hair and a slight build, and is wearing a nice blue suit. He walks with the aid of a wooden walking stick and is carrying a briefcase. The woman is beautiful, with shoulder length light brown hair. She is wearing a conservative green dress. She is carrying a shoulder bag on her shoulder and a stack of files in her arms. From the shadows, Loki speaks.

Loki: Ah, there he is. Hiding in his mortal guise of Donald Blake ‘humble physician’. And, as always, that cow ‘Nurse Foster’ doth follow him.

The scene now completely focuses on Dr. Blake and Nurse Foster.

Jane: Oh, Don, isn’t it wonderful to be back in New York again? (looking about excitedly.)

Blake: You’re right, Jane. I remember when you helped me start my first practice here, before we moved it to Chicago a few years ago. I only wish we were here under happier circumstances.

Jane: Do you really think this specialist can help?

Blake: If I didn’t, we would be here. Dr. Henry Pym is the world’s leading expert in biochemistry. (hands Jane a magazine with Pym’s picture on the cover.) If anyone can help us find a cure for our patient, it’s Pym. I hear he’s well versed in cybernetics as well.

Jane: He sounds perfect. (looking at the picture) Hmm. Is he single?

Blake: I believe I read something about him seeing that young heiress, Janet Van Dye

Jane: (in mock disappointment.) Oh, too bad.

The scene pulls back and we are viewing things through the Orb again.

Loki: Hmm. This Pym seems crucial to Thor in some way. Mayhap there is something here I can use to my advantage. Orb, show me this Pym!”

The Orb shows Hank Pym entering a restaurant with his girlfriend, Janet Van Dye. Pym is a well-built man with reddish blonde hair, and he is wearing a brown double breasted suit. Janet is a gorgeous, petite woman with chin-length brown hair. (I can’t decide what she’s wearing) Pym steps up to the maitre_d`.

Pym: Hi there, the Pym party.

Host: (looking up from his ledger) Ah yes, good afternoon, Doctor. I believe the other two of your party have already arrived.

The couple’s faces brighten and they hurriedly follow the host to their table. Their joy changes to surprise as they reach their table. Seated at the table is a pair of very different looking men. One is a man in his early thirties with short brown hair. He dressed in a nice suit. His companion is a kid of maybe 20, with shaggy reddish brown hair. He is dressed in a beat up leather jacket, T-shirt and blue jeans. Bruce Banner smiles up at his old friend and rises to shake Henry’s hand. Rick Jones continues to look uncomfortable in his surroundings.

Banner: (grasping Pym’s hand) Hank!

Pym: Bruce! How are you, Dr. Banner?

Banner: As well as can be expected, Dr. Pym.

Pym: Hmm? Oh, right, sorry darling. (steps back to Jan’s side). Bruce this is…

Jan: Janet Van Dye. Hank’s hope-to-be fiancée. Please call me Jan, Bruce. After all of Hank’s stories I feel like we’ve already met.”

Banner: Pleased to meet you Jan. Hank is having a little trouble committing, is he?

Pym: Err…Who’s your friend, Bruce? (blushing)

Banner: Riiiight. Hank, Jan, this is Rick Jones. Rick’s been…traveling with me for a while.

Rick: (meekly) Hi. (Jan winks at him, and Rick blushes)

Pym: (as everyone takes their seats) I thought Tony was coming. He is in town isn’t he?

Banner: Oh he’s in town all right. He is staying at his parents’ old mansion. I called him on the way over here but he said something had come up and he couldn’t make it. (pause) Okay, that’s not exactly true. I talked to his butler Jarvis. Tony wouldn’t come to the phone.

Pym: (frowns) Yes, we talked to Jarvis too. I can’t believe Tony didn’t want to talk to us at least!

Jan: He’s really taking this breakup hard. I mean not only did this Julia turn down his proposal again, but she also completely walked out on him. I don’t know him as well as you two, but sulking in his mansion doesn’t strike me as the actions of a famed womanizer.”

Pym: No, it doesn’t.

Rick: I hope he’s okay. I hung out with Stark once. He seemed pretty cool.

Jan: I guess he must have really fallen for this one.

Banner: I haven’t seen him like this since…. (pauses, drinking from his glass.)

Both Banner and Pym look grimly at each other. Jan and Rick begin to grow uncomfortable with the weight of what goes unsaid. Pym breaks the tension first.

Pym: Well, Bruce, since Reed is off gallivanting some where with his Fantastic Four and Tony’s sulking in his castle, I guess half the ‘Knights’ will have to do, eh old friend?” (raises his glass for a toast.)

Banner mirrors the gesture.

Banner and Pym: To the Knights. (toast.)

Rick: Wait a minute! Reed Richards?!? Mr. Fantastic? You, the Doc, Tony Stark AND Reed Richards!? What kind of super-brain-trust are we talking about? Where do you guys know each other from?

Jan: Oh dear. You’ve asked for it now.

Both men smile broadly.

Pym: We met in grad school at ESU.

Banner: Right. We were all working on our various master’s degrees.

Pym: Well multiple masters in some cases.

Banner: The four of us roomed in the same dorm for a while.

Jan: Didn’t Ben Grimm live there too?

Pym: Right, Honey. He was Reed’s roommate before Ben left to join the service.

Banner: Von Doom was there too, but he wanted little to do with the rest of us.

Pym: Yes, Vic was a creep back then, too. Always turning Tony in for curfew violations.

Banner: Anyway, Reed, Hank, Tony and I studied together a lot, and somewhere along the way we started calling ourselves the ‘Knights of the Atomic Round Table’.

Jan: And a legend was born!

Everybody laughs as the scene pulls back to Loki as he views the friends through his orb.

Loki: What’s this? There is a familiar aura about this Banner. Why should he be known to me?

The Orb swirls again, revealing scenes of Banner transforming into the Hulk. Scenes of the Hulk, including Hulk’s Battle with Thor in Chicago, continue as Loki speaks.

Loki: Aah! Beneath this mortal’s hide dwells the form of a troll, a mighty creature indeed. And yon behemoth has battled Thor yet. Tis a shame this beast stinks of a noble soul or he might be of use to me. Still thou art a stupid brute art thou not, Hulk? Perhaps…

The scene within the orb shifts to images of the gray Hulk.

Loki: Hold! What is this? A second monster inside this man? As mighty as the first, yet a more vicious, more suitable to my designs. Methinks I can offer this brute the desire of his dark heart. Verily, this Hulk can I ere long make an ally against my hated half-brother. And with thy noble mortal soul trapped within thy bestial form, Thor twill nay be able to strike thee with his full might! Hahahahahahahahahahahahahaha! Orb, show me where this mortal hides his monsters from the world!

The orb shows the inside of Banner’s mind-scape, with the two Hulks battling each other.

Loki: Perfect, absolutely perfect! (rising from his throne, striding into the center of the room, creatures scattering before him) I must be cautious not to alert the All-Father. A change of attire then.

A flash of light rises from the floor transforming Loki’s green and gold armor into a deep green double-breasted suit with a golden tie. The god of mischief smiles and places a deep green fedora with a dark gold band upon his head. He dusts some lint off his lapels.

Loki: Now am I off to Midgard to collect my new ‘partner’!

With a cackling laugh and a swirling spire of smoke and light Loki vanishes from sight.

The scene shifts back to the four friends gathered around the table, laughing.

Pym: Right, right, right. But Tony and I didn’t know that when we tried to run the program. So we fire it up, it renames every file in the entire system.

Banner: And when I go to work on my research paper, what I get is Reed’s love letters to Sue instead. Some artificial intelligence experiment! I was ready to kill you two.

Pym: Ha! You and Reed were both too embarrassed to speak to each other for days!

Everyone laughs, but no one notices as Loki literally steps from the shadows, to sit at a table across from them. The god of evil stares intently at Dr. Banner.

Rick: Oh man, what did the letters say, Doc?

Banner: (stammers) I…um…don’t remember. I didn’t read them.

Jan: You’re kidding?

Pym: Of course he’s kidding! We all ended up reading them.

Banner looks away, embarrassed as everyone laughs again. Unfortunately, his eyes meet Loki’s. The god smiles as both men’s’ eyes begin to glow. The scene quickly zooms into and through Banner’s helpless eyes and suddenly Loki stands in the surreal dream-scape of Banner’s mind. The Gray and Green Hulk stand battling each other on a twist path through the multi-colored space.

Green Hulk: (smashing the gray Hulk into the ground with two huge fists) Leave Hulk ALONE, FAKE HULK!

Gray Hulk: No way am I losing to an idiot with the skin…. and the brains…. of an avocado! (strikes back, raining blow after punishing blow to his green counterpart. His last punch sends Green Hulk flying backwards) Yeah! That’s more like it!

Green Hulk rises, roaring at his opponent.

Gray Hulk: Come on, cabbage head! You want more, you green ape? COME ON!

As Green Hulk leaps at Gray Hulk, the green goliath is caught in midair by encircling bands of energy. Another bolt of magic flashes and the Green Hulk falls unconscious and is entrapped.

Gray Hulk: What the devil?

Loki: An appropriate choice of words, my gray friend. (floats into view, landing on the path in front of Gray Hulk) I have an offer for thee.

Gray Hulk: Not bad for a shrimp. I don’t know who you are, or how you got in here, but any one who’ll take out the walking salad for me is okay in my book. Now, if you could take out that wimp, Banner, then we’d really be in business.

Loki: Ah, but thou shall see that is exactly what I offer thee. For a price, of course.

Gray Hulk: You want to run that by me again? In plain English?

Loki: Slay the warrior called Thor for me. (pulls close, and speaks into the Hulk’s ear) And I shall free thee from both Banner and this emerald dullard.

Gray Hulk: (steps back) You mean all I gotta do is off some jerk, and you’ll free me from having to put up with both these losers?

Gray Hulk: Skinny, you got yourself a deal!

On the outside, Banner remains frozen by Loki’s gaze. His companions have not yet noticed. Pym continues his reminiscing as Jan and Rick keep laughing.

Pym: What was it that Reed called her in that letter, Bruce? His ‘little cyclotron’ or something?

Everyone else laughs, but Banner doesn’t respond.

Pym: Heh heh! Bruce? Hey, Bruce, you okay over there? (begins to worry, seeing Banner’s trance-like condition)

Jan: (placing her hand on Banner’s shoulder) Bruce, are you all right?

Rick: Doc? Are you…? (rises from his chair) Aw Man! Not now, Doc, not now!

Inside Banner’s mind Loki is encircling an image of the struggling Bruce Banner the same way he did the green Hulk.

Gray Hulk: Hurry up skinny! It’s workin’! I can feel it!

Loki: Patience, my ashen ally. Just a few seconds more…There, tis done!

Gray Hulk: Oh, Yeah! (his form expands to fill Banner’s mind) Yeah! YEAH!

And, back in the real world, as Banner’s friends rise from their seat to try to help him, Banner’s form erupts into that of the Gray Hulk. The other patrons break for the exits.

Gray Hulk: YEAH!!!!!!!

Pym: My god, Bruce, what’s happened to you? (rushes to his friend’s side)

Gray Hulk grabs Pym up by his jacket and lifts him off the floor.

Gray Hulk: Brucey ain’t here no more, little man. The names the Hulk now! Get used to it!

Gray Hulk flings Pym away like a rag doll.

Jan: Hank! (racing to her lover’s side)

Rick: Oh-man-oh-man, Hulk. Don’t do this, bud.

Gray Hulk: Let’s get something straight, Jones! I ain’t your ‘bud’. You got me confused with those other wimps, and that really ticks me off! I Don’t Even Like You!! GOT IT!!!

Gray Hulk raises his fist to pound Rick into jelly.

Pym: (from off screen) Back off, monster!

Gray Hulk: Says who, little man? (looking in the direction he threw Pym)

From a corner of the restaurant Hank Pym’s body grows to giant proportions, shredding his clothes and revealing a red and black costume underneath. Pym lurches forward as he grows, and punches the Hulk out of the restaurant as he does.

Giant-Man: So says Giant-Man! (striking the gray goliath) And I hate to be called little.”

Rick: Whoa! You’re that super hero, Giant-Man! This is unreal!

Giant-Man: You all right, Rick? (He places a silver, red-eyed helmet on his head)

Rick: Yeah, I think so. You better get moving. The Hulk won’t stay down long.

Giant-Man: You’re right there, son. You coming, Honey?

From the back of the restaurant, Jan steps out wearing a red and blue costume.

Jan: Just needed a second to change, darling. (adjusting one of her gloves)

Rick: Wait! If he’s Giant-Man, then that would make you…

Jan shrinks down to a few inches tall, and great gossamer wings sprout from her back.

Wasp: The Wonderful Wasp! Come on tall, red, and handsome, let’s go see if we can stop you’re old friend without hurting him.

Giant-Man: (as his tiny partner zips out the shattered window) After you, little lady!

As the two heroes enter the street, Hulk is extricating himself from the new wreckage of a semi-trailer Giant-Man’s punch sent him into. Hulk sneers at his giant enemy, and reaches for a near by car to throw at Giant-Man. People are scattering away in all directions as these titans face off against each other. Just as Hulk grabs the abandoned car, Wasp zips in. As she buzzes around the Hulk she peppers the Hulk with energy bolts from her hand.

Jan: Oh no you don’t, ugly! Try my Wasp’s stings, you creep!

Gray Hulk: Hey! Ouch! Watch It! (tries to swat away his attacker) Where are you, you little … Hold Still, Blast You!

The Hulk is so busy trying to swat away the Wasp; he doesn’t notice the giant hand reaching down to scoop him up until it is too late.

Giant-Man: I’ve got him, Hon. (lifts the Hulk into the air, pinning the creature’s arm to his sides) Now, let’s see if we can get this guy to calm down so we can figure out what’s going on around here.

Gray Hulk: You think you can hold me, ‘little man’? Ha! You’re just a jerk with a hyperactive thyroid gland!

With that the Hulk breaks free of Giant-Man’s grip and falls to the ground. Hulk lands on Giant-Man’s feet and immediately leaps back up into Giant-Man’s face, striking the hero in the chin full-force with both fists.

Gray Hulk: And I’m the Hulk!

Hulk jumps clear as his opponent falls back into the building behind him with a crash and doesn’t get up.

Wasp races towards the Hulk, stings blazing.

Gray Hulk: I’m ready for ya this time, toots.

And, smashing his hands together, Hulk creates a huge shock wave that sends the Wasp flying backwards and into the ground. The grinning Hulk surveys the battleground.

Gray Hulk: I guess THAT showed these clowns who’s Da Man. heh heh heh. I’d better finish there two before…

Loki: (voice speaks in the Hulk’s mind) There is no time for this, my friend. You must fulfill your part of our bargain, remember?

Gray Hulk: Yeah, I remember, Skinny. Just tell me where to find this ‘Thor’ guy, and he’s good as smashed.

Loki: (unseen) Relax, my fiend, And I’ll lead you right to him.

The Hulk responds with a snort, and leaps off to find his prey. Loki steps from the rubble of the restaurant and smiles, unaware that he is not alone.

Loki: This is going better than I dared hope. This duped cretin hast surely might enough to slay my hated rival. And with Thor gone, soon all of Midgard and Asgard will fall before the cunning Loki!

With a flourish, Loki is gone. But unknown to the overconfident villain, Rick Jones is still hiding from the battle inside the shattered restaurant and has overheard Loki’s plan.

Rick: Oh man! (steps from his hiding place) Oh Man! I think we’re going to need more help on this one!

And we fade to a commercial break.

This block of Manhattan looks like a war zone. Sirens are heard in the distance as a groggy Giant-Man slowly rises to his feet. From the shattered restaurant Rick Jones runs up to the dazed warrior.

Rick: Hey, you okay, Giant-Man? Hulk clocked you pretty good.

Giant-Man: I’ve been better. (then, noticing his partners absence) Where’s the Wasp!

Rick: I don’t know where she landed. (scans the street for the tiny heroine) Hulk did this shock wave thing and knocked her out of the air.

Giant-Man: WASP! Where Are You? Are You All Right?

Suddenly the Wasp’s tiny form is buzzing around Giant-Man’s head.

Wasp: I was doing better before you blasted my eardrums out. I’m okay. I road out the shock wave, for the most part. Which way did our little playmate head off to?

Giant-Man: Don’t ask me. I was down too. Rick, did you see anything?

Rick: Which direction Hulk went, No. But I know where he’s going and why!

Giant-Man: You want to run that by us again, son?

Rick: After you guys went down I saw this guy in the restaurant. He was gloating about duping Hulk into killing some guy named ‘Thor’ for him.

Jan: Thor? You mean like the Viking Thunder God?

Giant-Man: Or the hammer wielding hero that’s been known to operate from around here and lately in the Chicago area. Did this man say his name, Rick?

Rick: Yeah! Loki. He said his name was Loki!

Giant-Man: Loki, eh? (as he shrinks back down to human size) That makes sense. If I remember my mythology, Loki and Thor are supposed to be rivals.

Wasp: That’s all well and good, darling, (returns to human size) but that still doesn’t tell us where the Hulk went.

Giant-Man: I think I can answer that one for you, honey. Let me switch to my Ant-Man mode by activating my cybernetic helmet.

At his command, antenna rise from Giant-Man’s helmet and two ‘mandibles’ spring from each side of his mouth.

Giant-Man: Now, let’s see if my little friends have seen our gray monster.

Rick: ‘Little friends’? What’s he doing?

Wasp: Hank’s helmet lets him communicate with insects. He’s trying to see if any of them know where the Hulk went off to. I hope this works. I hate to think of poor Bruce, trapped inside that thing.

Rick: I’d be more worried about this Thor guy.

GiAnt-Man: Well, Hulk hasn’t found Thor yet. It seems our friend is headed out toward the airport. Come on Wasp, we’d better get….

Rick: Hold on guys! No offense, but the Hulkster just kicked your cans pretty handily a minute ago. I don’t think you should try and stop him again without some help.

Ant-Man: I take it you’ve already got a suggestion in mind?

Rick: As a matter of fact, I do!

Wasp: Rick, you’ve got to be kidding.

Ant-Man: Rick, you’re a nice kid and all, but I don’t…

Rick: No, not me, man! Stark! His place isn’t too far from here. If the man is in town, then Iron Man can’t be far behind!

Ant-Man: Good thinking, Mr. Jones! Let’s go!

Rick cranks his motorcycle.

Wasp: Mind if we hitch a ride?

Rick: I don’t think I have room for…

Before Rick can finish, both Ant-Man and the Wasp shrink down to insect size. Wasp flies Ant-Man up and both land on Rick’s shoulder.

Rick: Never mind. (as he pulls into the street) I hope that Thor guy can hold out till we get back! Next stop, 5^th Avenue!

With that, the trio race off on Rick’s bike toward Stark’s mansion.

Meanwhile, Dr. Blake and Jane are sitting in the back seat of a cab. Both look inpatient and uncomfortable. Their driver can be heard in front of them yelling out the window and blowing the horn.

Jane: Now this is one thing about this town I don’t miss.

Blake: Nothing quite like a real New York traffic jam.

Down the street from their cab the Hulk lands in the middle of an intersection. People’s reactions are mixed. Some panic and leave their cars while others start yelling at Hulk to get his gray @$$ out of their way. The Cop who was trying to direct traffic draws his weapon.

Gray Hulk: What’re You lookn’ at, jerk!

Cop: (quivering) Okay pal! I..I don’t know who... or what you are, b-but you’re going to freeze right there a-and put your hands on you’re head! Right Now!

Gray Hulk: Heh! You got guts, cop. I admire that. So I’m gonna give you a chance to scram outta here before I have to hurt ya.

The Hulk turns and starts to walk away.

Cop: I SAID FREEZE, MISTER!

Hulk turns and glares at the cop for a second, then proceeds to leave again. The cop fires a couple of rounds. From his cab, Dr. Blake hears the shots. Looking ahead he sees the Hulk advancing on the still firing policeman.

Cabby: Wot’s dat ting?!

Blake: I don’t know. But this doesn’t look good. Come on Jane, we’d better get out of here.

At this point, people are abandoning their cars and fleeing in all directions. (This sounds familiar somehow?) Jane, Dr. Blake and their cabby exit their cab and start moving away from the ‘fight’. After they have gone a little ways, Dr. Blake stops.

Blake: Jane, I left the case files back in the cab. I need to go back for them!

Jane: Don that’s crazy! We’ve got to get out of here!

Blake: I’ll be okay! Trust me! You go on ahead. I’ll catch up!

Reluctantly, Jane turns and heads down the street. Dr. Blake makes his way to a nearby deserted alleyway.

Checking to make sure he’s alone, Dr. Blake strikes his cane against the ground. Lightning strikes him, and instantly he is transformed into the mighty Thor. His red cape flutters as he turns back towards the street. He adjusts his winged helmet, and begins to spin his mystic hammer that just seconds ago was a mere walking stick. Throwing it and himself into the air, the blue and gold clad thunder god flies toward the scene of battle.

Back at the intersection, the Cop continues to fire uselessly at the Hulk.

Gray Hulk: That’s it, jerky! I’m gonna ‘Hulk Smash’ you but good!

Suddenly Thor lands between them.

Thor: Ho there, behemoth! Hold thy place!

Gray Hulk: YOU! I was lookin’ fer you, blondey! You and me got business to discuss!

Thor: Found me thou hast. But though there be something familiar about thee, I nay think our paths have crossed before. What business dost thou have with me this day?

Gray Hulk: Oh, we kinda met once before. In Chicago, durin’ that plague thing a while back. But that aint important right now.

Thor: Hulk? Is that you my old friend? By what manner have thou changed thy pallor and speech?

Gray Hulk: So it’d be easier to kill you, you stupid idiot!

And with that, Hulk delivers a punishing right cross to the unsuspecting thunder god, sending him flying back into the abandoned cars.

Thor: (rises from the wreckage) OD’s Blood! Art thou mad?

Gray Hulk: The only blood around here’s gonna be yours! (leaps at Thor)

Thor is ready for the man-monster this time. And backhands Hulk with his hammer.

Thor: If it is battle thou seeks, monster, thou shall not find Thor wanting.

Hulk lifts a nearby car over his head.

Gray Hulk: Shaddup an’ fight!

Thor throws his hammer, which shatters Hulk’s intended missile.

Gray Hulk: Whaa? (pieces of the shattered car fall on top of him) Aw Naw!

Thor: Verily thou art mightily changed, Hulk. (catches his returning hammer) But the Son of Odin hast stopped thy rampage before, and he shall do so again this day!

Gray Hulk: Geez, Goldilocks! (punching his way free from the rubble) Where do you get this corn-ball dialogue?

With that, Hulk flings a hunk of car at Thor. Thor, of course, easily deflects the attack with his hammer, but when the debris hits the side of a building, screams are heard from inside. Thor realizes that there are still civilians in the area.

Thor: Curse me for a novice! Twas ne’re my intention to endanger innocent mortals! Hulk, we must…

Thor turns again to face his opponent, but the Hulk has vanished.

Thor: Hulk? Has he fled already this day? (scanning the street for his adversary. He finally notices a large hole in the street) What’s this?

With a roar, the street beneath Thor’s feet erupts as two gray hands grab the Thunderer and drag him below. The city shakes with the sounds of the thunderous blows echoing from the pit. Finally, Thor’s form is seen flying backwards from the hole, smashing through the upper floors of a nearby building, and landing on a roof.

Gray Hulk: Ha! (leaps up after his prey) This’ll be easier than I thought!

But before the gray giant can land on the rooftop, a bolt of lightning sends him falling back into the street.

Thor: This battle goes not to my liking. I must lead my foe away to a place more suitable for such combat.

With that, Thor hurls his hammer skyward, flying off into the sky. Hulk, hand over a smoking burn on his chest, sees Thor flying away.

Gray Hulk: HEY!! Whereduya think yur goin’?!? I ain’t through with you yet!

And with that, the Hulk leaps off after Thor.

Meanwhile, at Tony Stark’s 5^th Avenue mansion, our other heroes are rapidly approaching the gates.

Ant-Man: There it is! You better pull up to the gates, Rick, and we’ll see if Tony’s home.

Rick: You gotta be kiddin’. With this much at stake we aint gettin’ stopped at the gate.

Wasp: Um, Rick? What are you…. Oh never mind.

Rick jumps his bike up and over the gates. While he’s airborne, Wasp grabs Ant-Man and flies them off Rick’s shoulder. Rick lands his bike on the front walk and brings it to a screeching halt by the front door. Ant-Man and the Wasp land beside him, growing as they do. The front door flies open and an older, balding gentleman in a dress tuxedo stands with an exasperated look on his face.

Jarvis: MY Word! What is the meaning of this nonsense! This is private property! Leave immediately before I am forced to call the authorities!

Pym: Hello again, Jarvis. (removing his helmet) Good to see you again.

Jarvis: Master Pym?!? I did not recognize you in that apparel, but I suppose that is the point is it not. Good to see you again too sir. I assume you are here to see Master Tony?

Pym: That’s right, old friend. Is he still here? It’s very, very important we speak with him.

Jarvis: He’s in his study, sir. (steps aside to allow them to enter) If you’ll follow me please I’ll let him know you are here. May I say sir, you look quite different from the young lad I remember from Master Tony’s school days.

Pym: Thank you, Jarvis. (awkwardly as he leads the others inside)

Jan: (begins as she passes Jarvis) Hello Mr. Jarvis I’m…

Jarvis: Janet Van Dye. I read about you in the society pages. And it’s simply Jarvis, Mistress Van Dye.

Rick: Hi! Rick. Pleased tameechya, (as Jarvis blanches) Uh, you…uh, mind if I leave my bike here?

Jarvis: I’m sure it will be fine, Master Rick. (forces a small smile and closes the door behind them)

Inside the mansion, a man in his early thirties with short, dark hair and mustache is coming down the main stair, dressed in white dress shirt and black slacks.

Stark: Jarvis, what’s all the commotion? Is everything all…? (stops as he sees the assembly downstairs) Hank? Jan? What are you two doing in those costumes? I sorry about lunch but… Rick Jones? Is that you, kid? I haven’t seen you since…. Oh No!

Rick: (gravely) ’Fraid so, Mr. Stark.

Pym: We need you to summon that armored body guard of yours, old friend. Bruce is the Hulk and someone has whipped him into a frenzy to kill an adventurer called Thor.

Stark: Hmm, I knew Bruce was Hulk, but I never thought either of them were capable of killing someone. (finishes coming down the stairs and leading the others into the living room) I didn’t know you’d joined the super set, Hank.

Jarvis takes Rick’s jacket and takes it down the hall with him as he leaves. Janet and Rick find a place to sit and Pym paces the room. Tony walks to a window and stares outside.

Pym: Let’s just say this: It was a result of those size-changing particles I discovered a few years ago. I wrote you about it.”

Stark: Yes, your ‘Pym Particles’. ‘Giant-Man and the Wasp’, you’ve made quite a name for yourselves in the counter-terrorism circles. Or is it ‘Ant-Man’ now?

Pym: Both, actually. But Tony, we need…

Stark: And these costumes are your design, Jan?

Jan: Yes, you should have seen the one Hank came up with on his own.

Stark: Ha! I can imagine. He’s never…

Pym: TONY! This is beside the point! We need Iron Man!

Stark: I…I don’t think I can help you. (turns back to the window) I..I don’t have an Iron Man anymore. I…he quit. Said he couldn’t handle the pressure anymore.

Rick: What! But I thought y… (begins, but a sharp look from Tony stops him)

Pym: Wait a minute! Tony? What is he saying? (walks up to Tony and turns him to face him) Are YOU Iron Man?!?

Stark: Yes. (slumps into defeat) Yes I am…WAS! But I… I just can’t do it anymore. Too much pressure. Too many…

Jan: Memories? (Tony looks at her with a start) She was a part of that life wasn’t she? Shared your secret?

Tony straightens, balling his hands into fists, but continues to look at the floor.

Stark: I think you’d all better leave.

Pym: Don’t give me that, Stark! (steps in front of his friend grabbing him by the shoulders) This isn’t about pressure! You thrive on pressure, always have. This is about you getting hurt! I’m sorry it happened, but you’ve got to pull yourself together, man!

Stark: Hank. Please, just go. (tries to pull away)

Pym: Listen to me! Bruce is in trouble. Big Trouble! He’s going to get himself or someone else hurt or worse! I can’t stop him without you. I need you. Bruce needs you. Blazes the whole city needs you! Come on, Tony, what do you say?

Stark: Hank, I… (gaze strays from Pym to the doorway where Jarvis stands carrying a familiar looking brief case) You’re right! Of Course you’re right! What was I thinking of?

Stark walks past Pym to Jarvis and takes the case from his butler’s hands.

Stark: How did you know? (asks his domestic, who, in truth, is much more family than servant)

Jarvis: It’s my job to know such things, Master Tony. Now might I suggest you get changed for your ‘meeting’, sir.

Stark: Right as usual, Jarvis. (steps across the hall into the library, and calls back to his allies) Fill me in on the situation.

We hear Rick’s voice as Tony opens his suit case and begins to put on his armor in a series of close-ups. First the chest plate locks in place, followed by the belt. Then a boot is secured. A glove is placed on and he makes a fist.

Rick: Hulk’s being controlled by some creep named Loki. (calls from the other room) I’ve seen the guy. He said something about makin’ a deal with the Hulk to kill some Thor guy. Then he vanished into thin air. Magic, I guess.

Stark enters the room fully armored but for the helmet he carries in his hands. Everyone turns to him as he enters. Everyone is all smiles as Tony puts his helmet on.

Iron Man: Magic, huh? I hate magic. Where are they now?

Ant-Man: I found them a few minutes ago using my cybernetic helmet (placing on his own helmet) Give me a second and I’ll find them again.

Iron Man: Cybernetic helmet? Nice toy. Your design?

Ant-Man: Yeah, based on some of our old designs. Uses a high band EM wave to stimulate the insects brain-waves to allow…

Rick: Guys, guys! Less talk, more action, fellas!

Ant-Man: Sorry, Rick. Just give me a second.

Jarvis: That may not be necessary, sir. (re-entering the room) I believe your quarry is on the television now.

Jarvis leads the team into the kitchen where a small TV on the counter shows Hulk and Thor locked in combat at an abandoned amusement park.

Ant-Man: I know where that is! This Thor fellow is smart, leading the Hulk somewhere with no civilians around.

Iron Man: That’s the Hulk? Different look for him.

Rick: Yeah I know, but we’d better get movin’, I’ll tell you about it on the way.

Wasp: Wait a minute! (grabbing Rick by the shoulder) Where do you think you’re going?

Iron-Man: Hang on there, Wasp. Rick may be a kid, but he handles him self pretty well. Besides, he does have the most experience and insight into what our old friend has become.

Rick: Right! And I think I know a way to snap our big buddy out of this.

Ant-Man: Okay, okay let’s go!

Wasp: Before someone out there gets hurt!

The heroes race for the front door, Ant-Man and Wasp shrinking as they run. Wasp grabs Ant-Man and they fly up after the others. The three heroes fly skyward as Rick leaps onto his bike and races after them.

Rick: Later, Jarvis! (calls back as he zooms out the now open front gate)

Jarvis: Take care, young Masters! (watching his charges, new and old, head off in to battle) Hmm. I suppose things will never return to normal around here. Ah well.

And he closes the door.

At the site of battle, Loki watches with unhidden glee, from the shadows, as the gray Hulk pounds Thor with a savage round house left. Thor counters with an upper cut, and then follows up with a blow from his hammer, knocking the Hulk backward.

Gray Hulk: (leaps at Thor) Why You…!

Thor nimbly dodges out of the way. Hulk grabs Thor’s cape as he goes by. The Hulk swings the hero over his shoulder by the thunder god’s cape, slamming Thor to the ground. Then Hulk spins the still dazed hero around and around over his head.

Loki: Wonderful! This going far better than I ever dreamed! This creature strikes without fear while Thor checks his every blow!

Hulk releases Thor’s cape, sending Thor flying through the air and smashing into the side of the park’s Ferris Wheel. Thor lands hard, and as he attempts to rise, he hears the groaning of metal from behind him. Turning he sees the Ferris wheel looking like it will collapse on him any second. The Hulk roars with laughter.

Loki: Perfect! (as the ride begins to collapse) Thor is finished!

We see a close-up of Thor’s grim face as the shadow of the Ferris wheel deepens and we fade to another commercial!

The sound of groaning metal is heard. The shadow of the falling wheel deepens on Thor’s face, and he lowers his head and braces for the impact. The scene pulls back and we see Thor, still crouched on the ground and raising his hammer over his head in an attempt to shield himself from the Ferris wheel, now inches from burying him under tons of wood and steel. Loki and the Hulk’s laughter is heard faintly over the crashing sounds of the collapsing ride. Then at the last instant the wheel stops dead for a moment and the whine of boot jets are heard and the wheel begins to rise. Thor looks up in amazement and relief as the armored form of Iron Man lifts the Ferris wheel upright.

Loki: (whispers from the shadows) What is this?!?! This does not bode well at all.

Iron Man continues lifting the ride into the air.

Gray Hulk: Aw crud! Who invited HIM?!?

Iron Man: What’s the matter, Hulk, not glad to see your old friend Iron Man? (swings around and slings the wheel so it lands up right and rolls toward Hulk) I’m hurt.

Gray Hulk: Not as much as yer gonna be, tin-man!! (leaps up and through the wheel straight at Iron Man)

Iron Man: (sets himself for the impact) That’s a new look for you, isn’t it?

But just before he can reach his target, the Hulk is struck from below by Thor’s hammer, sending Hulk falling back to earth.

Iron Man: (swoops down to land beside Thor) Thanks for the assist, big guy.

Thor: Mention it not, my armored friend. (catching his returning hammer) Tis I who owed thee. Thor of Asgard.

Iron Man: Iron Man. (taking the Asgardian’s out stretched hand) Pleased to meet you.

Gray Hulk: (rises to his feet) The pleasures gonna be all mine, jerks!

High overhead, Ant-Man and the Wasp arrive on the scene at insect size.

Ant-Man: This looks my stop, honey! (he lets go of the Wasp’s hand and free-falls downward, growing as he falls.) And time to switch back to…

On the ground, the Hulk notices a rapidly growing shadow over him and a whistling in the air.

Gray Hulk: Huh?!? (glances above him)

A pair of giant boots slam Hulk into the ground.

Giant-Man: ….GIANT-MAN!

Iron-Man: Nice entrance, High Pockets.

Thor: Verily! Most impressive indeed, Giant-one!

The Wasp flutters in, buzzing around Pym’s head.

Wasp: Goodness! Is he okay under there?

Giant-Man: I think so. (looks down at his feet) I can feel him starting to wiggle under there.

Iron Man: Then we’d better hurry and find this Loki character before the Hulk starts attacking again.

Thor: Loki thou sayest? Of Course! Tis he that has ensorceled the Hulk! This does explain all!

Wasp: Right. So if we can find this Loki guy and stop him, then we should be able to get the Hulk back to normal. (buzzes around Thor’s head) Well, normal for him, anyway.

Giant-Man: You guys better hurry! (begins to shake) I think he’s…

With a howl of rage the Hulk bursts from the ground, toppling his gigantic opponent.

Gray Hulk: OKAY! THAT’S IT! I AM OFFICIALLY CHEESED OFF!!! YOU GUYS ARE SOOO DEAD!!!

Thor: Fear not, my allies. (points his hammer at the man-beast) If it is magic which enslaves him, then by magic shall come his deliverance!

A bolt of mystic energy surges from Thor’s hammer, piercing the very fabric of the Hulk’s being. Inside the Hulk’s mind, the captive forms of Bruce Banner and the Green Hulk are freed. Outside the bolt causes a glow to arise in a nearby shadowy section off the park.

Loki: What treachery is this! OD’s death! I am discovered!

Back at the scene of battle, the assembled heroes are surprised to see the Gray Hulk still standing after such a blast.

Gray Hulk: I’m >huh< a little fuzzy how I got here. And why we’re fightin’… but nobody does that to the Hulk!!!

Iron Man: Keep it up, team! (blasts with a pair of full power repulsors, knocking the Hulk back) Remember Rick’s plan! We’ve got to make him even angrier! Push him far enough and he’ll change into his green form!

Wasp: And that should be enough of a system shock to throw off Loki’s control!

Thor: You deal with this menace, my friends. (spins his hammer) While I take this battle to the author of this day’s misery!

Thor flies off toward Loki’s hiding place.

Iron Man: Copy that!

Gray Hulk: You worthless punks! I’ll trash al..YEOW!! (screams as the Wasp stings his behind) What the…You Again!!!

Wasp: That’s right, handsome! Just hitting you where it hurts!

With that she flies up into the Hulk’s face and stings him right between the eyes. The Hulk roars with pain, but before he can recover Iron Man slams into him and begins pounding away. The Hulk staggers back with each blow.

Meanwhile Thor has landed and is moving cautiously forward. A bolt of mystic power leaps from the shadows and slams him to the ground. Wearing his traditional armor, Loki steps forth and blasts his brother again, but Thor blocks this shot with his hammer.

Loki: I suppose the old saying holds true; if thou desires a job done properly, into thine own hands must it be taken!

Thor: I am not yet undone, brother! (lightning erupts from Thor’s hammer, but Loki gestures and the lightning forks around him)

Loki: Really, my brother? (gestures again, pointing at the ground) I believe you are!

Two hands form on either side of the Thunderer and attempt to grab him. Thor holds them off, but strains against their continued press.

The other heroes appear to be having no better luck. Hulk knocks Iron Man away from him.

Gray Hulk: This is getting old fast jerks!

Giant-Man: (unseen voice) Okay let’s try something new!

Gray Hulk: Huh? Where are you?!? (looks around)

Giant-Man: Right (grows from insect size to 15 ft. and catches the Hulk with a wicked uppercut) HERE!

Gray Hulk: Cute, real cute! (takes another swing at Giant-Man who shrinks beneath the blow) RrrrRaagh!! Stop that!

Giant Man: Why? (repeats his re-growing assault, bringing both fists to bear against the Hulk’s chin) When this is working so well!

The Hulk staggers back, and with a snarl lunges at Giant-Man. But Giant Man shrinks out of the way and the Hulk sails overhead. Not for long though, as Iron Man rams the Hulk in mid-air, sending both of them crashing into the ground just behind Thor. Thor glances over his shoulder and smiles. With a groan Thor shatters the hands on either side of him.

Loki: Die, blast you!! (fires a huge blast of mystic power at Thor)

Thor smiles and leaps out of the way. The energy bolt strikes the then rising Hulk square in the back. The Gray Hulk howls wildly, his whole body begins to quiver and shake. The sound of the howl grows deeper, the Hulks body grows larger and the gray skin changes to bright green. As the transformation ends Rick Jones pulls up on his bike.

Rick: All Right! It Worked!

Green Hulk: (turns to face his attacker) Horn-man Hurt Hulk!! Now Hulk Mad! Eat Green!

The Hulk leaps at Loki.

Loki: Not so fast, my emerald friend! (causes a huge wall of ice for rise up in front of him, blocking the Hulk’s attack)

As Hulk bounces of the ice wall, the other heroes gather in front of it. The Hulk pounds the wall to no avail. Thor flings his hammer at it, again to no effect

Thor: The wall is thick indeed!

Giant-Man: Together then?

The heroes all attack the ice wall, Hulk and Giant Man with their fists, Thor throws his hammer, Iron man blasts with full repulsors and Wasp fires her stings. The ice wall shatters under their combined assault. The Hulk is the first to get through to Loki, who barely avoids the jade giant’s attack.

Green Hulk: Hulk Smash!

Loki spies Rick, who was hanging back from the battle. With a smile, Loki vanishes only to reappear behind Rick.

Loki: I am not yet undone! (grabbing Rick by the throat and raising his glowing hand over his head) Still I can cause thee pain!

Green Hulk: Hulk’s Friend!

Iron Man: Let the boy go, Loki! (raising his hand in preparation for a repulsor blast)

Thor: Thou hast gone too far this time, brother!

Loki: I think not! Hold thy places! Else, you speed this mortal’s demise.

The heroes hold their places, with Giant Man and the Wasp returning to normal size. No one notices Giant man extending his antenna and concentrating.

Loki: Puny mortals! Didst thou believe that thou could outwit the god of mischief! Hahahahahaha! What unbridled arrogance! What…What.. What is the meaning of this?!?

As Loki was gloating, ants and bees were starting to swarm around him. At Giant-man’s command they attack in unison. Loki screams, and, flailing wildly, releases Rick. Rick jumps clear. Iron Man and Wasp both smile at Giant Man while Thor spins his hammer. The hammer begins to glow.