Synopsis / Summary / Plot
In #1 Punisher found his family's bodies stolen from their graves. A small bag was left in their place which when he touched it magically teleported him the castle of Kulan Gath and the Sickle Priest in the Savage Land. He arrived in #2 to be attacked by Hand ninjas, but he was prepared for a trap and killed them with a claymore mine.
Now he's killing more ninjas with bullets and a 'borrowed' sword, until 1 of them unmasks as Elektra. (We saw her following a trail here in Free Comic Book Day 2019 Avengers.) When she learns of his quest she joins in the slaughter, but warns him that the foe brought him here because they need the blood of warriors. As they fight they notice Wolverine suspended over a large bowl of blood, and Kulan Gath is ensuring that Logan contributes plentifully.
Outside the castle Conan of Cimmeria is leaving with the amulet he came to steal (the 3rd Eye Of Agamotto). But he turns back on hearing Wolvie being tortured (they formed a mutual admiration society in #1). The Klyntar symbiote which Conan freed from Gath's control last issue also decides to intervene.
But before they can get there the Sickle Priest appears to bring the Agamotto amulet to his master. We know that's impossible, and Kulan Gath isn't fooled by Doctor Voodoo's disguise. Jericho Drumm stabs him through the chest with a Hand sword, but the wizard just pulls it back out again. Gath claims to have been the Sorcerer Supreme of his era and says he should rate Dr Strange as an adversary, not this 2nd-rate substitute. He also claims that the Hand have the spirit of DrV's brother Daniel Drumm prisoner, and uses that as a threat to demand Jericho serve him.
At this point Elektra and Punisher enter, and Frank Castle shoots the sorcerer in the head. Which has as little effect as the sword did. Gath says he has the Castle family's bodies and he will restore them to life for Castle if he retrieves the stolen amulet. Logan tells Frank not to believe a word the villain says. But Conan changes the argument by making himself known and offering to trade the amulet for the lives of Gath's foes. Elektra hurls throwing stars which free Wolverine.
Kulan Gath transports in Hand ninjas and warriors of the Egyptian cult that is also involved, and asks for his amulet back. Conan says he and Wolverine will kill him together. Wolvie unsheathes his claws, but then collapses from bloodloss. So the Barbarian swings him as weapon to gut enemy troops with the claws. Gath casts a spell which tears Logan from his grasp and slams the body into Elektra. Then he takes the amulet and thrusts it through Conan's chest, and pulls it back to leave a gaping hole.
Dr Voodoo and Punisher are the only heroes left standing. But then the other player makes its move. The symbiote enters Conan's chest and restores him to functioning life. And its tendrils project from his hand in the form of a black blade which is very good at killing ninjas. The wizard uses the amulet to guide a beam of light into the bowl of blood. Voodoo warns everyone that Gath's spell is almost complete, so don't give him any more blood.
But telling Conan to stop killing his foes is fruitless, and a headless ninja falls into the pool. And the quaking ground announces the arrival of Jhoatun, the Marrow God.