Avengers, The (1963 series) #358

On the planet Polemachus, high priest Anskar is informed that the Imperion, his consort, and “the girl” have fled. But Anskar knows where they have teleported to….

Arkon, Thundra, and a girl named Astra, along with a T. Rex, appear in New York City during a thunderstorm, terrifying the populace and the outclassed police. And then the Avengers arrive. Hercules fights Arkon while Sersi threatens Thundra, requiring Black Knight to attempt to corral the T. Rex. Crystal rips up the ground under Arkon, knocking him flat. With matters quieted down, Arkon explains that he was only trying to quiet his frightened steed and scare the populace away for their own safety but the police reaction escalated matters. They then indicate they are on the run because Astra is set to be sacrificed and Arkon feels he has betrayed his people….

At Avengers Mansion, their guest, the alternate Swordsman, encounters Marilla and tells her not to be afraid of him. She responds by relating the history of this world’s Swordsman and he finds it absurd. Vision arrives, preparing to show Swordsman the video files on his 616 counterpart but they are interrupted by Black Widow summoning Vision to the conference room….

The Avengers gather to hear the whole story from Arkon: The planet Polemachus has no sun but is surrounded by energy rings. Twice before these rings have failed and been re-energized by the Avengers (first time) and X-Men (second time). But now the rings are growing in heat and intensity, terrifying the people. High priest Anskar claimed it was because they have offended the gods and only a human sacrifice would appease them. Astra was chosen, Thundra persuaded Arkon to defy the priests so they snatched the girl from the temple and fled to Earth. But now the priests have found them and teleported the fugitives and the Avengers to Polemachus….

Elsewhere, Proctor of the Gatherers informs Magdalene and Sloth that they must gather a new subject who will help them rescue the captive Swordsman. But Cassandra, a telepath, knows that Proctor is lying (and he knows that she knows) and this new gather will be the one to kill the Swordsman….

Anskar seals the Avengers in a bubble to prevent their interference, blasts Thundra, and appeals to Arkon to appease the gods and comfort the people by sacrificing the girl. Vision passes through the bubble and points out that the previous two crises with the rings were solved by scientific means so he asks that the Avengers be allowed to search for a scientific answer before they resort to the human sacrifice. Arkon approves and the angry Anskar grants them 24 hours to try….