Synopsis / Summary / Plot
The High Evolutionary has created Eve Warlock to achieve the potential he feels that Adam Warlock has not. She has taken Adam's Soul Gem and left him in a coma as his soul has sought peace in Soul World (within the Gem). Gamora, Legacy and Pip The Troll have sought the aid of Dr Strange who has sent his astral form to track Adam down. But Adam doesn't want to leave his refuge, and the other inhabitants rise up against Strange.
But this issue begins in space as an alien couple on a world facing destruction prepare to send their infant son on a rocket to another world for safety. However Eve Warlock arrives and saves their world. Watching HE is well pleased.
As Adam's friends overwhelm him Stephen Strange scatters them with a mystic blast. But Kray-Tor is made of sterner stuff and fights back to defend the peace of Soul World until the mage surrounds him with the Crimson Bands Of Cyttorak. Adam begs to be left alone but Stephen says he's needed in the real world, so Adam turns into a large monster which (metaphorically?) swallows the other.
The 2 meet to talk within the darkness of Adam's despair, with the small fire of his hope burning between them. Stephen persuades him to accept that hope before it is finally snuffed out. Adam desperately wants to stay in the peace he once new there, but he accepts the hope and his responsibilities. They find themselves back in Soul World proper and then Strange takes them both home.
Back in his Greenwich Village Sanctum Sanctorum Dr Strange's astral form emerges from Adam Warlock's body and remerges with his own body. Adam wakes and thanks Stephen, and accepts his karmic staff from Legacy. They didn't have a chance to meet properly in #1 so Legacy introduces himself as Genis-Vell, son of Captain Mar-Vell. But Adam feels the lack of his Soul Gem and prepares to leave alone to get it back. However Gamora, Legacy and Pip want to accompany him. Adam demurs until Pip points out that he'll need *his* Space Gem to track her down. So the 2 of them depart via the Gem ...
... and they find Eve Warlock alone on another planet. Adam demands his gem back but Eve claims to be more worthy of it. Adam says he understands this is the reason she was created but he tries to persuade her not to subserviently follow her creator's agenda. She forcefully rebuffs him and they start to fight. Adam admits that she is more powerful but he bets on his superior experience over the newborn Eve. The Gem on Eve's brow sends a beam that connects to Adam's brow and there is a battle of wills and energy. And then they both disappear in a blaze of light leaving Pip alone.