Happy Friday, folks!
It's time for me to discuss the sixth issue of Marvel's Super-Villain Team-Up. The cover depicted Namor, the Sub-Mariner, battling the Fantastic Four with images of Dr. Doom and the Shroud in the background. The story was called "Prisoner!" The issue had a publication date of June 1976.
The tale began with Namor behind bars, trapped inside Castle Doom. The Sub-Mariner yelled the name of his captor, and moments later, the Latverian monarch entered the room. He admitted that he'd been watching his Atlantean guest through the eyes of the portrait behind him.
Doom knew he had the upper hand, and soon left Namor. He walked down a hallway, noticing the arrival of the Fantasticar as he entered a control room. Aerial defenses ensured that the Americans would not have an easy landing. Susan Richards (the Invisible Girl) projected an invisible force sphere around the craft as it found a deserted spot not far away to set down.
Shortly thereafter, she, her husband Reed (Mr. Fantastic), brother Johnny Storm (the Human Torch), and Reed's former college roommate Ben Grimm (the Thing) tackled the first wave of Doom's lackeys. The commotion was loud enough to draw Subby's attention. Namor also spotted the Shroud walking around a short distance away. The newcomer was too intent on observing the Fantastic Four's battle to think that he might be being watched himself.
Doom was paying attention to the conflict outside from the safety of his castle, along with an unnamed witness, who was gradually shown many of Victor Von Doom's other defensive weapons. Doom was in the middle of a toast with his potential new business associate when an underling burst in. Victor ushered him into a side hallway where they could speak in private.
He came to inform his master that the Fantastic Four had defeated the androids. Doom thought that might happen, and sent Bela off so that he could focus on the Sub-Mariner. He instructed him to stop the FF before opening the doors to his room.
A short while later, the Sub-Mariner flew right into the Thing. He apologized for the assault, adding that he was simply following orders. Another conflict swiftly ensued, one that Namor did not win. With the Sub-Mariner defeated, the Fantastic Four were just setting foot inside Castle Doom when they heard a familiar voice.
It was the words of Doom's newest guest, Henry Kissinger, who announced that he'd just formalized a non-aggression pact with Latveria. From then on, no American forces would be allowed to interfere with any of Latveria's internal affairs. Kissinger went on to say that America needed Latveria to help keep world peace and security, even though Doom's longtime rivals knew their enemy's true motives.
The Fantastic Four started to leave, talking amongst themselves all the while. Little did they know that the Scourge was perched in the rafters, watching and listening to everything that transpired. He was ready to enact his plan against Doom, an adversary who didn't even know he existed.
Kissinger was the mystery character that was billed in this issue and the last. He definitely wasn't the type of person you'd expect to see in a comic book, but one who put a wrinkle in the Fantastic Four's plans. I was rather surprised that Namor gave up his free will so readily, since Doom had given him no real proof during this plot that he could make good on his threats.
That's all I have for you today. Tomorrow, I'll kick off the weekend with a summary of the seventh issue of Super-Villain Team-Up. The Shroud will finally get his chance to face off against Doctor Doom, and we'll learn the backstory of this mysterious character. Until then, have a great week and don't forget to be kind to one another.
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