From: v124jw4y@ubvmsb.cc.buffalo.edu (Benjamin R Pierce)
Newsgroups: rec.arts.comics.misc
Subject: LNH: Marvel_Zombie Lad Reborn, Part II
Date: 10 Nov 92 02:18:00 GMT
Organization: University at Buffalo
News-Software: VAX/VMS VNEWS 1.41

(NOTE: This story takes place after the events described in Electrocutioner's
Song)

The dark, semi-supernatural looking lair of the villain only known as the Fandom
Stranger rang with cries of anguish:

"Noooooooooooo! $#@%$#^ it!! Why me?  This isn't FAIR!"

The Stranger sat in front of his Supervillain PC2000 personal world-conquering
computer (TM), banging his fists and head against the keyboard in frustration.
On the screen were various stills of action from the recent happenings known as
the Electrocutioner's Song.

"I don't believe it," he cried, "Years of planning, a fortune for the prototype
action figures, and now they're worthless, because everyone will buy what they
think are the originals!  It isn't FAIR!!  Why me?!?"

Marvel_Zombie Lad, in his new, darker incarnation (and nifty new black leather
jumpsuit), made no comment, as he was completely disheartened by the threats
made against his mint copy of Uncanny X-Men #1, which the Stranger was holding
hostage.

The Fandom Stranger continued abusing his computer keyboard with his head, 
unaware that the random keys he was hitting were having an effect...

*************************************************************************
                SECURITY OVERRIDE PROTOCOL ENABLED

         Shut down all complex security functions? (Y/N): y

         WARNING: This action could lead to major plot
         complications and the introduction of yet another
         new villain.  Are you sure you want to continue? y

         Deactivating main power grid...
         Deactivating remote sentry droids...
         Deactivating motion trackers...
         Deactivating cell block detainment fields...


                             *WARNING*
         Major structural damage in sectors 1, 4, 5, and 6:
         System shutdown imminent

         *SYSTEM OVERLOAD--SYSTEM GOING OFF-LINE...*
***********************************************************************

During all of this, a series of crashes could be heard throughout the base.
The Fandom Stranger seemed oblivious to the noise, but even he could not
fail to notice when a figure clad in a brightly glowing nimbus of power
burst upward from the floor.  The figure was clad in flowing robes with a
large lower-case "i" on the front...while impressive, he seemed vaguely
disproportionate somehow.

"FREE AT LAST," the figure cried, "AND NOW I WILL HAVE MY REVENGE ON THE ONE
WHO IMPRISONED ME!  SO SWEARS THE I-MAGE!"  With that, the figure directed a 
tremendous blast of arcane energy at the cowering Stranger, who snatched up the
nearest object to shield himself--M_Z Lad's prized X-Men #1.  Marvel_Zombie Lad
could only watch in horror as supervillain and comic alike were vaporized by 
the mystical blast.

The figure surveyed the smouldering crater with satisfaction for a moment 
before turning to Marvel_Zombie Lad.  "SOOOO," he said, "THE DESTRUCTION OF
THAT PATHETIC MARVEL COMIC DISTURBED YOU?  FOOL!  MARVEL'S DAY IS DONE!  THE
FUTURE BELONGS TO YOUNGBLOOD!  TO WILD..." The i-Mage's voice faltered as he
noticed the ominous glow of power and rage in Marvel_Zombie Lad's eyes. 
"...cats?"

All around Marvel_Zombie Lad, power began to crackle and surge, as his mighty
mutant Angst-power, enhanced by the Fandom Stranger's rituals, swelled within
him.  Levelling one glowing finger at the i-Mage, Marvel_Zombie Lad opened his
mouth and let out a howl of anguish and rage:

"YOU DESTROYED MY X-MEN!!!!!!!!!! NOW YOU DIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIEEEEEEEEE!"

With this shout, the Angst wave burst forth on a level of power far beyond
that which Marvel_Zombie Lad had ever shown before.  This...was Ultimate 
Angst.

As the uncontrollable wave of power lashed out, it smashed the i-Mage into a 
wall, burying him under the rubble.  Power surged chaotically, tearing rifts
in the fabric of space and time, and even in the page of the comic (neat new
marketing gimmick, kids...order your fifteen poly-bagged copies today!). It
was through one of these that Marvel_Zombie Lad fell, onto the next page of the
comic.

As he came to, Marvel_Zombie Lad realized that he was in Metro-Gothamopolis,
only an hour from LNH HQ.  His memories muddled and confused by the traumatic
events he had just undergone, he only remembered one thing: to save the life
of the comic he loved, he would have to battle his comrades, his brothers and
sisters in arms.  He would have to defeat the Legion of Net Heroes.

Staggering to the nearest Greyhound terminal, Marvel_Zombie Lad was mortified
to discover that his nifty new jumpsuit had no pockets.  As he left the terminal
pondering how he was going to get to HQ, the roar of a motorcycle was heard in
the distance.  Suddenly, as if in answer to his thoughts, a black motorcycle
with flaming wheels and a giant "M" for a windshield pulled up directly in
front of him.  Marvel_Zombie Lad, still dazed, did not bother to question
this new power; he simply swung his leg over the cycle and roared off into the
night, towards his unsuspecting teammates...

Meanwhile, in the ruins of the Fandom Stranger's lair, a hand emerged from
beneath the rubble.  The i-Mage shakily pulled himself to his feet.  "So,"
he muttered to himself, "Marvel has a champion.  He must be defeated, that
Image may rule.  Marvel_Zombie Lad shall fall...so swears the i-Mage!".  With
that, he summoned up a dimensional portal and vanished from sight.


TO BE CONTINUED...