The exciting creative potential of heroes existing in a shared universe and the possibility of cross-promotion between titles are the foundations of many team books. In this regard POWER MEN will be no different. This title will generate its own heat, however, by weaving underused elements of Marvel into an organic whole. POWER MEN will have a strong "hook" for bringing our heroes together and keeping them together – and a broad appeal that will reach confirmed Marvelites as it makes new ones.

After years of preparation, the new St. George has engaged her dragon: Georgina Symons fought Doctor Zero to a draw but learned of his master plan. An orbiting satellite weapon will make the world safe for the Shadow Lords (a hidden race of superpowered beings) – by killing the rest of us. As is so often the case, the Avengers and the Fantastic Four are busy with other equally weighty concerns and are only able to give her some promising leads.

One of which is Luke Cage, who receives the warrior and offers his aid – for free. In short order, Cage rounds up Psi Hawk (from his own series) Deathlok (from his ongoing search for his missing family) and Monica Rambeau (from her thriving shipping business, the Black Star line. She will change her name from Captain Marvel to Pulsar).

Among the obstacles to their eventual victory is the Blazing Skull (Formerly "Skull the Slayer," now a freakish caricature of a man). Skull has become Zero's lieutenant and leads a small army of Shadow Lords, also under Zero's sway, against the heroes. It becomes clear that the Skull was lured into the position by the villain's promise of an eventual cure for his condition.

As the series progresses, the team will set up a not-for-profit organization on the Brooklyn waterfront, in the offices of Pulsar's Black Star Line. Monica will provide much of the working capital and her connection with the Avengers will give them access to a wide range of mothballed equipment and vehicles (the Avengers can use the tax write-off). Although Luke will be the leader at first, Pulsar's administrative capabilities and leadership abilities will bring her more and more to the forefront. Zero will continue to be a major villain, and the Blazing Skull will impart a note of cynicism to the group when he finally turns on Zero and joins up. Their arch-nemesis will be Doctor Zero. Heroes who will ally themselves with the Power Men include Goliath (formerly Black Goliath), Moondragon, Red Star, Valkyrie and Dagger, but these will for the most part be temporary team-ups.

Whether they are new to their calling like Psi Hawk, or an old hand like Cage, each of these characters will have a personal need to be a hero. Every action the team takes will have consequences for each individual. Each has something to prove to themselves. As a team, the Power Men have something to prove to the world.

-DM

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