Eternals #16 - Big City Crypt

The beginning of the story has the end of the big fight against the cosmic powered Hulk robot of the last two issues. That whole thing kind of fizzles out, I think it's safe to say that Kirby's heart wasn't in this plotline as much as most.

The battle does bring the Eternals into a long hidden underground lair, where an ancient enemy has been awakened. Ikaris is pulled under first, and Makarri follows. After Zuras stops a fire with his powers he follows.



He recognizes the enemy as Dromedan the Brain-Snatcher, who is forcing Ikaris and Makarri to fight each other. Zuras frees them of Dromedan's control and faces off against his old foe.

As I said, the Hulk robot thing ended weak, but the rest of the issue is stronger, especially the bits of Zuras' character. While obviously sharing some characteristics with previous Kirby god/rulers (Highfather/Odin/Zeus), he's a very different character in some fundamental ways.

Mike Royer inks the 17-page story and Frank Giacoia inks the cover (where "Ikaris" is spelled wrong).

Published 1977