Review: Malevolence (Machinist #1) by Alexander Maisey

I've decided to feature reviews of superhero novels on this blog and am starting out with Malevolence, the first part of the The Machinist series by Alexander Maisey.
In this novella we follow a supervillain called The Machinist as he leaves jail on parole. Soon he is suspected to be behind the giant prison outbreak that has supervillains putting New York under siege. Trying to fight his way out of trouble he ends up helping the superheroes he hates.
What makes this one so great is that it doesn't try to be too smart or literary. Lots of superhero fiction tends to make fun of the genre or is afraid to don colorful costumes on their heroes. Not this one!
In a story that could have an comic book written by Warren Ellis we get cool new heroes and villains (loved Baron Brass) that owe a lot to the well-know characters of Marvel and DC but are not copies.
The action is fast and furious and the dialogue very readable. I was really transported into The Machinist's world.
If you loved Austin Grossman's Soon I Will Be Invincible you will love this one. Looking forward to part 2!

GODLING # 9: Alter Ego

GODLING # 9:  Alter Ego
By Jochem Vandersteen

Uzi's rattled, spraying the crackhouse with bullets. Marcus Walker,
a.k.a. Safari had to use all his animal-like agility to avoid getting
shot. The three shooters were dead-set on getting him shot.
    The shooters, clad in either leather or Adidas had been dealing their
filthy drugs in the crackhouse without any interference for the police
for weeks now. The honest people in the neighborhood were of the
opinion that either the police didn't care about them or was too
afraid to visit Lower Troy. Safari cared though. He cared, and had the
courage of a lion.
    While diving for cover Safari produced a blowgun and fired off a dart.
The dart hit one of the shooters in the neck. The poison made him go
down in seconds. Using the confusion that action caused Safari took out
the second shooter more up close and personal. He somersaulted and
landed right on top of the shooter. One punch was all it took to knock
him out.
    The third shooter started to run, but there was no way he was as fast
as Safari, who could run as fast as a panther. The hero grabbed the
runner by the collar and stopped him dead in his tracks. He lifted him
and threw him against the wall, leaving him as unconscious as his
partners.
    Safari stood triumphant. He was taking back the neighborhood one thug
at a time, and it felt great. All he had left to do now was burn the
crack.

*
Professor Quentin Alexander was walking across the campus ground
accompanied by professor Monica Sawyer. They were both heading for the
classes they had to teach, their arms filled with books.
    "So, what do you think about that Godling anyway? You're the
expert on mythology... Is he really a demi-god like some people say?"
Monica asked Quentin.
    "I'm tempted to say no. After all, the common theory is that the
ancient Greeks made up their gods to help them explain phenomena they
were unable to at first. But, then... Seeing him in action makes you
believe he can't be anything less than one." Of course, Quentin
knew exactly what Godling was. He changed into New Troy's own
super-powered protector almost every day, keeping the streets safe from
villains, aliens and disasters.
    "Wade thinks he's a blasphemer and a fraud, calling himself
Godling."
    Quentin shrugged. "I don't know. He never said anything about any
other religion as far as I know, so why call him a blasphemer?"
    "I guess you're a bit right about that. Of course Wade also thinks
he's a menace to society. He thinks Godling causes a lot of the
problems we've been having. Personally, I disagree. I've personally
seen him do some pretty great things."
    Quentin couldn't help sticking up for his alter ego. "Wade should
check the history books. New Troy was being plagued by supervillains
months before Godling first appeared."
    "Wade suspects Godling was just waiting in hiding, waiting until the
need of the people was big enough for him to be greeted as a big
hero."
    Wade was irritating Quentin more every day. What to say about
accusations like that. And how to say something about them and not give
away his secret identity? "But what's in it for Godling then?
It's not like he's charging money for his heroic actions or
anything."
    Monica nodded. "Wade says he's probably just waiting for the City
to be so dependent of him that he'll start sending the bills as soon
the citizens really can't live without him anymore. Like a crack
dealer giving you a free taste to make you an addict and then charging
you for more."
    Quentin dropped his books. "What? He's comparing me to a drug
dealer?"
    Monica's eyes got wide. "Did you just say 'me'?"
    Quentin cursed himself. How could he make a mistake like that. Or was
it that big a problem? What if Monica knew his secret? She was a fan of
Godling, right? Or was she so attached to Wade she was starting to
believe the rumors he was spreading about him? Would she tell his
secret to Wade, who was obviously keen to make his life miserable.
Maybe Wade would try to get him in court or something for the damages
he did in some of his heroic actions. Or what if he would leak his
secret identity to the press? Wouldn't the villains he took out in
the past try to get their revenge for defeating them?
    Monica started to laugh. "Hahaha! I think you're into Godling a
bit too much, Quentin!"
    Quentin followed her cue and started to laugh as well. "When I was
four I used to think I was John Wayne, so that shouldn't come as a
surprise."
    Monica wiped away the tears that had come with her laughter. "Well,
I've got to run off to class. See you, my hero!"
    "Yeah, see you" Quentin muttered as he bent down to pick up his
books. He sighed when he saw her running away, her body like poetry in
motion to him. He cursed himself for being such a love struck puppy.
Hadn't he picked up anything from Aphrodite's advice (last issue
- JvdS)? There were so many women in the world, why was he still
dreaming about the one he couldn't have? Was that what Apollo was
talking about when he told him love would hurt him (also last issue -
JvdS)?
*

"Hello old man," Walker greeted the man sitting on the steps of his
office building.
    The old man looked up. "Hi Walker. Did you hear about that vigilante
guy who took out that crackhouse?" He was wearing glasses with one
lens cracked. On his head was a black beret.
    Walker played dumb. "No, I didn't, Uncle Terry. Is that the start
of a joke?"
    The old man laughed. "No, man! I heard there's this brother with
superpowers taking out the dealers in the neighborhood."
    "Superpowers? You mean like Godling?"
    Uncle Terry nodded. "Just like him. But then this guy is black and
not just fighting the superpowered baddies and aliens and crap like
that. He's really making this neighborhood a safer place."
    "That's good to hear. Kids around here need some kind of role
model."
    "Seems a better role model at least then the damned gangbangers,
drugdealers and guys like that. You know how many kids around here seem
to look up to those thugs? They think life is all about women, alcohol
and gold."
    Walker knew what he meant. "Bitches, booze and bling-bling."
    "You know, Walker when I was a kid the only thing I wanted to do is
get a real decent job like the white people had them. And now, when
we've got black Hollywood stars, novelists, politicians, football
players etcetera some kids still seem to think the only way they can
make a career is by being a thug."
    Walker smiled. "You forgot about black lawyers."
    "I'm not sure being a lawyer differs much from being a thug."
    Walker raised his eyebrows. Uncle Terry started to laugh hysterically,
slapping his thighs.
    "That look on your face! Hahahaha! You gotta learn to loosen up,
kid!" Terry said, wiping the tears from his eyes.

*

"And that concludes the story of Midas," Quentin Alexander said to
his class.
    "And this class," one of the more smart-alec students said.
    Quentin checked his watch. "So it does. Class dismissed then."
    A blonde, pretty girl raised her hand. Quentin welcomed her question.
    "Professor, I need some help with my paper on the influence of
mythology on popular fiction in the new millennium. Could I stay for a
few minutes and go over it with you?"
    "Of course, Amanda. The rest of you can go."
    While the other students left the classroom Amanda sauntered over to
Quentin's desk. He couldn't help to notice how short her pleated
skirt was. With her slim figure, blue eyes and dazzling smile Amanda
Reese was quite an attractive young woman.
    She leaned over his desk. She whispered in his ear, "I'm afraid
the paper was just an excuse, professor. I just wanted to ask you to go
out for dinner with me."
    Quentin couldn't have been more surprised if . "What? I can't do
that! I mean... That wouldn't be appropriate. You're one of my
students! I can't just..."
    "Don't you find me attractive then?" She gave a little sexy
pose. It seemed more of a mockery of Playboy model then really erotic
to Quentin.
    "You're a very beautiful girl. A lot of handsome students would
love to go out with you. If you weren't a student of mine I probably
would've loved to as well. But is just can't happen."
    "All right then, but you don't know what you're missing!" With
those words Amanda strode out of the room, slamming the door behind
her.
    Quentin sat there a while, staring at the closed door. Did he just
really say no to a beautiful young co-ed who seemed to be romantically
interested in him. He had to have been hit in the head a few times too
many playing Godling.
    Again the words of Apollo echoed in his head.

*
Big D Abdar sat at his desk, counting money. He wasn't happy. The
returns from his local dealers were down with 20%. It all had to do
with this new superpowered character who'd turned up, taking down his
dealers and crackhouses all over Lower Troy. He wasn't just the
ruling crime lord of Lower Troy. He was also a businessman, which he
emphasized with the Brooks Brothers suits he was wearing. He understood
he could take a hit of 20% once, but not too many times. He had
employees to pay, women to keep in jewelry, rent to pay, guns to keep
loaded. This Safari posed quite the problem.
    His door opened. Two of his thugs rolled in, badly bruised. Abdar got
up, getting the gun from his desk drawer. He pointed it at the man
standing in the door opening.
    The intruder was wearing black boots and pants. His muscular torso was
clad in a red leather jacket. He had the strangest pair of ears Abdar
had ever seen. They seemed to belong to a dog. In fact, the nose on
which an expensive pair of Oakley sunglasses was perched resembled a
snout. But that was nothing compared to what he saw when the intruder
smiled. He had the teeth of a damn Doberman.
    "Put down the gun, Abdar. I'm here to help," the intruder said.
It almost sounded like a growl.
    Abdar hesitated. "Who are you?"
    "I'm called Death Dog. Master Destiny heard about your problems.
He doesn't like it when one of his franchises is doing badly. He sent
me in to track down that Safari-guy and take him out."
    "Tell Master Destiny Big D Abdar takes care of his own business."
    Death Dog snorted. "You've been working for the Master long enough
to know he doesn't run a democracy. Either you let me fix your
problem or he's going to get you replaced."
    "I've got my own men."
    Death Dog kicked one of the thugs on the floor. "These? Did you see
how easily I took them down?"
    Abdar lowered his gun and sighed. Maybe this freak had a point. "All
right, but I get to spit on Safari's dead body."

*
After his encounter with Amanda Quentin felt like blowing off some
steam. It was probably all that testosterone running through his veins
with no place to go. He decided to visit Lower Troy. So much of his
time had been spent making Upper Troy a safer place he'd almost
forgot about that neighborhood. Was it because he was living in Upper
Troy himself? Was it because most of the people he knew lived there?
Wasn't that a bit egoistical and narrow-minded? Crime was higher in
Lower Troy than anywhere. They could use Godling.
    Flying over the streets of Lower Troy he noticed three men leaving a
SUV. Two of them seemed to be guiding the other one. He had a closer
look. The one being guided had his hands cuffed behind him. Were the
other two cops? They were carrying guns.
He decided to see what was going to happen, landing on a nearby
rooftop.
One of the gunmen was carrying a can of gas. The other one put his gun
against the head of the prisoner, forcing him to kneel down. The guy
with the gas held it above the prisoners's head and started to douse
him with it. Godling had seen enough.
    Godling jumped down from the building, totally invulnerable while
channeling Achilles' powers. He landed right between the gunmen, just
in time to snatch the lighter from one of the gunmen's hand.
    "Didn't your mother tell you not to play with fire?" he said and
punched the guy out.
    The other guy pointed his gun at the hero. "You should've stayed
out of this neighborhood, Godling!"
    At that exact moment there was a loud growl and a human shape came
jumping down from the rooftop.


NEXT ISSUE:
Godling and Safari finally meet!

GODLING # 8: BALLAD OF LONELINESS

GODLING # 8:  BALLAD OF LONELINESS
By Jochem Vandersteen



The teeth of Cerberus came dangerously close to Godling's neck. He
could feel the hot breath of the hellhound in his face. With his left
hand the tried to hold back one of the creature's heads, with his
right another. Unfortunately that left the third head free to attack.
    "Cerberus, here boy!" A musical voice sounded, just as the
creature's teeth were ready to bore into the One Man Pantheon's
skin.
    The hellhound had suddenly lost all interest in its prey and simply
walked past Godling, seeking out the owner of the beautiful voice. When
the dog found the owner it sat beside her like a puppy. She patted it.
    Her beauty was beyond anything Godling had ever seen, even
surpassing Monica's. Her hair seemed to be made of gold, her skin
like alabaster, her eyes bottomless pools of blue. Butterflies and
doves surrounded her, seemingly wanting to bask in her beauty. She wore
a silk, pink robe, held together by an embroidered girdle. Godling knew
it was her cestus, the magic girdle that aroused passion for the
wearer. Perhaps a weapon even more powerful than Zeus' lightning
bolt. Her name was Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty. Godling
noticed his mouth was hanging open.
     "If you are so full of unbridled aggression you feel the need to
tangle with the hellhound you must be troubled in matters of the
heart."
     Godling sighed. He felt silly. Indeed, he was so full of
frustration and anger he'd just been looking for something to fight.
The hellhound had seemed a proper opponent to vent his rage. "No use
keeping secrets from a goddess, right?"
     She smiled. The radiance almost made him squint his eyes.
"Indeed, Godling. Sit down and tell me what ails you."
     She sat down on a large boulder and patted the boulder next to it.
Godling joined her while Cerberus lay down at her feet.
     "It's mainly all about this woman I'm in love with. We get
along great but she just doesn't seem attracted to me you know?"
     Aphrodite nodded. "The well-known 'you are a like a brother'
to her? Almost as old as we are."
     "Yeah, I guess. You know, all these powers I've got they just
make me see even more how useless my life is without love. All those
gifts you bestowed upon me cannot help me receive the love I crave."
     "Technically they of course can," Aphrodite said.
"Channeling my power you can make yourself attractive to anyone."
     Godling gave it a thought. He knew the powers of her cestus. He
could make Monica fall in love with him in an instant. But would it
really be love? Or would it be just empty lust? In essence he would
make her love him. Was that what he wanted? Force her to love him? Was
that really love that he felt for her then? He shook his head
vehemently. "No, that would be like raping her. I can't do that."
    Aphrodite smiled. "We chose the right emissary."
    "Hmmm. Thanks. Oh, but on top of that she's in love with
another guy. Someone who's way more macho than I am. Looks like some
movie star."
    "If I may say, you look like the embodiment of the ultimate movie
star."
    "Yeah, like this. But not as Quentin Alexander. Just take a look
at me." Godling changed to his normal identity of college professor,
a man of average build with glasses and a graying beard.
     "I think you exude a certain intelligence and charm. I am sure
many women find you attractive."
     "Thanks, but my track record isn't all that great."
     "Maybe because you've been focusing on your great love so much
you have not noticed the attention of others."
     Quentin laughed. "How many men have a goddess for a shrink!"
    Aphrodite gave him a blank stare. Apparently the gods were not very
good with irony.
     "I just feel lonely a lot. Since my mom died I've always been
hiding behind my books, studying and studying. Then I lost myself in
teaching, lecturing, writing. But being Godling has made me confront
death a few times now, making it clear to me that maybe it's time I
really started living before I'm dead. I mean, who will miss me when
I'm dead? I've been such a loner most of my life..."
     "You are of course always welcome here whenever you feel lonely,
but I understand your needs. It is very natural to find someone to
start a family with. You are a wonderful man, Quentin. That is why we
choose you. You will make someone very happy, I am sure of that."
Quentin put a hand on Aphrodite's leg. "Thank you, Aphrodite. You
are very kind."
     "What are you doing with my lover!" a voice rumbled, the
antithesis of Aphrodite's musical voice. It belonged to Ares, the god
of war.
    Quentin held up his hands. "Wait, this isn't what it seems!"
    Ares drew his sword. "Are you calling me a fool? I have killed
men for less!"

                                                        *
Marcus Walker was sitting in his living room, watching CNN. He was
watching the footage of how Godling had managed to chase off the
strange spaceship that had visited New Troy just days ago.
     The strange hero had everyone talking. He seemed to be a form of
hope in a city that was being plagued by more and more strange threats.
Almost a symbol for the good people of the city that you could fight
against the dangers and win. More or less this hero was what he wanted
to be for the people of his neighborhood. He wanted to show that one
man can make a difference. That you should stand up for what's right.
But was he living up to his full potential, just trying to help the
community in the courtroom? His potion gave him amazing powers, maybe
not as amazing as Godling's but significant nonetheless. Shouldn't
he be doing something with them?
     He walked into his bedroom and pulled a large chest from under
bed. It was decorated with African artwork. He opened it, gazing at the
traditional African clothing inside it. With some modifications it
might make the symbolic costume he would need to become his own
neighborhood's Godling.

                                                                  *
Godling caught Ares' sword on his steel wristbands, preventing the
separating of his head from his body. Retaliating, he kicked the God of
War in the stomach.
Ares grunted and reacted with a roundhouse punch against Godling's
jaw. The godlike power of the blow lifted the One Man Pantheon from his
feet. With a thud he landed in the grass.
Ares charged, his sword above his head, ready to plunge it in the heart
of his mortal enemy. Godling however, did a leg sweep resulting in Ares
falling down in the grass beside him, dropping his sword.
     Usually, when facing hand-to-hand combat Godling channeled Ares'
powers making him almost invincible. This time he had to rely on his
own, very meager combat skills since Ares would of course not lent him
his powers now. What he could use of course was the strength of
Hercules! He grabbed Ares by the hair, lifting him by it and started to
spin around. When he'd gained enough momentum he let the God of War
fly, straight into a tree that broke in two upon contact.
     Godling ran at Ares. He punched the God of War in the face the
moment he got up again. Ares shook his head a few times like a wet dog,
seemingly to shake off the stars he was seeing and countered with a
roundhouse kick that knocked the One Man Pantheon off his feet.
     Ares put a feet on Godling's chest, pinning him down.
"Insolent dog!" Ares yelled and drew a dagger from his boot. "I
will kill you!"
     He raised his dagger above his head, ready to plunge it down in
Godling's chest. But before the dagger hit home a slender hand
enclosed the God of War's wrist, stopping it.
     "Don't," the owner of the slender hand said. That marked the
second time that day the voice of Aphrodite was the prelude of
Godling's rescue.
     Ares shook his wrist loose from her grip. "Do not meddle into
the affairs of warriors."
     Aphrodite crossed her arms defiantly. "I am not some stupid
nymph you can order around, Ares. I am a full Olympian like you. I
meddle in whatever affair I seek necessary. The fact that the reason
you fight is me gives me more than the right to intervene."
    "You like me fighting over you and you know it! Is it not that
almost blood-crazed lust for you that makes you so enamored with me?"
    "You have had your fight and I have had my ego caressed, all
right? Zeus would surely frown upon you would he discover you were
trying to kill the Emissary of the Olympians.   Have you forgotten the
duty we have chosen this human to fulfill?"
    "Maybe you are right," Ares grumbled. "I will allow him to
live."
    "Good, now please help him up and let the three of us go and
drink some nectar."
Ares held out a strong hand to Godling and helped him up. "Come,
Emissary. Let us go for a drink."

                                                       *


Marcus had no trouble jumping from rooftop to rooftop after ingesting
the magic potion that fuelled him with the skills and agility of the
animal kingdom. He was patrolling the streets more like a predator than
a policeman. Looking for a criminal to defeat, an innocent to protect
but even more to mark his territory as the new defender of New Troy.
     After an hour he found exactly what he had been looking for. Three
black gangbangers, all bling-bling and attitude having cornered a
shaking young black man against an alley wall. His animal-like hearing
allowed Marcus to hear every word.
     "You don't pay the vig we take it outta your head, man. We
give you a good kicking, make us feel better," one of the gangbangers
said. He hit the young man in the face.
     "Yeah," another one agreed. "You not able to pay for the
dope then the supply stops and we turn you into an example for the
other idiots that think about not paying." He kicked the young man in
the stomach.
     "Enough!" Marcus yelled and dropped down from the rooftop like
a predator from a tree.
     "What the --," one of the gangbangers uttered. A second later
Marcus knocked him out by landing on top of him.
      Another thug drew a pistol. "Don't know who you are but I'm
gonna cap you!"
      Marcus leaped straight into him, punching him in the face with
his left hand while his right grabbed the gun. Another thug down.
     The third one drew a knife. Marcus gave him a smile. "Run while
you can."
      The gangbanger was either stupid or brave. Whatever the case
might be, he attacked. Marcus grabbed him by the wrist and twisted it.
The knife dropped.
      Marcus stared the thug right in the eyes. The pantherlike pupils
of Marcus made the thug almost wet his pants.
      "I'm Safari. And I'm taking back the streets. Spread the
word after you wake up again."
      "Wake up?" the gangbanger asked. Half a second later a
headbutt took him down.
      Scared by the sudden appearance of the animal like savior the
young man was still cowering against the alley wall.
      "You have nothing to fear from me as long as you don't harm
others. But I heard you swallow the infernal poison these lowlifes
sell. Do something about it, because maybe next time I won't be
around to save you. Go to a detox clinic. Get your act cleaned up. Be
an example."
      The young man nodded. Marcus was not naïve enough the kid would
act upon his advice. But he had to try to make a difference. And this
was a start.
     He jumped up, grabbing hold of a fire escape and used it to climb
back to the rooftops again.

                                                             *

"...so I tell her, you should try to go into a juggling contest with
Geryon!" Ares clapped Godling on the shoulder, laughing.
       They were seated at a long table in a tavern, drinking nectar
from huge chalices. Godling felt more than a little drunk, but also he
felt a bit at home. It was nice to hear all these mythological stories
he'd never heard of before directly from the source.
       Aphrodite was with them, an arm around both of them. "Tell him
about the seven Cabiri!"
       Ares laughed again. "That is another great tale you might not
have heard..."
       An incredible handsome blond man came in and put a hand on
Godling's shoulder. "Enjoy your time here, Emissary. There is great
adversity to come your way in days to come. Love will exist to hurt
you, mark my words."
       Godling recognized the man as Apollo, and knew his prophecies
always came true. Suddenly he'd lost his taste for nectar.


NEXT ISSUE:
Godling returns to Earth and finds new dangers!

GODLING # 7: BATTLE FOR EARTH

GODLING # 7: BATTLE FOR EARTH
By Jochem Vandersteen


New Troy Main Square was filled with armed cops. All their guns pointed
at the sky where six hours earlier the strange UFO disintegrated a
police helicopter. Some cops were holding back the news people and
crowd that was trying to get an idea of just what was going on there.
But in all honestly, the NTPD had no real idea either.
Sergeant Wade Hudson was talking to his captain, Dirk Kray, a tall
man with graying hair and a face scarred by a lifetime of being a cop.
"Cap, where the hell are those Marines we asked for? We need some
serious help. I don't know where that ship came from but we need
something heavy to take it down. Regular bullets just don't seem to
do the trick. They just seem to bounce off."
"Come on, Hudson. You know these kinds of things take time. Even
with the whole country on a state of alert for terrorist threats."
A young, perky female cop asked, "Do you think it's a terrorist
attack?"
"What I think, officer Janson, is that this whole city is being
threatened by one strange enemy after another the last year or so and
I'm getting very tired of it. And it's even gotten worse when that
Godling showed up."
"But he's been doing some amazing things as well. He took out
those Speed Demons, those Airsharks, that Panzerguy and Icepick. He
seems to be an honest to gosh superhero!" Janson's face was full of
excitement.
Wade sighed. "Great. He's got a groupie." He looked up at the
UFO. "I'm getting sick and tired of waiting for what that thing's
planning to do. Get me some heavier artillery."
"Something like this," a SWAT officer said and handed him a
rocketlauncher.
Wade smiled. "That's the ticket. Let's see what that tin can
has to offer against this baby."
The excitement on Main Square suddenly grew even bigger. The flashes
of cameras were blinding. Everyone was talking all at once. They were
all either pointing or making way for the figure coming through the
crowd. It was a man with an incredibly muscled and athletic physique.
He wore blue skintight leather pants and a matching jerkin, a
gladiator-styled helmet and carried a large round shield. Both the
shield and helmet carried a big red ruby, encircled with gold pellets.
The same ruby was in the middle of the golden belt he wore. In his
right hand he carried a large mace that seemed to pulse with energy. On
his back was a quiver of arrows and a bow. Godling had arrived. Ready
for battle.
"Sergeant Hudson, please do not engage the UFO by yourself.
You've seen what was done to the helicopter when it felt
threatened," Godling said.
"Listen Adonis, all you've managed to cause is a lot property
damage. Why don't you leave this to the professionals?"
Officer Janson pointed at the sky. "It seems like some other guys
are stepping in now... Or should I say flying in?"
In the sky three figures were flying towards the spaceship. They
were wearing biker-outfits, all leather and denims. Also, they were
sporting pterodactyl-like wings.
"I don't know who those guys are, but they might be the
distraction I need," Godling said and flew up.

**


Captain Wrakk saw the three winged men near his ship. He sighed. "Not
more of those idiots. What do they think they will reach with their
foolish attacks. They stand no chance whatsoever against the ship's
weaponry or my powers. It is like swatting flies."
"Destroy the winged ones, Captain?" one of the robots on the
bridge asked.
"No, bring them in. Let me practice my powers for a moment."
"Affirmative sir, I will activate the tractor beam."

**

Master Destiny sat watching his screens, witnessing the biker gang he
gave superpowers near the spaceship. He desperately wanted the amazing
technology of the ship to even further his wealth and power.
"What? What is happening?" He saw his men being enveloped in a
green beam, pulling them inside the ship.
At first he felt a degree of panic, but then he saw that there could
be some advantages to this. The cameras his men carried with them would
take him right there into the ship. That could be very interesting.
He shouted at his concubines to bring him some wine for him to enjoy
during his viewing.

**

Godling prayed to his Olympian benefactors that he'd been flying fast
enough for Wrakk not to get noticed. He'd arrived on top of it,
channeling the power of Hermes to not only render himself invisible,
but also to use his abilities as the patron and benefactor of
pickpockets, thieves and rogues to break into the ship. With godlike
lock picking skills he was able to open a hatch on the ship and slip
through.
He was back in the ship again (see # 5) but this time, so he was
hoping, Wrakk wasn't aware of his presence. The only chance he had
was the element of surprise, because he knew however powerful his newly
fashioned weapons were, Wrakk's powers were amazing and he had an
army of robots as backup. For a minute, Godling was overcome with fear.
He'd seen Wrakk simply disintegrate his enemies before they could
even think of defending themselves or fleeing to safety. He clenched
his fists. He could not think about the fear, not then. The lives of
everyone on Earth depended on his courage. And so what, if Wrakk had
amazing superpowers and an army of robots at his disposal? He had
powers as well and an entire army of Gods to help him out. He would not
fail. He could not fail.

**
The three winged bikers were dropped onto the steel floor of the
bridge, released by the tractor beam. Amazed they looked around them.
"Welcome to my ship, weaklings," Wrakk said. "What were you
planning to do?"
One of the bikers, sporting a panther tattoo in his neck stood up
and pointed a finger at the white bearded Captain. "Kicking your butt
and jacking your ship, Santa!"
Wrakk laughed. "What wonderful use of language. I take it by that
you mean you intend to defeat me and seize my ship?"
"You bet your ass!"
"Which again confirms the conquering and violent nature of your
planet. I will have no regrets destroying you."
The biker pulled a gun. "Good luck!"
Wrakk used his telekinetics to seize the gun from the biker's
hand, then made it float in the air just before his face. "Primitive
weapon, very primitive. Let me see what kind of damage it causes."

**

Godling, still invisible was looking at the scene on the bridge from
the doorway. He could sneak up on Wrakk, try to take him out quickly
but he would never be in time to prevent the gun from going off in the
biker's face. He didn't know the winged man and the only mutated
people he knew where criminals but he couldn't just stand by and let
a fellow human being be killed just like that, could he?
The other two bikers were being held by the robots, trying to
struggle free, but not strong enough to break loose from the mechanic
arms. The biker with the panther tattoo stepped backwards, but the gun
just kept being aimed right at his face. He begged Wrakk not to fire
it.
By trying to save the biker and thereby loosing the advantage of
surprise, would Godling forfeit any chance of beating Wrakk? Would
saving one man mean the destruction of the entire planet? The hero
hesitated. What to do?
"Give me one reason for not killing you as you probably would do
to everyone on my planet just to conquer it?" Wrakk said to the
biker.
Then there were no thoughts, no strategy, no dilemmas. Only a human
being about to die and one chance to prevent it. Godling seized that
chance.
"Here's a reason!" Godling shouted, turning visible and
jumping like a tiger, right into the bullet's path, catching it on
his shield.
"The lone hero has arrived!" Wrakk said.
The biker fell down on his knees, shouting, "I'm alive! I'm
alive!"
Wrakk mocked, "You really insist on facing me again?"
Godling lifted his mace above his head. "I will keep facing you
again until I'm sure Earth is out of danger!"
Wrakk moved his right hand, ready to use his telekinetic powers.
Godling threw his mace, hitting Wrakk in the head. The Captain dropped
to the floor. Godling jumped with Hermes speed and snatched the mace
out of the air.
"Watch out!" one of the bikers yelled, making Godling turn
around, just in time to see the robots coming at him. Blocking their
ironfisted blows with his shield he waved the mace around him, clubbing
his enemies, making their robotic parts fly everywhere.
The winged bikers were inspired by Godling's actions. They picked
up metallic parts like robot arms and legs, using them as clubs to
fight off the robotic attackers. Also, their wings proved to be very
useful in swatting away robots that came just a bit too close.
Wrakk rose again, rubbing his head. "I will destroy you for
that!"
Godling, not having to worry about the robots now the bikers were
helping him, dropkicked Wrakk, getting him down on the floor again. He
started to batter him with the mace.
Wrakk found the strength to use his telekinesis once again, using it
to lift Godling from him, launching him right into the ceiling. There
was a loud crack and if the One Man Pantheon hadn't been channeling
the invulnerability of Achilles he might have broken his back. Instead,
he just fell down on the floor.
He rolled up, grabbing his bow and pulling three arrows from his
quiver. He fired them at Wrakk, using the archer abilities of Artemis,
Goddess of the Hunt. Wrakk put up a telekinetic shield however to stop
them from hitting him.
Wrakk started to belt Godling with telekinetic blows. "Just stop
it, you have no chance!"
Godling walked towards Wrakk, his helmet and shield denting from the
massive, invisible blows. "This... planet... is worth... fighting
for... Wrakk."
Wrakk let up the blows for a minute to speak. "Ha! A planet full
of power-hungry, war loving primates?"
"A people who keep overcoming great disasters and tragedies. A
people for who family means everything. A brave bunch of people. Just
look outside at the policemen doing their duty to protect the innocent
citizens from you."
"There is no use trying to talk me out of this. I know my duty."
Then, grimly Godling said, "Then I know mine." With those words
he channeled the speed of Hermes and started to beat his enemy with the
pulsing mace. So fast came the blows that Wrakk was unable to focus on
using his powers.
Godling felt disgust at the violence he was inflicting but he knew
he had no choice. For Earth to survive Captain Wrakk had to fall. And
fall he did...
Battered and bleeding Wrakk went to his knees... "Incredible,"
he uttered and went facedown on the floor.
Godling surveyed his environments. All robots seemed to be defeated
and the bikers, save for a few bruises seemed largely unhurt.
"Get off this ship!" he commanded the winged bikers. "I have
work to do!" The bikers complied, thanking the hero for his help in
defeating Wrakk and his robots, saving their lives.

**
"No! No! You idiots! Stay onboard! This is your chance to grab the
technology I want! Don't leave or I will destroy you myself!"
Master Destiny shouted at the screens in his room when he saw the
bikers leave the ship.
"I'm sorry, Master," the biker with the panther tattoo said
through the communicator Destiny had made him wear. "That guy saved
our lives up there. If he wants us out of the way, we go out of the
way." With those words he took to the sky, flapping his great
pterodactyl wings.
Destiny gripped his Spear so tightly his knuckles whitened. "I
will get you for your disobedience, fool!"

**

The ship's computers were pretty complicated, but if you have the
knowledge of the Gods at your disposal complicated things can get
pretty easy. He programmed the ship to set an automatic course back
home. He used the powers of the God of Dreams, Morpheus to send Wrakk
into a very long, deep sleep.
With all that work done, he flew away from the ship.

**

"The ship, it's leaving!" officer Janson shouted
enthusiastically. "Godling made it leave!"
Wade Hudson grumbled, "You don't know why it's leaving."
Cameras were rolling or flashing, capturing the image of Godling
flying away from the ship that, with light speed took off towards
space.
"Well, I think New Troy has one hell of a hero," Janson
exclaimed.

**

Flying away from the New Troy Main Square Godling wondered where he
would go now. To check up on how Monica was doing? No, Hudson would
probably be doing that. To visit his brother? No, they'd just argue.
To a bar, have a victory drink? No, he would feel extra lonesome,
drinking all by himself. Best just to get home, take a shower and read
a book. Not exactly the hero's welcome of ancient legends...



NEXT ISSUE:
A NEW HERO IS BORN!

GODLING # 6: LAST WORDS

GODLING # 6:  LAST WORDS
By Jochem Vandersteen


Godling was heading for Monica Sawyer's apartment. He was going to
say goodbye to her and confess just how much he loved her. Earth was
going to be destroyed in about 12 hours by a madman from another
planet, just to prevent the human race from going too far into space.
The madman, Captain Wrakk, was convinced Earthlings would try to
conquer his planet. Also, he seemed to be invincible, armed with
amazing telekinetic powers, an army of robots and a powerful spaceship.
      How he would miss Monica's fantastic smile. How he would miss
the powerful hugs she gave with her slender but strong arms. How he
would miss her waxing on endlessly about the last fantastic book
she'd just read. How he would miss the philosophical discussions with
her. How he would miss the lovely way she smelled. How he would miss...
Yearning for her?
      He hovered in front of Monica's apartment building. He could
see her through the window. She was lighting a candle. Then he saw Wade
Hudson hugging her, kissing her neck.
Godling clenched his fist. He'd come at the wrong time. Monica and
Wade were clearly planning on spending a romantic night. They probably
deserved it, they'd both been under quite some stress after Wade's
confrontation with the Airsharks. Who was he to intrude on them? Who
was he to spoil what could be their last romantic night ever with his
bad news and his need to confess his love.
      No, he was a hero, right? And a hero has to do the right thing.
So he was going to suck up the bad feelings and get the Hades away from
there.

                                     *

Just an hour ago he'd been a regular punk kid, just causing a bit of
trouble on the streets of New Troy. Now he was flapping his bat-like
wings, flying towards an amazing spaceship in the sky. He needed a cool
name, just like the Airsharks had, or the Speed Demons. Or like Panzer
and Icepick just to have. How he loved those supervillain-dudes. They
were the ultimate anarchists, the real rebels. They had all those
powers, nobody could tell them what to do or kick their butts. Well,
except that Godling guy that seemed to be appearing on the News every
single day now. That guy has some amazing powers as well, but he lacked
the kick-butt attitude. More like what The Fresh Prince was compared to
50 Cent.
      He was nearing the strange ship now. He could make out the
strange antennas on it, could faintly make out the circuits running
around it. He started to flap his wings faster, eager to learn what was
inside, eager to please Master Destiny. If he did very well maybe he
would grant him even more powers.

                                      *

Inside the ship Captain Wrakk saw the winged human getting nearer. He
sighed. "Another flying visitor. There was hardly ever anything about
these people having the power of non-mechanical flight. Odd. Of course
it only emphasizes what a dangerous race it is. I have no wish to grant
another one of these beings access to my ship."
      He made grand hand gesture at one of the robots manning the
ship's control. "Disintegrate him."

                                      *

A purple beam was fired from one of the ship's antennas. The flying
kid's eyes opened wide. He screamed loudly as the beam engulfed him,
burning his wings, setting his insides afire. Then, the pain was gone
and there was nothing left anymore of him except ashes, floating on the
wind.

                                      *
It was quite a flight to New York. It offered Godling, or maybe better,
Quentin Alexander a lot time to think back about his childhood. When
his mother died of cancer his father befell the hard job to raise two
teenagers in New York, two teenagers who had a hard time coping with
the death of their mother. Quentin hid in his books, devouring every
book about mythology, obviously an escape from the daily life in the
poor neighborhood where they lived, trying to bury himself in tales
about forgotten times, wondrous creatures and places, occupying his
mind with legends so he didn't have to face up to the hard reality in
which he had to live every day.
      His older brother, Jake, had another way of coping. Jake hit the
streets. He soon became known as the local bully, beating up kids to
get their lunch money, eventually graduating to doing some odd jobs for
local gangsters, dealing some drugs. Their dad was so busy earning
money to make sure his kids would be able to get a good education in
case he'd die that he forgot to pay attention to what his sons were
doing.
      Until that dark day, more then a decade ago. Jake robbed a money
transport truck, killing a guard in the process. He went to jail for
life.
      Their dad just couldn't live with the fact all his work had
been for nothing. All the money he'd earned wouldn't put Jake into
college now. Worst of all he'd been so busy he hadn't even noticed
what kind of man his oldest son had become. The day Jake got his life
sentence theid dad shot himself through the head. Quentin had never
managed to forgive his brother. Now he was heading for the prison Jake
was jailed, with the intent to say goodbye to the only family he had
left before the Earth would be destroyed.

                                      *

Master Destiny just couldn't believe it. The kid had just been
disintegrated by that ship! Where the hell did that ship get that kind
of power? It seemed to rival his Spear. Was that ship really a
spaceship from outer space then?
      He ruminated the possibilities it could bring him. Already he'd
managed to spawn incredibly intelligent scientists using the Spear, but
if he could get his hands on alien technology the power he'd amass
would just be fantastic.
      He left his control room, walked through a long, red-carpeted
corridor and into another room. Four guys were playing poker. They
looked like pretty tough specimens, all tattoos, muscles and scars.
      "Gentlemen, the time has come," he told them.
      The tough guys looked up. One of them spoke up, "Not now, I'm
just winning."
      Master Destiny swung his Spear, sweeping the man off his chair,
cutting his face in the process.
      He pointed the Spear at the man, now lying on the floor. "You
want power, you don't second-guess me."
      "Yeah, nobody messes with me, certainly not some pansy in a
fancy suit!" the man said and drew a knife. "I used to be one of
the most dangerous men of the Warlocks biker gang. I eat guys like you
for breakfast!"
      Master Destiny sighed. With one simple movement he gutted the
biker with the Spear. The biker crumbled to the floor, the Spear
sticking out of his body.
      Master Destiny pulled out the Spear. "I'm sure you will all
be ready to cooperate better?"
      The three remaining toughs nodded enthusiastically.
       "Good, I have an important mission for you."

                                              *

Godling changed back to the form of Quentin Alexander just before he
entered the prison building. He was just in time for visiting hours,
thank Zeus for the time difference. His stomach was in a knot, more
nervous then he was fighting the Airsharks. He hadn't visited his
brother in about two years. He always found another excuse not to go
and visit him, but of course the real reason was he just hadn't been
able to forgive his brother's part in his father's suicide. What a
Greek tragedy. How ironic for a mythology professor.
       He went through the usual administrative routine and security
process and just a little later he was sitting in front of his brother,
separated by armored glass . Jake still had the same drooping mustache
he used to have, the same stubble on his chin, the same unkempt long
hair. Prison tattoos adorned his forearms.
       He gave Quentin a cold stare. "Look what the cat dragged
in."
      "Hello, Jake. Wish I could say you were looking good."
      "Yeah, being jailed for life, trying not to get raped in the
shower, sleeping on a bed that feels like concrete and eating crap
every day can do that to you."
       Quentin sighed and rubbed his eyes. Feeling tired. "I'm
sorry. I got off on a wrong start."
       Jake shrugged. "Don't matter. I'm just curious what made
you visit me all of a sudden after two damn years. Guilt eating you?"
      "No, that's not it. I just got some information recently.
There's a chance I won't be around anymore tomorrow."
      "What?" Was that really worry in Jake's face?
       How was Quentin going to explain it? How was he going to tell
his brother he had the power to change into some mythical hero and had
spent the evening fighting an alien spaceship captain bent on
destroying Earth. Jake was going to laugh in his face. Better to tell a
half-truth. "It is possible there's a disaster coming up. One that
will destroy a good-sized part of the population."
       "Huh? I don't get the news a lot around here, but I'm
pretty sure I would've heard something when something like that would
happen. Where the hell did you get that information?"
       "That's not important. I just wanted to say goodbye."
      Jake smiled an ugly smile. "You're going to forgive me?'
      Quentin was silent. He thought about it. He should forgive his
brother. He was the only family he had left. He had to forgive him, let
them both die with that piece of history settled. Then he flashbacked
to his entering the living room of his dad's house. His dad's body
on the lifeless on the cheap carpet, all that blood against the wall.
The pain and grief he felt. He looked at his brother, the man whose
laziness, unwillingness to make something out of his life cost him his
father. Zeus help him, he just couldn't forgive his brother for that.
"I'm sorry, I can't."
      "Then what the hell are you doing here? Coming to gloat again
how you became a big-shot professor and I'm just a lowlife con
withering away in jail? Does that make you feel good just before you
die?"
      Quentin held up his hand. "Listen, Jake... I just..."
      Jake slammed his fist against the glass, earning the attention of
a guard. "I don't know what that stupid 'we're all going to
die' story is coming from, but I don't want to hear it! You've
just let me rot in here for the past couple of years, I've got
nothing to say to you and no desire to hear from you!"
     The guard walked over. "Is there a problem here?"
      "No," Quentin said and rose. "I was just leaving."

                                                    *

The news cameras had been filming from the ground for a few hours
already when the first news helicopter went in the air. People were
looking for a good viewpoint, getting on roofs, hanging from windows
with binoculars, all to get a glimpse of the strange UFO that was
hovering in the sky above New Troy City.
      A good looking anchorwoman was being filmed on the street, just
beneath the UFO, surrounded by curious onlookers, police cars and other
reporters. "What is this strange machine above us? Is it an alien
spaceship, visiting us from outer space? An experimental aircraft,
manufactured by the Army? A terrorist attack? Or just a promotional
stunt for a new science-fiction movie? So far, its origin is still a
mystery."
      Wade Hudson strode onto the scene. His walk confident as ever,
looking very photogenic in his blue uniform. "Please, make some room
here. We need some space to set up our command post."
      "What are you exactly going to do then?" the anchorwoman
asked. "Do you know what that ship is?"
      "So far, no. And since it isn't answering our hails to
identify itself we'll have to take it out of the air if they don't
answer soon."
      The anchorwoman's microphone was so close to his mouth Wade
could almost swallow it. "Then you have information the UFO is a
hostile..."
      He broke her off with a cool "no comment'' and had her
removed by a few officers.
      He glanced up at the sky. He had no idea what that ship was, but
he had a really bad feeling about it. For some reason he felt it would
spell trouble. Where the hell did it come from anyway? Was there no end
to the weirdness visiting New Troy these days? He wouldn't be
surprised if that costumed idiot Godling had something to do with it.
And that news helicopter was getting pretty close to the UFO. He
wasn't sure that was a good idea, better warn them that... A purple
beam shot from the ship, totally disintegrating the helicopter.
      The onlookers gasped.
      Wade's suspicions were confirmed. This UFO meant trouble. Loads
of it.

                                                                  *
Quentin was having some coffee and a burger in a diner close to the
prison. The other customers consisted of cops, attorneys and guys with
faded prison tattoos. Not the best atmosphere but he hadn't eaten for
half a day.
       A small TV in the corner was showing the news. The pictures
seemed familiar. He recognized it, it showed New Troy. The UFO, then
Wade Hudson. So the police was responding to the strange appearance.
Seemed like Wade and Monica's romantic night was cut short anyway.
Then he saw the disintegration of the helicopter. His head filled with
guilt. Shouldn't he have been there to save the people in it? Of
course, it wouldn't have been much use, they were all going to die
anyway. And how much did that matter? It wasn't like Earth was that
great a place nowadays, with all the wars, famine and disease all over
it. And who was he going to miss, he'd just estranged his brother
even more, seeing Monica only brought him pain...
      He thought about his dad, not able to face the way of life his
oldest son choose. He thought about his brother, not able to cope with
his mother's death and choosing a life of crime to run away from it.
Then he thought about his mother, just before she died. He was sitting
at her bedside, she knew death was coming for her. He was holding her
hand. He was so proud of her, the way she'd always fought the cancer
eating at her, never giving up hope.
      "Please, my boy," she said. "Please, never give up hope. I
know I'm going to die, but at least I know I will die with the
knowledge I fought the disease right until the end, giving you the
right example. Showing you to never give up. Please, never give up."
       Those were her last words. Never give up. Quentin clenched his
fists. He'd promised his mother then to heed her words and never give
up. So he wouldn't. A plan started to grow in his head.

                                                                  *


For hours Godling was at work in an old junkyard. Smiting, engineering,
bending steel, sharpening it, fashioning it in the way he wanted to.
He'd gone up against Captain Wrakk unarmed, the powers of the Gods
seemingly ineffective against the alien's telekinetic powers. So
maybe he'd need some equalizers, some tools to help him with the
fight against the alien destroyer. Channeling the powers of Hephaestus,
smith and armorer of the gods he'd decided to fashion the most
amazing pieces of weaponry Earth had seen. And when they were done, he
was going to war!



      NEXT ISSUE:
      THE BATTLE FOR EARTH!

GODLING # 5: IT CAME FROM AFAR

GODLING # 5: IT CAME FROM AFAR

"Bring it on," Marcus Walker said with a feral grin, wiping a drop
of the fluid he'd just drank from the corner of his mouth. He was in
his office, confronting three big, thug-like looking men. He knew
they'd been sent by the slumlord he'd gotten fined in court an hour
or so ago.
One of them came running at him, swinging a baseball bat in the air.
Walker grabbed the bat with the speed of a jaguar, totally surprising
the thug, leaving him open for a good hard kick in the balls. The thug
went down with a groan.
One of the others pulled a knife. Walker jumped forward with a roar,
like a lion. He was on top of the thug in less then a second, punching
him out with two lefts. He sensed the remaining thug at his back. He
heard a trigger being cocked.
He disarmed the last thug with a roundhouse kick, then grabbed him by
the shirt. A solid head butt knocked him out as well.
Standing over the unconscious thugs Walker felt the adrenalin raging
through him like a runaway train. There was only one way to let it all
out... He threw his head back and roared...
*
Monica Sawyer had just left professor Quentin Alexander's apartment.
He was left dazed and confused. He'd just been holding the woman he
loved and now she was gone again, off to hold the man she loved. He'd
been comforting her when she was afraid something had happened to her
boyfriend, sergeant Wade Hudson. Unfortunately he was intelligent
enough to understand their shared hug was only that of a platonic
friend, like a brother holding a sister. He understood he wasn't man
enough of for a beautiful, selfconscious woman like her.
He walked over to the window, watching her hail a cab. One seemed to
appear from out of nowhere. Monica had that effect sometimes. Sometimes
men seemed to suddenly materialize in front of her to please her. But
what was that dark, enormous shadow that suddenly shrouded the cab in
darkness?
Quentin leaned out of the window and looked up at the sky. At first he
thought it was an enormous blimp, or a weather balloon. The way light
reflected of it, however made him realize it was made of metal, not of
polyester and rubber. It looked like a bullet, surrounded by large
antennae. Did it represent a threat? Or was it just some new
technological wonder designed to scan the city for trouble, or was it
some kind of GPS satellite. Whatever it may be, he felt he had to
investigate only if to appease his curiosity.
Quentin used the power granted to him by Poseidon to change into the
heroic, muscled gladiator Godling. He jumped out of his window, using
the powers of Perseus to take flight. He headed for the mysterious UFO.
*
On the bridge, inside the UFO a tall man with a long beard and long
white hair was gazing at a large screen, depicting the heroic figure
flying at it. The man wore a purple chain mail tunic, a broad metallic
belt and black knee-length boots. Behind him, working the controls of
the strange ship, sat a dozen robots that had long arms and legs,
bullet shaped heads and glowing red lights for eyes.
"Who is that being?" the man asked, but seemingly not expecting any
answer from the robots. He stroked his beard. "A flying man? The data
we gathered seems to be incomplete..." He turned to face the robots.
"Get him aboard!"
*
On one of the dozen screens in his room Master Destiny watched Godling
fly towards the UFO. "What is that thing? It looks very interesting.
It looks even more technologically advanced than anything I have
created."
A beautiful, scantily clad woman had her arms around him. "Surely
that cannot be possible, Master!"
He laughed. "You do your job well, my little whore. But I cannot deny
what I see. I need to find out more about it. Woman, get me the new
recruit."
The woman bowed and rushed off.
*
Godling was nearing the UFO very closely. It seemed to be some sort of
spaceship. Was an actual alien visiting New Troy? There was really
actually life on other planets? It sounded incredible, but after
meeting the Greek Gods, fighting superpowered villains and gaining
amazing powers of his own, it seemed not so impossible an idea.
>>From one of the antennae on the ship a purple energy beam was emitted.
It enveloped Godling, trapping him in a cocoon of light.
He tried to fly out of it, but could not penetrate the beam that seemed
to be more tangible than light could be. He understood it was some kind
of force field. More and more he got the idea he was caught in some
sci-fi movie. He punched the cocoon, but wasn't able to punch
through. It didn't hurt, didn't make any sound, not like punching a
brick wall but the effect was the same. He didn't even dent it.
He found out he could stand inside the cocoon, the light like solid
ground. This gave him the possibility to switch to another power than
flight. He used the strength of Heracles to try and punch through. No
effect.
The beam pulled him closer and closer to the UFO. Finally he decided to
stop fighting it. He wanted to investigate the ship and it seemed he
was going to get his chance.
A hatch in the ship opened. The beam pulled Godling inside.
He ended up in a long corridor. The walls were made out of steel.
Several power cables hung from the ceiling. Two robots walked towards
him. This was getting more incredible by the second.
"Please come with us,'' one of the robots said.
"Is this the part where I ask you to take me to your leader?"
Godling joked. He had to be really nervous. Usually he wasn't much of
a joker.
"Please come with us,'' the robot repeated and grabbed Godling by
the arm. The hero contemplated shaking loose the metallic hand for a
moment but decided to let his curiosity lead him and followed the
robot.
They led him to the bridge of the ship. A room filled with more robots,
with computers, many screens and the captain of the ship.
"Greetings, Earthling," the white-bearded captain said.
"Hello," Godling said. "I am called Godling. What is your
name?"
"I am captain Wrakk, Galactic Raider and champion of the planet
Braxx."
"I'm not sure if I'm pleased to meet you. I don't particularly
like getting hauled into a spaceship like that."
"You should be pleased. You intrigued me, therefore you will have the
chance to tell your loved ones they will not have much longer to
live."
Godling raised his eyebrows. "Excuse me?"
"I will destroy Earth but I offer you the chance to say goodbye to
your loved ones and explain to the world why I will destroy them."
"What? You're crazy! What are you talking about?"
"Your planet is very rapidly approaching the means for lightspeed
travel. That will entail you will have the possibility to reach my
planet. The history of your planet tells me there is a very big chance
you will try to conquer it. I cannot accept that. Therefore I will
destroy you all."
"But that's crazy! You can't just destroy an entire planet
because we might do you harm in the future!''
"Are you so sure about that? I have studied your history. Imagine
having the chance to prevent the Nazi's from invading Europe before
they hatched their plans."
"Even if I'd agree that would be a good plan, then we would be
talking about the actual invaders. If you destroy the entire Earth you
will surely not only kill potential invaders but a lot of innocents as
well."
Wrakk shrugged. "I am a true patriot. My own people will have to come
first."
Godling shook his fist at the captain. "You're a fascist! That's
what you are.''
"Call me what you like. I know my duty and will fulfill it."
"How do you think you could destroy an entire planet anyway? No one
has that kind of power!"
Wrakk laughed. "I've heard that being said on other planets as
well. Minutes later their planet was nothing but dust in space."
"Even if you have that power, I will never allow you to use it!"
Wrakk's voice was like ice. "You don't have the power to do
that."
"We'll see about that," Godling said and charged at the captain.
Immediately the robots grabbed him, piling on top of him.
Godling coiled his muscles and using the strength of Heracles shook
them off him.
"See? Now it's your turn to taste my strength!" Godling wondered
for a brief moment where he got those pompous speeches from sometimes.
It probably was a result of reading to many books about mythology.
He charged Wrakk again.
Wrakk held up a hand and suddenly Godling seemed to walk into an
invisible wall. Wrakk punched air, but still Godling felt it in his
stomach, like being hit by a pile driver.
Rubbing his hurting stomach he panted, "How the Hades did you do
that?"
There was a smug look on Wrakk's face. "I have been genetically
changed by my people to be their ultimate protector. One of those
changes included outfitting me with telekinetic powers. Impressive, are
they not?"
"They might be, but I've been outfitted with some impressive powers
of my own," Godling said and threw a lightning bolt like Zeus would.
The bolt exploded harmlessly against Wrakk's invisible telekinetic
shield. "Nice try."
Wrakk ordered his robots to hold Godling. They grabbed hold of him
again. He started to wrestle their metallic hands loose again, but
before he could completely free himself Wrakk started to rattle off
telekinetic punches in his face and stomach. He'd never taken a
beating like that, not as Godling and not as Quentin Alexander. He
simply seemed to be totally powerless against Wrakk's attacks.
After a while Wrakk stopped punishing him. He was sprawled on the cold,
metallic floor, facedown, aching, hurting, defeated.
"I hope I have taught you there is no use to try and stop me. I am
sorry I had to beat you like that, I greatly dislike violence but I am
afraid sometimes it is necessary. Do not worry, the destruction of
Earth will be painless for all of you."
"Go... To... Hades..." Godling managed to utter.
Wrakk made a little bow to show his respect. "Such an indomitable
spirit. If every Earthling is like you I truly am deeply sorry I will
have to destroy you all. Unfortunately the only thing studying your
history has taught me is how barbaric you all are. All you crave is
power, subjecting others to your will and conquering every new land you
discover."
Godling wanted to counter those words, tell that madman there was more
to the people of Earth than that, but he simply could not find the
energy.
"To show you the respect I have for you I will still allow you to
leave my ship. You have 12 hours to say goodbye to your loved ones and
tell your fellow Earthlings about their destruction. Use that time. You
now know that it is better to spend your time that way then to try and
stop me."
Wrakk raised his hand, raising Godling telekinetically. A hatch opened
and he lifted the hero through it. "Farewell."
Godling was outside, hanging in the sky until Wrakk broke his
telekinetic contact and the hero dropped down.
*
A young man with a spiky haircut in a sleeveless shirt that said
'Finch', tattooed arms and pierced ears walked into Master
Destiny's lair.
"Welcome, boy,'' Destiny said. "I have gathered you are willing
to do my bidding in lieu of the gain of the most amazing powers you
have ever dreamed of?"
The young man nodded. "I want to be like those Speed Demons or
something. I need the ultimate rush, I need to show people I am no one
to mess with. And I'll do anything for that. That's what you meant
with in lieu, right?"
"Yes, I did. All right. So be it." Master Destiny pointed his spear
at the young man, enveloping him in a purplish glow. The boy screamed
in pain. Soon Destiny would have a scout to investigate the spaceship.
When the glow was gone so was the pain. The boy was down on the floor.
Bat like wings protruded from his back. Slowly he got up. He watched
his hands. They seemed more like claws.
He smiled with fanglike teeth. "Kickass!"
*
Marcus Walker was sitting on the steps at this front door. He'd just
thrown out the thugs that had attacked him. He watched two kids playing
baseball in the street. There was hardly any traffic so they could play
unafraid of getting hit by a car. In this area the risk of getting hit
by a bullet was better. Most traffic stayed out of this part of the
city.
He thought about how good he'd felt cutting loose on the thugs. What
a rush it had been to feel the potion run through him, unleashing all
those animalistic powers locked in all of men. He felt ashamed of
himself. He was a man, not some primate. He'd studied to be a lawyer,
to use his mouth and brain to solve problems. Why did he often feel the
best when he'd just been using his fists? Was that the reason Godling
did what he did? Because of the way it made him feel when he unleashed
his violence upon a criminal?
A big shadow blanketed the playing children. Instinctively he felt the
need to protect them from the darkness that seemed to come over the
poor people of the city. That was why he'd returned to New Troy.
Because he felt he could do something to protect the people in his old
neighborhood, not because he liked beating people up.
He looked up at the sky, amazed at the source of the gigantic shadow.
It appeared to be a mix between a plane and a blimp. Almost like a...
space ship? And was someone falling from it?
*
The cars, the pavement, the buildings came alarmingly closer and closer
to Godling as he was plummeting down. He felt so weak he almost
couldn't find the power of will to channel Perseus' power of
flight. Did it matter anyway? He would die along with the rest of the
Earth in 12 hours anyway.
But he still had something to do. He had to say goodbye to his loved
ones. Not that he had to many of them. There was Monica. There was his
brother. Well, his brother hated his guts so maybe he didn't count as
a loved one. But Monica... He wasn't going to die without telling her
he loved her!
With newfound resolve he channeled the power of flight and pulled up
just before he smacked right into a water tower. He set course for
Monica's apartment.
Time for some famous last words.
NEXT ISSUE:
LAST WORDS

GODLING # 4: ...GOES UNPUNISHED

GODLING # 4: ...GOES UNPUNISHED
By Jochem Vandersteen

Surrounded by two Airsharks, holding one other Airshark in his hands,
floating above the city of New Troy Godling seemed to be in a lot of
trouble. If he turned invulnerable he'd drop down. If he would let go
of the unconscious Airshark the villain would be the one plummeting to
a certain death. How was he going to be a hero and still survive.
The razorsharp fins of the two conscious Airsharks cut through his
skin, making him scream in pain. For a minute he entertained the
thought of using the unconscious Airshark as a shield, but he was
afraid that would kill the villain. He opted for another choice. He
swung the limp body of the Airshark in an arc around himself, hitting
the other Airsharks with the feet of their partner. That move was just
enough for him to create enough space for a moment to fly as fast as he
could down to a rooftop. He set the unconscious villain down on it.
He barely did so and with almost supersonic speed an Airshark flew past
him, raking him again with the razor-like fins. Godling tried to hit
him, but there was some blood in his eyes, blinding him. He missed. The
Airshark's second shot was however again a direct hit. Blood poured
from his side.
The other Airshark joined his partner and punched Godling in the nose.
He went down, just before he could channel the invulnerability of
Achilles.
Laughing the Airsharks began kicking the limp body of the hero. But
then, when it seemed they were going to kill him a loud bang sounded.
An Airshark's head jerked back, his body going limp.
In the air a police helicopter circled. Sergeant Wade Hudson was aiming
a large sniper rifle through the window of it. His face was set in
determination. "You're going to pay for killing off my men!"
The remaining Airshark flew up, swerving around the bullets Wade fired
at him. He rammed his fin into the rotor of the helicopter. Sparks were
set off by the impact as the rotor broke against the impossibly tough
blade of the Airshark. Like a drunk fly the helicopter spiraled down.
Groaning, Godling crawled back on his feet. He saw the helicopter going
down and didn't hesitate for a second. Wiping the blood from his eyes
he jumped from the roof and channeled the powers of Perseus, allowing
him to fly. He reached the helicopter and climbed inside.
"Quick, grab hold of me before we hit the ground!"
"I don't want your help! You're nothing but a troublemaking
vigilante!" Wade yelled.
"Speak for yourself!" the pilot said. "Get me out of here!"
"We'll be dead in a few seconds," Godling said. "There's no
time to argue." With those words he punched Wade in the face,
knocking him out. Then he grabbed both Wade and the pilot and jumped
from the helicopter.
Floating in the air with the two rescued cops Godling saw the
helicopter crash into the side of the New Troy Bridge. There was a loud
explosion, cars crashed into each other avoiding the projectile from
the sky. A fire broke out.
"I've still got a lot to learn," Godling thought. It was pretty
hard to fight villains, save civilians and try to avoid destroying half
the city in the process.
He flew down to the bridge, putting the cops back on the floor. He had
to extinguish the fire before the bridge would burn down. But how? He
wasn't a firefighter. He needed water, lots of it. Of course! He
could use the powers of the one who mastered the oceans. The powers of
Poseidon!
He concentrated on the water, imagining it to be a part of his own
body, like another appendage. Partly to his amazement it worked. A huge
wave rose up from the water beneath the bridge, crashing down on the
fire, dousing it.
The amassed civilians started to applaud this great display of power.
Wade, turned conscious again shouted at them, "He's the reason of
this catastrophe to happen! Why applaud him?"
"Sarge, he saved our skins! We should be grateful to him!"
Godling walked over to Wade. "I'm sorry I knocked you out, but I
had to. You'd be died if I hadn't. Now please sent someone over to
that rooftop where you shot down that Airshark. He might still be alive
and in need of medical help. I'm afraid the other two might've
gotten away. And right now I think I need some medical help myself."
With those words Godling dropped down to the water, willing the waves
to carry him away.

**

Marcus Walker walked out of the courtroom feeling very satisfied. He
was congratulated by several fellow black men. Behind him however he
heard shout "I'll get you for this, boy!"
Marcus smiled. He'd been threatened before but usually those cowards
didn't follow through on their threats. And if they did... Well he
could take very good care of himself since his exile in Africa.
He'd been a lawyer defending the poor people of New Troy for a few
years now. His fee was very minimal, not needing their money because of
his rich parents. The man threatening him was a slumlord who'd been
raising the rent whenever it suited him. He wasn't allowed to anymore
now. Sometimes justice took it's course.
Marcus walked out of the New Troy Justice Building and got into his
Lexus. He drove off, leaving the centre of the city, heading for the
working-class, mixed race neighborhood he lived. He could of course
afford something way better, but he wanted to live among the people
he'd chosen to help. They wouldn't come for his help if he lived in
some high-rise in Upper Troy.
On the car radio a reporter filled with enthusiasm told about how the
mysterious hero they called Godling had prevented the New Troy Bridge
from burning. Marcus obviously wasn't the only person doing good in
the city anymore. Of course, he did it on a much smaller scale than The
One Man Pantheon did. Also, he hardly ever used his superpowers.

**

Only a light year removed from Earth a grand spaceship was moving
through yet another wormhole. The ship looked like a large bullet,
surrounded by antennas and thrusters. On its bridge stood a tall man
with a long beard and long white hair. He wore a broad metallic belt
and knee-length boots. Obviously, he was the captain of the ship. All
around him semi-human looking robots were working on the ship's
controls.
"Full speed ahead, drones," the captain spoke. "Only a light year
to go before we arrive at Earth. We have a planet to destroy and a
galaxy to save!"

NEXT: INVASION!!