This unusual series of the late Bronze Age mixed military, sci-fi alien invasion, and superhero tropes. It was a freestanding story, part of neither the main "Marvel Universe" (616) nor the "New Universe" making its presence known in the waning days of Jim Shooter's editorial tenure. Writer Peter B. Gillis showed a knack for memorable characters and thoughtful, erudite dialogue. Penciler Brent Anderson provided memorable designs for a large cast of heroes and supporting characters.

I already owned Anderson's final cover for the series (#20), which shows all the heroes posing together. The #12 cover represented an opportunity to acquire an action scene focusing on the two main characters: Blackthorn, the series' breakout hero, and Radian, who is tempted by the aliens to betray his team.

In the background kneels Hammersmith, a captured alien leader with an octopoid babelfish on the side of his head as as translation device. His foot appears to have an opposable thumb. The aliens in this series, "The Horde," were barbarians who had seized control of spaceships that they didn't fully understand.

In fine Marvel fashion, the characters are depicted in a mid-action "freeze frame" that could not be held for a pose, as Blackthorn leaps onto Radian, bowling him over backwards. Anderson didn't skimp on details, including some Kirby Krackle and the unusual pattern on the sole of Blackthorn's boot. Anderson used a nifty "A" logo for his signature also.

The masthead that was once glued down to this is gone, leaving an orange stain evident in the additional image. On it, you can barely see the penciled word "Traitor!" where that same caption appears on the published cover; the pencil is easier to see in person. I had a new masthead made to flip down into place, as seen in the main image for this gallery entry.

I reviewed this entire series, issue by issue, in 2018 for the Classic Comics Forum.

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