Synopsis / Summary / Plot
Several months ago, Pluto, Olympian Lord of the Darkness, visited the Ice Queen in Asgard looking to revive the Valkyrie. At this moment, he is using the Asgardian female warrior to channel his energies and uproot the dead in his quest to conquer the Earth. The Defenders (Hulk, Doctor Strange, Silver Surfer and Sub-Mariner) watch hands tied since they're trapped by magic in the column of a holly temple. But with the aid of Papa Hagg, Hawkeye, Hellcat, and a SECOND Valkyrie materialize in the scene to save the world and his teammates from Pluto. Hellcat breaks a gem in the temple and the Defenders are free to fight the army of dead. Meanwhile, the second Valkyrie turns into the Ice Queen, furious with Pluto for being used by the Olympus god. Pluto wanted to use the Ice Queen as a backup, trapped in a Valkyrie body by a spell. But the Ice Queen only wants revenge and blasts Pluto who defends himself. The real Valkyrie is trapped in the middle of the god war. At the same time, the army of dead seems unbeatable, so Hellcat suggest to destroy the temple. Hulk, Sub-Mariner and the Silver Surfer do it before the Master of the Mystic Arts can tell them that it would only prove worse: the temple was locking the door to hell, and a greater army of dead rise from the deep fires. Pluto can not control them this time.