Phil Sheldon goes on a TV talk show to talk about heroes: why the Marvels who give
us hope are criticized and unappreciated by the populace; the host, Sam
Reuther, brings up questionable new heroes like the Punisher, Wolverine, and
Ghost Rider. Phil is offended at this new dark breed of hero indistinguishable
from villains but his time is up and he leaves the studio discouraged. On his
way out he encounters Marcia Hardesty, his former assistant, who is gaining
experience in creating documentaries, which Phil once suggested to her. He
leaves on a happier note….
Phil
continues with his cancer therapy, still annoyed at the world’s more cynical
take on the Marvels. His doctor suggests he find something to occupy himself. Soon,
he’s in Central Park, interviewing a kid who was thrilled to see Iron Fist in
action. At Avengers Mansion, Phil learns that Wasp was injured in action so he
heads to the hospital where he finds the giant Yellowjacket passed out in the
street; Vision delivers a serum created by Beast and the huge hero’s life is
saved. Phil is happy to hear positive comments about the Marvels after these
incidents….
Then
Phil learns of the genuine monsters popping up all over the country: Morbius,
Man-Thing, Son of Satan, Werewolf By Night, and more. Then the Falcon is
accused of murder so Phil hits the streets and interviews citizens about the
matter and meets a man who lost his family’s home when Daredevil and Torpedo
destroyed it during a battle….
Weeks
later, Phil is still thinking about collateral damage when the Madbomb strikes
and Captain America and the Falcon seem helpless. Then the X-Men are involved
in an incident at the airport and apparently Marvel Girl wipes all evidence
from camera and minds which Ben Urich calls a cover-up, not the act of “good”
guys. J. Jonah Jameson is kidnapped by the villain called the Hitman and held
at the Statue of Liberty; Spider-Man and the Punisher team up to rescue him
and…Spidey stands by while Punisher outright murders Hitman. Even Phil’s faith
is shaken in the Marvels…and he collapses….