The Last Stand Of M.O.D.O.K.!

It's hard to imagine the relentless killing organism known as M.O.D.O.K. on the run for his life--but from who? Well, gee, let's see: Who would want to end MODOK's existence? Answer: the same organization that's wanted to since day one, when their Mental Organism Designed Only for Computing wrested away control of Advanced Idea Mechanics from his creators and subverted the organization to his will, while unleashing himself on the world as MODOK. (You can no doubt make a good guess as to what the new letter in his acronym stood for.)

By 1986 (our time), MODOK had gone M.I.A.--while around the same time, the newly formed guild of superhuman mercenaries collectively known as the Serpent Society was open for business and putting the word out to prospective clients who might be interested in their services. One of their stops was A.I.M., whose agents jumped at the opportunity to accomplish their vendetta against MODOK at no risk to themselves.

(Nice touch, that AIM agent with his weapon on the table in clear sight. "Safety First.")

The Serpent Society gets right to work on their assignment--and before you know it, two of their operatives hit paydirt, thanks to a solid lead from AIM. It looks like even the mental prowess of MODOK hasn't forewarned him that, after all this time, his number may finally be up!

But in this hunt, what's Captain America's stake??

Fortunately for Diamondback and Bushmaster, they've caught MODOK not only "napping," but in a weakened state while recharging his energies. Even so, MODOK's longevity is evidence that he's never been easy to kill--and while these assassins know their business, they're nevertheless in for a fight, particularly if MODOK should become mobile.

In the aftermath of the struggle, we learn that Diamondback has escaped the ship and hauled the injured Bushmaster to shore. As for MODOK, in his current condition he doesn't get far; yet while his energies may be low, we find that this evil mind still has resourcefulness in his arsenal, and clearly an abundance of curses.

And so with Diamondback advising the Society's H.Q. of MODOK's status as well as her coordinates, MODOK becomes the target of an impressive manhunt, with the Society's leader, Sidewinder, recalling the rest of the serpent-themed members from their own searches and skillfully marshalling and deploying them in an ever-widening perimeter from Diamondback's location.

As for MODOK, he and his truck's cargo arrive at their destination--though for MODOK, an unceremonious and undignified arrival, to be sure.

Meanwhile, Captain America's newly-established computer hotline tips him off on strange sightings in New Jersey of snake-saucers and a flying armchair. Arriving on site, his investigation leads him to Princess Python, who admits to being part of the Serpent Society but wants no part of going up against MODOK. Her information leads Cap to a shopping mall where the rest of the Society has converged--and eventually he winds up in an erupting battle to the death.

With three members of the Society diverted to occupy Cap, the more vicious Death Adder and Cottonmouth pair up to deal with MODOK. The strategy works--and by the time Cap is able to focus his attention on MODOK, he arrives too late to prevent a most gruesome murder.

Whatever Cap's intentions, one of the selling points of the Serpent Society to its members was the assurance that, with Sidewinder's talent for teleportation, they would never need to worry about imprisonment, so it may take awhile for Cap to make good on his vow.

In the meantime, the Serpent Society has an agreement with AIM to fulfill, and payment to collect--neither of which can be accomplished without a corpus delicti. And so to add insult to injury for MODOK, the Monmouth County morgue becomes the target of a most unusual break-in... or in this case, a break-out.

Soon enough, AIM is delighted to find that one of the greatest blights on its organization has been eradicated, while the Serpent Society discovers that at the conclusion of this surprisingly professional business deal, crime indeed pays--and it looks like the Serpent Society is well on its way to a ranking in the Fortune 500.

(It probably goes without saying that they'll insist on a tax exempt status.)

BONUS!

By popular demand (not really!), another look at the Serpent Society's business card!

(Gotta love that phone number!)