Comic Book Story Novelizations

And so, one clear voice rises above the din--in simple, but eloquent words...expressing the dignity of all individuals...the triumph of spirit in the face of adversity...She is more than a Princess, she is a leader. She speaks to them with words so forceful that even these prisoners on the edge of despair...find hope.

"I don't know." one prisoner said.

"It sounds good..." a second said.

"Syren's the boss, what's she say...?" a third asked.

"You talk big, but what's it going to do for us?" Syren asked Lana.

"If we act like people, the guards will have to treat us with respect!" Lana said with her hands on her hips. "If we behave like animals...we're as good as finished!"

Later...

Lana and some other prisoners were in the mess hall. She was watching them clean up the mess.

"By organizing this mess hall, we can feed everyone better!" she told them.

Still later...

Lana was watching as some prisoners painted the courtyard, while others picked up the trash.

"This place may be a prison--but we'll make it a fit place to live!" Lana said.

"Thanks to you, Princess!" Syren said.

In Cell Block One however, Samus waits until night to handle things her own way...

Samus and the prisoner she had swung around earlier were walking outside. Around the corner, searchlights were moving back and forth.

"Move it, Kraid!" Samus ordered, pushing him.

"Ow! Easy! Easy! Ouch! Owwww!" Kraid yelled.

"Now...get out there!" Samus ordered, pointing at the open courtyard.

"Are you kidding!?" Kraid asked. "They'll catch me--I'll be sent to solitary confinement for a month!"

"A month in solitary or a month in the hospital...it's your choice." Samus said.

So, Kraid went out into the courtyard. Immediately, alarms sounded, and all the searchlights went on him.

"Stand where you are! Don't move!" the guard in the watch tower ordered.

"That should keep the guards busy." Samus said, hidden around the corner.

Minutes later, in one of the tiny air tunnels that criss-cross the Prison World...

The Princess is in Block Ten...that's on the other side of the complex! Samus thought. Here's where my experience in the mazes of Zebes and Metroid pays off!

Samus arrived at a circular opening with two bars running vertically across it.

"The landing zone!" Samus said.

"Escape attempt in Block One! Scramble all transport shuttles and maintain security orbit!"

Samus looked at a man entering a shuttle. "If I go get Lana, I'll miss the shuttle, and we'll both be stuck here! I don't even know if she's still alive! But...with Lana...gone...at last, I would have Captain N to myself. Then, he'd realize I am the only hero worthy of battling side by side with him!"

She went down into the landing zone and up to the shuttle.

Samus grabbed the man with her right hand and threw him out of the shuttle! "...There is only one thing to do!"

"Even if I wanted to go straight, nobody'll accept me, an ex-con!" Syren told Lana.

"If you really want to change, there are people who will help you, Syren!" Lana told her. "I...what's that?"

They heard a humming sound and turned around.

"Alert! Unauthorized landing in the yard!"

Lana pointed. "Samus! You've got a ship! You could have already escaped! Why did you come back for me?"

"No time to talk! Lets' go!" Samus yelled.

Samus landed the shuttle and opened the door. The guards started firing lasers from the watch towers.

"No, I can't leave this place. These people need me." Lana said.

"What?" Samus asked in astonishment. "They're the scum of the universe!" Samus got out of the shuttle, picked Lana up, and carried her over to the shuttle! "You are coming with me!"

"Release me!" Lana ordered.

"We want her to stay!" one prisoner yelled.

"Don't hurt Lana!" a second pleaded.

"Let her go!" a third demanded.

Samus placed Lana in the shuttle.

Syren flew up to Lana, ready to rescue her. "Princess! I'm coming! I--I..." The nshe changed her mind. "Enough! People everwhere need someone like you, Lana! But, you don't belong here. Samus, take our Princess home."

"I...see." Lana understood. "You are right, Syren. I won't forget you, I promise!"

Later, back at the Palace of Power...

"And when we found out what happened to you......I freed the real judge from Metroid!" Kevin was explaining. "I was on my way to Prison World..."

"...when you discovered that we'd already escaped!" Lana finished. "Nevertheless, Kevin, return to Prison World soon, to make sure conditions there have been improved." She stood up. "Would you excuse us for a moment, Kevin? I need to speak to Samus alone."

Kevin ran off, waving behind him. "Sure, Lana! Don't forget, I'm taking you to Pro Wrestling in Videotown tonight!" He left the Throne room.

Lana faced Samus. "Samus, I know you don't feel very committed to the N-Team's cause. And I know how you feel about Kevin. You could have left me back on Prison World and convinced him to join you as a space hunter!"

"I told you before, I gave my word to protect you." Samus answered her.

"No! That's not it!" Lana yelled. "Woman to woman, Samus...the truth!"

Samus turned away from her. "Of all the warriors I have known, Captain N is the most daring, interesting--and worthy of being...my partner! Together, we could become the best bounty hunters in the galaxy! But, I will convince him fairly. Not because you are absent!" She turned and faced Lana again. "What do you say to that?"

Lana placed her hands on Samus. "I say...may the best woman win."

GAME OVER

THE COMING OF A HERO (2 pages)
By George Caragonne, James Brock, Bob Layton, Jade, Kathryn Bolinger

Appears in: Nintendo Comics System, Volume # 1, Issue # 2, July 1990
The Best of the Nintendo Comics System, Month(?) 1990
Nintendo Comics System Featuring Super Mario Bros., Volume # 1, Issue # 6, June 1991

In the Galactic Federation, only one being in a million is qualified to join the Federation Police Force.

The annals of police history tell of a woman who not only qualified, but completed the training course in record time, graduating first in her class...

...and became the youngest police officer ever promoted to the elite Star-Tracker Squad!

Her name was Samus Aran.

Star-Trackers! Only one police officer in a million is chosen. Each works alone, hunting down the most dangerous criminals in the galaxy.

Equipped by the Federation with weapons and cybernetic super powers, they are nearly invincible, and Samus was the best ever!

But then, something mysterious happened in the vastness of space. Without warning, Samus left the police force and disappeared.

When Samus reappeared, she would not speak about why she left the force. She became a free agent--a galactic bounty hunter, taking on missions others declared impossible.

Then, on an isolated world known as SR388, a group of space pirates came upon the greatest threat in the history of the Federation, a deadly new life form, called...the Metroid!

The space pirates took the fearsome creatures home, hoping to control them. The plan backfired, and the pirates might have been destroyed...

...except for the skill of their leader, Mother Brain! She could mentally control the creatures--and threatened to use them against the Federation!

The Federation knew a large army could never overwhelm Mother Brain. But, a single hero might slip through defenses and succeed where armies failed.

Thus began Samus Aran's most famous assignment--leading her to fame, fortune, and many more dangerous adventures!

THE COMPLEAT HERO (1 page)
By Bryan D. Leys, Richard Rockwell, Art Nichols, Ken Lopez, Kingman Huie

Appears in: The Legend of Zelda, Volume # 1, Issue # 1, May 1990
The Legend of Zelda, Volume # 1, Issue # 5, September 1990
The Best of the Nintendo Comics System, Month(?) 1990

Hello, everyone. Link here, with a message for all you would-be heroes. Today's lesson: swinging through a window.

Nothing impresses a damsel in distress more than this classic, tried-and-true entrance. Looks easy, doesn't it?

But, be careful. Evil sorcerers have been known to move windows at the last minute!

Careful where you fasten your rope. A poor choice can put you at an embarrassing disadvantage, especially if your foe is an experienced fisherman.

Of course, make very sure it's the right window.

Remember, heroes are made, not born! Do keep swinging, and don't ever let your Princess down!

GAME OVER

Deceit Du Jour (10 pages)
By Mark McClellan, Bill Valley, Vince Mielcarek, Bob Layton, Jade, Joe Q, The Gradations

Appears in: Nintendo Comics System, Volume # 1, Issue # 2, July 1990
The Best of the Nintendo Comics System, Month(?) 1990 Nintendo Comics System Featuring Super Mario Bros., Volume # 1, Issue # 6, June 1991

Mother Brain was in her lair on Metroid, talking with a creature wearing red armor.

"So, why should I hire you?" Mother Brain asked. "What makes you think you can stop this pesty intruder who's infiltrating my Metroid headquarters?"

"I'm a bounty hunter, Mother Brain - that means I'm one mean mercenary." the creature replied. "And if that's not enough, look at my credentials. 'Big Time' Brannigan comes with an efficiency rating of one hundred percent!"

"True. You are one of the best bounty hunters in the force, Big Time. Most impressive."

"The best." Big Time said.

Zoomer, a small, red, bug-like creature with gold spikes on its back, was standing with them holding a piece of paper. "That's not what I heard. There's a rumor--"

Big Time fired at Zoomer, who dodged.

"Woo!" Zoomer yelled.

"I do so hate unsightly lint." Big Time said.

"I like your style." Mother Brain said. "I think you're hired, Big Time. Your job is to get the intruder, get paid, and get out! Should you fail, however, the penalty is...severe."

"If I ever lost, I might be concerned."

Suddenly, an alarm sounded.

"It's the intruder!" Mother Brain yelled. "An attack!!"

"Good. Means I'll get through here early." Big Time turned and left.

"Don't just stand there, Zoomer! Get some backup - and make sure Big Time keeps that prized efficiency rating!"

"Yes, Mother Brain!"

Meanwhile, the intruder, Samus Aran, continues with her own plans...

Samus was kneeling on the floor in a corridor. "Let's see if these special weapons really can be controlled the way I want."

She stood up and fired a gun at a door, completely destroying it.

Samus walked inside. "Not bad. With luck, this will lead straight to the Mother Brain chamber. Once I've found that, I can make my plans to attack Metroid..." She suddenly turned around and blasted four creatures. "Ha!" Samus took off her helmet. "So much for this world's monsters! Anybody else?"

Suddenly, someone fired from behind her.

"What? A challenge?" Samus asked. She quickly put her helmet back on and dodged the blasts. "Hey - not too shabby!" She turned, leaped, and fired. "This guy's fast!" She grabbed onto a ledge. "Fast enough to be a full-class bounty hunter! This is fun...but I'm not getting any closer...to Mother Brain's chamber..."

The ledge started to crumble.

"Hnnnh!!" Samus yelled.

"Huh?" Big Time wondered. "A bounty hunter suit?"

Samus fell and landed on Big Time, and her helmet got knocked off her head.

"Ung!!" Big Time yelled.

"Ooof!" Samus let out.

Samus then reached for her gun.

"Big Time...?!" Samus asked in surprise.

"Samus?" Big Time asked. "Samus Aran?!!"

Samus helped herself up using Big Time. "Still stealing my jobs--just like old times!!"

"Well, things have changed, Samus..."

Samus noticed a bunch of creatures approaching. "Looks like it's us bounty hunters against the universe again..."

"Um, about you and me..." Big Time began.

"Not a bad tracking job!" Zoomer said. "But I still ain't sure about that hundred percent rating, Big Time."

Samus backed away from Big Time. "You're working for Mother Brain...?"

Big Time had his gun pointed at Samus. "Yep. If I bag you, I keep my hundred percent rating. I also win top bounty hunter status...I've been thinking about this for a long time, Samus."

No doubt about it, this guy's gotten serious. Samus thought. And better.

I am as good as Samus - I know it. Big Time thought.

"Okay, let's see what you're made of!!" Samus said, firing.

"I have years more experience now, Samus!" Big Time said, returning fire. "My job is clear----to get you!!"

"You're taking this way too personal!" Samus yelled.

"Just as long as I get that round number - one...hundred...percent." Big Time fired at Samus' right arm.

"Aaah!!" Samus yelled.

She could no longer fire with her blaster.

"Aaaah--mission accomplished!!" Big Time said happily.

"Your mission ends, 'bounty hunter', when you turn me in to Mother Brain." Samus pointed out.

"Samus, if you come with us, you have a small but real chance of survival." Big Time offered.

"Of course. And I also give up my hundred percent efficiency rating." Samus had her gun in her left hand, behind her back.

"Come on, Samus, a small chance is better than no chance at all."

"If she moves, fry her!" Zoomer yelled.

Samus handed Big Time her gun.

"Attagirl, Samus!" Big Time praised.

And so...

Samus was walking in front of Big Time. He was pointing her gun at her back.

"You wanted to see the Mother Brain chamber, and here it is..." Big Time said. "Too bad you can't do anything about it. You got what you wanted, just not the way you wanted it - with your own gun at your back!"

Soon...

Big Time, Samus, and Zoomer stood in front of Mother Brain.

"Excellent...excellent!!" Mother Brain said in delight. "Finally, we've caught our intruder - the famous Samus Aran!!" Mother Brain looked at Big Time. "Well? What are you waiting for?! You may pick up your pay on the way out, bounty hunter!"

Samus faced Big Time. "You heard the lady. Pick up your pay and leave."

"I...I can't leave." Big Time said. "One squeeze of Samus's own gun will make me the top bounty hunter - undisputed!"

Big Time fired Samus' gun, but nothing happened.

"Wha-?!!" Big Time yelled in surprise.

Suddenly, the gun exploded. Samus, of course, knew this was going to happen, and had gotten a safe distance from the blast.

"What happened...?" Big Time asked.

"Your 'friend' booby-trapped her own gun, you idiot!" Mother Brain yelled, then commanded to Zoomer: "Feed him to the Metroids!"

"That's why she gave me her own gun--to complete her own mission!!?" Big Time asked.

"I guess I was wrong, buddy." Zoomer said. "There is someone with a 100% efficiency rating......it just don't happen to be you!"

Big Time was dragged away by some creatures. "Samus - my rating! My life!"

Samus walked out of the lair unnoticed, a smile on her lips. "You did get me, Big Time - but just not the way you wanted!"

GAME OVER

THE FABULOUS POWERS OF CAPTAIN N (2 pages)
By George Caragonne, Dennis Woodlyard, Jacqueline Roettcher, Ken Lopez, Meridee Mandio, Wansi

Appears in: Captain N: The Game Master, Volume # 1, Issue # 3, July 1990
Adventures of the Super Mario Bros., Volume # 1, Issue # 3, April 1991

Kevin was standing in a corridor on Metroid. There was a yellow sign on the wall that had a picture of Mother Brain on it. The sign read: "WELCOME TO METROID" and "MOTHER BRAIN KNOWS BEST".

"You might think that knowing every world and every power trick in Videoland would be enough to make me the Game Master..." Kevin said "...but when the Ultimate Warp Zone zapped me here from Earth, I did get some special weapons to use against Mother Brain and her evil henchmen!" Kevin indicated his controller and drawn Zapper. "See this controller and Zapper? They may look like the normal ones you have at home--but that's where any similarity ends." Kevin rapidly fired his Zapper at the wall behind him a few times, creating a large hole in it. "This Zapper is a radical energy weapon! It can bore a path right through the levels of Metroid--and most other Videoland worlds, as well!" Kevin quickly zapped a group of monsters that were flying at him. "Plus, it'll zap those evil Rios and Mellows into instant video dust!" Kevin used his controller to jump around the corridor. "Cool as my Zapper is, though, when I want to really go, I reach for my Super Power Belt. By pushing Up or Down on the controller, I get power-assisted jumps--almost like flying!"

Suddenly, the Eggplant Wizard arrived in the corridor with an army of vegetables. He fired his veggie wand at Kevin.

Kevin dodged the shots. "Pressing Left or Right on the controller makes me 'shift' at super speed! I can dodge almost anything!"

"Hey where'd he go?" Eggplant Wizard asked.

"Especially someone slow and dumb--like the Eggplant Wizard!" Kevin pressed the Pause button on the controller, freezing the Eggplant Wizard and his army. "And how about this 'pause' feature? It freezes everything--except me, of course! Since I'm free to move around I can use the Power Belt's other cool features to turn the tables and--" Suddenly, Kevin noticed the power meter on his controller turn completely dark. "Uh-oh! I forgot that my Power Belt only holds a limited supply of energy. When the power meter reaches zero...dead batteries! No more powers, no more Zapper, and maybe......no more me?"

"Heh! Your powers can't save you now, Captain N!" Eggplant Wizard said. "Get him, my loyal veggies--process him into puree!"

Suddenly, Samus Aran ran into the corridor and began firing at the Eggplant Wizard and his vegetables, chasing them off. "Ready for some back-up, Captain?"

Kevin smiled. "Sure, Samus Aran! After all, special powers are great, but nothing beats having great friends you can count on--like the N-Team!"

GAME OVER

THE FRUIT AND VEGETABLE WAR (10 pages)
By Bryan D. Leys, Mike Chen, P. Zorito, Jade, John Cebollero

Appears in: Captain N: The Game Master, Volume # 1, Issue # 1, May 1990
Adventures of the Super Mario Bros., Volume # 1, Issue # 3, April 1991

Kevin and Kid Icarus were flying towards a floating island. Kevin was using mechanical wings to fly.

Kid Icarus pointed. "There it is, Captain N, straight ahead-Cornucopia, the fabled island of plenty. It's one of the most beautiful, peaceful places in all Mount Olympus."

Kevin's wings were sputtering, pinging, and chugging.

"Glad to hear it, Kid Icarus." Kevin said. "I just hope these mechanical wings hold out till we get there. I swear, this is the last time I fly tourist class."

"Don't worry, I won't let my favorite hero down, heh, heh!" Kid joked.

"So, if this island is so peaceful, what are two heroes like us doing here?"

"It's simple." Kid Icarus said. "We're trying to raise an army to battle the Legion of Darkness, right? Well, an army travels on its stomach and Cornucopia has every thing in the way of food."

"Kid, look behind you!" Kevin suddenly yelled.

Two green flying creatures with guns were flying right behind them.

Kevin pointed at them. "Are those some of the peaceful natives coming our way?"

"Great Zeus!!" Kid Icarus yelled. "Those are Pear-Odactyls. They're the air force around here. Look out! They're firing grapeshot at us!"

Suddenly, Kid Icarus was hit.

"Kid!! Kevin yelled.

One of the Pear-Odactyls grabbed onto Kid and started flying away with him.

"Too late, they've got him." Kevin said. "Maybe if I fire a warning with the Zapper. It'll scare them off."

But before Kevin could fire, the other Pear-Odactyl grabbed hold of him.

"Hey, wait a minute-what are you doing back there?" Suddenly, Kevin fell out of his mechanical wings. "Oh, that."

Kevin started falling towards the fround as the Pear-Odactyl laughed.

"Only one chance...I've got to use the Jump button on my Power Belt and make it to that tree." Kevin pressed the Jump button. "Whoaa! Yeoow!"

Kevin fell through the apple tree and landed on the ground. Apples started falling, and some hit him on the head.

"Now, I know how Isaac Newton felt." Kevin said, rubbing his head. "So far, this place is the pits."

Suddenly, Kevin noticed a very large group of Fruitopians behind him.

"Uh-oh. Hi, guys. Peachy day, huh?"

"Speak stranger!" the leader yelled. "Why do you block the path of Atilla, the Honeydew, General of the Armies of Fruitopia!"

Kevin smiled, holding out his hands. "Well, you see, I just kind of dropped in. My name is Kevin Keene, but here in Videoland, they call me Captain N."

"Captain N?" General Atilla asked. "I did not know. This is indeed an honor. Even in this far corner of Videoland, we have heard of your heroic deeds. You must have come to help us."

Kevin got to his feet. "Well, I..."

"We are at war, with the pernicious produce of Vegetania." the General explained. "Last week, they raided Fruitopia and took prisoner our beloved tomatoes. We have sworn to make salad of them!"

Some Fruitopians picked Kevin up and carried him.

"But...why would they take the tomatoes?" Kevin asked.

"They insist that tomatoes are vegetables, and belong in Vegetania! Isn't that the biggest crock of compost you've ever heard?" General Atilla was crying. "Will you help us rescue our tomatoes, Captain N?"

"I guess so." Kevin said. "After all, that's what being a hero is all about, right? Geez, I thought everybody knew that tomatoes are fruit. Oh, well...on to Vegetania."

Meanwhile, in Vegetania...

Kid Icarus was brought before the throne of King Pumpkin. There was a pickle standing to his right and left, holding spears.

"See here now, Colonel Corn, what's all this rhubarb?" King Pumpkin asked.

"The rhubarb are all out on field maneuvers, Sire." Colonel Corn said. "What we have here is a spy."

"I'm no spy!" Kid Icarus yelled. "I was kid-napped by two Pear-Odactyls. But, while their stems were turned, I pulled out my bow and shot them with Arrows of Affection. While the two of them were pear-ing off, I headed for the ground to get my bearings. That's when these two prospective pickles jumped me. And that's the truth, Your Ripeness."

King Pumpkin stood up, angry. "Release him, you turnip-brains. Don't you realize this is Kid Icarus, First Hero of Mount Olympus?"

"I am?" Kid Icarus asked. "Oh, yeah..."

King Pumpkin explains the situation...

"...and now that the tomatoes are here among us vegetables, where they belong, we need your help to fight off the dastardly Fruitopians! Will you aid our cause?"

Kid Icarus saluted. "Aye, aye, Sire. Always ready to do my part for justice." He then flew off.

"That's what I love about these young heroes, always so willing to fight." King Pumpkin said to himself.

"Oh, Your Majesty--!"

King Pumpkin looked towards the source of the voice. "Oh, it's you!"

"Yes, Sire, the Eggplant Wizard, your trusted advisor. Might I a-peel to your wisdom?"

"Speak, friend of all vegetables!"

The Eggplant Wizard had an evil smile on his face. "I know that Captain N has joined with the fruits to oppose us. You must send Kid Icarus into battle against him. By the way, Your Ripeness, you should get yourself a new yoga. That old one is making you look rather seedy. Seedy, get it? Heh, heh!"

The Pumpkin King did not think that the Eggplant Wizard's joke was that amusing, and began thinking rather unpleasant thoughts about him.

Soon, in Plentiopolis, home of the Cornucopian farmers...

Both the fruits and the vegetables were attacking the city and setting fire to it. The citizens were running away in terror.

"Run, run!!" one guy yelled. "The fruits and vegetables have gone crazy!"

"They're destroying the city!" a girl yelled.

A distance away, General Atilla was looking through a pair of binoculars. "How goes the battle, Corporal Kiwi?"

"Not too well, General." Corporal Kiwi replied. "The enemy sunk two of our banana boats on the Sea of Ambrosia, we've run out of cherry bombs and our strawberries are in a jam."

"Never fear, our champion is on the attack." the General said. "Look at him rout those Celery Stalkers!"

General Atilla was speaking of Captain N, of course, who was shooting from behind a hill, accompanied by Lt. Lime.

"Keep shooting, sir." Lt. Lime said. "Now, if you could just beat the beets."

"Gosh, Lt. Lime, I hope I'm doing the right thing." Kevin said. "I thought this was just another adventure, but, we sure are doing a lot of damage! Maybe I...Yeeeeeeow!!!" Kevin suddenly screamed as he was struck in the butt by an arrow, which sent him soaring into the air.

"Egad, a sneak attack!" Lt. Lime yelled.

The arrow had been fired by Kid Icarus. "Sorry, Captain, but it's for your own good."

Kevin started scratching himself. "Yow! I'm itching all over."

"It's because of my Arrow of Itchiness, Cap." Kid Icarus explained. "It'll keep you busy until you come to your senses. But don't worry, you're still my favorite hero." He then flew away.

Kevin then pressed the Jump button on his Power Belt to soar up after him. "Kid, you're fighting on the wrong side."

"But, I'm fighting to protect the poor tomatoes!" Kid told him. "They belong with the vegetables!"

Kevin grabbed Kid Icarus' right foot and held him in place. "Kid, please...if I really am your hero...trust me. Believe me, tomatoes are really fruit. I learned it in school!"

"Hmm. We really don't study tomatoes much in Olympian schools." Kid said. "But the Vegetanians seem so sure..."

"We have it on the best authority that tomatoes are vegetables." King Pumpkin said.

Kevin and Kid Icarus landed on the ground, with the Fruitopians behind them and the Vegetanians in front of them.

"Yeah?" Kevin asked. "What authority?"

"Why, the Eggplant Wizard himself says so!" King Pumpkin yelled.

"The Eggplant Wizard?!" Kevin asked in surprise.

"Nuts to you, and your wizard, Pumpkin-Puss." General Atilla said. "Everyone knows tomatoes are fruits."

"Are not!" the vegetables yelled.

"Are too!" the fruits yelled back.

"If that evil eggplant is behind this war, there must be a really rotten reason!" Kevin said.

"But...why would he want everyone at each other's stem--?" Kid Icarus asked. "Unless..."

Meanwhile, back in Fruitopia...

"My plan has succeeded beyond my wildest dreams!" the Eggplant Wizard said in joy. "Here I am in the legendary Temple of Fruit and there, in the statue's forehead, glows the fabled Royal Raspberry. And the guards are all busy fighting in the war!" He began to climb up the statue. "When Mother Brain send me here to sabotage the food supply of Mount Olympus, she never guessed I had plans of my own. Once the Raspberry is mine, I'll control all fruits, just as I now control all vegetables. Today, the veggies and fruits...tomorrow, trees, flowers, grass...even fungus! Soon I'll dominate all plant life! Boy, wait'll the yuppies see what I charge for a watercress sandwich!"

"Not so fast, Eggplant Wizard."

The Eggplant Wizard, his right hand on the Royal Raspberry, turned his head and looked down. "No, not you-not now. Now when my plans are so close to fru-it-shun."

And back in Plentiopolis...

"Are too!" General Atilla yelled.

"Are not!" King Pumpkin yelled.

Just then, Kevin and Kid Icarus arrived with the Eggplant Wizard. Kevin was holding the Eggplant Wizard to make sure he wouldn't take off.

"Hold your horse radishes!" Kevin yelled. "The war is over!"

"It's all this rotten eggplant's fault!" Kid Icarus yelled.

Eggplant Wizard shrugged. "So I told a little fib. The truth is...tomatoes are fruit."

King Pumpkin offered his right hand to General Atilla. "I--I'm sorry. We've bean duped."

General Atilla shook it. "We should have never let it come to war. I feel like such a melon-head."

"Me too." King Pumpkin said. "Lettuce go!"

The Fruitopians and the Vegetanians walked away together as friends.

Kid Icarus offered his right hand to Kevin. "Sorry I shot you with that Arrow of Itchiness, Cap! I should have trusted you. From now on I'll try to stem my aggressions."

Kevin shook Kid Icarus' hand. "Yeah, and I'll be sure to look before I leaf."

GAME OVER

THE HAPPY ZONE (10 pages)
By George Caragonne, Don Hudson, Jose Marzan, Ken Lopez, John Cebollero, The Gradations

Appears in: Captain N: The Game Master, Volume # 1, Issue # 2, June 1990
Adventures of the Super Mario Bros., Volume # 1, Issue # 8, September 1991

Kevin Keene was the hottest power player on Earth! Now he's a hero in a world where video games like Metroid, Donkey Kong, Punch-Out!! and Kid Icarus are reality! The world is Videoland, and the hero is...

Captain N: The Game Master

The defeated forces of the League of Darkness return to their headquarters on Metroid, where Mother Brain and Lord Uranos await...

"What's wrong with you chumps? Why didn't you capture Mount Olympus?" Mother Brain asked.

"It's Captain N, Mother Brain! He's just too tough to beat!" the Eggplant Wizard, bruised and bandaged, said.

"Captain N! It's always Captain N! He's the cause of all my troubles! They're right, though. Unless I can get rid of that pesky Game Master, my spring offensive will fall flat on its...face."

"Even the mighty Captain N has a weakness, Mother Brain."

"Uranos! If you have a plan, I'm all...ears!"

As Metroid flew high overhead, Kevin and Lana were having a picnic some distance from the Palace.

"How beautiful!" Lana exclaimed.

"Boy, I'll say..." Kevin agreed. "...and I'm not talking about the trees."

Kevin and Lana stood up.

"So, how did you find this place?" Kevin asked.

"My father used to bring me here when I was a little girl." Lana replied. "Before...he disappeared."

Kevin took hold of Lana. "Hey, hey, it's okay, Lana. It's gonna be okay. I know it's hard for you without your father. But, you've got to stay strong and carry on the fight. That's what he'd want."

They hugged.

"Your father will come back someday, I'm sure of it!" Kevin said.

Suddenly, a man with a long white beard and dressed in purple clothes with a gold trim came by.

"That day...has come." he said.

"Father!" Lana screamed in excitement. She left Kevin and ran over to him. "Oh, Daddy! All these years--! What happened to you?"

"I'm here now, daughter. That is all that matters!"

Kevin felt disappointed that Lana forgot about him so quickly, but he was polite and smiled. "It's sure great to finally meet you, sir! Welcome back..."

Suddenly, the 'King' turned into Uranos and lifted Lana off her feet!

"...Your Highness! Whoa!" Kevin finished. "Uranos!"

"Let me go, you disgusting demigod!" Lana demanded. "Where's my father?"

"Mother Brain sends her greetings, Captain N!" Uranos said.

Cap reacts fast, with lightning reflexes honed through endless hours of power playing, but...

"Dang it! He used a teleportation spell! Dang it!" Kevin yelled as the demigod and the Princess disappeared and left a bright glow.

Back at the Palace of Power.

Kevin ran into the Conference room. "Kid Icarus! Samus! We've got big trouble! Princess Lana's been kidnapped!"

"We've got trouble-cus maximus already, Captain!" Kid Icarus said.

"Take a look, Captain!" Samus Aran said.

They went up to the satellite monitor.

"It's an army!" Kid Icarus said.

"They will arrive here in one hour." Samus said. "I have already planned a counter-attack! Now that you have returned we will crush them like dogs!"

"Arf?" Duke asked.

Kevin petted his canine. "She didn't mean you, Duke."

Mother Brain's face suddenly appeared on the monitor. "Hello. Am I calling at a bad time?"

Kevin pointed at her with his left index finger. "Mother Brain! What have you done with Princess Lana?! If you hurt her, I'll--!"

"Hurt her? Why, Captain! I'd never do something so unpleasant!"

An image of Princess Lana appeared to the left of the image of Mother Brain. She was sitting on a bench in a forest.

"It's Lana!" Kevin yelled.

"It's my latest addition to Videoland--the Happy Zone! Isn't it beautiful?" Mother Brain asked.

Samus argrily shook her left fist at Mother Brain. "I've heard of this so-called 'Happy Zone'! Those within it are trapped inside...forever!"

"That right, the Happy Zone is strictly a one-way trip!" Mother Brain said. "Heroes check in, but they don't check out! Take the beautiful Princess Lana, for example. I did."

The image of Lana was replaced with an image of a white corridor with a dashed yellow line on the floor, like on a street. There were a whole bunch of signs and arrows on both walls.

"But don't fret!" Mother Brain said. "Just step through this warp zone and you'll be in the Happy Zone with her! Oooo! How romantic! Or would you rather she was trapped all alone forever? Oh, by the way, this one-way warp zone only lasts for an hour--after that the Happy Zone will be closed...permanently."

The image of Mother Brain disappeared, leaving only the image of the warp zone.

"Cap? What are you going to do-a-cus?" Kid Icarus asked.

"Kevin, you cannot be thinking of accepting Mother Brain's offer?" Samus asked.

"Yip?" Duke asked.

"But, the Princess is in there!" Kevin yelled, pointing with his left index finger at the monitor.

"Then that is her fate. We have a job to do here!" The young blonde bounty hunter put her left hand on Kevin. "Where is the courage of the warrior, which I admire so much in you? Come, Captain! We have a kingdom to defend! Gold and glory to win!"

"Samus, please. Give me a break, huh?" Kevin begged.

Kid Icarus flew away. "That's some army outside. We sure could use your help, Cap. But if you really want to---you go ahead! Good luck-a-cus!"

Duke stood up on his hind legs, and Kevin held onto him.

"Captain, you must not..." Samus started.

"Leave me alone, okay? Just let me think..."

Almost 1 hour later.

11:58

"I'm going." Kevin decided.

"Princess Lana would not want you to go." Samus told him.

11:59

"Of course you'd say that you...like me. You want me to stay." Kevin said.

"True." Samus admitted. "But if I were the Princess and you left the kingdom defenseless in order to be with me----I would despise you."

12:00

The warp zone closed.

Kevin clenched his fists together in sorrow - in rage.

Then he lowered his head and placed his right hand over it.

"She's gone...forever."

Kid Icarus flew up. "I found the Princess' power scepter! What should I do with it, Captain-a-cus?"

Kevin took it in his right hand. "Give it to me."

Kevin, Samus, and Kid Icarus ran out of the Palace and fought the army!

Kevin used Lana's weapon rather than his own.

A blast hit the floor of Mother Brain's lair.

"They've broken through! Captain N is fighting like a madman! I must flee!" Uranos yelled.

"I gotta get to my escape warp zone!" Mother Brain yelled.

Suddenly, Kevin landed on one of the metal tubes connected to Mother Brain's glass jar.

"You're not going anywhere!" he yelled.

As Samus and Kid Icarus fought the Eggplant Wizard, Kevin swung Lana's power scepter at Mother Brain. It crashed into the side of her jar.

"My jar! You'll break it!" she yelled.

"I'm shutting you down!" Kevin yelled. He got to top of the jar and continued smashing. "I'm turning you off! Game over!"

"Nooooooo! Stop! Stop! Please!" Mother Brain begged. "Please--I was just k-kidding! There is a way out of the Happy Zone! King Hippo! Get the Princess out here--now!"

King Hippo brought Lana into the room.

Kevin jumped down and ran to Lana, smiling. "Lana! You're all right!"

Lana ran to him, smiling. "Kevin!"

Lana held onto Kevin as he drew his Zapper.

"Step aside, sweetheart, I'm going to take out the trash!" he told her.

Suddenly, Mother Brain warped away.

"Close the warp zone behind me, stupid!" Mother Brain yelled. "Close it!"

"She got away!" Samus yelled.

"Are you okay, Your Highness-a-cus?" Kid Icarus asked.

The young couple either ignored them or didn't hear them.

Lana put her arms on Kevin's chest. "Oh, Kevin, I thought I'd never see you again. I knew you'd be strong and carry on the fight."

"Watching that warp zone close was the hardest thing I ever did." Kevin said. He put his hands on Lana's waist. "And this...is the easiest..."

And then he kissed her.

Lana curled her arms around Kevin's neck.

Kid Icarus and Duke smiled.

Samus placed her hands on her hips. Even though her helmet was hiding it, she was frowning.

GAME OVER

IMPA'S INFO (1 page)
By George Caragonne, Don Hudson, P. Zorito, Jade, Meridee Mandio

Appears in: The Legend of Zelda, Volume # 1, Issue # 2, June 1990

Link and Impa were standing in a great hallway in North Palace. On the walls hung many tapestries.

"Aww...do I have to do this, Impa?" Link asked. "I want to go fight some battles!"

"Pay attention, Link!" Impa said. "I can teach you much from these, the Tapestries of Wisdom!" She knelt down and pointed at a tapestry that depicted a battle. "Many brave warriors have fought the forces of evil in Hyrule!"

Everyone knows that! Link thought. He wasn't looking at the tapestries. He drew his sword.

Impa placed her hands on the tapestry. "But they failed to build up their levels of attack, life, and magic before facing the ultimate evil!"

Link was no longer paying attention to what Impa was saying. He was swinging his sword around. Link the Mighty is surrounded by legions of bad guys! Ah-ha! Take that, villains! And that!

"That is why their quests were doomed!" Impa went on, not realizing that Link wasn't listening to her. "You, Link, must plan your every move! Act with the greatest care!"

Link does not hesitate...he cuts through enemy lines! Link sliced the tapestry Impa was looking at with his sword.

The tapestry fell down and covered Impa.

Link turned and ran off. "Thanks for the tips, Impa! Look out, Ganon, here I come!"

"On the other hand...perhaps experience is the best teacher." Impa sighed.

GAME OVER

THE ITEM (1 page)
By Bill Vallely, Mark McClellan, Bob Layton, Dan Panosian, Ken Lopez, Meridee Mandio

Appears in: Captain N: The Game Master, Volume # 1, Issue # 2, June 1990
The Best of the Nintendo Comics System, Month(?) 1990
Adventures of the Super Mario Bros., Volume # 1, Issue # 8, September 1991

"Merchant One approaching Planet Zebes for landing. Requesting clearance."

"In Mother Brain's name, has your mission been accomplished? Have you obtained...the item?"

"The 'item' is intact...of course. You think we'd show our faces here without it?"

"Good point! Emergency, top-priority clearance is granted. And you better rush--Mother Brain wants delivery of your payload immediately!"

A bunch of crew members were gathered around a huge crate in the cargo hold on their ship.

"Why the rush? What is this thing, anyway?" one crew member asked.

"Must be valuable, to get all this attention. Pure gold, perhaps...or maybe a weapon to destroy all outer space!" another crew member suggested.

On the planet...

"Where is it? I've been waiting for days!!!" Mother Brain yelled.

"I'm sure this can take care of your difficulties, Honored Mother Brain." a crew member told her. "Just a moment more to unwrap..."

The crate was opened. A huge, weird contraption was inside.

"Gosh, I love getting facials." Mother Brain said with a grin.

The crew members were shocked!

GAME OVER

JUST A DOG (10 pages)
By Chris Henderson, Mike Chen, Bob Layton, Jade, The Gradations

Appears in: Captain N: The Game Master, Volume # 1, Issue # 2, June 1990
Adventures of the Super Mario Bros., Volume # 1, Issue # 9, October 1991

Kevin, Kid Icarus, and Duke were a distance from the Palace of Power as the sun was setting. They were a few feet off the road, on the grass. Duke was lying down on the ground, and Kevin was kneeling to his right, his right hand placed on Duke's head.

"Poor Duke." Kevin said. "You caught a doozy of a cold when you fell into that river back there."

"Arf-choo!" Duke sneezed.

"Dogs aren't very bright-a-cus, are they, Captain N?" Kid Icarus asked.

Kevin stood up. "We were in a hurry, Kid Icarus, and that dirt slide caught us by surprise - it could've dumped any of us into the river."

"Not me." Kid Icarus flew into the air, grinning. "I can fly!!"

"Arf." Duke said.

They started moving along the path.

"Yeah, but Duke can't. That means we've got to walk back to the Palace of Power - slowly - to report to the Princess."

"Sigh. I suppose it doesn't matter." Kid Icarus said. "We didn't find anything, anyway."

"Ah...ah...ahhh..." Duke began.

"We hear about a large army heading toward the Palace, and what does it amount to?" Kid Icarus asked. Nothing! Just rumors!"

"Ahh..." Duke continued.

"I'm sure the Princess won't be sorry." Kevin said.

"Maybe not. But I am." Kid Icarus said.

Kevin leaned against a tree. "Why's that?"

Kid Icarus started swinging his fists at the air. "I want to run into that fat King Hippo so I can puuch out his light-a-cus!"

"Ah...ahh...choo"

Duke's sneeze sent Kid Icarus spinning.

"Yeeipes!"

Ha haaa." Kevin laughed.

Kid Icarus fell to the ground.

"I think King Hippo might be a little out of your league."

Kid Icarus grinned, pulling out an arrow. "No way-a-cus! One boxing glove arrow is all it would take. Really!"

Kevin knelt down. "I'd better carry you, Duke. You're looking worse with every step."

Kid Icarus frowned, placing his hands on his hips.

Suddenly, they heard noises all around them, startling them.

"Huh?" Kevin asked.

"What was that?" Kid Icarus asked.

"Something behind the wall." Kevin said. "Can you check it out, Kid?"

Kid Icarus flew up and looked over the wall. "Oh, no-a-cus!"

"What is it?" Kevin asked. He climbed up the wall.

"The Eggplant Wizard!" Kid Icarus said. "But who are those guys with him?"

"Shh...maybe we'll find out."

The Eggplant Wizard was surrounded by soldiers wearing gold and red. Their faces were covered by masks.

"Let me repeat our instructions." one of the soldiers said. "Wait until dark...storm the Palace of Power...kidnap the Princess Lana...bring her to Mother Brain..."

"...which leaves Videoland in the clutches of evil. Hee-hee! Lovely!" the Eggplant Wizard said with an evil grin. "Are you sure you can do it?"

"What do you think?" the soldier asked, indicating his numerous soldiers.

The Eggplant Wizard grinned happily when he saw all of them.

Kevin and Kid Icarus fell back down to the ground.

"I think we're in trouble." Kevin said.

"It's almost sundown now. What'll we do, Captain N?" Kid Icarus asked.

Kevin thought for a moment. "If I create a diversion, could you fly out of here to warn the Palace?"

"Gulp." Kid Icarus said in fear. "And what happens to you, Captain N?"

"Sniffle..." Duke said.

Kevin and Kid Icarus stood up.

Kevin pointed at some trees. "I'll get them to chase me, and head for those trees. After you're safe, I'll come back to pick up Duke."

"Yeah, that'll work...I think..."

Duke was trying desperately to hold in another sneeze.

Kevin drew his Zapper and began to run away. "No, Duke - you're sick. Stay here while we trick these guys."

Kid Icarus took off as well. "Yeah. Besides what could you do? You're just a dog."

"Ah...ahh...arf-chhoooooo"

"Uh-oh." Kid Icarus said as both he and Kevin were shaken by the sneeze.

Kevin's Zapper even fell from his hand.

"What was that?!" the soldier asked.

The Eggplant Wizard suddenly felt uneasy.

"Let's get out of here!" Kid Icarus yelled.

"I can't get away if I carry Duke, but I can't leave him behind!" Kevin yelled. "And if we don't stop these guys here and now, they'll get Princess Lana!"

"So what'll we do-a-cus?"

"Ah...I think it's time for a new plan." Kevin said.

Kevin and Kid Icarus went up over the wall.

Kevin started firing at the army. "I favor the straight-forward approach!"

Kid Icarus fired an arrow. "We're outnumbered, but this oil arrow may help even the stakes..."

"Woops!" one soldier yelled.

"Woah!" another yelled.

The two of them slipped and fell over the puddle of oil that was created by the arrow.

"Sorry - but that's oil, folks!" Kevin punned as he continued firing.

"Choppin' celery! It's Captain N! Get him!" Eggplant Wizard cried in panic as vegetables were created by his wand.

"Get me yourself, parmesan head." Kevin said.

The potatoes Kevin was zapping were turning into fries, and the apples he was zapping were turning into apple pies.

Kevin jumped and zapped. "He's up...he flies...he blips bad guys!!"

"Try this on for size-a-cus!" Kid Icarus said, readying an arrow as Kevin landed.

The lead soldier grabbed the arrow. "Get them both--now!"

"Oop." Kid Icarus said.

"I hate to say it, Kid..." Kevin began.

"I know...we need another plan." Kid Icarus said as the two of them backed up against the wall, surrounded by the soldiers.

"Take them!!" the lead soldier yelled.

Kevin and Kid Icarus struggled as a bunch of soldiers held them in place.

"Wrong plan again." Kevin commented.

"Oh, goody!! We did it. We did it!!" the Eggplant Wizard commented, an evil grin on his face. "We have Captain N and his bird-brained friend. We've won!!"

Suddenly, Kevin noticed Duke walking through a hole in the wall behind the Eggplant Wizard. "Duke?" he whispered.

"Put them in chains." the lead soldier said.

"Run, Duke!" Kevin whispered. "Get away from here."

"Better make that handcuffs and ropes and..." the Eggplant Wizard said.

"You're sick, Duke - you can't fight!" Kevin yelled as Duke approached.

"Ggrrrr" Duke growled.

"Then we'll put them in the dungeon..." the Eggplant Wizard went on.

"Please Duke - !" Kevin yelled.

The soldiers turned and saw Duke.

"Oh, no...it's..." one soldier said.

"It's..." another said.

The Eggplant Wizard turned. "Huh? It's? It's what?"

The lead soldier pointed. "It's a dog!!"

"So?" Eggplant Wizard asked.

The lead soldier removed his helmet, revealing that he was a cat. "You said no dogs!" He took out a scroll. "Our contract says no dogs!"

"Ah...ahhh..." Duke began.

All the soldiers ran away in terror.

"He's only a little dog." Eggplant Wizard said. "And sick! Even I can handle one little sick dog!"

"arf-ChoO." Duke sneezed.

"But of course you can, Eggplant Wizard."

He turned around, angry. "Who dares speak thus to the mighty Eggplant......wizard? Eeep."

Kevin and Kid Icarus were standing with Duke.

"You were saying-a-cus?" Kid asked.

"Hee-hee, um, ahh...bye!" Eggplant Wizard ran off.

Kevin knelt down and petted Duke. "Thanks, Duke, ol' buddy." He looked at Kid. "Sooo...'just a dog,' huh?"

Kid smiled. "Who said that? Not me-a-cus."

Duke started licking Kid Icarus.

"Hey! ack! ack--cut it out."

"Hah!" Kevin said. "I think he's feeling better!"

"Woof" Duke said.

GAME OVER

Untitled - The Legend of Zelda prologue (2 pages)
By George Caragonne, Ken Penders, P. Zorito, Jade, Christiaan

Appears in: Nintendo Comics System, Volume # 1, Issue # 1, April 1990
The Legend of Zelda, Volume # 1, Issue # 1, May 1990
The Legend of Zelda, Volume # 1, Issue # 2, July 1990
The Best of the Nintendo Comics System, Month(?) 1990

A long time ago...

in the kingdom of Hyrule, a legend was handed down from generation to generation...

the legend of the three Triforces, each one possessing great mystic energy. One for wisdom, one for power, and one for courage.

Then, one dark day, an evil army led by the Prince of Darkness, Ganon, attacked Hyrule and stole the Triforce of Power.

Zelda, the Princess of Hyrule, managed to save the Triforce of Wisdom, knowing that if Ganon ever possessed the Triforces of Wisdom and Power, he would rule the land forever.

The third Triforce, Courage, remained hidden for a reason. Only a mighty hero, possessing special powers and a strong character, would be able to discover it.

Zelda sent her loyal nursemaid Impa to find this hero...

...however, Zelda didn't get quite what she expected.

Impa found this hero. A young adventurer named Link who had come to Hyrule in search of excitement, fame and romance.

He would find all three and he would carry the Triforce of Courage in his heart.

...but as Link too would soon discover...

things in Hyrule don't go quite the way you expect.

And thus the legend ends and the adventure begins...

GAME OVER

THE LEGENDARY ZELDA (1 page)
By George Caragonne, Ken Penders, P. Zorito, Kingman Huie

Appears in: The Legend of Zelda, Volume # 1, Issue # 3, July 1990

Firstborn and only child of Hyrakian, the King of Hyrule, Princess Zelda was raised by her nursemaid Impa and trained at an early age to assume the the duties of a Princess.

Though still in her teens, Zelda already runs many affairs of the kingdom. Because of her wisdom and kindness, Zelda is beloved by her subjects.

Zelda is every inch a Princess, well versed in royal protocol...

She is also a legendary warrior, whose skill with the bow is second to none.

But Zelda's greatest potential is in the ways of magic. Though still only a student sorceress, she has already learned many powerful spells and grows stronger each day. No wonder she is feared by the enemies of Hyrule!

GAME OVER

THE MASTER MACHINE (10 pages)
By George Caragonne, Dennis Woodyard, Jan Harpes, Jade, Kingman Huie

Appears in: Nintendo Comics System, Volume # 1, Issue # 2, July 1990
Super Mario Bros., Volume # 1, Issue # 4, May 1991

Kevin Keene was the hottest power player on Earth! Now he's a hero in a world where video games like Metroid, Donkey Kong, Punch-Out!! and Kid Icarus are reality! The world is Videoland, where Kevin Keene is known as...

Captain N: The Game Master

In the massive central power core, heart of the Palace of Power and the greatest source of energy in Videoland.

Kevin and Lana were standing in the room, facing a huge computer system.

"Well, Captain, what do you think?" Lana asked.

"This unit is the Master Computer System of the Palace of Power." the computer stated. "The three prime directives of this unit: 1) Serve the allies of justice. 2) Protect the Palace. 3) Destroy all enemies."

"The M.C.S is the most powerful computer in Videoland." Lana told Kevin. "Now that it controls all the Palace's defense systems, we'll never have to worry about the Mother Brain's sneak attacks again!"

"I don't like putting my life in the hands of a machine, Princess." Kevin told her.

"But, the M.C.S. is really just the ultimate game computer." Lana explained, placing her left hand on his back. "I thought you loved game computers."

"I like them when I control them--not when they're running things. Besides, you don't need that thing to protect you while I'm around."

Seconds later, at the front gate of the Palace.

"Why, Kevin! You're jealous!" Lana said with amusement.

Kevin looked up at the sky. "Hmf. Looks like a storm's coming."

At that moment, on the roof of the great Palace tower...

"Lightning! They don't pay us enough."

"They don't pay us anything. We're robots. Besides, we're insulated! What's a little lightning?"

But this is no ordinary lightning bolt! It is a sinister electrical force that travels through the Palace walls...directly to the central power core...

...and deep inside the memory banks of the Master Computer...

and once there, it goes to work...

The result--a new and deadly change in programming for the Master Computer System!

Outside the Palace, Lana and Kevin watched as a tornado approached.

"That black cloud--!" Lana yelled. "It's coming this way...fast!"

"I've got a bad feeling about this, Lana..." Kevin said.

Just then, a bunch of bad guys came out of the tornado and charged at the two heroes.

"Check it out!" Kevin yelled. "The creeps from Punch Out, Metroid, and Kid Icarus' worlds are here to take their shot at us!"

Back inside the Palace...

"Intruder alert! Intruder alert!" the M.C.S. stated. "Multiple enemies at perimeter. Authorization: Prime Directive 2--Palace defenses activated."

"A force field stopped them! The MCS activated the Palace defenses!" Lana smiled. "You see, Captain? That computer you don't trust just saved us!" She placed her hands over a scanner. "Master Computer! Open the front door."

"Scanning identity." the computer stated. "Warning! Intruder identified as enemy! Capture Warp Zone activated!"

A warp zone opened. Chords wrapped around Lana's wrists and pulled her into it.

"What?!!" Lana yelled in surprise. "Kevin! Help!"

Kevin jumped to reach her. "Princess!"

He wasn't fast enough, though. The warp closed.

Kevin placed his left hand over the scanner.

"Scanning identity. Identified. Captain N--ally. Directive 1--how may this unit serve you?"

"What's going on!?!" Kevin yelled. "What have you done with her?"

Inside the Palace.

Lana was placed on a table.

"Intruder is now prisoner." the M.C.S. stated. "Prisoner rendered unconscious by stun gas."

"Ohh..." Lana sighed before she was knocked out.

"Prisoner is identified as Mother Brain most dangerous enemy. Primary threat response required."

A laser cannon began charging up. It was aimed at Lana's head.

"Have you flipped your circuit board?" Kevin asked, his face being displayed on the computer's monitor. "You've got Princess Lana not Mother Brain!"

"Error is not possible in this unit." the M.C.S. stated. "Authorization: Prime Directive 3. Prisoner will be destroyed in sixty seconds."

"No!" Kevin yelled. The computer is going to destroy Lana! But it's also the only thing keeping Mother Brain's bully boys from destroying the Palace! There's no way to stop it in time! Unless...Lana said it's built like a video game...maybe it thinks like a video game! "Computer! You said error was impossible. Right?"

"That is correct. Prisoner will be destroyed in thirty seconds."

"Well, check this out!" Kevin fired at the Palace's gate with his Zapper and blasted a hole in it.

"You have attacked the Palace." the computer said in surprise. "You were identified as Captain N--ally! How is this possible?"

"Sounds like you made an error!" Kevin said with a grin, pointing his left index finger towards the camera. "What if you made another error when you identified the prisoner? What if you destroy the wrong person?"

"Error is not acceptable." the computer said. "But, prisoner is still identified as primary enemy--Mother Brain. Prisoner will be destroyed in ten seconds...nine seconds...eight seconds..."

"Prisoner termination in four seconds...three seconds..."

"But you captured the prisoner easily!" Kevin yelled. "Hey, what if your defenses can't stop me from reaching the central power core! Then I'd be the primary enemy. Wouldn't I?"

"Wouldn't I?!?" Kevin demanded, the monitor filled with the image of his face.

"Prisoner destruct sequence paused." the M.C.S. stated.

"Your statement is logical. This unit will not destroy prisoner if you are able to reach central power core. Maxumum level defenses will used. You have fifteen minutes. You may begin."

Kevin ran into the Palace. "I knew it! No matter how different they are, all video games think alike! They present a challenge for humans to beat!" Now all I have to do is get past every level in the Palace of Power. With every thing in the Palace trying to destroy me. No problemo! "Workmen robots? C'mon, computer! You can do better than this!" Kevin said, zapping them.

In the huge hangar level of the Palace, Cap evades vicious vehicles remotely controlled by the Master Computer.

And in the spacious Palace kitchen, Cap faces angry appliances, forks of fury, and killer cookware!

Meanwhile, the malevolent Mother Brain has joined her army, laying siege to the Palace!

"I think I've waited long enough!" Mother Brain said. "Thanks to my lightning bolt reprogramming the Master Computer, all I had to do was sit back relax, and let my greatest enemy by destroyed by her own defenses! Without the Princess to unite the heroes of Videoland, I'll destroy them one by one! And since the Palace computer still thinks I'm Princess Lana, perhaps I'll just pass through the force field, shut down the computer, and let my army inside!"

At that moment...Captain N has reached the central power core...

My fifteen minutes are almost up! If I don't destroy the Master Computer, it'll zap Lana! But if I do destroy it, Mother Brain's army will overrun the Palace! I sure hope this works! Kevin plugged a chord into his Zapper and jumped down to the computer. "Okay, you mixed up mound of megabytes, the party's over!"

"Intruder alert!" the computer yelled.

Kevin aimed his Zapper. "This Zapper is plugged directly into the central power core, making it the most powerful handgun in Videoland and could easily blow your chips clean off your circuit board...so...ask yourself...why don't I fire?"

"This unit has attempted to destroy you. Sensors indicate that you now possess sufficient power to destroy this unit. Insufficent data. Why do you not destroy this unit?"

Kevin lowered his Zapper. "Because I'm not the enemy and neither is the girl! Your programming is in error."

Suddenly, Kevin's Zapper was knocked out of his hand by an electrical blast.

"Yow!" Kevin turned around. "There's your enemy! That's Mother Brain!"

"Don't listen to him Master Computer!" Mother Brain yelled. "Zap him! Destroy him! I'm the beautiful Princess Lana!"

"Memory banks identify you as Princess Lana--ally......and prisoner as Mother Brain--"

"You reprogrammed the MCS!" Kevin yelled at Mother Brain. "You set this up! Computer! If Tall, Wet, and Ugly over here isn't an enemy...then she won't mind turning over her weapons!"

"Put down my...weapons?" Mother Brain asked, confused. Then she got it. "Why, of course! I'll be delighted to turn over my weapons." Mother Brain dropped a ton of weapons on the floor.

"Is that all?" Kevin asked. "You must be traveling light today."

"Sucker! I don't need a weapon--I've got brain power!" Mother Brain fired at the M.C.S.

"Skree!" the M.C.S. yelled. "Overload! Over--rrrr."

Mother Brain faced Kevin. "I've destroyed the Master Computer once and for all! Without it to control the Palace defenses, nothing can stop--"

"Hey don't have a cow, babe!" Kevin said. "Pause!" Kevin pressed the Pause button on his Power Pad. "And while Mother Brain is frozen in time, it's time out for a little re-programming of mine!"

After the Pause has expired...

"...me from taking...over?" Mother Brain asked.

The laser cannon that was previously pointed at Lana was now pointed at Mother Brain, and it was charging up, making a humming sound. Another laser cannon was also pointed at her, and five workmen robots were by her, three of them holding weapons.

Kevin was standing on the machine he had jumped off of earlier. He was holding his Zapper again, and it was still plugged into the central power core. "I'm in control of the Palace defenses now! I think you're in trouble!"

Mother Brain zoomed out of the Palace. "Retreat!!"

Kevin walked over to Lana and placed his hands on her arms. "Princess! Are you okay? Lana! Wake up!"

Lana remained still.

"Hmmm. She's a Princess, I'm the hero. Guess there's only one thing to do..." Kevin kissed Lana on the lips.

Lana sat up. She placed her left hand on the side of her head, dizzy. "Kevin! What happened?"

Kevin sat down next to her and twirled his Zapper. "Let's just say there are some things that shouldn't be left to machines!"

GAME OVER

METROID (1 page)
By George Caragonne, Mickey Ritter, Jan Harpes, Jade

Appears in: Nintendo Comics System, Volume # 1, Issue # 2, July 1990
The Best of the Nintendo Comics System, Month(?) 1990
Adventures of the Super Mario Bros., Volume # 1, Issue # 6, July 1991

The asteroid known as Metroid was built by intergalactic pirates, known as the Planteers of Krom. They designed it as a mobile attack base to strike other worlds, far beyond their home planet, Zebes.

Metroid's metallic surface conceals a huge array of deadly weapons, all maintained and patrolled by monstrous creatures bent on galactic domination!

Metroid normally floats in space above Videoland. But, with its powerful megastar drive engines, it can be moved anywhere in the universe.

Metroid's deadliest threat, however, lies deep inside the asteroid. Here, within the endless secret corridors, dwells the smartest, most fearsome foe of all...Mother Brain!

Mother Brain completely controls Metroid, by her genius ability to program every electrical circuit to do her bidding! But, she is also dependent on Metroid; she needs the asteroid's supply of Zebetite for power.

That's why Metroid itself is the key weapon in Mother Brain's tireless struggle to conquer Videoland!

MONEY CHANGES EVERYTHING (10 pages)
By George Caragonne, Ross Andru, Bob Layton, Jade, J. Jackson, The Gradations

Appears in: Captain N: The Game Master, Volume # 1, Issue # 1, May 1990
The Best of the Nintendo Comics System, Month(?) 1990

Deep inside the fortress planet of Zebes...Captain N, Princess Lana and Kid Icarus are about to run into trouble!

Kevin, Lana, and Kid Icarus were standing on a cliff. Suddenly, someone wearing a space suit with armor jumped down behind them.

Unless trouble runs into them first.

The being pointed the arm cannon on its right hand. "Move!"

Startled, Kevin, Lana, and Kid Icarus got out of the way. The figure in the space suit blasted three creatures that were flying at them.

"You are fortunate I was nearby." the figure said. "Zebes is no place for weaklings."

Kevin drew his Zapper. "Thanks for the tip! But as long as I've got my super Power Pad and Zapper handy..." He pressed a button on his Power Pad and started jumping high in the air, over the person, shooting more of the creatures. "do you mind if I polish off the ones behind us?"

"Hmmm, well done!" the person said, impressed, once Kevin landed. "I am Samus Aran."

"The space hunter! I know!" Kevin said. "I'm Captain N! I've played you hundreds of times!"

"?" Samus questioned in confusion.

Lana watched as Kevin and Samus talked with each other, her arms crossed over her chest.

"Gosh-a-cus, Princess Lana!" Kid Icarus said. "Samus is super-duper-a-cus!"

"Well...Samus is a veteran of many impossible missions!" Lana told him. "Samus is a super-powered cyborg! Samus is the greatest space hunter in the Galactic Federation!"

Samus took off the helmet, revealing beautiful, long, flowing, straight, blonde hair; a gorgeous face; and sparkling green eyes.

Lana put her right hand to her face in surprise. "Samus is a...woman?!?!"

Kevin grinned. "Whew! You sure are!"

Guided by his knowledge of the Metroid game, Captain N creates a path over the lethal waters of Brinstar using his Pause button to freeze the deadly wavers!

"What brings you to Mother Brain's fortress planet, Captain?" Samus asked as they made their way across the waters.

"Zeebetite!" Kevin replied. "The energy source Mother Brain needs to survive! A shipment is being transported to Metroid tonight!"

The four of them made their way to a gravulator and went to another level.

"If we can stop that shipment, she's finished!" Kevin explained. "With you on our side, Samus, we've got it made!"

"Not so fast, Captain." Samus said. "I am a bounty hunter. There is a million-credit price on Mother Brain's head..." She left the gravulator and blasted a door. "...and I intend to get it!"

"No!" Kevin yelled. "I've played this level! That's the door to the--!" He looked as Samus jumped through the hole. "--fire-sea of Norfair and a swarm of Gamets!"

"My arrows just bounce off-a-cus!" Kid Icarus yelled in frustration.

Kevin aimed his Zapper. "Samus! Don't move a muscle!"

Kevin rapidly fired his Zapper, killing all of the Gamets.

Once they were destroyed, Kevin, Lana, and Kid Icarus came through the hole to join Samus.

"Samus, are you all right?" Lana asked.

Samus took off her helmet and leaned against a wall. Her suit was sparking.