Marvel: The Lost Generation Vol. 1 # 4
(nine of twelve)

November 2000

Cover: John Byrne (penciller, signed); Al Milgrom (inker, signed)

Story: "Lightning in the Day" (22 pages)

Credits: Bob Harras (editor-in-chief); Ralph Macchio (editor); Glynis Oliver (colorist); Jack Morelli (letterers); Al Milgrom (inker); John Byrne (penciller, co-plotter); Roger Stern (scripter, co-plotter)

Feature Characters: Effigy (Lieutenent Velmax), Vuhn (Chimera), Nightingale, Liberty Girl, Kid Justice, The Yankee Clipper (II), The Black Fox, Howler

Supporting Characters: Jacob Scott, Sam Matonabbe (Oxbow), Pixie, Dr. Cassandra Locke, Lee Harvey Oswald

Other Characters: Some Chipewyan Indians, Marina Oswald

November 21, 1963. At the secret base of the First Line Nightingale and Liberty Girl have a chat, Nightingale reveals she's had a premonition yet not a premonition. She goes on to say that it's a resonance of something yet t happen. Liberty Girl suggests they tell the boys and that they're in the gym.

In the gym, Kid Justice and The Yankee Clipper are being put through their paces by the Black Fox. Kid Justice complains that the Black Fox has modified the robot, the Black Fox says that the bad guys update their weaponry all the time and that they fight dirty.

Whilst the Black Fox is dealing with The Yankee Clipper, Kid Justice sneaks up on him - the Black Fox is ready and punches him on the nose. Kid Justice's pride is hurt and so he leaves. Liberty Girl and Nightingale arrive and Liberty Girl says Nightingale thinks there is trouble on the island.

In the Northwest Territories of Canada, at the Chipewyan Reservation, young Sam Matonabbe is getting teased by others for being a half-breed. He attacks them with a tree trunk, they run away and it's then that he notices Pixie. She introduces herself and says that she's been watching him for months - she picks him up and they fly away with her saying that she wants him to become her partner.

Back at the Headquarters of the First Line, Nightingale tells them that her premonition is that something terrible will happen within the next 24 hours in Dallas, Texas. Effigy says that the President will be visiting.

In Irving, Texas, Lee Harvey Oswald visits his wife Marina, he shouts at her and leaves. Meanwhile at an industrial park east of Dallas a Mr. Garrow visits the Headquarters of Winget Co. and meets its CEO Mr. Winget. Winget turns a device on Garrow and he transforms into Howler, Howler is confused as it's daylight and he can talk - usually he can only transform at night and loses the ability to speak.

Winget explains his device simulates moonlight and it improves Howlers concious control of his body. He then reveals that he is Chimera and transforms into a monstrous form. They form a partnership and that night break into Stark Industries.

Howler discovers it's a trap and the security guard is a dummy, it is then that he is attacked by Liberty Girl. Before any harm can come to her she is rescued by the Black Fox. The Yankee Clipper knocks out Howler with one punch. Whilst Chimera is escaping he encounters Liberty Girl and guts her, Nightingale tries to heal her.

Effigy follows Chimera and the two of the battle transforming into form after form until Chimera realises Effigy is Velmax. He is injured by Effigy who realises once Chimera has reverted to default Skrull form that he is in fact Zuhn.

Effigy reveals how he'd sealed Zuhn into a med-pod and changed into the form of Jacob Scott. He carried on by explaining how he'd taken Scott's life and how he'd joined the Federal Bureaucracy. Once he tracked down the ship he learnt the med-pod was destroyed and thought that Zuhn was dead. At this point Zuhn dies in his arms.

Just a few moments later Cassandra Locke turns up from the events of Issue #8. She finds the First Line again and meets the Yankee Clipper (who recognises her). As soon as the Yankee Clipper and Cassandra get too close to each other the proximity of the belts causes a temporal anomily and both Cassandra and the Yankee Clipper disappear in time.

Nightingale is in shock as she's learnt the future. Kid Justice is upset that Liberty Girl is dead and that his brother the Yankee Clipper has disappear. One the way home to their secret base Effigy remarks to the Black Fox that this will be all the press will talk about for weeks.

At that moment Lee Harvey Oswald enters the School Book Depository and destiny...