As Defender Zik and Tanaka return to the beach landing zone, the Temerity approaches in the distance. Tanaka remarks that he and Zik make a good team, having already been through three death-defying adventures together! Zik heartily agrees, and again offers Tanaka a place aboard the Temerity. Tanaka accepts! Welcome aboard!!

But what did the insidious Dr. Wagner mean when he mentioned curing all the sleeping people? It’s a mystery for another day, because it’s time to wrap up this epic adventure through the time tunnel!

That’s right, Defenders, we’ve reached the end of this episode! We’ll be back shortly for an all-new adventure with your favorite space hero Defender Zik!

As the crew of the Temerity coasts over the savage landscape of planet Hypnos, Francisco notices a strange lack of readings nearby, like a shadow on his monitor. Zik decides that’s as good a place to start a close-up investigation as any, and spots a small valley to land in.

After landing, the crew gets ready to head outside. Francisco declines to join the away team, because he wants to follow up on his investigation of the debris field following the planet as it hurtles between the stars. He’s noticed a strong similarity between the debris and parts of the planet that are at higher elevations, and wants to confirm his suspicions.

A foursome comprising Mizhakwan, Trent, Amelia and Zik descends the ramp and steps onto the surface of the mysterious world. Amelia and Zik are struck by a landscape bearing the scars of some mighty cataclysm. Intrigued by Francisco’s line of reasoning, Zik suggests setting out for a spot where two types of terrain seem to intersect.

However, Mizhakwan is getting some strong feelings about the planet, and the shadows on the scans that brought the crew here to begin with. Zik goes along with the suggestion, because they can always check out the geology on the way back, right?

Sandstorms are somewhat frequent on this desolate planet. That’s why everyone’s wearing robes with hoods; it’s just easier to keep all that dust out. We’re about to go and visit someone new for a couple of weeks, but we’ll check back in to see what Zik is up to soon!

There is the squalor in which the prisoners are kept. At least today the smoke is drifting away from the camp and not onto it. And look at all those rows of graves. Life is tough if you’re a Zernabian slave!

So that’s kind of a Star Wars reference… I’m not sure if it’s too subtle, though.

Actually, it is kind of a plane. Looks like Zik’s descent hasn’t gone unnoticed by the locals! I wonder if they’re friendly?

And here is the title page for the first episode of Zik! Thanks for coming along for the ride so far! Stay tuned because things are about to heat up for our intrepid hero!

And yes, this page is an homage to Calvin and Hobbes. Spaceman Spiff is definitely a major influence on this comic.