The Avengers have made a special visit to Tony Stark, who is in the hospital near death (Following the events of Iron Man #18) they are soon joined by fellow Avengers, Captain America and Thor. During their visit, the Wasp comes across a tiny figurine, which is actually one of Kang's Growing Men. The creature grows in size and battles the Avengers, capturing Tony Stark and transporting all involved away to a distant place. They soon find themselves in the 4000 A.D. throne room of Kang the Conqueror.

After a brief battle against Kang's guards, the Avengers are informed that Kang has enlisted their aid in helping him best a cosmic being known as the Grandmaster. Kang explains that he was visited by the Grandmaster who offers him the opportunity to restore his comatose lover, Ravonna, if he were to win a "chess" game which pits champions of Kang's choosing against those selected by the Grandmaster. However, should Kang loose, not only will Ravonna not be awakened, but the Earth would be doomed to oblivion.

The Avengers agree to helping Kang, on the condition that Tony Stark is returned to Earth, upon Stark's return (Whose story continues in Iron Man #19) the Grandmaster appears and selects Captain America, Goliath and Thor, who are to be joined by a fourth comrade on Earth to battle his champions: Hyperion, Nighthawk, Dr. Spectrum and the Whizzer.

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