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| Publisher |
Marvel |
| Published | March 1976 |
A PAST GONE MAD! The mystical being known as the Dark Rider has orchestrated events during the Salem Witch Trials of 1692. The Rider intends to draw out Doctor Doom for the purpose of stealing his magical energies. Doom’s arrival wins the praises and loyalty of Cotton Mather, an unwitting dupe of the Dark Rider. Unimpressed with Mather's insane ramblings, Doctor Doom knocks Cotton Mather aside. The Dark Rider recounts the events that lead to the birth of Doctor Doom. Spider-Man and Vision then attempt to attack their foe. In response, the Dark Rider uses his powers to make a cat grow in size. The pair struggle with the massive feline until it is blasted by a hex bolt from the Scarlet Witch, causing the cat to return to normal. The expendature of mystical energy all go to feed the Dark Rider who grows in size. Meanwhile, not far away in the town of Salem, John Proctor and his followers are being brought to trial as they have been accused of being witches. Before the judge, Proctor swears that he is not a witch, but the young girls who accused him begin raving like they are being hexed by him. These claims are validated when the image of sirens appear over the court. Regarldess of Proctor's insistances that he is not a witch, he and his people are found guilty and ordered to hang. While back in the forest, the battle rages on. As Doctor Doom continues to fight off the Dark Rider. His efforts only serves to increase his foe's power. As Spider-Man and the Vision watch on, the Scarlet Witch realizes that she must help Doctor Doom in order to stop their common foe. During their opening salvo, the Dark Rider is able to fight off both the Vision and Spider-Man. The Scarlet Witch manages to stun the Rider with a hex bolt. However, he soon breaks free and incapacitates Doom and the Witch, leaving none to stand in his way.
