X-O Manowar Part 35: X-O Manowar #19 (August, 1993)

Aric’s in Antarctica and faces an ultimatum by government agent Peter Garrett.

I have this issue.

Aric agrees to Garrett’s demand and gives up the X-O armor. He’s then taken prisoner, along with Orb Industries Security Chief Randy Carter, and is brought to the Amundsen-Scott Station located under a giant crater near the South Pole. Aric learns that the station’s primary goal is to study the explosion that causes the crater two years earlier, and after being led through a brief tour of the facilities, he and Randy are put in a cell awaiting the arrival of Colonel Gardner.

While they wait, Randy explains that Garrett is not to be trusted, and Aric tells her more about the Good-Skin and its control ring – which Aric still wears. After downloading all files related to the station Aric calls the Good-Skin to him, freeing them from their cell in the process.

Aric makes short work of Garrett’s troops and destroys most of the station before Garrett buries him under an avalanche.

Notes of Interest:

1) This issue takes place immediately after X-O Manowar #18.

2) Aric learns that Randy was…and may still be…an agent of the Canadian Secret Service.

3) It is clear that Aric cares for the Good-Skin, showing concern for its/her well-being.

4) We’re also reminded of how Aric responds to failing to honor one’s agreement with him.

WTF? Moment: Again with Aric and the cold. This isn’t the first (or second, or third) time Aric’s been in a cold environment with little or nothing to wear. Here, he at least has the wherewithal to grab a coat from one of Garrett’s fallen soldiers.Of course, he’s still pants-less and walking around barefoot in the snow…in Antarctica! Damn!