Arion Lord of Atlantis 1982 - Newsstand #20

Arion #20: "The Devil's Bargain"

After the grueling trials of the last few issues, Arion is physically and magically spent. However, a new threat arises that he cannot defeat in his weakened state, leading to a desperate decision.

Plot Highlights:

• The Antagonist: Ghy: Arion encounters Ghy, a chaotic and manipulative entity who offers to restore Arion's waning magical powers—but at a steep, soul-binding price.
• The Moral Dilemma: Unlike his brother Garn Daanuth, who takes power by force, Ghy asks Arion to willingly surrender a piece of his humanity. Arion’s struggle with this "bargain" highlights the recurring theme of the series: the corruption inherent in absolute power.
• Lady Chian’s Disapproval: Chian acts as the moral anchor in this issue. She sees the danger in Arion’s desperation, leading to a rare moment of friction between the two heroes.
• The Return of the Beast-Men: The sub-plot involving the primitive Beast-Men of the Atlantean outlands comes to a head, providing the physical action to balance out the metaphysical "bargaining."