Arion Lord of Atlantis 1982 - Newsstand #34

The Plot: "Conclave"

As the title suggests, the story centers on the Council of Mages. After years of chaos, the ruling magical body of Atlantis convenes to decide the ultimate fate of the throne.

• The Political Tipping Point: With King D'Tilluh's stability in question, the mages are looking for a new leader. Arion, despite being the savior of the city multiple times, is viewed with suspicion because of his "radical" methods and his complicated lineage.
• The Return of the Past: Arion's spirit is put to the test as he has to defend his actions before his peers. It’s a very "talky" issue compared to the sea battles of #24, but the tension is high as the mages' decision could strip Arion of his official status in Atlantis forever.
• Mara’s Role: We see more of Mara in this issue, whose connection to the ancient "Darkworld" gods provides a chilling backdrop to the mages' debate. It’s clear that while the mages are arguing over laws, the actual world is moving toward a cosmic shift.