In 33,000 BCE, Neanderthal man experienced a sense of joy and harmony with nature and with the Green. However, Cro-Magnon man waged war against them in what is now known as South America.
Through the magic in a piece of amber passed down through generations (the Claw of Aelkhund), a Neanderthal shaman named Rheelai forged a chalice out of solid gold.
It is a vessel, which first appeared to my grandfather in a vision from the great tree Sarga. He found the ore necessary, and began its hollowing.
He then, through Sarga, passed his vision to my father, who shaped and smoothed it, continuing the design.
And now I, with their continued help, approach the completion of this shared dream.
And in that way, my people will live on.
As he was about to be murdered, Rheelai performed a short ceremony:
In this vessel which is now yours… I pour the spirits of my people…
Man’s dominion has begun… his reign of destruction and terror… an endless reenactment of this day.
In later times… he will search for the tranquility… that existed in this Neanderthal village…
Questing for a grail… that might release him from his pains.
The perfect vessel… sought by an imperfect race.
Even in man’s dawning hour… his blind aggression and ignorance… prevent him from realizing… his full potential.
In 30,000 BCE…
Bested by his prey while hunting, the man loses his temper when a pregnant woman tries to comfort him and he snaps…
He then hears a whispering voice, as if from the earth itself …
The woman’s spirit travelled into the underworld and emerged later as… to be continued…
Swamp Thing (vol. 2) #88
Sept. 1989 (8-1-89)
$1.50
“Survival of the Fittest”
24 pages
Writer: Douglas M. Wheeler
Artist: Thomas Yeates
Editor: Karen Berger
Wonder Woman (vol. 2) #1
Feb. 1987 (11-6-86)
$0.75
“The Princess & the Power”
32 pages
Writer: Greg Potter
Plotter/Penciller: George Perez
Inker: Bruce D. Patterson
Editor: Karen Berger
CODEX OMNIVERSA 