THE CONCEPT: Lord Shirak, with the power of his ancient gem, is the ruler of the known world. All live in fear of this brutal tyrant, and it is rumored that he is indestructible and has lived for over four-hundred years. The people of his kingdom have come to live with the fact that he may never be defeated. THIS ISSUE: Reaper is the deadliest assassin in all the land. His price is high, but his blade is unmatched and worth twice the cost. For reasons unknown, a mysterious figure has hired Reaper to assassinate Lord Shirak so that he may rule. Dark forces are at work here as Reaper becomes a pawn in a game that could very well mean the end of all life as we know it.