"Dissembler at the Wedding"
Mantra Vol. 1 #9
March, 1994

Quote: "I feel like a fool. Pre-wedding plans mean I'm supposed to be buying beer, renting porno films and hiring hookers, not dressed up like Little Bo Peep." - Lukasz as Eden, having difficulty being a maid of honor

Credits: Mike W. Barr (writer); Terry Dodson (penciller); Andrew Pepoy (inker); Dave Lanphear (letterer); Tim Divar (color design); Family Fugue (interior color); Chris Ulm (editor)

Cover: Terry Dodson (penciller); Karl Kesel (inker); George Cox III (colorist)

Main Character: Mantra

Supporting Characters: Lila*, Jim*, Gus Sr., Evie, Gus, Uncle Moe*

Villains: Thanasi/Iron Knight*

Story

Eden's old friend, Lila, has dropped by for a surprise visit to announce her wedding. Mantra is reluctant to be maid of honor. After an embarrassing night at Lila's bachelorette party, Mantra has a dream in which she battles the Iron Knight, who turns out to be her former friend, Thanasi (Mantra #1). Relaxing outside after the wedding, Mantra is attacked, for real, by the Iron Knight. Despite inhabiting Gus Sr.'s body, Thanasi cannot fool Mantra, who realizes Thanasi can take over any body he chooses--his reward for betraying Archimage. Mantra user her magic to send Thanasi's soul into the crippled body of Jim's Uncle Moe, where he must stay untili the old man dies. Eden catches the bridal bouquet, then takes the kids back from a furious Gus Sr., who remembers nothing of their battle.

* Denotes First Appearance