Ratchet & Clank: Issue 3: Lost and Spaced is the third issue of the Ratchet & Clank comic series. It was released on November 16, 2010. After escaping the Vartax Detention Facility, Ratchet and Clank arrive at the Apogee Space Station to regroup. There, they uncover more about Artemis Zogg's schemes and Captain Qwark's connection to his rise to villainy.
Plot[]
In a flashback, Captain Qwark meets Artemis Zogg, then a defense minister, who requests Qwark’s endorsement. Zogg introduces the Helios Project by showing blueprints, which piques Qwark's interest.
In the present, Ratchet and Clank arrive at the Apogee Space Station, where they meet Talwyn Apogee, Cronk, and Zephyr. Talwyn explains that her station is now a command post for the galactic government. During a briefing, Sasha Phyronix scolds Qwark for failing to prevent Zogg from stealing half the universe, a failure that recalls his past incompetence. When Talwyn introduces Ratchet to Sasha, she is unaware they have already met. Nervous about his involvement in the Helios Project, Qwark tries to slip away, but Clank mentions Zogg's interest in the project. This prompts Qwark to recount how Zogg formally introduced him to the project (as seen in another flashback).
Sasha orders the Galactic Ranger Squadron Echo-Three-Bravo to prepare an EMP pulse to disable Zogg's ship. Meanwhile, Talwyn and Ratchet discuss the crisis. Talwyn reveals that a search party was sent after Zogg following his failed election. She inquires about Ratchet’s connection to Sasha, but it’s unclear if he answers. The EMP is fired, but Zogg escapes with the planet Fastoon, evading their efforts.
A flashback shows Qwark’s agent, Cyrus, persuading Qwark to announce his presidential run during the event where he was supposed to endorse Zogg, fueling tension between the two.
Sasha later informs the group that Zogg could have relocated Fastoon anywhere in the universe. Talwyn delivers more bad news: President Phyronix has lost contact during a goodwill mission to Polaris. The scene shifts to Phyronix, who is being held captive on Zaurik by Zogg. Zogg explains his plan, dismissing Phyronix’s accusations of tyranny and comparisons to Percival Tachyon and Dr. Nefarious. Zogg coldly offers Phyronix the position of vice president, but Phyronix refuses.
Reflecting on his motivations, Zogg recalls his bitterness over losing the presidential election. A flashback reveals how he became unhinged after Qwark terminated the Helios Project for being too dangerous, citing the Tachyon incident. Determined to continue the project, Zogg and Mr. Klink stole it, setting the stage for his rise as a villain.
In the present, Zogg delivers an ultimatum: if Ratchet and Clank do not surrender, he will use the Helios device to shut down the artificial sunlight on Veldin, destroying the planet and all life on it. Ratchet and Clank are faced with an impossible choice—sacrificing their freedom or saving millions of lives.