Norman Osborn has a problem. Prison 42, the facility in the negative zone designed to hold imprisoned super-heroes and villains alike, has been overrun by Blastaar. He wants it back. He's ordered Taskmaster and Constrictor to use the Initiative to take it back.

Johnny Guitar was a small time hood, who was chosen to be part of the new 'Shadow Initiative' that will be sent to take back 42. But he's overheard Taskmaster and Constrictor talking, and he's aware that his group is nothing more than cannon-fodder to soften up Blastaar's forces. But sometimes even losers can win.