Brilliant test pilot, Dan Dare, is chosen to fly the Anastasia - a new experimental spacecraft - on its maiden voyage to Venus. This isn't exploration - it is to make first contact with a mysterious civilisation that has sent technological secrets as a goodwill gesture. However, what Dan, Digby and Professor Peabody find on Venus isn't goodwill, but a terrifyingly intelligent, cold-hearted ruler, the Mekon. A creature destined to become Dan Dare's nemesis - and Earth's greatest threat...