Whom the Gods Would Destroy!

This story continues from Journey into Mystery #125…

Jealous that Jane Foster was spending time with Hercules, Thor has challenged the Olympian demigod to a duel by combat. Hercules is more than willing to test his mace against Thor’s hammer.

As this battle rages, the people of Asgard are recovering after Thor’s rampage against Odin. The All-Father seeks to punish his son for disobeying him. When Balder tries to plead mercy on behalf of his friend, Odin refuses to listen and turns his attention to the battle raging on Earth.

Thor and Hercules continue to battle on the street and the pair quickly discover that they are evenly matched. Their battle shatters the street causing them to fall onto a passing subway train below. They continue to fight on until the subway train stops at the next station. The pair then tumble into a neighborhood that is slated for demolition as part of an urban renewal project. There, the pair can fight at their full fury without fear of harming any mortals. The battle then continues in earnest with no clear winner in sight.

Back in Asgard, Odin wishes to punish his son for disobeying him but cannot think of anything That’s when one of his advisors, Seidring the Merciless, suggests that Odin half Thor’s power so that he is defeated by Hercules. Odin likes this idea but cannot bring himself to do it himself and so he passes the Odin Power to Seidring to carry out the punishment for him.

On Earth, Thor immediately realizes what’s going on when his power begins to diminish in battle.[1] He is staggered when Hercules tosses a building on him and moments later, he is barely able to lift a heavy piece of construction equipment over his head. Thinking that Thor has grown tired through natural means, Hercules easily defeats him in hand-to-hand combat. A crowd of people soon show up, including members of the press, who marvel over Hercules and his victory over Thor. Among those is a talent agent who once again offers Hercules an acting gig in Hollywood.[2] Hercules likes the idea of becoming a movie star and agrees to accompany the man to California.

Once the crowd is gone, Jane Foster rushes to Thor’s side as he is pulling himself from the ground. She tells him that she only spent time with Hercules to make him jealous and assures the thunder god that she loves only him. However, Thor cannot bring himself to be loved by a woman after suffering a humiliating defeat. This is a matter of pride for Thor, who refuses to hear anything Jane has to say, thinking it is nothing but sympathy. Odin, feeling bad for his son, telepathically contacts Jane Foster and admits that he is ashamed and remorseful for what has happened and tells her to be there for his son.

Recurring Characters

Thor, Hercules, Jane Foster, Odin, Balder, Heimdall, Seidring

Continuity Notes

1. Thor remembers when Odin reduced his power in the past. This was in Journey into Mystery #101-102.

2. This talent scout first offered Hercules an acting gig in Journey into Mystery #125.

Topical References

• Members of the press have cameras with flash bulbs and video cameras that record on reels of film.

Summons!

This story continues from Journey into Mystery #125…

Loki has been kidnapped by Queen Ula, ruler of the flying trolls. Thor arrives to reclaim his step-brother. However, Ula refuses to let Loki go unless Thor promises to remain and be her king. Thor refuses and prepares for battle when, suddenly, Ula and her warriors are blasted with a jolt of anti-energy. Grabbing his brother and fleeing, Thor figures that the only person responsible would have been their father, Odin, who must want them to return to Asgard.

On the nearby Odinship, Volstagg orders the crew to row faster as they prepare a rescue mission to save Thor and Loki from the flying trolls. That’s when Thor and Loki arrive unharmed. Their return is celebrated by the others and soon they are contacted by Odin. Through a projected image, Odin tells them that their mission has ended and that they are to return home to Asgard.

Recurring Characters

Thor, Warriors Three (Fandral, Hogun, Volstagg), Queen Ula, Odin, Loki, Magrat, Kroda, Balder