The Source of the Super-Skrull!

With some time to kill, Thor decides to indulge a cyclist who offers to show him how fast his motorcycle is. Thor decides to have some fun by spinning Mjolnir enough to make the motorcycle to take off like a helicopter, scaring the shit out of the cyclist who pleads with the thunder god to get them back down on the ground. Finished being a dick for the day, Thor decides it is time to return to his mortal guise of Donald Blake, since you know he probably has some patients he should look after.

Meanwhile, in the furthest reaches of space, Loki is still in exile and plotting to get revenge against Thor.[1] Casting his gaze across the universe, he tries to find a suitable for to pit against the thunder god. He finds the Super-Skrull, who has been stuck on space patrol since he was defeated at the hands of the Fantastic Four.[2] Loki uses a quick mental push to convince the Super-Skrull that he can regain his honor by defeating Thor in battle so that he and the Skrull empire can later conquer Asgard.

Arriving on Earth, the Super-Skrull uses his Human Torch powers to terrorize people on the street while making demands for Thor to come out and face him. Seeing this from his office window, Don Blake changes into Thor and attacks the Super-Skrull. Throwing his hammer, Thor creates a vortex around the Super-Skrull to snuff out his flames. The Skrull then utilizes the strength of the Thing to meet Thor with brute strength.

Meanwhile, in fabled Asgard, Odin has summoned Balder the Brave. He tells Balder that the Enchanters have resurfaced in the realm of Ringsfjord and tells him to go investigate. However, he warns Balder that although he is mostly invincible, the Enchanters do have the power to kill him.[3] Sif insists on tagging along and scoffs when Balder says it is too dangerous. Ultimately, it is up to Odin to make the decision and he decrees that Sif be allowed to go. As they ride off for Ringsfjord, Balder finds himself envious for Thor for having won the love of such a courageous spirit.

Back on Earth, the battle between Thor and the Super-Skrull rages on. By this time, the Skrull has switched the powers of the Thing for those of Mister Fantastic. When this fails, he tries those of the Invisible Girl before going back to using the powers of the Human Torch. Thor then summons a powerful storm and after beating the alien invader into submission uses Mjolnir to channel anti-force energy to eject the Skrull from Earth. Retreating back to his ship, the Super-Skrull then retreats from Earth with his tail between his legs. Thor suspects that the alien wasn’t his true foe. While somewhere in deep space, Loki curses that Thor has foiled his plans again and begins thinking over his next scheme against his half-brother.

Recurring Characters

Thor, Super-Skrull, Loki, Odin, Sif, Balder

Continuity Notes

1. Loki has been in exile since his failed attempt to conquer Asgard with the Absorbing Man. See Journey into Mystery #120-123.

2. The Super-Skrull was previously defeated by the FF in Fantastic Four #18.

3. As detailed in Journey into Mystery #106-107, Balder’s kindly nature has resulted in Odin making him invulnerable to harm. His only weakness — other than the Enchanters apparently — is mistletoe.

Topical References

• Loki states here that the Super-Skrull’s battle with the Fantastic Four happened years ago. This should be considered topical as it denotes the length of time between the publication of Fantastic Four #18 and this issue. According to the Sliding Timescale of Earth-616, it’s been about a year in universe.

We, Who Are About to Die…!

Thor and the Warriors Three have invaded Zanadu to free Hogun’s people from the tyranny of Mogul. In response, the evil wizard has forced the thief named Alibar to lead his demon riders to face the heroes even though they will destroy everyone in their path. To announce their approach, Mogul also has his minions fire mortar cannons that lay waste to the huts that lay in the path of his armies. Deciding that this isn’t enough, Mogul then summons Suliburg to bring him a bottle carrying the deadly spotted plague. After toying with unleashing the deadly plague in his own palace, Mogul then flies off on his magic carpet, intending to use it against his foes should they survive the coming battle.

Meanwhile, Thor and the Warriors Three have just finished off the last of Mogul’s regular guard. That’s when he sees the demon riders heading their way. Leading the charge is Alibar. This enrages Hogun because he is carrying the battle standard that belongs to his people.

Recurring Characters

Thor, Warriors Three (Fandral, Hogun, Volstagg), Mogul, Alibar, Suliburg