This World Renounced!

For allowing himself to succumb to the warrior’s madness, Thor throws himself at the mercy of his father, Odin. Odin decrees that Thor will go on a voyage to learn the secret origins of Galactus, a task that could take ages to complete. When Sif protests this, Balder reminds her that the All-Father’s word is law. However, Balder decides he must flee to Earth to defend it in Thor’s absence. Sif once again tries to petition Odin to not send Thor off to find Galactus, but this falls on deaf ears.

Meanwhile, Balder’s journey to Earth is being observed by Karnilla, Queen of the Norns and her allies Haag and Loki. Karnilla wishes to make Balder her consort and had Haag create a doll out of clay which will allow her to control Balder. However, before Haag can use it, Loki snatches the doll from her hands. Loki then swats the doll as hard as he can. This causes Balder to suffer a powerful blow to the head, making him collapse to the ground upon arrival on Earth. People on the street rush to Balder’s aid while an ambulance is called.

While back in Asgard, Thor agrees to his punishment but asks permission to tie up loose ends on Earth while the final preparations are made. Odin decides to grand his son this favor and teleports Thor back to Earth. There, the thunder god goes to a nearby hospital where he learns that Balder has been admitted as a patient following his injury.[1] Overhearing how his alter-ego is needed, Thor goes to the roof to change back into Donald Blake. However, after he has reverted to his mortal guise, Blake is ambushed by Loki who has come to steal his walking stick — thus seizing control of Mjolnir as well. Don tries to fight back, but he is no match for Loki in his mortal form. However, before Loki can escape, Odin appears before them and orders Loki to give back Blake’s walking stick or else he will be sent to find Galactus in Thor’s place. Fearing for his life, Loki surrenders the walking stick and flees, vowing to get revenge some other time.

As Odin’s aides track Galactus in deep space, Don Blake goes to work providing his medical skills to perform surgery on Balder. With the surgery a success, Blake immedately leaves so he can begin his mission as Thor.

Recurring Characters

Thor, Loki, Odin, Sif, Balder, Heimdall, Karnilla, Haag, Galactus

Continuity Notes

1. One of the doctors mentions how Don Blake previously performed surgery on Sif. That happened in Thor #153.