The Fall of Asgard!

When a gang of crooks attempts to hold up a delivery truck they quickly discover that it is a police sting. Worse, Thor has teamed up with the police. The crooks are quickly rounded up, some of them surprised to learn that Thor is real and not some fairy tale.

Meanwhile, in Asgard, Balder and the Warriors Three have recovered from their recent injuries and are now leaving the realm of Karnilla, the Norn Queen.[1] Balder pauses long enough to convince Karnilla to make peace with Asgard. Karnilla refuses and since the warrior won’t return her love she orders him out of her kingdom as she has no need for him. After they are gone, Karnilla’s assistant — the old crown named Haag — mocks the queen for her love of an Asgardian.

As Balder and the Warriors Three head back to the kingdom of Asgard they come upon a war party of Mountain Giants, trolls, gnomes, and demons that are heading to Asgard. Leading them is none other than the god of mischief himself, Loki.

While back on Earth, Thor returns to the practice he runs as Doctor Donald Blake and spots Sif on the roof. Glad to see his beloved, the two share an embrace before Sif warns him of Loki’s invading armies back home. Worse, Odin has entered the Odinsleep and is vulnerable to attack. Without a moment to lose, Thor begins spinning Mjolnir to create a vortex to send him back to Asgard. They both appear on the Bifrost Bridge where an army has already been formed to counter the invading forces. Thor then leads the army into battle and begins defending the walls of the kingdom from the siege. However, despite Thor’s best efforts, Loki’s forces manage to breach the walls. While everyone is occupied repelling the invaders, Loki sneaks away to where Odin lays sleeping.

Forcing his way past the guards, Loki uses his authority as the son of Odin to order the guards to stand down. The only one who refuses to comply is Sif and she is subdued on Loki’s orders. With all opposition out of the way, Loki takes what he came for Odin’s imperial ring.

Outside, Thor and the Warriors Three continue to repel the invaders when, suddenly, horns blow ordering an end to the battle. That’s when Loki emerges from the palace and announces that he now rules Asgard as he now wears the imperial ring of Odin. Thor refuses to recognize Loki’s authorities but when he orders his armies to fight back against Loki, none dare raise their hand against him because he wears the ring. Thor is prepared to fight alone, but the Warriors Three hold him back, saying that to continue fighting will be lunacy. With no other choice, Thor is forced to bow to Loki. Having achieved his ultimate goal, Loki announces that this is just the beginning of his reign and evil will soon flourish all over the world.

Recurring Characters

Thor, Loki, Warriors Three (Fandral, Hogun, Volstagg), Balder, Sif, Karnilla, Haag, Odin

Continuity Notes

1. Balder and the Warriors Three were injured during their battle with the Thermal Man in Thor #170.