Journey to the Golden Star!

After fruitlessly searching for his friend, Thor has just learned that Balder has reappeared at Avengers Mansion. He arrives hoping that Balder can tell him what has become of Sif, but unfortunately, Balder has been driven mad. Thor, the Warriors Three, Hildegard, Tana Nile, and Silas Grant try to make sense of his insane ramblings but all they can determine is that something has threatened fabled Asgard. Although they have been living in exile for some time now, Thor and his allies agree to go and find out what has happened.[1] Before they make the journey, Volstagg volunteers to stay behind to watch Balder. When the others teleport away, Volstagg lets his guard down and visibly shows signs of fear.

When Thor and his allies arrive on the Bifrost Bridge, they discover that Heimdall is missing. Worse, the entire kingdom appears to be deserted. It’s here that Hildegard is ambushed by a lizard-creature, which she quickly throws against the wall. Although Thor wants to question the creature, the throw proves fatal and the creature disintegrates. They are then confronted by Sssthgar and his army of lizard-men.[2] Sssthgar states that he and his people mean no harm and have been stranded on Asgard. Inviting Thor to talk things over drinks, the lizard-man explains what happened to the people of Asgard, and why they are here.

Sssthgar explains that his people come from a world that where they evolved from primitive lizards. Much of their history and advancements apparently mirrored that of Earth’s own history. During an era akin to the American Revolution era, the lizard-people were invaded by an highly advanced insectoid race called the Vrellnexians who captured Sssthgar’s people to sell off as slaves. Not long after this, the Vrellnexians targeted Asgard. Sssthgar explains that Odin led his warriors into battle but they were no match for the alien’s advanced weapons. While the Asgardians were being captured as slaves, Sssthgar and his people managed ot escape but ended up stranded on Asgard.

Believing this story, Thor decides to mount a rescue mission to save Odin and the others. Sssthgar also offers himself and his men to join on as he wishes to get revenge against the Vrellnexians. Taking an Asgardian sailing ship, they travel the thousands of lightyears to a world called the Golden Star. It is here that hey Vrellnexians put their captors on the auction block where they are sold to the highest bidder. When they enter the auction hall, Thor is angered by the sight of Odin in chains and leads the charge. Although Odin warns his son to stop fighting, they soon defeat the Vrellnexians and those bidding on Odin. In the aftermath of the battle they are surrounded by Sssthgar and his men, who reveal that they were actually business partners with the Vrellnexians until they had a falling out. Now, thanks to the Asgardians, they can take over the business operation for themselves.

Recurring Characters

Thor, Warriors Three (Fandral, Hogun, Volstagg), Balder, Hildegarde, Silas Grant, Tana Nile, Odin, Heimdall, Sssthgar,

Continuity Notes

1. Thor and his allies have been exiled on Earth since Thor #203. Sif has been missing after going off to help Karnilla find Balder in issue #207. What happened to Sif isn’t revealed until issue #215.

2. Sssthgar’s people are not identified by name here. Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe #10 identifies this race as the Sssth. This same source identifies their homeworld as Sszardil.