Thor #229
Where Darkness Dwells, Dwell I!
Soaring high above New York City, Thor drinks in the magic of the city below him. On the ground is Hercules, who sees a different picture of New York — one of sorrow and poverty. Suddenly, he hears a scream and follows it to an apartment in a nearby tenement building. There he witnesses a mugging in progress with a strange twist: the man being robbed is demanding the hoodlum kill him. Hearing Hercules’ approach the young man tries to flee but the prince of power easily catches him. When he goes to return the stolen money to its rightful owner. Back in the apartment he is horrified to see the owner turn on the gas on his stove in an attempt to blow himself up. Although Hercules tries to stop him but is too late.
The explosion draws Thor back to the scene and seeing the apartment on fire summons a storm to put out the flames. With the danger passed, the two gods are approached by Sargent Blumkenn who tells them that this has been another in a string of strange suicides. The first instance was a chemistry instructor named Theresa Mendell who immolated herself in front of her class. The second death was a construction worker named Moe Hartwell, who intentionally used a lit cigar to blow himself up with dynamite. Lastly, was a man who hijacked a plane leaving La Guardia in order to crash it. While they were officially deemed as accidents, but eyewitnesses all heard each victim say the same thing: wanting to give their lives in the name of some unidentified individual. Blumkin is stumped as to what is causing the issue but hopes Thor and Hercules will look into it for him.
Thor and Hercules then go into a nearby alley where the thunder god prays to Odin for guidance. Appearing before them, Odin says he cannot do anything to help but sends Sif down to Earth in order to assist them. The goddess is delighted to be reunited with her love. As the two Asgardians take to the air, Hercules searches for clues on the ground. As he walks the streets the prince of power feels like he is being followed. When he turns he trips to grab his pursuer only for them to melt away. He is them ambushed by his stalker who is shrouded in darkness. Suddenly, demons pop out of a nearby manhole cover and yanks Hercules down into the sewers as his attacked laughs.[1]
Meanwhile, Thor and Sif have arrived at Avengers Mansion where it is revealed that Krista has fully recovered and has been released from the hospital.[2] She thanks Thor for saving her life as Don Blake and just as she asks where Hercules is, the demigod comes crashing in through the door. Driven completely mad, Hercules whispers “Where darkness dwells, dwells I!” before passing out on the floor.
Recurring Characters
Thor, Dweller-in-Darkness, Odin, Sif, Krista, Hercules, Ralph Blumkenn
