Thor #242
When the Servitor Commands!
The Egyptian death god Seth has been defeated and Thor, Odin, and Jane Foster return to Earth through the pyramid that has surfaced in the middle of California. When the military is at a loss as to how to deal with the massive construct, Thor uses Mjolnir to teleport it away. With that out of the way, Thor pleads with Odin to return to Asgard as his long absence has brought a dangerous melancholy across the land.[1] Odin, however, is unhappy to see Thor with Jane Foster again, even after he forbade it.[2] Before Thor can explain the situation, Odin exiles him on Earth. Before leaving, Odin then bids farewell to Judy, the woman he befriended during his time in California.
Thor, apparently unphased by his current exile, returns to New York with Jane. Hearing people moving around inside Jane’s apartment, Thor leaps in through the window and is surprised that the Warriors Three have come to Earth seeking new adventures with their best friend. Jane welcomes the trio of Asgardians into her home and as she goes to get refreshments when suddenly a massive robotic hand comes crashing in through the wall and grabs her.
This robot, called the Servitor, has come seeking to recruit Thor for its master and has grabbed Jane to force him to comply. However, Thor and the Warriors Three refuse to surrender and attack the giant robot. In the ensuing struggle, Thor manages to pry the Servitor’s fingers open to free Jane. Although she is taken to safety, the Foster woman refuses to stand on the sidelines and has to be held back by Volstagg. The battle rages on until Thor, Fandral, and Hogun knock the robot off its feet. Before the battle can carry on any longer, it is interrupted when the Servitor’s master arrives. It turns out to be Thor’s old foe, Zarrko the Tomorrow Man, who has come to seek Thor’s aid, telling the thunder god that they must stop a threat that will destroy the whole world.[3]
Recurring Characters
Thor, Zarrko the Tomorrow Man, Jane Foster, Warriors Three (Fandral Hogun, Volstagg), Odin, Servitor
Continuity Notes
Odin has been away from Asgard since Thor #233 to go on walkabout as a mortal to learn humility.
Thor had been in love with Jane Foster dating back to Journey into Mystery #83. After being refused the right to marry a mortal, Thor got the chance to do so as long as Jane passed a test to prove she was worthy to be a goddess in Thor #136. She failed and Thor forbade the two to remain together. More recently, Thor was reconnected with Jane in Thor #231, only to learn that she was dying. Sif merged herself with Jane in order to save her life in Thor #236.
A footnote here reminds readers of Zarrko’s past appearances in Journey into Mystery #86, 101-102, and Marvel Team-Up #9-11. Zarrko’s future actually exists in another reality. All-New Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe #12 identifies it as Reality-6297.
Topical References
The original twin towers of the World Trade Center are seen as part of the New York City skyline in this story. This is a topical reference.
Real-world products: Pepsi
