Thor #322
The Wraith and the Power!
The animalistic Menagerie has taken possession of a number of mortals. Having defeated their former master Rimthursar, Thor had hoped that the spell would be broken. Unfortunately, this has not worked and while the Menagerie are happy to maintain their physical bodies, Thor reminds them that this has come at the expense of the mortals whose bodies they possess — that of Don Blake’s colleague Shawna Lynde, Nurse Stevens, a patient named Thorne Kirby, and two movers. With no other choice, Thor decides to get his father’s help even though mortals are forbidden in Asgard.
However, Odin is otherwise pre-occupied as there is a war going on between two enemy tribes in the forests near the kingdom. He is reluctant to get involved because one of the factions is ruled by Queen Jolena, a former lover. Any involvement could be viewed as infidelity toward Odin’s wife Frigga and cause more strife in the kingdom.
Meanwhile, Thor arrives at the Bifrost Bridge with the Minagerie. Once again, Heimdall refuses to allow the Menagerie through as they are possessing the bodies of mortals. Thor is willing to battle Heimdall to get through and deciding that a fight would be pointless, the guardian of the rainbow bridge allows Thor and the Menagerie pass.
They quickly join Odin from his camp overlooking the battle. At first, Odin is furious that his son has brought mortals to Asgard but realizes that Thor had no choice. Unable to do anything about the Menagerie until the battle below is dealt with, Thor decides to help his father with his dilemma. With the Menagerie’s help, Thor learns that the conflict between Jolena and the forces of Uthar are being instigated by a trio seeking to benefit from the war by sowing dissent. They then sneak into each camp and kidnap both Jolena and Uthar and expose the conspirators plot against them.
With the conspirators captured the conflict comes to a quick end. In thanks for his son’s assistance, Odin uses his power to separate the Menagerie from their human hosts. He then erases all memory of this incident so Thor can return the mortals to Midgard without issue. Setting them up in his office in Chicago, Thor reverts back to Don Blake and is pleased that everyone does not remember their time possessed by the Menagerie.
Recurring Characters
Thor, Rimthursar, Odin, Balder, Jolena, Heimdall, Hermod, The Minagerie (Kyrie, Borna, Grult, Slithgarn, Fairgold), Shawna Lynde, Sleipnir
