Thor Croaks

Asgard

The people of Asgard have gathered for the althing to determine who will rule the kingdom following the passing of Odin.[1] As the people gather, the Warriors Three worry why Thor hasn’t returned from Midgard after returning the souls they saved from Hela’s domain.[2] When Beta Ray Bill arrives, he tells them that Thor was supposed to be there already, leaving them to believe that perhaps the dimensional gulf between Asgard and Earth is delaying his journey.[3]

New York

Little does anyone suspect that Thor has been magically transformed into a frog. Needing to get back home to Asgard, Thor heads to Avengers Mansion to get help. Sneaking inside, Thor knocks over a tin of sugar in the kitchen and writes a message asking for help. Unfortunately, the people who come to investigate are the Avengers butler Jarvis, and young Franklin Richards.[3] Seeing the massive bullfrog in his kitchen, Jarvis shoos it back outside and sweeps up the spilled sugar before he can see the message.

Back outside, Thor is attacked is chased into Central Park by a sewer rat. Regaining his wits, the god of thunder refuses to be forced into fleeing from vermin and stands his ground. Fighting back against the rat, Thor discovers that he is stronger than the average frog. The battle is witnessed by another frog named Puddlegulp who is impressed with Thor’s battle prowess. He explains that the frogs of Central Park have been terrorized by the city’s rat population and asks for his help. Although Thor needs to return to human form and get back to Asgard, he agrees to head back to the frog’s home and hear out their situation.

Asgard

Volstagg’s children have been playing outside the kingdom when they come across Surtur’s Twilight Sword. Discovering that someone has hidden it with a cloaking spell and is draining energy from the device, Hildy suspects Loki is responsible and suggests they all head back into the city to warn Heimdall.

New York

Thor and Puddlegulp head back to the Central Park reservoir when they encounter King Glutwart and his men fighting off more rats. Although Thor and Puddlegulp come to their rescue, the king is mortally wounded in the battle. His dying wish is that the powerful Thor help defend their kingdom as the rats intend to spill rat poison in the water supply. Since this would be a threat to both the frogs in Central Park and the human population, Thor agrees to do what he can to help.

They return to the frog’s home where they tell Princess Greensong and the others what happened. Everyone is frightened and one frog, Bugeye, suggests they sacrifice the new comer to the rats and save themselves. Needing allies in the coming war, Thor learns of reports of dragons that live in the sewers below the park and decides to head out to try and recruit them to the cause. On his way out, Thor comes upon a group of rats and leaps into battle.

Asgard

With everyone gathered in the great hall, the althing begins with Frigga officiating the event by putting Odin’s Scepter of Power on display for all to see. The first person to speak is Loki, who suggests that the Grand Thane be chosen to oversee the selection of Asgard’s next ruler.

As the arrangements are being made, Heimdall is forced to admit that Loki chose right when selecting the Grand Thane to oversee the event. However, this does little to convince him that Loki isn’t responsible for keeping Thor away. His suspicions are confirmed when Hildy arrives and tells him about the Twilight Sword. With Balder away from the kingdom, Heimdall has to come up with a plan to thwart Loki’s aspirations for the throne.[5]

When the meeting is resumed, the sons of Odin are called to the stage. While Loki arrives first he is shocked when Thor also appears when summoned.[6]

New York

Thor has dragged the dead rats into the sewers to feed to the “dragons” that reside down there. Once he arrives he discovers that the “dragons” are actually alligators. The massive reptiles live with a Morlock named the Piper who controls them with the music played from his flute. Spotting the massive frog dragging dead rats in his mouth catches the Piper’s interest and he commands the gators to capture it.

Recurring Characters

Thor, Loki, Frigga, Sif, Heimdall, Warriors Three (Fandral, Hogun, Volstagg), Beta Ray Bill, Harokin, Puddlegulp, Edwin Jarvis, Franklin Richards, Hildy, Grand Thane, Piper, Ratso, Southside, Toothgnasher, Toothgrinder

Continuity Notes

1. Odin seemingly perished in the Surtur War circa Thor #350-353. He actually survived and will turn up alive again in Thor #398-400.

2. These souls were taken by Hela after their bodies were hijacked by Dark Elves circa Thor #345-348. Thor lead an army of warriors to liberate these souls in issues #360-362. They were delivered last issue and what people don’t know is that Thor was turned into a frog soon after.

3. Traveling between dimensions has become difficult after the Bifrost Bridge was destroyed by Surtur in Thor #352. The bridge eventually gets restored in Thor #426.

4. Frankling Richards has been staying at Avengers Mansion since the Fantastic Four’s headquarters was destroyed by Kristoff Vernard in Fantastic Four #278.

5. This story takes place while Balder is off fighting the Frost Giants. See Balder the Brave #1-4.

6. This is not Thor, but Harokin in disguise, as we’ll learn next issue. As detailed back in Thor #129-133, Thor and Harokin look nearly identical.