… And if Men are Gods…

The alien assassin known as Stellaris — who has a major hate on for anything regarding the Celestials — has attacked Hercules at the apartment he shares with Eric Masterson, the mortal who has been merged with Thor. Herc quickly knocks Stellaris back outside with a single punch and flees with Kevin for someplace saft to stash the boy. This feat of strength gives away the fact that “Harry Cleese” is actually Hercules, something that Kevin has suspected for some time now.

Hercules tries to lose Stellaris in a crowd, by the alien is able to lock in on the Celestial energies tied to him and opens fire. Luckily, Captain America arrives on the scene and blocks the energy blast with his indestructible shield. Moments later the other Avengers — Thor, Quasar, Sersi, and She-Hulk — arrive on the scene. Thor wants a chance to fight Stellaris one-on-one after they murdered the Celestial Replicoid and sends the other Avengers to deal with bystanders while the pair brawls on the street. In order to contain the battle, Quasar uses his quantum bands to erect a dome around them.

As the battle rages on Eric Masterson’s assistant Susan Austin and his lawyer Samantha Joyce meet with his ex-wife, Marcy Steele and her lawyers to discuss the on going custody dispute over Kevin.[1] Eric is still a no show, leading Susan to fear that he will lose custody.

Back at the scene of the battle, Thor pummels Stellaris so much that he manages to crack their helmet. Getting a look at his opponent’s true face, Thor is surprised to see that Stellaris is a woman. She also reveals that her simplistic way of talking earlier in their battle was another deception to fool her opponents into under estimating her. Defeated by the thunder god, Stellaris activates an implosion device that will destroy the entire planet unless Thor lets her go. The thunder god has no choice but to oblige and as Stellaris takes off for outer space, she vows that they will meet again somewhere in the Black Galaxy. With the battle over, Captain America offers the Avengers assistance in tracking Stellaris down. Thor declines the offer, saying what happens next is only for the gods. The thunderer then takes off before Kevin can have a chance to talk to him.

This is so Thor can change back to Eric Masterson, who returns to the scene of the battle to make sure Kevin is safe and sound. With Thor needing to travel into space and the constant threats to Kevin’s safety, Eric makes the hardest decision of his life. When he finally arrives at the lawyers office, he tells everyone that he is going to stop fighting Marcy and allow her to take full custody of Kevin. This comes as a shock to both Susan and Samantha. Soon, Eric is back at home helping Kevin pack up his things. It is a very emotional moment and the two will miss each other very much. Kevin doesn’t want to go, but his father insists that this is what’s best for him. When Marcy comes to pick the boy up, she tells Eric that he can visit Kevin whenever he wants, saying that her goals weren’t to separate the boy from his father. After they are gone, Susan breaks down into tears and when Eric doesn’t say anything she storms out of the apartment. With the women gone, Eric allows himself to break down as well as Hercules hugs him tightly.

Recurring Characters

Thor, Eric Masterson, Avengers (Captain America, Hercules, Sersi, She-Hulk, Quasar), Stellaris, Kevin Masterson, Susan Austin, Samantha Joyce, Marcy Steele

Continuity Notes

1. Marcy has been fighting for full custody of her son since Thor #392.

When Winter Comes, it Kills!

After hearing reports of a massive creature terrorizing the Frost Giants of Jotuneheim, the Warriors Three are dispatched by Odin to investigate. When they arrive at the Crack of Doom, they discover a humanoid form did indeed emerge from the ground and froze a group of Frost Giants in huge blocks of ice. Searching the trail for clues to this monster’s whereabouts, Volstagg manages to stumble into the creature. They are surprised to discover that it is the ice giant known as Ymir, who vows that his return will usher in the end of all life on Asgard.[1]

Meanwhile, back in Asgard, Odin senses that it is Ymir that has been freed and screams in agony. Faithful Heimdall rushes to the All-Father’s side and asks what is the matter. Odin explains that the truth has finally be revealed to him and now is the time for him to reveal the truth about the Endless Circle!

Recurring Characters

Warriors Three (Fandral, Hogun, Volstag), Odin (possessed by Surtur), Heimdall, Utand, Ymir

Continuity Notes

1. Ymir was freed in Thor #419 for the purpose of battling Surtur the fire demon who is currently possessing Odin. The intent is to bring about Ragnarok, as we’ll see in issue #425.