What Price Victory?

Eric Masterson has been manipulated by the Enchantress, leading to a battle between him and Thor. In the ensuing melee, Sif is injured throwing Thor into a fit of rage. The two also fight over possession of Mjolnir which both men can wield. Their battle then spills over into the city of Asgard proper, just as the Enchantress arrives to watch her handiwork.[1] As the battle rages on, Balder arrives and revives Sif and tells her what’s going on.

Meanwhile, Thor and Masterson end up crashing into a tavern where tempers are already heated. Their battle then kicks off a massive bar brawl. Present are the Warriors Three who try to push through the mob to try and break things up between their friend and his mortal companion. Thor knows why Masterson is attacking him — because he has feelings for Sif — pointing out that they both shared a mind and body and thus, Thor knows all Eric’s deepest secrets.[2]

Balder and Sif soon arrive and join the Warriors Three who wonder why Odin hasn’t stepped in to stop this brawl from continuing any longer. Balder informs them that the All-Father had just left for Nidavellir to craft a brand new weapon that will apparently resolve this conflict. At that same moment, Odin and Eitri are putting the finishing touches on the brand new weapon they have created. However, Odin wants to add one final touch by inscribing a message on this new enchanted weapon.

Back at the scene of the battle, Thor now agrees with his father that it was a mistake bestowing Mjolnir upon Eric Masterson. This enrages Eric who is tired with dealing with arrogance from the Asgardians, especially Thor. He lashes into the thunder god with a flurry of blows and words. He points out that he did a pretty good job as god of thunder while Thor was banished and while Thor may be a god, Eric is proud to be just a man. Thor understands all the sacrifices that Eric has made on his behalf. Eric admits that even though he wants to kill Thor in this moment, he’d do everything all over again if he could. Thor knows this and believes it is a pity that only one of them can wield this hammer.

As Odin arrives on the scene, he stands back and watches to see what happened next. As the two men continue their struggle, Thor manages to force Mjolnir down and tap it on the ground, causing a massive jolt of lightning that knocks the two men away. This manages to break the Enchantress’ spell and as the two men recover Sif and the others rush to Thor’s side. Eric believes this is just as well as Thor proven himself the one worthy of both the hammer and the woman he loves. He decides to slink away just as the 60 second enchantment on Mjolnir causes him to revert back to his mortal guise. To Odin, this was the resolution he was hoping for. A short time later, it is time for Eric Masterson to be returned home. Before he leaves, Sif comes to speak to him in private. She admits that she did grow to care about him over time, she insists to him that she has always loved Thor, even back when she was a child and it is he that she is destined to be with. Eric understands, figuring he couldn’t measure up against an Asgardian god. However, when Sif turns to leave it is to cover up the fact that she is crying over his departure.

Soon, Thor returns Eric to New York City and the two part on good terms. Before leaving, Thor has a parting gift for his friend: A walking stick that looks identical to the one that Mjolnir turns into when not being used. With that, Thor takes off in the air and Eric hopes that Thor is happy with whatever comes his way next. Eric thinks that he now should tell the Avengers that they’re going to be short a member for now on. That’s when he gets a crazy idea and tries tapping the walking stick on the ground. Suddenly, Eric is transformed into his Thor identity once again. However, this time he is holding a different weapon, not a hammer but a mace. On it is inscribed the message “The world still needs heroes” and the word Thunderstrike. The intended message is loud and clear, Thor wants Eric to carry on his career as a hero and he vows not to let the thunder god down.

Recurring Characters

Thor, Thor (Masterson), Enchantress, Sif, Balder, Heimdall, Warriors Three (Fandral, Hogun, Volstagg), Arko, Etiri, Odin

Continuity Notes

1. Amora enthralled Eric Masterson and made him attack Thor as part of a revenge scheme to get back at Heimdall for wanting a monogamous relationship. He is striking at Thor to ruin his relationship with Heimdall’s sister Sif. She plotted this scheme over the last two issues.

2. Thor and Masterson were bonded together back in Thor #408. When Thor was banished into Eric’s subconscious in Thor #423, he was a mute witness to everything Eric did. Particularly the time Eric and Sif shared a kiss when they were in Hell together fighting Mephisto in Thor #453.

Supplementary Material

This issue closes with a number of pin-ups of characters prominently featured during Tom DeFalco’s run. They include:

• A preview pin-up of Eric Masterson in his new identity as a plug for Thunderstrike #1.

• The roster of Code: Blue including Marcus Stone, Margarita “Rigger” Ruiz, Julius “Mad Dog” Rossitano, Daniel “Fireworks” Feldstein, Andrew “Jock” Jackson, Samuel “Mother” Majowski, and their commanding officer Captain Shelly Conklin

• Another pin-up featuring various Asgardians including Odin, the Grand Vizier, Heimdall, Karnilla, Balder, the Enchantress, the Warriors Three, and Arko

• A feature on the women in Eric Masterson’s life including the Enchantress, Sif, Karnilla, Stellaris, Samantha Joyce, Jackie Lukus, Marcy Steele, and Susan Austin

• Lastly a pin up of Loki imprisoned in Mephisto’s domain.