Appearing in "Doom"
Thor #337
Featured Characters:
- Thor (Dr. Don Blake)
- Beta Ray Bill (First appearance)
Supporting Characters:
Antagonists:
Other Characters:
- Helgi (Asgardian engaged in a forbidden Troll hunt with Lorelei)
- John (Kid playing frisbee in Grant Park)
- Dum Dum Dugan (Cameo)
- Rock Trolls
- Hela (Mentioned)
- Ymir (Invoked)
Races and Species:
Locations:
- Burning Galaxy (Main story and flashback)
- Korbin (Only in flashback)
- Earth
- Asgard
- Hel (Mentioned)
Items:
Vehicles:
- Skuttlebutt (First appearance)
- S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier
- S.H.I.E.L.D. Flying Car
Synopsis for "Doom"
Thor #337
In space, we see the core of an ancient galaxy explode. Amazingly, though, gigantic tongs grab the leftover starstuff, and an equally gigantic figure begins to mold it. In Grant Park in Chicago, Don Blake is out for a stroll, thinking about how sometimes he wishes he could set aside his godly heritage and be just a man, when he is struck in the back with a frisbee. Blake gives it back to John when he is grabbed by two men, who hustle him to a car and shove him in. Inside is Nick Fury, who tells Blake he needs his help, or more to the point, Thor's help. They arrive at the S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier where Sitwell gives a briefing about the trouble they have. Using an advanced warp driven probe, they have discovered an alien ship. As the ship passes by a star, it flared to life and was sucked in by the ship, refueling it. The ship is now headed towards Earth at several times the speed of light. Thor agrees to help and begins his journey. In Asgard, Sif arrives to find Volstagg with Balder feasting. Balder is morose after his sojourn in Hela's realm and has visibly gained weight. He has sworn to never fight again. Sif was wanting company since Thor has forsaken her for Earth, but she will not find it here. She goes to Heimdall and asks him to find her a battle to ease her emptiness, but he cannot help her either. In space, Thor has met up with the ship, and as he closes in on it, it's automated weapons open fire. Thor destroys the gun battery and rips his way through the hull. Inside, he finds a large figure encased in crystal, that suddenly breaks free. In Asgard, Loki is bored when he hears a noise. Outside, he sees warriors engaged in a forbidden Troll hunt. The Troll is hiding when it sees a beautiful woman offering to help hide it when she gets close, she grabs it and hoists it up. Lorelei has won the hunt. Loki invites her back to his castle and she agrees. Back aboard the ship, the gigantic alien tosses Thor aside and introduces himself as Beta Ray Bill. Bill believes Thor is some sort of demon that has been harassing his people and plans on killing him. As they battle back and forth, Thor has dropped Mjolnir. Thor knows he must stop them and begins trying to tear the ship apart. Skuttlebutt sets for Earth to set down for repairs while Bill attacks anew. But before Thor can do anything else, he changes back to Blake, and Bill is upon him fast. Bill forms a stasis egg around himself to survive the crash, and the unconscious form of Blake is inside as well. Nick Fury arrives at the ship's crash site just seconds after impact. Bill looks for Thor's hammer to use as a weapon but finds only a stick. He strikes a wall in frustration and is transformed into an alien version of Thor. Outside, Bill throws the hammer and destroys one of the S.H.I.E.L.D. vehicles, and catches Mjolnir when it returns to him. Astonishingly, Bill is worthy! He is about to strike again when the skies open up, and an image of Odin appears. He mistakes Bill for Thor and takes him to Asgard. Nick Fury and S.H.I.E.L.D. start to move in, when Blake crawls out of Skuttlebutt, and realizes what has happened. The alien was worthy enough to wield Mjolnir, and Blake is stuck on Earth as a mortal.
Appearing in "A Fool and His Hammer..."
Thor #338
Featured Characters:
Supporting Characters:
- S.H.I.E.L.D.
- Beta Ray Bill
- Odin
- Sif
- Volstagg
- Balder
- Agnar (First appearance)
Antagonists:
Other Characters:
- Hugin
- Munin
- Korbinites (Only in flashback)
- Hrothgar (Mentioned)
Races and Species:
Locations:
- Burning Galaxy (Only in flashback)
- Korbin (Only in flashback)
- Asgard
- City of Asgard
- Hlidskjalf
- Skartheim (First appearance)
- Vanaheim (Mentioned)
Items:
Vehicles:
Synopsis for "A Fool and His Hammer..."
Thor #338
In space, we see the starstuff being forged. Back on Earth, Blake realizes that his father has left him and he is no longer Thor. Nick Fury finds him and tells him about Odin taking the alien to Asgard mistakenly. In Asgard, they are happy to see the warrior bearing Mjolnir until they realize that it's not Thor. Odin tells Beta Ray Bill that he wants answers and wants to know where his son is. Bill hurls Mjolnir at Odin, saying that he won it in combat. Odin simply grabs it out of the air and prevents it from returning to Bill. Odin senses that Bill is telling the truth when he states that he won it in fair combat. Odin encases Bill in a vessel of ethereal force until he can discern the truth. Odin looks to Earth and sees Blake there and transports him to Asgard, transforming him to Thor at the same time. Odin frees Bill, and Bill sees that they are not demons and agrees to talk with them. All three go to Hlidskjalf, and they tell Bill that none but they have ever lifted Mjolnir and they ask him for his tale. Elsewhere, Sif is strolling through the garden when she hears a familiar voice She turns the corner and sees Thor and Lorelei lying together kissing. Sif storms up and strikes them both to the ground, then storms off telling them they deserve each other. Lorelei tells him that if she knew it was that dangerous, she might not have taken part in the jest. Thor morphs into Loki and tells her that Sif will leave and that she will succeed where her sister, the Enchantress, has always failed. Back on Hlidskjalf, Bill tells them that his people lived in the heart of a galaxy, an ancient and noble race. Recently, though, the core of their galaxy exploded, destroying most of their civilization, and the survivors were forced to flee. Bill was chosen by their leaders to be their guardian and was merged with a bio-engineered hybrid of their fiercest predator. Thus was created a warrior of surpassing skill and strength. He was then given the warship Skuttlebutt, which became his companion and friend. Since they did not have enough food for all of the people, they were locked into cold sleep, and the ten thousand ships of their fleet began their journey to a new home. But shortly after they began, they were attacked by demons, flying from the fiery core and killed those they caught. The chase still goes on and Bill is glad to have found a weapon that may protect his people for all time. Odin tells Bill that the contest was not entirely fair in that Thor fought under a handicap of Odin's spell, and he never imagined that there would be another one that was worthy. Odin then tells them of his reason for calling Thor home. There are forces at work that he cannot see, and it's source is the galaxy that is Bill's home. But they have a more pressing problem, each has a claim on Mjolnir. They decide it will be a trial by combat, weaponless, and with only the power of their own right arms. Since this is such a high stake game, they combat will take place in Skartheim, and it will be to the death. Both warriors are instantly transported to the misbegotten realm, and the combat begins. Elsewhere in Asgard, Volstagg and Balder are walking and discussing Balder's recent attitudes towards life and death. Having spent time among those he has slain, Balder has forsworn combat forever. They are interrupted by Agnar, who insists on battling Balder. Balder dodges him easily and Volstagg blocks the way. Volstagg picks up Agnar and carries him off to a shady spot to tell the tale of Balder the Brave. Back in Skartheim, Bill and Thor battle back and forth, equally matched. They find themselves on a raft of obsidian on a river of lava, each having spent everything and knocked each other out. Bill, having been born in similar heat, revives first. He could leave Thor to go over the lavafall, but decides that the is too worthy to be allowed to die in such a way. Bill picks up Thor's body and tries to leap for the shore, only to be transported back to Asgard. Bill has once again, won the hammer Mjolnir.
Appearing in "Something Old, Something New..."
Thor #339
Featured Characters:
Supporting Characters:
Antagonists:
Other Characters:
Locations:
Items:
- Stormbreaker (First appearance)
- Mjolnir
Vehicles:
Synopsis for "Something Old, Something New..."
Thor #339
After arriving back in Asgard and pronouncing his victory, Beta Ray Bill collapses. Odin declares that neither warrior will perish, and to take them both to the house of healing. The attendants are very curious about Bill, but Lorelei finds him repulsive. Her and Sif debate overlooks versus honor, until Odin arrives. Odin goes in to see Thor who feels disgraced before him. Thor announces he will renounce his godhood and leave Asgard forever. Odin tells him that he will have to speak with Bill, who is not happy with the outcome either. Odin then goes to speak with Bill, who wants to know is his claim on the hammer only until someone stronger comes along? He knows it was forged for Thor, but he needs it as well. Bill asks if there is a way out of this dilemma of honor and need. Odin tells him that in the past, the gods demanded a sacrifice for help, but Bill has already given him something precious - the life of his son. So Odin will grant what aid he can and bestow on Bill a gift, one that may destroy him. Later that evening, a rider crests the hill, through the pass of Ullthang, and into Nidavellir. Eitri recognizes Odin immediately and asks what the dwarves can do for the gods. Through the night, the two talk, and Eitri agrees to the task on one condition. Odin must send a woman to defeat their champion, only then will old wrongs be redressed. Back in Asgard, Thor and Bill discuss the outcome of their contest, when they see Sif in full armor, riding fast. When they ask a nurse about what's going on, she tells them that Sif rides out to fight a champion on behalf of them both and that she may never return. On the ride, Sif recalls her meeting with Odin and her own secret reason for accepting Odin's request. She is intrigued by Bill and wants to find favor in his eyes. Suddenly, the dwarves champion ambushes Sif. She fights back, but the dwarf is larger than she is. Elsewhere, Volstagg is sitting on Agnar, telling him of the trials of Balder. Of how Loki tricked Hoder into killing Balder, and how he traveled through Hela's domain. Someplace else, the gigantic figure continues its forging, the forging of a great sword. In Quebec, Rene Baroque laments buying the food processor when Fafnir arrives and destroys the lighthouse with him in it. Back in Nidavellir, Sif overcomes Throgg and knocks him unconscious. Eitri arrives and is happy that Sif defeated Throgg. He tells her that Throgg has been using his freakish size to bully the dwarves. After having been beaten by a woman, he won't show his face for a long time. Eitri then tells the rest of the dwarves to stoke the furnaces, it's time to work! After Sif's return to Asgard, she speaks with Bill. He tells her that he longs to return to his people, his duty lies with them. Sif wants to know if he will return to Asgard, but Bill tells her no. Asgard reminds him of everything he gave up when he was remade, he has no humanity left...for anyone. In Nidavellir, Odin, Sif, Thor, and Bill are present while the dwarves work a forging unlike since the beginning of time. When the time is right, Odin unleashes the full force of his magic into the mold, and Bill reaches in. When he pulls out the hammer, he changes once more into Beta Ray Thor! Odin asks Bill if he accepts this great responsibility, and he does with all his heart. Odin names the hammer Stormbreaker and then returns Mjolnir to Thor, which is his alone. Odin then tells Bill that he must hurry, the demons are almost upon his people. Thor decides to go with Bill to help him and calls Toothgnasher and Toothgrinder to help carry them quickly. Sif tells them that she is coming with them, and the three of them race for the stars.
Appearing in "Though Hel Should Bar the Way!"
Thor #340
Featured Characters:
Supporting Characters:
Antagonists:
Other Characters:
- Toothgnasher
- Toothgrinder
- Hanson[1]
- Korbinites (flashback)
Locations:
Items:
Vehicles:
- Skuttlebutt
- Astraglia[2]
Synopsis for "Though Hel Should Bar the Way!"
Thor #340
Thor, Beta Ray Bill, and Sif finally catch up to the last ship of Bill's fleet, only to find it destroyed by the demons. They slay the demons on that one ship, and Sif leaps out. She will stay and try to defend the rest of the ships while Thor and Bill fly on to destroy the source of the demons. They finally reach the galactic core and discover not stars but a portal, out of which flows countless demons. On the other side of the portal, the giant is continuing it's forging, while, on Earth, creatures begin to awaken. Meanwhile, Sif is about to be overrun by demons when massive blasts destroy the immediate horde. Sif turns to find a warship, which she surmises is Skuttlebutt. Skuttlebutt confirms this and they team together to try and lead the demons from the fleet. Back in Asgard, Volstagg continues telling Agnar of Balder's journey through Niffleheim. Seeing Nidhogg consuming the dead, and meeting the warriors that he himself sent there, changing him forever. Volstagg goes on to tell him that both he and Thor are warriors, and might understand and forgive Agnar if he were to bring harm to Balder. After finally letting him up, Agnar turns and sees Hogun standing there. Volstagg tells him that Hogun would never forget, or forgive. Back in space, at the portal, Thor has a plan. With him on one side and Bill on the other, they both throw their respective hammers to collide within the portal, destroying it. Back aboard Skuttlebutt, the ship is about to self-destruct, taking the demons with them, when they simply vanish. As Sif and Skuttlebutt wait for Thor and Bill's return, Sif asks to know all about Bill. Back on Earth, Lorelei asks Loki what he is getting out of their game, to which Loki replies that it will amuse him. Bill, Sif, Thor, and Skuttlebutt return to Asgard with the victory and are greeted with cheers. Bill and Thor clean up and change, and discuss Bill's melancholy. Bill tells Thor that though he knows he must return to his people, he is loathed to leave Asgard. He has found companionship here, and even the touch of a woman's hand while his own people can barely look at him. Elsewhere, Odin has called for Sif and wants to discuss Bill. Sif tells Odin that Skuttlebutt revealed the entire truth to her. Even though his story was true, it was not complete. How he won over thousands of others in grueling tests of power and endurance. Then came the psychological tests that left most of them dead or insane. Then the surgical alterations, including excruciating pain, out of which only Bill survived. And the change is irreversible, with his own people unable to even look at him. At the feast, Odin honors both heroes with a gift. They both raise their hammers and Odin unleashes vast energy into them both. Bill states that he feels no different, but Odin states he had an old enchantment that has outlived its usefulness. He strikes Stormbreaker on the ground, and Bill is transformed into his original, unaltered self, before the test and surgeries. The next morning, after the celebrations have died down, Sif decides she will go with Bill on his quest, to help regain her senses, and Odin transports them both aboard Skuttlebutt. Back on Earth, the tanker Astraglia is broken in two by a gigantic clawed hand rising from the sea. The gigantic dragon roars to the heavens above, to Odin, that he has returned and Thor's life is forfeited.
Notes
- No number on issue.
- Gruenwald is original and reprint editor, Macchio is reprint editor.
- Reprinted from
