Thor vol. 2 #50Thor vol. 2 #50
Title: “By Fire Born Part 5 of 5”
Writer: Dan Jurgens
Penciller: Tom Raney
Inker: Scott Hanna
Colors: Dave Kemp of Avalon Studios
Editor: Tom Brevoort
Heimdall stands on the Rainbow Bridge before
Asgard. The speaker says that in times past, Odin was
unquestioned ruler of Asgard, but recently Odin had sacrificed
himself in order to save Earth from the monstrous demon Surtur.
When Odin perished Thor was the only choice to succeed him. The
speaker says that in her youth she viewed Thor as the others did
and that someday he would usher Asgard to even greater heights.
She says that she should have realized the circumstances that
compromised that belief. A large portion of Asgard’s
warriors were killed against Surtur, and while Asgard had always
seemed impervious to the many threats suddenly the city was full
of widows, orphans, questions, and unrest. When Thor led an army
against an army of Frost Giants even more soldiers were killed
and Thor was blamed. People began to doubt Thor. Their doubts
grew when Thor left the battle with the Frost Giants to go to
Earth. They felt as though they had been abandoned by their
leader. They could all see the change within him from that day
on. The Thor that they had known was gone. Thor had been living
as a mortal and a god recently. His loyalty was to Asgard, but
his heart belonged to the Earth. 
Thor stood over
the dead body of Desak with Bloodaxe in his hands. Long ago,
Desak’s daughter had been sacrificed to the gods of his
homeworld. Desak decided that mortals would be better off without
gods and set out to destroy them all. Eventually Thor became
Desak’s target and if Thialf had not delivered Bloodaxe then
Thor would have been dead that day. The people stood around that
day wary of Thor. They were shocked by the brutal killing and
sensed the gulf between their and Thor’s world. Only Jake
Olsen could have bridged the gap, but when Odin separated Jake
from Thor the balance was lost. Amora had always wanted Thor and
now wanted to be Asgard’s queen. Tarene was to become the
Designate. She was to help humanity evolve into something better,
but her protected existence caused her to be captivated by human
life. Thialf was loyal to Thor as his advisor and all four would
play a change in Thor. Most blamed Amora thinking she used her
magic to cause Thor to push Sif aside, but the truth was that
Thor distanced himself from both Balder and Sif when he ascended
the throne. He saw them as trusted subjects, but he was looking
toward the future and couldn’t be tied to past
relationships. Amora championed Thor’s quest to gain
greatness as never before. Thor chose Amora because he saw her as
an untamed lover and because she had always, and would always,
want him.
The speaker says that she wonders what would have happened if Thor had left with Amora right away, but both Jake and Tarene asked him to wait. Tarene was troubled by something she sensed within Desak’s body. Thor stopped. The speaker says that she wonders what would have happened if Thor had just left that day. Thor looked and he expected to see those unaffected by the conflict to be helping those less fortunate, but Thor instead turned to see the people around him looting from the damaged stores. One man was robbing a woman and Gray Gargoyle was trying to grab Desak’s axe. Thor was disgusted. He called down thunder and lightning. The lightning struck Gray Gargoyle and stunned the others nearby. Thor began spinning his hammer again to leave and shouted, “Wretched souls! Thou wouldst be all the better served if thou answered to the ways, rules and laws of the Realm Eternal!” Thor vanished with Amora in his other arm. After Thor left winds from the severest storm began to rage.
The speaker says that it would have been better if she had stayed hidden as she had for so long, but that she had no choice and was not in control of that aspect of her being. Desak’s goddess, the speaker, says that Desak would be needed again and she claimed his body in order to give him life once again. Desak’s goddess says that it was her hand in Desak’s creation that Tarene noticed. Desak’s body begins to heal as the goddess prepares to restore him to life. The goddess thinks about one of humanity’s greatest champions, “Zarrko, the so-called Tomorrow Man”. She thinks of another champion that will soon step forward as well. The goddess says that her physical being, still mired in innocence and youth, has begun her own evolution. Tarene’s reflection shows in the Designate’s eyes, “She has no idea that the moment of birth and realization… of the Designate is here.”
Lightning Crashes rating: 7.5 out of 10
The full page art by Raney is outstanding. I can’t say enough good things about his talent. The story I felt was a letdown. I was waiting for this issue with great anticipation, but nothing really happens. The revelation that Desak’s creator and goddess is actually the Designate, the future evolved form of Tarene, was pretty cool, but really the issue didn’t really deliver on a grand scale.
Title: “Forever Divided”
Writer: Dan Jurgens
Penciller: Deon Nuckols
Inker: Scott Hanna
Colors: Hi-Fi
Editor: Tom Brevoort
Lady Sif, Hyrra, and some of the other women of Asgard stand around worrying about the warriors of Asgard who have gone off to fight against the Frost Giants. Sif says that their lateness doesn’t mean the worst. One of Volstagg’s daughters says that she shares Hyrra’s concerns. Hyrra says that they went off to fight the Frost Giants and that even Asgard’s finest warriors pale before their savagery. Sif says that Thor has always lead them to victory. Hyrra says that she wishes that she could share her confidence and asks if she has forgotten the toll that Surtur has exacted. She reminds Sif that her husband Sigmund died fighting him on Midgard soil. She says that now her son, who is too young for such duty, is battling the Frost Giants. Sif hugs Hyrra. An old man points out that Asgard’s forces are returning. Then he notices that there are far too few of them returning. Hyrra runs towards the warriors of Asgard to greet her son Osav.
Hyrra makes it to Balder, but when she gets there Balder tells her to go no further. Balder holds Hyrra as she cries for her lost son and husband. Volstagg’s daughter rushes into her husband’s Gharskygt arms. Sif asks Balder where Thor is. Balder says that if Sif wants Thor that she will have to look to Midgard. Balder apologizes for his anger and says that Thor fought with them, and even saved them all, but that he took off for Midgard Hyrra shouts that Thor deserted his men to go to Midgard where her husband was killed. She says that they were fighting for lesser beings that have forgotten them. She asks what kind of leader would be so callous. Balder says that Thor didn’t go to Midgard because mortals were in trouble, but because he himself was in danger. Balder says that something was drawing off of his power. One woman says that it is always something that draws Thor there. One man says that it seems that Thor cares for the mortals more than he cares for his own. Another man says that Odin always knew it and that is why he never trusted Thor. Balder says that a threat to Thor is a threat to all of them. Hyrra says that Thor’s place is in Asgard just as Odin was always there. She says that Thor’s reign should end as has her son’s life..
Hyrra is dressed in all black at her son’s funeral. Loki places his hand on Hyrra’s shoulder. Hyrra asks Loki why he is there. Loki says that he is there to convey his regret over her loss. Loki says that though he has no title that he and Thor were raised as brothers. He says that he is there to express the family’s sympathies. Hyrra says that Loki’s presence means more than she can say, but that it is Thor that should be there. Loki says that the responsibilities of the crown are many and that Hyrra has to accept that. Hyrra says that it seems to her that they need a king with undivided attentions. Loki smiles.
Neffethesk wraps Balder’s ribs and says that the Frost Giants must be formidable to do this to him. Balder says that there was a time that he was worried he might not survive. Sif enters the room and sees that Balder is troubled. Balder says that while they were fighting that he saw great doubt among the men. He says that they questioned Thor in a way that they never would have questioned Odin. Sif says that it was a temporary lapse, but Balder says that he doesn’t think so. He says that even Hogun expressed doubt. Sif says that a leader cannot lead those that will not follow. Balder says that is why he worries and that whether he is justified or not that Thor has given his subjects a reason to doubt him. Balder says that Odin’s devotion to Asgard was without question. Sif says that Balder’s own doubt is clear, but that he said that Thor’s trip to Midgard was justified. Balder says that is true, but that it is also true that Thor always find a reason to go to Midgard. Balder says that Thor’s actions cause the people to grow dissatisfied. A man rushes in and says that Balder is needed in the main entry.
As they walk to the main entry, Balder asks if Thor hasn’t returned yet. The man says that not only has Thor not returned, but that Thialf just left to join him on Midgard. Balder asks why Thialf would go to Midgard and the man says that it is because Amora sent him there. Sif says that the disorganization is like a rudderless ship. At the main entry stands a group of people. The people say that they are seeking an audience with Thor immediately. They say that they owe all of Asgard an explanation for his actions and that they want to know what his vision for the realm is. One says for them to produce Thor or they will be forced to do the unthinkable. Balder says that he doesn’t think so. He says that they will have their audience, but that it will be at a time of Thor’s choosing. Hyrra says that Balder is covering for Thor and that he is still missing. Balder asks if this is a rebellion, and if it is, if it is genuine or a work of Loki. Loki says that Balder wounds him. Loki says that he knows that Thor’s heart is pledged to Asgard, but that the crowd can’t be blamed for not knowing. He says that their hearts are broken and their suffering is real. He says that they deserve to be heard. Balder says that they will be, but when the time is right. Ggorgstog steps forward and says that he has known Balder since he was a lad and that he has always been loyal, but that Asgard is in crisis and yet no hand is guiding the plow. He says that Asgard has lost its finest and that families have no men to go out and hunt for food, mend the roof, or earn wages in the army. He says that the people understood Thor’s grief for his father, and so they did not press him, but that time is past and Thor needs to take care of the needs of the people. Balder says that he cannot argue with any of that.
Thor, Amora, and Thialf listen to the old man make his points from a hallway up above them. Enchantress says that they would never speak that way if they were seen, but Thor realizes that they are speaking from the heart and that he has to do something. Thor says that he knows whose counsel he has to go seek.
In Olympus, Thor kneels before Zeus. Zeus says that he can sense the heaviness on Thor’s heart and asks what the problem is. Thor says that he needs Zeus’ wisdom. He explains that he is an immortal, but that he is also a child of Midgard and his heart is drawn there. Zeus says that Hercules would have the same problem if he were to sit upon the throne and that he has been pondering a solution. He says that he thinks that he has found a solution.
Balder asks Ggorgstog if he would have Thor ignore his commitment to mortal man and reminds him that they are all pledged to the welfare of those that are weaker. The people shout that the affairs of the gods has to take precedence. Another says that Midgard deserves no attention until Asgard is whole. Another says that they need a king who cares. Sif asks if they dare accuse Thor of not caring. She says that he has risked his life for them time and again. She says that she never thought she would see the day. Thor appears and says that it is just emotion bubbling to the surface. Thor says that to his shame he has ignored that emotion. He says that he was wrong and that he hasn’t lived up to the demands on him. Thor assures the people that his love of Asgard is not secondary. He says that he fought the Frost Giants to protect them, but that if he didn’t go stop the drain on his power that was coming from Midgard that he wouldn’t be around to meet any threats in the future. He says that he was battling Desak, who seeks to destroy all of them. Thor says that they fought to the brink of death, and that even though Desak has defeated every god he has encountered, that he is the one that vanquished Desak. Sif says, “Thou defeated… Desak?” Loki says that he didn’t even think Odin was capable of that. Hyrra falls to her knees and asks Thor’s forgiveness. Thor raises her up and says that he wants her to forgive him. Thor says that Midgard will always need his help. He says that some lack food and shelter. He says that others lack a moral center. Thor says that it is time for mortal men to have the guidance of the gods so they might see the way. Sif asks if they shouldn’t leave them to live their own lives. Thor says that Odin thought so, but that his time among them has told him otherwise. Thor says that their need for heroes has never been greater. Thor says that yet he can abandon Asgard no longer. Thor says that Zeus has solved his problem. Thor says, “Let the eyes of Midgard turn fore’er upward to a new dawn! Let their vision fore’er be influenced… and filled with aspiration… by the glory and eternal richness of Asgard!” Asgard floats in the air above New York City.
Lightning Crashes rating: 6 out of 10
Well this story moves the plot along a little more than the last section. I’m not sure why if Odin knew about “The Reigning” why he didn’t try to change it, or at least tell Zeus not to advise Thor to take Asgard to New York. As I understand it, this penciller won the submission contest. He does an adequate job. Writing and art get a 3 out of 5
Title: “Children of the Gods”
Writer: Jose H.P. Armenta
Penciller: Joe Bennett
Inker: Jack Jadson
Colors: Avalon Studio’s Dave Kemp
Editor: Tom Brevoort
A young Thor watches from Asgard as a woman on Midgard prays to Odin for salvation. Her husband tells her to save her prayers and that Odin doesn’t care about them. He says that they have to decide if they are to leave their home and possibly die or if they are to stay and die for sure.
In Asgard, a young Loki and Thor sit before Odin as he welcomes his guests. Thor slams down his fist and says that he demands to be heard. Odin tells him to go ahead. Thor says that they live in affluence, but that the mortals are suffering. He says that this can’t go on. He says that they must band together to save them. The warriors around the table start laughing and say that Thor has a warrior’s spirit. Odin places his hand on Thor’s head and explains that they are just laughing at his youth. Thor says that he has seen how low the warriors of Asgard have fallen. Odin says that he will not tolerate this disrespect. Odin tells Thor to get out of his sight before he smites him. Thor storms off.
As the people of Midgard are leaving their homes, Thor descends from the sky with a bag full of food. He causes a rain that ends the drought. Thor then vanquishes the people’s enemies.
The people celebrate in honor of Thor and swear their eternal loyalty to him. Thor sits upon an honored seat. Kragur begs Thor’s forgiveness and Thor gives it. Thor says that he pledges to use his godly might and wisdom to guide them. He says that they will suffer no more and that he will bring them paradise. A woman is curled up at Thor’s feet. She apologizes for intruding and tells him that a great sickness has taken her son. Thor says that he grieves for her loss. She asks why he doesn’t use his godly might to bring him back to her. Thor says that he can’t do that. The woman is furious and says, “Can not, or will not?” She asks if gods’ promises are so fickle. She asks if her loss isn’t the greatest suffering. She warns him that he has never faced a mother’s fury. The woman spits in Thor’s face and walks off. Thor wipes the spit from his face.
Later, Thor sits upon his seat alone. Suddenly the people return chanting for Thor. They tell Thor that they have a gist to appease his anger. Kragur reveals the dead body of the woman that spat on Thor. He says that they made sure that she paid for her impudence. Thor shouts, “Lowly murdering cowards!” and calls down a bolt of lightning. Thor flies off saddened. Kragur curses Thor for attacking them and running away.
Back on Asgard, Odin tells Thor to take comfort. Thor asks what he did wrong. Odin tells Thor that mortals are like children. He says that if they tried to control all facets of their life that the people would blame them for everything bad that happened to them. He says that gods must let mortals make their own mistakes… just as a father must do for his son.
Lightning Crashes rating: 8 out of 10
Joe Bennett does a wonderful job with the art in this section. His young Thor is even pretty impressive. 4.5 out of 5. Armenta is the writing contest winner and though his section was pretty short it was also to the point. A very interesting parallel between the flashback and the direction the plot has just taken.