Thor vol. 2 #53Thor vol. 2 #53
Title: “100 Days”
Writer: Dan Jurgens
Penciller: Joe Bennett
Inker: Jack Jadson
Colors: Avalon’s Dave Kemp
Editor: Tom Brevoort
In New York City, followers of Thor have gathered in the park to give thanks to him for his great deeds. They say that now they can see what they need to achieve Heaven as they look up at Asgard.
In New Mexico, a military convoy rides out into the desert to meet with Zarrko. An African American woman, representing the government, tells Zarrko that her government cannot be associated with this conversation or any resulting action. Zarrko agrees. The woman asks how she knows that she can trust Zarrko. Zarrko says that she doesn’t know anymore than he knows he can trust her. He says that for now it is enough that they share the same goal. She asks where he is from and what he represents. Zarrko says that, like her government, he must remain in secrecy. He says that his background is of no importance. He says that all that matters is that he is there now. She says that what she really needs to know is if can deliver. Zarrko notes that Asgard has been on Earth for one hundred days. The woman says that many wish for it to remain and grow stronger. Zarrko says that the pop-up cults are a dilemma. She says that Thor persuades them with “miracles”. Zarrko says that he is redistributing the world’s resources in a more fair manner, but this isn’t what worries her government the most. She admits that it is not. Zarrko says that Thor has been removing dictators and involving himself in politics, and that they are afraid that he will come after them next. He says that they are right to be worried and that he knows for a fact that this is just what Thor will do. Zarrko says that as his supporters grow he will exert political influence. He says that when they try to stop him that he will find it easy to remove all of them. The woman says that one would think that an Avenger could tell the good guys from the bad guys. Zarrko reminds her that Thor is a god first and an Avenger second. He says that it is a pretty distant second at that. Zarrko says that he must be stopped now or not at all. The woman says that all attempts have failed. Zarrko says that they were amateurs. The woman says that the world’s religions are in an uproar and that the stock markets have been thrown into a freefall. She says that he must be removed. Zarrko says that his people are working on it. He says that Asgard’s guardian is Heimdall. Heimdall’s hearing is uncannily keen and that is why the helicopter are flying overhead to confound him. He says that Heimdall is the reason Asgard is unapproachable by all but the most special of means and people.
On the Rainbow Bridge, Heimdall stands. Suddenly, Perrikus and Adva materialize on the bridge and Perrikus flattens Heimdal with his weapon. Perrikus compliments Adva on keeping Heimdall in the dark. Adva asks what they are to do now. Perrikus advances on two Asgardian warriors and says that he will do what he has done before… conquer Asgard. Perrikus strikes the warriors down and strikes his weapon against the Rainbow Bridge, causing some of it to shatter.
Thor asks Thialfi if he has delivered the food to Ethiopia. Thialfi says that he did, but that the people were so desperate that a riot almost broke out. Thialfi says that there was some opposition from a religious group that view them as threatening. Thor asks why that is since they do not threaten them. Balder says that modern mortals are more independent. Thor says, “But… we give them so much!” Balder points out that this is a course that Odin chose to avoid. Thor asks Balder if he is questioning his judgment. Balder tells Thor that he is both a friend and a monarch to him, “But I… am troubled. Our actions… worry me. I fear the end result.” Thor thinks for a second and says that this is just an extension of his commitment to mortals. He asks if he was praised for helping them individually why would he condemned for using Asgard on all of their behalves. Balder says that it is because they were never asked. He says that they are guests and uninvited ones at that.
In the Rain Forest, Tarene and two Asgardians are blocking the way of the men trying to destroy the Rain Forest. Tarene says that for the good of the world the forest must not be harmed anymore. One of the workers says that they are harming the workers though. He asks how they will earn a living. Tarene tosses the men a sack filled with gold. Tarene says that Thor will be pleased that the world became a better place today. The military tells Tarene to think again and launches a missile at them. Tarene isn’t hurt, but the two Asgardians with her are killed. Tarene and other warriors set out to teach the soldiers “some manners with the help of Asgardian steel!”
In Asgard, Thialfi tells Thor that he must
leave immediately. Thor starts to ask why he would do that when
the door blasts in. Thor asks if this is more bombings. Perrikus
says that it is nothing so mundane. Perrikus grabs Thor and says,
“me. Your enemy. Your executioner.” Perrikus throws
Thor into a pillar and says that he understands that he has
Odin’s power now. Perrikus says that he likes a challenge
and that he is stronger now too. Perrikus blasts Thor with energy
and says that he has what it takes to bring him down. Perrikus
steps on Thor’s head and says that if he kills Thor that he
gets the city as long as he moves it. Perrikus says that the
“dunghill planet means nothing to me.” Thor says that
Perrikus is nothing to him. He zaps Perrikus with lightning from
his hammer and then hits Perrikus across the room with Mjolnir.
Thor raises his hammer to smash Perrikus, but Adva transports the
hammer away using the continuum gateway. Perrikus swipes at Thor
with his scythe and says that Thor should have killed him while
he had the chance. Perrikus says that Thor’s morals and lack
of bloodlust are his weaknesses. Perrikus says that a leader must
be cold and ruthless. Perrikus smashes Thor into the ground. Thor
reaches out for Bloodaxe. He says that he has had enough.
Perrikus lets off energy but Bloodaxe absorbs it. Thor says that
for conquering Asgard and torturing his father that he owes him.
Thor smashes Perrikus under the chin. Thor says that Perrikus
claims strength and power, but that he didn’t know what true
power was until now. 
Thor swings
Bloodaxe and chops Perrikus’ right arm off at the middle of
the bicep. Thor realizes that the Bloodaxe is seeking to control
his thoughts. Thor casts it aside and says that Asgard’s
Lord will never succumb to the evil. Thor uses the Odinpower to
destroy Bloodaxe. Thor picks up Perrikus’ scythe and tells
Adva that unless his hammer is returned he will gut Perrikus with
his own spear. Adva returns Mjolnir. Thor says that there is one
more thing. He says that they didn’t plan this attack and
asks who wants him dead. Perrikus says, “Zar…
Zarrko.”
Back in New Mexico, the woman asks Zarrko when they will know if his people have succeeded. Zarrko’s phone rings and the woman says that she has never seen a phone like his. Zarrko says, “I see. Thank you for the information. I suggest you evacuate the area immediately.” Mjolnir strikes the ground followed by Thor’s feet. Thor grabs Zarrko’s tie and says, “Thou art mine now. And thou shalt spend the rest of thy days in the deepest, darkest dungeon to be found in Asgard!”
Lightning Crashes rating: 8.5 out of 10
I love the return of Perrikus, though I’m not to comfortable with Perrikus being a lackey of Zarrko. If Perrikus could kill Thor then exactly who would force him to move Asgard from Earth? Other than that I love the story and Joe Bennett does another remarkable job penciling. I’ve heard that Tom Raney is going to be leaving Thor and I only hope that isn’t the end of Joe Bennett on the title as well.