DeFalco/Frenz Retrospective: Thor #434


 

Writer: Tom DeFalco
Penciler: Ron Frenz

Synopsis: Eric storms Asgard to get them to return the original Thor. 

Comments: Eric reveals his identity to Captain America. Eric met Cap in Captain America #370 after Thor recommended his alter ego for work in Avengers Annual #19. I do admire Cap's restraint in letting the bogus Thor in and not engaging in a superhero misunderstanding fight to demand where the real Thor is. 





The pages of Annihilus and his ship in the Negative Zone are taken from Fantastic Four Annual #6. I guess Asgard is still in or adjacent to the Negative Zone? I thought Heimdall restoring the Rainbow Bridge in Thor #426 would have taken care of that. 






Eric is blocked from entry into Asgard by the Warriors Three, but just decides to bypass them. 



Sif pulls a Storm from X-Men #173 and cuts her hair. 





Eric saying out loud that Sif hit just the right nerve to knock his hammer out of his hand is some awkward exposition. It reminds me of the awkward exposition in Marvel Two in One Annual #7, also written by Tom DeFalco when Wolverine and Cyclops can't break through the Champion's force field. 




Eric is reminded by the inscription on Thor's hammer as he was last issue that he can't take Odin hostage or harm him to make the Asgardians do what he wants. Avengers #283, answered why Thor's inscription appears so clearly at times. They appear as just runes to the untrained eye. 





Further debate about what to do about Thor is set aside when Annihilus kidnaps Odin. 






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