Thor (1998 series) #26

Thor and the Recorder from Rigel arrive at the Rainbow Bridge to be greeted by Heimdall, who suggests that the Thunder God hurry to Odin’s palace because important matters are in motion. So Thor and the Recorder race to the palace to meet Frigga, Balder and Sif who inform him that, due to his sufferings over the last few months, Odin is about to enter the Odinsleep to recover; he has been putting it off until he could speak to Thor. So Thor enters the presence of the All-Father; Odin congratulates him on his victory over Thanos and has just enough time to mention that he has appointed someone else to rule in his stead before he dozes off. Thor exits and congratulates Balder on being chosen as regent—but it’s not Balder. Sif shows she is the one with the Ring Imperial. Thor expresses surprise which she takes as a slight and he denies it but it seems best to him to depart for Midgard anyway….

In a bad neighborhood of New York City, Crusher Creel, the Absorbing Man, arrives in the basement of a condemned building to deliver stolen aspirin to his beloved Titania, who is gravely ill with cancer. She fears she is going to die and want to go to a hospital. But Creel knows they have no insurance and anyway, as wanted criminals they would be arrested once they set foot in a hospital. So he swears to get her the best care he can….

Thor returns to New York and resumes his Jake Olson identity. He visits Mr. Ryan to try to get his EMT job back but Ryan refuses because a) his evil brother took his place and b) he had the highest absentee rate in the company. Then Demitrius Collins arrives with his sister Christine, also a med tech, and Demitrius persuades Ryan to rehire Jake and Ryan gives in….

Crusher Creel enters the hospital and asks receptionist Hannah Fairmont for a doctor to help his wife. When Hannah insists Creel must bring the patient in, he loses his temper, smashing the desk and seizing Jane Foster. Her husband Keith Kincaid attacks Creel and is struck in the face with Creel’s wrecking ball. When Jake hears the report he insists he and Christine head to the scene. Christine enters the hospital to tend to Keith and her mention of Jake surprises Hannah as she thought he was gone for good….

Outside, Jake intercepts Creel who is carrying Jane. Creel clobbers Jake with his ball and chain, leaving the EMT apparently dead and Jane distraught….