Thor (1998 series) #31

Thor arrives at the hospital to be greeted outside by a pair of tourists from San Antonio, Charlene and Red, who want his autograph and ask if Thursday is really named after him. Thor excuses himself, pleading a dying friend inside. On his way in, he encounters a Catholic priest who inquires after him. Thor mentions his friend Hogun and the priest blesses him, assuring him that God is with him, even as he claims to be a god himself. At the reception desk, Thor meets Hannah Fairmont and Dr. Jane Foster informs him that Hogun has recovered and been discharged. At the point, Thomas Ryan comes rushing in, demanding to know where Jake Olson is and threatening to fire him for his absenteeism. Thor explains that Jake has been working with the Avengers and Ryan must have missed the paperwork for this. Thor excuses himself then returns as Jake Olson. Ryan is impressed that Jake was praised by Thor and offers him a (minimal) raise. Jane scolds Jake for using Thor to enhance Jake’s reputation; Jake points out that otherwise, Thor would have gotten him fired. Jane suggests that Jake hurry home to see an old friend waiting for him. So he dashes home through a surprisingly heavy snowstorm to find…

Beta Ray Bill with the Warriors Three, feasting and watching television. The old friends catch up then Jake transforms into Thor to return them all to Asgard…only to discover the Golden Realm encased in ice. Balder stands alone, battling Dark Elves mounted on wolves. When Balder finally falls, Malekith is there to mock him, backed by the ice monster Pentigaar. They then break through into the chamber where Odin lies sleeping; Sif protects the All-Father while the Crimson Hawks battle the Dark Elves. As Sif is engaged with Pentigaar, Malekith picks up a pillow to smother Odin in his sleep—and then Thor and his friends arrive. There is a fight but Malekith opens the Cask of Ancient Winters and the storm unleashed hurls Thor deep within the frozen Asgard where Kurse arrives to crush Thor’s skull under his boot….

Characters: Balder, Beta Ray Bill, Fandral, Hannah Fairmont, Hogun, Jake Olson Dup, Jane Foster, Odin, Sif, Thor, Volstagg