Thor (1998 series) #39

After Thor’s battle with the Destroyer, Dr. Jane Foster examines Jake Olson at the hospital, diagnosing him with a fractured jaw and a broken arm. She asks about his healing ability since he is connected to Thor, noting that Jake’s injuries are healed by becoming Thor but Thor’s injuries (as these are) are retained when he transforms into Jake. At Jane’s request, Jake becomes Thor and his injuries remain. Outside, Hannah and Amanda Fairmont comfort Jake’s worried mother while Jake’s boss Mr. Ryan complains about his always missing work. His EMT partner Christine Collins comes to his defense, pointing out that Jake’s injuries were sustained while doing his job. The phony Keith Kincaid enters and seems to recognize Christine (she’s the disguised Enchantress, remember) but can’t place her; she wonders who he can be. Kincaid tries to enter Jane’s room but he is halted by the newly arrived Tarene. Jake’s mom doesn’t know who she is, concerning to the Fairmonts, considering she is supposed to be Jake’s cousin. Kincaid enters the exam room and Tarene quickly unleashes a bit of power to make Thor resemble Jake. Jane admits her medical skills can’t cope with a literal god so Thor takes them both to Asgard…

Meanwhile, in Oslo, Norway, Surtur leads his burning followers in a path of fiery destruction….

In Asgard, Odin reflects on the repairs done to the realm after the recent incidents. He then considers getting rid of the Destroyer but Balder defends keeping the armored weapon for future emergencies. Thor and Jane arrive, seeking help, so Odin summons the healers, Neffethesk and Cyra, who recognize the injuries and prescribe the Elixirs of Renewal that only Odin can prepare by his magic; the All-Father readily agrees. The treatment will take a couple of days so Thor points out that Jake Olson’s absence from Midgard would cause complications. Odin then separates Thor and Jake, making them two persons, one a god the other entirely mortal, neither able to transform into the other. Jake and Jane are returned to the hospital; when they encounter the others, Jane explains that Thor’s magic helped Jake to recover completely. Jake assures his confused mother that Tarene is family, “Cousin Eddy’s girl” whom she hasn’t seen since she was a baby. Everyone there finds this suspicious….

Back in Asgard, Thor is placed in a chamber where he is to sleep submerged in the magic elixirs which will heal him in a few days. Thor takes a moment to warn Balder that Amora the Enchantress is up to some mischief then he enters the chamber, which is sealed behind him. Fandral then rushes in, summoning Balder to Odin’s throne. The All-Father informs everyone that Surtur the fire demon is rampaging through Midgard. Odin dispatches the army, noting that they will not have Thor to lead them so he promises to send allies. They are teleported to Norway along with Hercules, Beta Ray Bill, and Kurse (who is surprised to be there). But Odin must remain by the side of his son, weakened by the use of his powers and unable to lend his strength to the army….