Thor #603

Thor spends time with the recently returned Sif, bringing her up to date on developments and seeking a place for her in this new world. Meanwhile, the Warriors Three arrive at Bill’s Diner in Broxton and find it closed since Bill Junior has joined Kelda in Latveria. Volstagg claims that Bill has sent them to manage the place and some hungry townspeople help them gain entrance. Don Blake brings Sif (with the story that she’s a New York model named Sylvan) to take a room at Beth Sooner’s hotel, thought the landlady finds the story a might suspicious. They are unaware that Loki spies on them through the eyes of a stray cat. Doctor Doom, irritated at the idea that Loki is using him for him own ends, nevertheless, provides the God of Evil with the resources he requested: untraceable Doombots—to be dispatched to kill Dr. Don Blake….

Meanwhile Bill and Kelda are having a quiet moment, but Bill is occupied by concern for Balder and the Asgardians’ situation in Doom’s domain. Deciding that the human penchant for asking hard questions is his gift to his hosts, he sets out on a mission to uncover the truth, Kelda seeing him off with her love. He steals through the snowy night, arriving at the secret lab where Doom is vivisecting Asgardians supplied by Loki so that Doom may gain the secret of immortality. The Trickster becomes aware of Bill and sends three henchmen to take care of the mortal. Bill tries to bluff his foes and then resort to violence. He is no match for the seasoned warriors though and Bill is mortally wounded by a dagger thrust, just as Balder arrives on the scene….

Story continues in THOR GIANT-SIZE FINALE #1.