The Mighty Thor
# 451-460


September 1992
The Mighty Thor # 451: "Beware the Bloodaxe!"
Writer: Tom DeFalco
Layouts: Gary Hartle
Inker: Al Milgrom/Yates
Jay's Rating:
JJ
Synopsis:
Thor returns to Earth with Code Blue and then meets up with Sif and Balder, who still search for the real Thor. Sif learns that Thor may be trapped in Mephisto's realm and uses the Norn Stones to send herself there alone. Thor and Balder are unable to follow as they must quell Bloodaxe's rampage. Meanwhile, the Enchantress escapes from Karnilla and travels to the Dream Dimension to rescue Heimdall from the clutches of Nightmare.

October 1992
The Mighty Thor # 452: "With This Axe I Thee Kill!
Writer: Tom DeFalco
Penciller: Gary Hartle
Inker: Al Milgrom/Ray Kryssing/Alexandrov/Ariane
Jay's Rating:
JJ
Synopsis:
Thor and Balder battle with Bloodaxe as he lays waste to a few city blocks. In Asgard, Karnilla strikes at Thor and robs him of his strength. Fortunately, Balder forces Bloodaxe to withdraw. Thor and Balder then make their way to Mephisto's realm only to discover that Sif has been possessed by Mephisto. Meanwhile, the Enchantress successfully rescues Heimdall from the Dream Dimension and Nightmare.

Early November
1992
The Mighty Thor # 453: "When Mephisto Commands..!
Writer: Tom DeFalco/Ron Frenz
Penciler: Ron Frenz
Inker: Al Milgrom
Jay's Rating:
JJ1/2
Synopsis:
Thor and Balder are forced to defend themselves from Sif who has fallen under Mephisto's influence. Sif defeats Balder and Thor is unable to use his full strength on her so he switches back to Eric Masterson. Sif beats on him, but it also snaps her back to her senses. Finally, they open Mephisto's soul shroud and discover that the soul inside isn't Thor! Meanwhile back in Asgard, the Warriors Three confront Odin and accuse him of treason.

Jay's Notes:

  • Okay, who designed this "outfit" for Sif? Man, it looks like a blind man lifted a few too many items from an S&M store!

Late November
1992
The Mighty Thor # 454: "The Warriors Three Die at Dawn!"
Writer: Tom DeFalco/Ron Frenz
Penciler: Ron Frenz
Inker: Al Milgrom
Jay's Rating:
JJ1/2
Synopsis:
Odin wasn't impressed with the Warriors Three's accusations of his treason and sentences them to death. The Enchantress rescues the Warriors Three from their execution and escapes with them. Meanwhile, Mephisto explains to Thor, Sif, and Balder that Loki's soul took control of Odin's body having displaced Odin's helpless soul during the Odin-Sleep.

Early December
1992
The Mighty Thor # 455: "Odin Unleashed"
Writer: Tom DeFalco
Penciler: M.C. Wyman
Inker: Al Milgrom
Jay's Rating:
JJ
Synopsis:
Thor leads the assault on Asgard and takes on Odin himself. They battle it out while the Enchantress, Balder, and Sif do in Karnilla. The Warriors Three help out Thor long enough for Sif to release Odin's soul from the Soul Shroud. Odin overwhelms Loki and regains his body. Mephisto makes a quick appearance to claim Loki's soul.

Late December
1992
The Mighty Thor # 456: "The Choice and the Challenge!"
Writer: Tom DeFalco/Ron Frenz
Penciler: Ron Frenz
Inker: Al Milgrom
Jay's Rating:
JJ1/2
Synopsis:
Thor (Masterson) learns that the real Thor is actually in his own subconscious mind and the process to restore Thor may cost Masterson his life. Thor (Masterson) travels to Earth to think about it and decides to take that chance. Meanwhile, Earth Force and Code Blue, with a bit of help from Dr. Strange, battle Bloodaxe and defeat him, but he escapes.

Early January
1993
The Mighty Thor # 457: "Final Gauntlet!"
Writer: Tom DeFalco/Ron Frenz
Penciler: Ron Frenz
Inker: Al Milgrom
Jay's Rating:
JJJ
Synopsis:
Eric Masterson accepts the challenge of the Gauntlet of the Grim Guardian and plunges into his subconscious to find Thor. He battles through his great foes to reach and release the real Thor. Thor decides to give Masterson the hammer and accept his responsibilities in Asgard, including an engagement to Sif.

Late January
1993
The Mighty Thor # 458: "To The Victor -- !"
Writer: Tom DeFalco/Ron Frenz
Penciler: Ron Frenz
Inker: Al Milgrom
Jay's Rating:
JJ1/2
Synopsis:
The Enchantress, scorned by Heimdall, tricks Thor (Masterson) and gains control of him and sends him off to confront Thor for Sif's love. Thor and Thor (Masterson) battle and Sif is injured which provokes the real Thor into a furious rage.

February 1993
The Mighty Thor # 459: "What Price Victory?"
Writer: Tom DeFalco/Ron Frenz
Penciler: Ron Frenz
Inker: Al Milgrom
Jay's Rating:
JJ1/2
Synopsis:
Thor and Thor (Masterson) continue their battle and it rages across Asgard. Odin finally ends the battle and Sif runs to the real Thor's side. Thor reclaims his hammer and Eric leaves Asgard and Sif behind. However, Odin gives Masterson a new walking stick as a parting gift. He strikes it against the ground and he's transformed into Thor once again with a new hammer with the following inscription: "The world still needs heroes. Thunderstrike".

Jay's Notes:

  • This issue marks the last issue of the Mighty Thor for the DeFalco and Frenz, but they'd go on to launch the Thunderstrike spin-off title.

March 1993
The Mighty Thor # 460: "Fragments"
Writer: Jim Starlin/Ron Marz
Penciller: Bruce Zick
Inker: Steve Montano
Jay's Rating:
JJ
Synopsis:
Thor does a total about face and breaks off his engagement with Sif. Troubled by his recent incarceration within the mind of Eric Masterson, Thor goes on a few tirades which come to Odin's attention. Odin "suggests" that he take a journey into deep space to find himself. Thor leaves Asgard and Sif in a viking-style space ship. However, he isn't alone. The mysterious Valkyrie has joined him for the ride.

Jay's Notes:

  • Bruce Zick's pencil style is an odd combination of Jack Kirby and Don Heck. Unfortunately, I can't say I like the style and with the meager script from Starlin and Marz, the book is headed for a tumble.
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