Issue(s): Thor #327
Cover Date: Jan 83
Title: "This battleground Earth!"
Credits:
Doug Moench - Writer
Alan Kupperberg - Penciler
Jim Mooney - Inker
Mike Carlin - Assistant Editor
Mark Gruenwald - Editor

Review/plot:
This issue is the resolution to a story that began in Tales of Asgard back-up stories in recent issues of Thor. I have the feeling that this story got cut short; plotwise it ought to be an epic multi-issue Asgardian war, but it's all wrapped up here in a single issue. And i'm really fine with that. Thor has had nothing but epic multi-issue stories for much of his series, and this early 80s period (starting with the Gruenwald/Macchio run and continuing through Alan Zelenetz's run, which begins in two issues) is a nice change of pace from that, whatever the merits of the individual stories. And i really can't imagine an "epic" storyline written by Doug Moench (and that's not a crack at him at all; just an acknowledgement of his writing style). But the story definitely feels rushed and unsatisfying, especially when coupled with Alan Kupperberg's art, which isn't really suited for epic Raganarok style battles.

That said, there is a lot of cool madness here.

Loki and Tyr have teamed up and stolen the Golden Apples that give the Asgardians their immortality. Loki was in on this because he thought that Odin had been unfaithful to Frigga with Jolena, but he's recently learned that wasn't true and now he's having doubts. Meanwhile, the Asgardians still loyal to Odin have found an odd loophole where they are able to retain their immortality if they go to Midgard. So this issue starts with Doctor Donald Blake about to get some unexpected guests (by the way, Blake's Nurse Stevens has decided to be a black woman this issue; it seems Kupperberg has confused her with Blake's receptionist Brenda Barclay).

Thor contacts Tony Stark, who donates some warehouse space and a cadre of employees to house and tend to the Asgardians.

But Tyr decides to pursue the Asgardians on Midgard, using the Midgard Serpent as an alternate Rainbow Bridge (weirdly, awesomely, traveling down the serpent's back but coming out his mouth).

Loki immediately switches sides.

His comment that he's into mischief and not real evil would be true to the myth version but isn't at all in line with the way he's been depicted in this book since his first appearance. It could have been an interesting turning point for the character. But a later response in the lettercol for issue #331 states that Loki only changed sides because he saw that the odds were in the Asgardians' favor. Which isn't at all supported by the story.

Say, guys, we think you may have misinterpreted Loki's actions in the "Serpent of Midgard" saga. The way we see it, Loki wasn't changing from villain to hero just to aid his fellow Asgardians; he merely saw that he was on the losing side and jumped ship to save his hide.

The Asgardians battle Tyr's forces...

...but Thor soon leaves to deal with the Midgard Serpent. He brings with him the giant Hamir the Fisherman, who was in Tyr's army. Hamir is subdued, but he still tries to get Thor killed while collecting a bull.

The bull is bait for the Serpent.

The battle with the Serpent is very short, and it agrees to regurgitate the Golden Apples that Tyr and Loki have been feeding it.

With that, the War on Midgard is equally quickly wrapped up. Thor returns in time to do some proselytizing to the locals.

Anyone wanting a real Ragnarok style story just has to hang on a little longer for Walt Simonson's run. This is a nice pocket version.

Quality Rating: C-

Historical Significance Rating: 1

Chronological Placement Considerations: As i mentioned in the entry for last issue, the MCP places this story after Avengers #227 and a number of other Thor appearances. But the back-up story from Thor #326 leads directly into the main story. I've rationalized that by saying that it takes some time for Odin and company to get prepared for the journey to Earth (so the key point is that they don't appear in any other books between these Thor issues), or you can alternatively just assume the Asgardian back-ups weren't happening at the same time as the main Thor stories and take place directly before this issue. Issue #328 begins soon after the end of this issue and no other Thor (or other Asgardian) appearances should take place in between

References: N/A

Crossover: N/A

Continuity Insert? N

My Reprint: N/A