Issue(s): Thor annual #14 (Balder story only)
Cover Date:
Title: "Balder agonistes"
Credits:
Ralph Macchio - Writer
Bo Hampton - Penciler
Bo Hampton - Inker

Review/plot:
This is a continuity insert that appeared in 1989's Thor annual #14 but takes place directly after the Tales of Asgard story from 1981's Thor #311. The Tales of Asgard stories from that era took place in the modern era and eventually fed into the main story, and they were co-written by Ralph Macchio, who by 1989 was the editor of the Thor title and who also wrote this story. I think the answer to the question of why we're going back to largely forgotten stories from 1981 in 1989 is because this story addresses the question of why Balder would continue a romance with Karnilla after she indirectly caused the death of his love Nanna.

This story has Karnilla showing up for Nanna's funeral, which was mostly attended by woodland creatures.

Karnilla then tells Balder that she feels bad about Nanna's death, and to make up for it, she's made a deal with Hela. On Balder's word, Hela will exchange Karnilla's life for Nanna's.

But Balder declines that offer, and it does make him open himself back up to the idea of a romance with Karnilla ("Not now. Not... yet").

Of course, Karnilla knew all along that Balder wouldn't accept the offer, and in fact Hela was only an illusion.

I'm still not convinced this was necessary - Balder's capacity for forgiveness is one of his prime characteristics, and Walt Simonson developed the tentative romance between him and Karnilla well enough without needing this - but i guess it smooths things over a bit more. And there's some nice fantasy style art from Bo Hampton.

Quality Rating: C

Historical Significance Rating: 1

Chronological Placement Considerations: A footnote tells us that "This sad story occurs shortly afte the events depicted in T.O.A. from Thor #311".

References:

• Nanna killed herself to free Balder from his vow to marry Karnilla in Thor #306.
  
• Balder brought Nanna's body back to Asgard in Thor #311.

Crossover: N/A

Continuity Insert? Y

My Reprint: N/A