Marvel Reveals A Villain Not Even Thor's Hammer Can Hurt
The Mighty Thor and his mischievous half-brother Loki find themselves against a powerful new foe that even Thor's trusty hammer Mjolnir cannot withstand in a sneak peek for the upcoming release of writer Mariko Tamaki and artist Gurihiru's Thor & Loki: Double Trouble #2.
Marvel Comics has released an official five-page preview that continues the first issue's climactic battle. Thor faces off against Mildred, the sister of his most lethal opponent within the world of Asgard/Midgard, Jormungand, a.k.a. The Midgard Serpent. However, Mildred proves even deadlier than her famed sibling. Thor immediately proceeds to battle the serpent with his hammer Mjolnir. Instead of swiftly dispatching the creature, Mjolnir faintly reflects off the creature, leaving the Thunder God and mischief-maker Loki in the crosshairs of a particularly displeased serpent.
After being coaxed into stealing a prized Lur from the treasured vault of his father and Asgard's ruler Odin, Thor inadvertently gives Loki the tool needed to release Jormundgand's dreaded sister onto Asgard. Mildred is swift and direct in her assault on the main palace. The new preview pages depict Thor and Loki's continued battle against the creature; the two serving as the realm's supposed last line of defense. With every force exhausted, Thor resorts to the only hope left, Mjolnir. While Mjolnir has formerly proven to be an asset against the deceased Jormundgand and other foes, the hammer merely proves to be nothing but a minor inconvenience for this colossal threat. Thor and Loki must now deal with the sizable consequences of their actions.
Thor and The Midgard Serpent share a personal history that goes way back. The Midgard Serpent is even more threatening than the fire lord Surtur and the devious sorceress Hela. In Norse mythology, The Midgard Serpent (or Jormungandr) is often depicted as the "world serpent" who will bring about Thor's death near the end of Ragnarok, which the Marvel Universe interpretation of the creature has replicated to an extent. Jornungand has not been featured in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but his legend is known far and wide throughout the comics-verse.
Without the magical hammer, Thor remains a capable leader and tactician in the heat of battle. Given the playful art style of the series, it's difficult to imagine that the events depicted will reach an ultraviolent conclusion. Not to mention there are two remaining issues of the series, which may or may not be taking place in Valhalla. Thor & Loki: Double Trouble #2 from Marvel Comics will be available on April 14.