Ragnarok & Roll, Too! (The Mighty Thor #351) (1984)

 

Art and Story: Walter Simonson

Fearing for his father's ability to withstand an attack by Surtur, Thor leaves the field of battle on Earth to return to Asgard.

Karnilla, Queen of the Norns, continues to withhold aid from the forces of Asgard until Balder the Brave agrees to become her consort, and her ploy may be paying off.

Thor’s pal Roger reappears with a possible solution to the winter storms that are destroying the world.

And members of the Army appear with news about the reinforcement of Surter’s forces.

Beta Ray Bill hatches a plan to outsmart the swarm of demons that threaten to overwhelm his warriors by sheer weight of numbers.

Meanwhile, Surter is about to enter Asgard to confront Odin.

Heimdall does his best to bar the path.

And Surtur in turn bars the way to any help from outside Asgard.

Frigga and the children of Asgard encounter an obstacle as they evacuate to safety.

Back on Earth, Sif and Bill observe evidence of the devastation facing Asgard.

Maddened by her inability to provide aid, she renews her dedication to the battle.

Thor rescues Heimdall in the moments before engaging with one of his most powerful foes.

And it’s on!

As powerful as Thor is, he does not prove to be Surtur’s equal.

The stage is set for the climactic battle.

Walt Simonson has so many narrative balls in the air at this point, all moving toward a satisfying conclusion.