Punch Up: “To Me My ❌-Men”

Chapter Thirty-Five:

1985-1986

November & December, 1985 & January, 1986, Thor 364-366 by W. Simonson, Becton, M. Scheele, Workman + Macchio

Mixtape tracks: New God by Green River; Ever Fallen in Love? (Buzzcocks) by Fine Young Cannibals; & Blood and Roses by The Smithereens

Chapter 35 of “to me my ❌-Men,” a Morlock plays a part in a farce about a Frog. That’s right folks! Thor is back!

Previously on “to me my ❌-Men,” 95 issues in to our 34 chapters long tail, thus far, I spend a great deal on the fact that I am finally picking up an issue when it comes out, at a comic shop, and placing it in a boarded bag after reading it. I spend an equally painful time analysing it as art from a technical sense and as art as it opens up analysis of self and the human condition. Naturally I place all of this in the broadest of historical contexts. Like the ❌-Men and Mutants have been to Asgard. This is a two way street.

And so…

Yes there was an ❌ on the cover. And yes the cover was by Walter Simonson.

Here we have three more Walter Simonson covers, this time written, penciled and inked by him.

They are a simple story of a frog. The comic claims unusual. It makes clear what is about to happen. And yet it still asks a question and assumes you seek answers inside.

Somehow, we find ourselves back in the world of back issues, as I had made this grand proclamation. Let’s get this over with.

Odin, as we know, is presumed dead, certainly lost. It is time to go through the motions on anointing a leader of Asgard.

Thor was meant to return himself after a mission to Hel to rescue Earthlings. But perhaps with the rainbow bridge destroyed in war, he is having issues.

So naturally Bill emerges, not Thor. Thor actually left vie chariot to rush home prior to Bill. Bill is there as invitation from Thor and was expecting to thank him on arrival. Good news, we have BillSif together in Asgard.

Thor was meant to return himself after a mission to Hel to rescue Earthlings. But perhaps with the rainbow bridge destroyed in war, he is having issues.

So naturally Bill emerges, not Thor. Thor actually left vie chariot to rush home prior to Bill. Bill is there as invitation from Thor and was expecting to thank him on arrival.

Good news, we have BillSif together in Asgard.

Bad news, Thor whereabouts are as clear as Odins.

Thusly, on Midgard a Frog croaks: “RIBBIT!! RIBBIT!!* (Translated from Frog to your native vernacular) A FROG! I’VE BECOME A FROG!

-Thor

Thor hopes through a delightful adventure of urgency. Being swept out by Jarvis (a person, not AI) from the Avengers mansion unhelpfully. Franklin tires to help in his way, but he. Is but a child.

The Frog faces rat and cars of NYC.

As his chariot with goats awaits.

Thor gets caught in the drama of Frogs. But a hero must hero.

And so Loki takes this opportunity to create illusion of a Thor and proclamation of transformation of the thrown to Loki, not Thor…presumably..or does Loki this is not Thor…I am to sleepy to cares As the Frog has defeated rats and is now facing Alagators…because he has come across our old Morlock friend with a pipe and a tune.

Thor takes the pipe and returned to the Frog and Rat issues.

Something is not right with the Thor Loki is trying to manipulate.

As the Piper finds his pipe amongst frogs and rats.

Loki has a replica of the hammer…only some kids and one god have begun to understand what is the plot.

Thor the frog has found frog love. But he must return. And so he finds his chariot and the actual hammer. And by his right he lifts is and become Frog Thor!

And if he rides.

As Loki demonstrates his ability with a hammer. A mysterious figure flys around lead by the hammer.

Lifts him up.

And so the fake Thor must disperse.

For some reason we must see what Hela is up to…

And now the giant frog Thor continues his embarrassment of his brother.

And then Loki decides to catch the hammer from Thor. Only this now the Thor he once knew, not the frog, and the hammer is THE HAMMER…and Loki goes

KCUNK!

And so it is suggested the absent Balder be the new leader…as he has his own limited series.

Frank Oz & Jim Henson’s Bert

Oy!

Well that was delightful cleansing of the pallet.

Time to get serious.

Next: Daredevil!?