Title- Standoff Part 1

Issue- Thor vol.2 #58

Writer- Dan Jurgens

Art- Alan Davis

 

Summary:

In the war torn country of Slokovia, devout followers of Thor are massacred as they plead for his help. Thor answers this call by descending upon Slokovia with his warriors. Asgard intervention raises concern in the Pentagon as they fear that Slokovia's proximity to Latveria may prompt a preemptive strike by Doom to keep Asgard out of his affairs. The Pentagon ask Iron Man to speak to Thor about withdrawing. His pleas however fall on deaf ears, and Iron Man is forced to stand between Thor and the Slokovian army.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Title- Standoff Part 2

Issue- Iron Man vol.3 #64

Writer- Mike Grell

Art- Alan Davis

 

Summary:

The standoff between Iron Man and Thor continues and Tony receives an invitation from Doom. Doom advises Tony to use the element that Thor gave him in order to power a reactor for a new suit of armor. Tony feigns ignorance but goes ahead with Doom's suggestion. Iron Man engages Thor in battle as Doom and the world watches on. Captain American then arrives to stand between the two Avengers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Title- Standoff Part 3

Issue- Avengers vol.3 #63

Writer- Geoff Johns

Art- Alan Davis

 

Summary:

The conflict between Iron Man and Thor continues to escalate. Suffering extremely heavy damage, Iron Man discards his special armor and continues the battle with his standard type. Captain American attempts to talk Thor down, but laser fire remotely fired by Doom sets him on the rampage again. After convincing the American army to stand down from the conflict, Captain American once again places himself between Thor and Slokovian forces. Thor lashes out at him and his hammer dents his shield. Captain American reminds Thor that the easiest solution is not always the right or best one. Thor finally decides to withdraw, but not before he mends Captain America's shield. Ultimately all armies withdraw and Slokovia is annexed by Latveria.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comments:

This is one of my favorite arcs for this period. Doom's characterization manages to be consistent despite this being a cross over with three different writers. Although Doom is in supporting role mostly and does not really get directly into the action, it is a strong appearance nonetheless. Placing Doom in an international conflict is something that we rarely see and provides a welcome change from the run of the mill 'destroy the Fantastic Four' plot. This is one of the best stories to come out of the Heroes Return period. Bottom Line: Buy It!

 

 

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