The grand quest to uncover the mystery behind the crack in the Oversword of Asgard officially begins! Thor consults the wise sage Morduk, who provides him with a mystical artifact: the Crimson Hand, a powerful glove that compels anyone it touches to speak the truth. Thor and Loki prepare for their journey, but tensions arise when Loki brings aboard Braggi, an untrustworthy crewmate. The Crimson Hand exposes Braggi’s treachery, leading to a violent confrontation. Though Braggi is defeated, the incident foreshadows the dangers that await Thor and Loki—not just from external threats, but from Loki’s own schemes. With their mission now underway, the stage is set for an epic journey into the unknown.

Story

This story seamlessly continues the momentum established in issue #117, building on the stakes and tone of the new arc. This chapter cleverly introduces the Crimson Hand as both a practical tool for the mission and a symbol of Thor’s commitment to justice. The tension between Thor and Loki continues to simmer, creating a compelling dynamic as they prepare to embark on their journey together. Braggi’s brief arc adds a layer of intrigue, underscoring the perils of mistrust and deception, which will undoubtedly play a larger role in the story ahead. While primarily a setup issue, “The Crimson Hand!” does an excellent job of deepening the narrative, hinting at the challenges and betrayals to come.

Artwork

Jack Kirby’s visuals remain as vibrant and dynamic as ever. The Crimson Hand itself is a striking design—bold and ominous, it instantly captures the reader’s attention as an object of power. The scenes in Morduk’s workshop are filled with fascinating details, giving the space an air of mystery and wisdom. The confrontation with Braggi is kinetic, with Kirby’s mastery of action keeping the sequence exciting and fluid. The final page, showcasing the great ship ready to set sail, is a fittingly grand conclusion that evokes a sense of mythic adventure.

Characters & Development

Thor and Loki’s uneasy alliance continues to drive the character drama, with Thor as the noble and resolute hero and Loki as the sly manipulator. Thor’s reliance on the Crimson Hand reveals his growing awareness of the dangers surrounding him, even from within his own ranks, while Loki’s selection of Braggi serves as yet another subtle example of his conniving nature. Braggi’s brief but impactful role highlights the perils of dishonesty in a story that emphasizes truth and trust. Morduk, though a minor character, serves as a wise guide, lending the quest an air of solemnity and importance. This issue also further establishes the stakes of the arc, focusing on themes of loyalty, deception, and the power of truth.

Originality & Continuity

“The Crimson Hand!” builds beautifully on the foundation laid in “The Sword in the Scabbard!”, further developing the overarching quest while introducing new elements like the Crimson Hand. The integration of this mystical artifact into the story feels natural and adds a unique wrinkle to the dynamic between Thor, Loki, and the other characters. The pacing of this issue is slower, as much of it is dedicated to setting up the journey ahead, but this deliberate approach adds to the mythic feel of the arc. The combination of suspense, action, and character-driven drama keeps the story engaging and cohesive with what came before.