Marvel Comics: Thor shows M.O.D.O.K. kindness despite his crime

In a recent Marvel comic book, Thor defeats a world-ruling M.O.D.O.K. and punishes him with self-realization.

The Marvel Comics event The War of the Realms concluded with his father (Odin) bowing down to Thor and the God of Thunder becoming the ruler of Asgard and the new All-Father. Since then, All-Father Thor has defeated Galactus, his hammer (read the God of Hammers for that tale), and the Hulk (Banner of War). Despite winning those fights and more, Thor continued to question himself.

No matter what happens, Thor questions if he’s worthy of being king of the Ten Realms. It also leaves him wondering what Odin would do. In Marvel Comics Thor Annual No. 1, the God of Thunder puts those thoughts aside to defeat the newest would-be world conqueror.

In his fight against the Hulk, the Bifrost Bridge was shattered into pieces (this also happened in Banner of War). While drifting in space, M.O.D.O.K. gathered those wayward Bifrost pieces. With it, he enhanced his power to control the world. Not only is he the strongest person on Earth, but he’s also made the heroes forget who they are. The All-Father can’t let that continue. When Thor attacked, M.O.D.O.K. now M.Y.T.H.O.S. (Master of Yggdrasil the Tyrant of Humanity the Omnipotent Savior) bested the All-Father easily.

Again, Thor asked himself what his father would do. Odin would retreat, so he did.

Later, Thor comes across Peter Parker. Even though he’s not Spider-Man, Peter defends people who can’t fight for themselves. After Thor scares off the civilian’s attacker, he follows Peter back to his home. While there, Peter tells Thor, “The battles you can’t win are the most important to fight.” This motivates the All-Father to return to M.Y.T.H.O.S. and keep fighting.

Over and over, M.Y.T.H.O.S. hits Thor and sends him flying back to another realm. Each time he’s defeated, the All-Father returns and attacks M.Y.T.H.O.S. stronger than before. Eventually, M.Y.T.H.O.S. is defeated. M.O.D.O.K. is back to his old form and waiting for Thor’s judgment. What happens next is something Odin wouldn’t do. Thor made M.O.D.O.K. take a good look at himself. He tells Sif,

"“For he (M.O.D.O.K.) has been designed for many things. But never to question. Now, perhaps he can see himself as he is. Perhaps he can begin to find the answers that have eluded him.”"

Will M.O.D.O.K. change in Marvel Comics?

Earlier in the issue, M.O.D.O.K. mentioned that he was a pawn designed only for service. Now, he has a chance to be more than that. The conclusion of the issue shows M.O.D.O.K. taking a look at himself in the mirror. It seemed like he was wondering who he was. Will this lead to him becoming a hero? That remains to be seen.

M.O.D.O.K. is currently working with Orchis against the X-Men. However, he was in space when he came across shards of the Bifrost Bridge. He probably outlived his usefulness with Orchis. Or, and this is more likely, he got too big for his britches. This would leave Nimrod or Moira to send him packing. Both of those options are possible. Who knows. Thor Annual No. 1 could take place after X-Men: Hellfire Gala (scheduled for July 26, 2023). Maybe the X-Men cast him out of the planet during Orchis’ attack.

Either way, this writer thinks M.O.D.O.K. becoming something of a hero is possible. During Antman and the Wasp: Quantumania, M.O.D.O.K. helps the heroes defeat Kang. This is important because the Marvel Cinematic Universe can affect the comics (and vice versa). M.O.D.O.K. may never become an Avenger, but helping them or the X-Men defeat Orchis is a possibility especially after Thor tells his peers that he could be a changed man.

Stay tuned to Bam Smack Pow for more Marvel Comics news as it comes out.

What do you think, readers? Will we see a different M.O.D.O.K. in Marvel Comics? Let us know in the comments below.