WARNING: The following article contains spoilers for Thor #21, on sale now from Marvel Comics.
Mangog, one of the God of Thunder's classic foes, returns in Thor #21, by Donny Cates, Nic Klein, Matt Wilson and VC's Joe Sabino, but with a twist.
The current arc of Thor, titled "God of Hammers," saw the Avenger looking for Mjolnir after the weapon went missing. This proved particularly troubling for Thor, as Mjolnir going missing was also linked to a prophecy regarding the "God of Hammers," a being destined to kill the King of Asgard. In Thor #20, the God of Hammers revealed itself as Mjolnir, but that's only part of the story.
Thor #21 sees Odin and Thor facing off against the God of Hammers. With some help from Sif, they're able to send the being across the universe for a short respite. During that time, Odin explains Mjolnir has, in fact, always been alive and bears the souls of the Mother Storm and those who died making the weapon. The God of Hammers then returns and reveals that it's also Mangog, as Mjolnir became fused with the villain when they were thrown into the sun together.
Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, Mangog first appeared in 1968's Thor #154 and is the manifestation of all of the hatred held by a race wiped out by Odin. Due to his massive size and strength, Mangog has proven a formidable threat for Thor and his allies in the past. More specifically, Mangog is making reference to 2018's Mighty Thor #705, by Jason Aaron, Russell Dauterman, Matthew Wilson and VC's Joe Sabino. In that issue,the Jane Foster version of the Thor bound the villain in chains and then threw him into the sun using Mjolnir.
You can read the plot synopsis from Thor #21's solicitation information below.
Thor has been beaten down, and the God of Hammers is about to make the final blow! Is this the end of the All-Father? Prophecies do come true, after all…but not always in the ways they are foreseen. For there is one last chance to save Thor — but at what cost?! Plus: The shocking origin of the mysterious God of Hammers is revealed!
Thor #21 is on sale now from Marvel Comics and features covers from Nic Klein; Creees Lee and Rachelle Rosenberg; Jim Cheung; and Michael Walsh. The next issue releases Feb. 16.