WARNING: The following contains spoilers for Thor #3 by Donny Cates, Nic Klein, Matt Wilson and VC's Joe Sabino, on sale now.

In Donny Cates and Nic Klein’s Thor, the God of Thunder is looking a little bit different after the conclusion of the War of the Realms event. As the newly-crowned King of Asgard and All-Father, Thor’s powers and responsibilities grew exponentially after Galactus crashed onto the Realm Eternal, warning that something called the Black Winter was coming to destroy the entire universe.

While a plan was quickly devised by the Silver Surfer to transform Galactus into an even more powerful cosmic giant, it was Thor who was chosen to be the Devourer of Worlds’s new Herald. As the Herald of Thunder, Thor’s mission is to lead Galactus to five planets for him to consume, the best hope the universe has of surviving the coming Star Plague.

However, as we now see in Thor #3, the Asgardian’s new role as the Herald of Thunder may end up costing him everything he holds dear.

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Thor vs Beta Ray Bill

In Thor #2, Thor led Galactus to the first of five planets that, when consumed, will power the Devourer of Worlds up like never before. However, Thor wasn’t willing to let his new master destroy this planet and the people who live on it. He allowed the Devourer to consume it only after it had been evacuated, and after promising its inhabitants a safe return further down the line. Unfortunately, Galactus’ hunger drove him to consume the planet until there was nothing left. A furious Thor then meant to fight his master, but they were quickly interrupted by Beta Ray Bill.

As Thor’s brother-in-arms, Bill seeks to stop Galactus’ rampage in Thor #3 and free the God of Thunder from the cosmic being’s grasp. Little does he know, however, that Thor assumed his new role willingly. Despite his best efforts to explain, Beta Ray Bill is having none of it — he’s a hero, and heroes don’t allow entire planets to be destroyed.

Soon, the two warriors are fighting a brutal battle where every strike threatens the bonds of a once-powerful friendship. After Thor breaks Stormbreaker, it becomes clear that he has crossed a line. While he's doing this to help save all of reality, Thor may end up becoming something else as he does. In the fight, Bill tells him he is no longer worthy of wielding Mjolnir. Worse yet, he exclaims that he is no longer Thor’s brother. The fracture of this friendship is shocking, and it’s bound to weigh heavily on Thor.

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Thor Beta Ray Bill Sif

However, things only get worse from there. As Thor moves to finally defeat Bill, he is interrupted by his fellow Asgardian and comrade-in-arms, Lady Sif. Sif holds her ground and defends Bill, telling Thor that the only way to get to him is through her. The issue ends with the promise of a confrontation between Thor and Sif, and this further shows that Thor’s new role is threatening all of his relationships.

First, he has lost Beta Ray Bill’s respect. Now, Sif sees him no longer as a friend but an enemy. At this point, it's not clear where Thor's current trajectory will take him. Will Thor’s quest to save the universe alienate him from everyone he is trying to save? While Thor has almost always had the strength and support of his allies and companions, he's now tasked with a burden that only a King can handle. As the old saying goes, heavy is the head that wears the crown, even in the Marvel Universe.

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