How The Grinch Stole Christmas…..and Fought Thor?
Almost Everyone knows the story of our fractious furry green friend who learns of the meaning of Christmas by taking it away from everyone else. Many are also familiar with our lovable boisterous hammer swinging heir of Asgard.
However, what many do not know is that these two once went toe to toe in a merry brawl! Perhaps this wasn’t exactly the Grinch (probably due to licensing issues of course), but today we take a look back at Thor #444 ‘How the Groonk Stole Christmas’!
Photo: Marvel Comics
Thor’s Sad Christmas
The version of Thor present in this comic is bonded to Eric Masterson. As a result of a life threatening injury, Thor pleaded to his father Odin, and the all knowing father fulfilled Thor’s wish with the rather inconvenient caveat of having to share a body.
Thor and Masterson would often quarrel over who controlled the body which led to a number of negative consequences, such as Masterson losing custody of his son.
In this issue we pick up on a down on your luck Masterson lost in thought while a woman gets pick pocketed right in front of him!
Photo: Marvel Comics
A Thief Stealing Gifts?
Within this instance we get a little glimpse of our green furred antagonist. Masterson proceeds to unleash his hammer, transform to Thor, and scout the city. Eventually meeting with the police who inform Thor that a pickpocket is going around town and stealing only one gift from random citizens.
One gift per citizen? Additionally the police inform Thor that the gift is completely random and not always of the expensive variety. Our Asgardian friend is just as stumped as the police and moves on with his night eventually meeting with his son.
Photo: Marvel Comics
Who is This Mean Green Fellow?
While Masteron is dealing with having his son live elsewhere, a second victim gets burglarized, and Thor takes into the air again searching feverishly. A quick laser-eye bolt to the back (yes this universe has Grinch with Laser-eye imbued powers) and we have the rumble we’ve all been yearning for.
The massive mountainous hulking Grinch is a far cry from the usual averaged sized mischievous schemer.
Photo: Marvel Comics
I Wouldn’t Touch you With a 39-and-a-half foot Hammer!
The two proceed to slug it out in the streets of New York. Smashing each other through convenience stores. A hammer smash here followed by a huge green fist there, not the first time Thor has been hit with a green fist I’m sure.
Eventually the Grinch, or Groonk, is called back by his loyal sidekick and pet Max. Yes, you read correctly, the adorable pooch is also in this issue of Thor as well.
Photo: Marvel Comics
As Thor gives chase, he is pounced upon by a plethora of individuals. Ah so the Groonk, Grinch, was working with others you ask? Nope. It turns out that this was all just a huge misunderstanding, and that the Groonk has been stealing gifts to give to the poor homeless living in the sewers of the city.
While Thor allows himself some time to fully understand the gist of what’s happening, the homeless pledge to return all the gifts that were stolen and stand by Groonk regardless of what happens to him.
Photo: Marvel Comics
A Small Misunderstanding
It appears that the mean green bad banana with termites in his smile and the temperament of a seasick crocodile, is actually a loveable fuzzy mutant with a penchant for Robin Hood-esque antics of giving to the poor (and a pretty decent set of powers). This Marvel variant is one we definitely can get behind.
Thor manages to return all the gifts that were stolen. Yes, this means he took them from the homeless and gave them back. While also getting a delightful visit from Captain America with an invitation to live at Avenger’s mansion.
Photo: Marvel Comics
The issue ends with a grand merry meeting of all the important individuals within Eric Masterson’s life supporting him in his time of need. Unfortunately, we never learn of the fate of our Marvel Grinch, but hopefully he can find a more legitimate method for providing for the people in the sewers of New York.
Thanks for taking a look down memory lane at this Christmas issue of Thor, and from everyone at Marvel Blog, Merry Christmas!
Feature Image Source: Marvel Comics
