Summary

• Thor wants the Power Stone, but he'll need to take it from its current holder Otherone, aka the Prince of Power.
• A preview of the issue shows Otherone's new costume and debuts the codename 'Apex.'
• Immortal Thor Annual 2024 #1 is coming July 17 from Marvel Comics.

As Thor battles the Marvel Universe's new strongest hero, Marvel takes the opportunity to give the powerful do-gooder a new costume. However, even a new look can't protect the neophyte hero from Marvel's previous strongest being, who is coming to take back the title whether Thor stands in his way or not. It's Thor vs the Champion of the Universe vs the Prince of Power, in a battle for power that could literally destroy planets.

In a preview of Immortal Thor Annual 2024 #1, Thor decides to seek out the Power Stone, needing some kind of cosmic weapon to battle the newly resurgent Utgard-Gods. As Loki notes, the Stone in an infinite well of physical power, but one that already has a heroic wielder. The Stone is currently in the possession of Otherone, aka the Prince of Power, who is doing his best to put his world-shaking strength to good use, becoming a superhero on an alien world and even wearing a shirt to do it.

Otherone's pose against a lightning bolt is a reference to Frank Miller and Lynn Varley’s iconic Batman: The Dark Knight Returns cover.

The story is part of Marvel's 'Infinity Watch' saga, taking place across its 2024 annuals. Marvel has promised the series will end with a new version of the Infinity Watch forming, safeguarding the Stones from falling into the wrong hands. Prince of Power's unparalleled physical strength could make him the team's big gun, but only if he survives to be recruited. R. B. Silva's design cover for the issue showcases Otherone's new design, while also using the name 'Apex,' suggesting the character will get a new codename this issue (to replace the 'Prince of Power' moniker he stole from Hercules.)

The Prince of Power Finally Puts on a Shirt to Fight Thor

Marvel's Version of He-Man May Behave Like a Joke, But He's Power Personified

Otherone debuted in 2020, in the pages of Al Ewing and Juan Cabal's Guardians of the Galaxy. A parody of He-Man, Otherone hails from a sword-and-sorcery-themed planet where he fought against a Skeletor-like villain alongside his older brother, Majestar. Jealous of his brother's epic strength and immense charisma, Otherone's longing to match the heroic Majestar attracted the Power Stone, which chose to bond with him, increasing his physical power beyond imagining. However, when he attempted to play hero, his unbelievable power shattered his planet to the core, leaving him a guilty cosmic nomad.

Otherone and Majestar were artificially created, with Otherone intended as a spare should Majestar fall. His name literally brands him the 'other one' to his legendary brother.

Now - after training with Rocket Raccoon's mercenary friend Blackjack O'Haire - Otherone is ready to try again, becoming the hero of Znrrgax IV. While the Prince of Power isn't exactly a genius, he is trying his best to do good in the world. Unfortunately, he may not have that option for much longer. Thor is on his way to claim the power stone, but so is Tryco Slatterus, aka the Champion of the Universe. The Champion is the former wielder of the Power Stone, and it made him stronger than any being alive - so strong that he once fought Juggernaut, the Thing, and the Hulk in the same day, triumphing against one after the other.

Now, Otherone is the one who commands that staggering physical power, but he's still getting used to wielding it. When two of the universe's strongest beings turn up to take away the Power Stone (which is effectively his only chance to redeem himself for destroying a whole planet), there's no telling how he'll react. It's worth noting that Thanos is also on the hunt for the Infinity Stones, meaning that yet another of the universe's most powerful beings could be on Otherone's trail.

One of Marvel's newest heroes, the Prince of Power is - like Deadpool before him - a tragic joke; someone who is humorous on the surface but with a dark past and a sincere need to atone for devastating mistakes. Hopefully, when Thor discerns his good heart, he'll decide to help him on his hero's journey rather than de-powering him - after all, he did put on a shirt.

Immortal Thor Annual 2024 #1 is coming July 17 from Marvel Comics.