Why Did Thor Dodge the Jet’s Fire in 'How Come In'?

In the dynamic battle scene involving Thor, Hulk, and a mini-gun equipped jet, one pivotal moment stands out: Thor dodges the jet's fire. This action, though seemingly abrupt, is a product of Thor's instincts, expertise, and the chaotic nature of the battle. Let's delve into the reasoning behind this crucial maneuver.

Thor's Cognitive Process

The first reason why Thor dodged the jet's fire is rooted in his unfamiliarity with the weapon. As far as we can tell, Thor had never encountered a mini-gun before. His reliance on his allies' descriptions of the weapon's lethal capabilities naturally led him to assume its danger.

But it's not just a matter of knowing about the weapon. Thor had been intensively fighting Hulk, and he had taken significant hits from the monster. He knew firsthand the pain and the resilience of the creature. His experience told him that a weapon capable of taking down Hulk could also be dangerous to him.

Thor's dodge was a calculated risk, given the unknown weapon.

Thor's Defensive Strategy

During the fight, Thor had been using his strength and Mjolnir to combat Hulk, but he refrained from using lightning. When the jet appeared, about to engage Hulk, Thor likely assumed the weapon posed a significant threat. His instinct was to protect his allies and ensure Hulk could be distracted, rather than engaging in a risky confrontation.

An additional layer of reasoning involves the possibility that Thor heard an order. The Avengers often use earpieces, and it's plausible that Thor received a command through his to avoid continuing the fight. Given the chaotic nature of battle and the need to plan moves strategically, Thor's actions were not purely reactive.

Note that while Thor hit Hulk with Mjolnir, he did not cause visible damage, and Hulk did not bleed from a nose punch. This further reinforces Thor's cautiousness about the unknown weapon.

The Chaotic Battle

The scene also highlights the chaotic nature of the battle. Despite being nearly invulnerable, Thor's quick thinking and awareness of the situation demonstrate his strategic mindset. He understood that in the face of an unknown weapon, it was safer to dodge and allow the jet to focus on distracting Hulk.

Thor's jump indicates his awareness of the situation and his desire to protect his allies. He clearly wanted to avoid any unnecessary physical risk, even at the cost of giving up a momentary advantage in the fight.

Conclusion

In 'How Come In,' Thor's dodge of the jet's fire was a strategic move born out of experience, instinct, and the need to protect his fellow Avengers. This moment underscores the chaotic nature of battle, revealing Thor's nuanced and calculated approach to combat. Thor's actions serve as a reminder that superiority in strength does not negate the importance of strategic thinking and careful assessment of threats.

So, when Thor dodges the jet's fire, he's not just avoiding a bullet; he's ensuring the survival and success of his mission.