Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews

Thor God Of Thunder #1-10Thor God Of Thunder (The Series Issues 1-10)
Marvel Comics
Aaron, Ribic, Svorcina, Guice, Palmer & White

Jason Aaron's run on Thor has been a fantastic ride so far. What's not to like? He's got not one, not two, but three Thors in the book. If that's not enough the book is building up to the detonation of the Godbomb. There is something to be said for combining a crazy idea and throwing the improbable at the idea and that type of ambitious storytelling is exactly what you might expect from Aaron. This is a comic book to look to pick up if you aren't already doing so.

The first issue begins with the Thor of 893 AD. He's more brash, more undisciplined and more importantly, he hasn't lifted the hammer yet. This Thor, an unruly Viking, is drinking all night and hacking up bad guys with his axe all day. Jason Aaron makes the reader fall immediately in love with this naïve but powerful Thor from the very first sequence.

Shortly after the intro to Viking Thor we get the current version of Thor as seen through Aaron's eyes. The immediate variance here is that he doesn't speak like Thor in any of the other books. Initially criticizing this in my first review I overlooked the personality presented here where Thor is confident, calculating and a leader. He thinks before attacking and weighs his options. Still, I like the heavy accent better.

Finally, the first issue wraps up with the introduction of King Thor many millennia from now. King Thor is old, beaten, impatient, damaged and very cranky. This Old Man Thor or Maestro Thor isn't done fighting though, despite being the last one standing. This first issue establishes the featured protagonists and leaves the reader guessing about the mystery that ties them together.

What unfolds over issues two, three, four and five is the plot surrounding the God Butcher. Aaron creates a villain bent on destroying all the Gods across the universe and throughout time. He's a nasty little villain named Gorr. While he squares off with each of the three Thors it's clear he's toying with them.

Gorr's origin is the showcase for the sixth issue and while there isn't anything groundbreaking about his origin the story is grippingly depressing. What isn't entirely clear is the source of his immense power. He, himself, seems to be a God. However, his grudge against Gods is clear and across the centuries he seems to enjoy torturing Thor the most. So much so, that he plucks three out of time to triple his pleasure.

Issues seven through eleven (as of this writing issue eleven has yet to ship) focus on the endgame for Gorr as he builds and prepares to detonate the Godbomb. This arc is interesting because it introduces a couple of familiar characters but it also introduces some descendants of Thor, which are terrific additions to the supporting cast.

It appears Gorr has simply grown tired of hunting down the Gods and he decides to simply let the ones he's gathered over the years to slave over building him one giant bomb to kill everyone. It's an interesting idea and I like that the storyline has others willing to rebel besides the Thors.

The final arc shows a bit of teamwork from the present Thor and King Thor. They have a terrific dynamic as King Thor scolds the present Thor and lets him know at every turn how much tougher the King is over the younger and more inexperienced Thor. Present day Thor seems to embrace that he can learn from the King Thor, but he does enjoy ignoring his advice to keep his stubborn attitude in tact. They both take turns making fun of Viking Thor when the time comes. The workings between the three are not to be missed.

Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle ReviewsRibic is on art for nearly every issue. The only one Ribic fully sits out is the origin of Gorr, which is handled nicely by Guice and Palmer. Overall Ribic starts slow with rougher looking pencils. However, by the second arc Ribic is in full command of the characters and the details. Ribic provides plenty of drama along with epic action and some nice comedic moments. As the final issues unfold Ribic takes tremendous command of the intensity with regard to the Thors, specifically the King Thor. The interpretations of the characters and their desperation are particularly noteworthy.

Jason Aaron has written a number of enjoyable stories. His take on Thor is shaping up to be perhaps his finest super hero work. He's at the top of his game in terms of big ideas, iconic characters and devious villains working imaginative plots. I'm not sure where this series goes once the God Bomb arc wraps up but I know I will be there to check it out. This is a comic worth looking into.

4.5 out of 5 Geek Goggles