Review: THOR #1

Writer:  Jason Aaron
Artist:  Russell Dauterman
Color Artist:  Matthew Wilson
Letterer & Production:  VC’s Joe Sabino
Publisher:  Marvel Comics

 

Unless you have been living under a rock, you should know by now that there is a new Thor in town, and its not a man.  As announced on The View, for the first time ever there will be a woman wielding Mjolnir and carrying the mantle of “Thor”.  Who is this woman?  And how has Thor become unworthy?  These mysteries will unfold in this new chapter of Thor.

Thor #1 2014 interior art

What I Liked

This is one beautiful comic book to read.  I am very sad to see Esad Ribic leave as artist for Thor, but the addition of Russell Dauterman feels like the perfect transition to this new volume.  Each page feels like it is crackling with energy, thanks to the color art of Matthew Wilson.  There is so much fluidity to Dauterman’s illustrations.  I remember first seeing his work on the Boom! Studios title Supurbia about two years ago and being really impressed.  Then he moved on to a stint on DC Comics’ Nightwing and got to launch Cyclops from Marvel.  It really feels like his career is taking off.  I wouldn’t be surprised to see his name included for 2015’s Young Guns artists.

Jason Aaron knows how to write compelling Thor stories.  Each arc challenges Thor more and more.  What does it truly mean to be worthy?  Are three Thor’s worthy enough to defeat Gor the God Butcher?  Is Thor worthy enough to align the at-the-time nine realms against Malekith?  Can a God be worthy to step in and assist Mother Nature when she’s being assaulted by the Minotaur?

Which brings us to Thor #1.  One whisper by Nick Fury during Original Sin has resulted in Thor being unable to lift his hammer.  Other recent developments include Asgardia (formerly Asgard) moving into space, and Odin returning from his self-imposed exile.  Odin and his wife Freyja provide comic relief as they argue over how to run Asgardia and how to deal with Thor.  They really sound like an old married couple.

We also get our first clue regarding who Thor’s replacement could be.

What I Didn’t Like

With all the hype swirling around the new female Thor, I was hoping we’d get to see more of her here.  It does make sense to transition the story from previous Thor to new Thor.  I wasn’t impressed by our main villain the first time they appeared, so my hope is the introduction of female Thor is enough to keep me pleased.

Thor #1 2014 cover art

Summary

Readers will have the best of both worlds in Thor.  We can follow Odinson’s journey back to worthiness, while experiencing what it is like for someone new to carry the responsibilities and mantle of the God of Thunder.  Can she handle familiar threats to her predecessor?  Make sure to let us know in the Comments section below your guesses as to who the new Thor is?  Along with letting us know your overall thoughts.

Rating:  4 out of 5

This review is written in partnership with Pop Culture Network.  They can be found at their website http://www.popculturenetwork.com/

#ComicBookChronicles @CBChron founder. Editor-in-Chief of @thekliqnation. Comic book reviewer, podcaster #RABBLERABBLE