Thor: God of Thunder #2 Advanced Review
Writer: Jason Aaron
Artist: Esad Ribic
Thor continues his battle against The God Butcher across the timestream. This issue mainly features young Viking Thor’s first encounter with this killer of the Gods. This allows us our first clear view of The God Butcher. Young Viking Thor is brash and headstrong, not too different from present-day Thor. Instead of wielding his trust hammer Mjolnir, Thor carries a battle axe named Jarnbjorn.
Thor and the Vikings travel to the banks of the Neva River, which will one day be called Russia. They prepare to face river men and their Gods, but find out that The God Butcher has already dealt with the river men’s Gods. Upon this discovery, Thor and The God Butcher engage in battle
What I Liked
Thor’s internal dialogue. As Thor is processing clues and fighting The God Butcher, he displays a witty sense of humor. The battle between The God Butcher and Thor is also intense. Many of the Marvel NOW! titles have been lacking in the action department. Since many are starting with brand new, reader friendly number one issues, it makes sense to introduce the character(s) to a new audience. Character depth takes precedence over action. Thor: God of Thunder does a brilliant job of mixing the two.
Thor also shares a story of learning the difference between war and murder as a child. Again, Jason Aaron is allowing the reader to see how experiences in his past have molded him into the God he is today.
The God Butcher might want to be careful asking Thor what is he the God of. You might not like the answer.
What I Didn’t Like
I’m anxious to see an issue deal with future King Thor of Asgard. It makes sense to have each issue feature one of the three Thor’s that The God Butcher encounters. This issue had young Thor, so I am guessing next issue will feature future King Thor. I also wonder if we will get an origin for The God Butcher. Why is he hunting and killing Gods? What grudge does he have against them? Perhaps he is even a former God himself? Perhaps kicked out of his kingdom and now seeking revenge on all living Gods?
Thor: God of Thunder is one of my favorite Marvel NOW! titles. Each issue has been filled with action, mystery and intrigue. Esad Ribic’s art teamed with Jason Aaron’s writing is creating a winning formula.
This review is written in partnership with Pop Culture Network. They can be found at their website http://www.popculturenetwork.com/
Timdogg
#ComicBookChronicles @CBChron founder. Editor-in-Chief of @thekliqnation. Comic book reviewer, podcaster #RABBLERABBLE
