Thor: The Mighty Avenger, Volume One (Review)

Writer: Roger Langridge

Artist: Chris Samnee

Publisher: Marvel Comics

Collects: Journey into Mystery #83-84; Thor: TMA #1-4

A continuity-free, all-ages series released as a companion to its mainstream counterpart, Thor: The Mighty Avenger tells the story of a god who fell to Earth. Unsure of why he is here, Thor quickly finds himself becoming an unwary superhero in the world of mortals, while also becoming wrapped up in the life of museum curator Jane Foster.

This was a breath of fresh air. Light-hearted but unrestrained, TMA is good old-fashioned superhero fun in every form. This should be held up as a basic example of how to do good comics without resorting to moody moping which, although effective, is not always essential.

Despite being chock full of exciting action sequences, this is first and foremost a love story in a very modern sense. Snappy dialogue, genuinely funny comedy pacing, and heartwarming moments between Thor and Jane make this seem like a rare breed of superhero rom-com that's actually quite good. The best material in here is the quiet interactions of those two starcrossed lovers.

The art has an air of "light and fluffy" to it as well, without being vacuous. The little facial expressions in almost every panel are a hidden comedy treat and effectively so. Thor suspiciously eyeing Jane's answering machine while brandishing his hammer might be one of my favourite panels of all time. But Samnee can also achieve very dynamic and punchy action panels too, while pulling off a natural flow to characters' movements and body language.

His clear-cut designs of everyone in this story are also a welcome break from certain overcomplicated variations. And Langridge fearlessly pulls in a few other Marvel characters to make hilariously sitcom-esque guest appearances. Hank and Janet Pym, Mr. Hyde, Loki, the Warriors Three, and even Captain Britain all stop in for a visit.

Again, these cameos are not held down by any worries over continuity or deeper implications. The entire scene with the Warriors Three (my favourite Thor supporting characters ever) and Captain Britain is wonderfully funny in a sort of classic comedy vein; like something out of a Marx Brothers skit. This is something you would sadly never see in a mainstream title.

And I suppose that statement has good and bad connotations. One the one hand, this story lacks any kind of gravitas or significance. But that's not what it is; that's not the tone it sets for itself. Thor: The Mighty Avenger is escapism from the weighted and weary world of other superhero tales, without condemning them. Rather, it is the best elements of those tales without anything else surrounding it. It is like a warm fire at the end of a long, cold day. And just in time for Christmas.

Rating: 3/5