Thor, Volume One (Classic Review)

Originally released in 2008.

Writer: J. Michael Straczynski

Artist: Olivier Coipel

Publisher: Marvel Comics

Collects: Thor #1-6

The first page of this collection tells you everything you need to know about the rest of it: Gorgeous artwork and lofty dialogue.

After Ragnarok, the battle to end all battles, Asgard and its residents have been wiped out. From the void of nothingness, Thor is resurrected by his former alter ego Dr. Don Blake, who is also restored to reality. And so Thor sets about rebuilding that which was lost; reconstructing Asgard in a field in Oklahoma, and seeking out his people in the bodies of mortals.

I fell in love with this story the first time I read it. Coipel's art is simply divine, with powerful designs, striking layouts, and realistic body language and facial expressions. I can recognise each unique character and feel as though I know them intimately. He works in conjunction with Straczynski to create a rich atmosphere whatever the tone, whether dark and grim or light and humorous. The famous Laura Martin on colours doesn't hurt either.

Just like Thor himself, Straczynski sets about rebuilding the world around the Thunder God, including supporting characters new and old (have I mentioned how much I love the Warriors Three?). While some might find Thor's visit to post-Katrina New Orleans "preachy", it sets up the major recurring themes of this new series: Thor is not a superhero; he is a god. He is not bound by the same restrictions as most other costumed crusaders.

This is examined the most in Don Blake's brief work with Medecins Sans Frontieres in Africa. We see that Thor (and Blake) will go were most do not, but despite the cathartic fight scene, things are still not simple for a god among men. I wish this particular theme had been visited more in subsequent issues, as it seems to fit the character perfectly.

But the home setting of Broxton, Oklahoma is enjoyable too (for obviously different reasons). It is your typical "Smalltown, USA" except that they have gods living just up the road. I love that kind of thing, especially in the town meeting scene, and it also seems like the perfect addition to this series. The sub-plot of diner cook Bill and Asgardian beauty Kelda's starcrossed romance is another very engaging element in this, even if it doesn't really effect the other goings-on.

Admittedly, the story pacing is very slow to begin with. Such a crawl would usually be filled with character development, but Straczynski seems to think we are already familiar with Thor, and he spends most of the time just sitting around silently contemplating. That said, when Thor does speak, he speaks volumes. And the surrounding elements do get fleshed out while Thor is brooding.

Whosoever reads this tale will find it worthy and possessing the power of Thor.

Sorry.

Rating: 4/5