Thor: The Mighty Avenger, Volume Two (Review)

Writer: Roger Langridge

Artist: Chris Samnee
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Collects: Journey into Mystery #85-86; Thor: TMA #5-8

In my review of the first volume of this "closed continuity" series I said that it felt like a superhero rom-com. It left me feeling warm and fuzzy inside, but did not leave much of an impression on my mind. Nevertheless, I liked it enough to pick up this second and (sadly) final volume. Thank Odin that I did.

Although the tragically premature death of this series means a few sub-plots were left unresolved -- the identity of the person or persons who captured Thor, why Thor was sent to Earth, what (if anything) Loki was up to -- the only thing that was really important, the relationship between Thor and Jane, sees a happy end.

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.