Thor #604 review

Doctor Doom certainly doesn’t have a doctorate in common sense because he just made lifelong enemies with a pantheon of gods! Gearing up for the next big Marvel event The Siege, new author Kieron Gillen begins a three-issue arc titled Latverian Prometheus. Thor’s previous author leaves poor Mr. Gillen with numerous loose plot threads. The recap beginning this issue crams some of those stories waiting for an ending together.

This issue reveals just how nasty Doc Doom is. His plan is to harness the power of the Asgardians, use it to create hybrid beings, and turn them on the demi-gods. To do this, Doom is killing lesser Asgardians. Morning the dead of her beloved mortal boyfriend Bill, Kelda confronts Doom. The gauntlet between Doom and Boulder is cast as they prepare for war.

Where is Thor? Still in exile, Thor and his human host Dr. Don Blake spend most of the issue licking their wounds. Thor’s appearance is worth the issue – the splash page is fricking gorgeous. Billy Tan’s art is an excellent fit for Thor. His thin, detailed, lines create a regal, noble strength for the Asgardians. He shows off his skills on a few close up panels with sharp emotion and artistic confidence.

This issue sets up a monumental conflict – Doom vs. Thor. Its success will rest on the conclusion of the arc. Will it satisfy or disappoint? Gods help us.

3 out of 5

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