“The Asgardians in Latveria!”
So what has been going on in Thor lately? The Asgardians under Balder the Brave have relocated to Dr. Doom’s country with the help of Loki. Sif is trapped in the body of a dying woman. Thor’s mystic hammer, Mjolnir, has been severally damaged. And a young human man named William has joined the Asgardians in the name of love. So there is a lot going on. In addition, the lengths that Thor goes to save Sif are sure to effect future events in this title and possibly the whole Marvel universe!
J. Michael Straczynski has been weaving one of the most entertaining comic runs in these pages, and this issue is no different. I have been a avid Thor reader for years, and I can’t remember a better run on this title. Along with Marko Djurdjevic on the art, this book just constantly delivers every month on all fronts.
On a different note though, I’m not sure where this comic fits in with what’s been happening in the other Marvel titles. Latveria was recently demolished in Fantastic Four with none of the Norse Gods in sight. Dr. Strange makes a guest appearance to help Thor and he is still portrayed as this realm’s Sorcerer Supreme. There is also Loki now in male form, and I’m sure that he was still being shown as a woman in other titles! I hope these discrepancies are cleared up in future issues.
4.5 out of 5
The search for the new Sorcerer Supreme is over as the Eye of Agamotto is passed from Doc Strange to Doctor Voodoo. Writer Brian Michael Bendis does a good job tying up this story while dropping a few bombshells.
Jericho Drumm, aka Doctor Voodoo, has some big mystical shoes to fill. I appreciated the opening pages devoted new Sorcerer Supreme, giving us a deeper insight into his character. Most of the issue is a battle in the streets of New Orleans – Avengers and cast vs. Dormammu (that one’s not in spell check). Billy Tan’s dynamic art lights up the pages with this supernatural bout. The Avengers ran around and fought a bit, but it was Doc Strange and Voodoo who had the spotlight.
The gems of this issue were hidden in the aftermath of the fight. The Hood, who must have one heck of a PR rep in the Marvel Universe, is un-hooded. This should have major implications in the Marvel Universe. Loki offering Parker, the powerless Hood, a second chance is creepy and intriguing. Clint Barton and Norman Osborn continue their media smear campaign, adding a nice realism to the story. The last page with Clint resolved to finish off Norman is sharp.
Hopefully, the Avengers can reclaim their book now that the new Sorcerer Supreme is crowned. I’m tired of the magic stuff.
3.5 out of 5
Hank Pym’s newfound Avengers are stuck in the PymPocket; sounds kinky doesn’t it? The Pympocket is a lab that exists outside of both time and space. Barely escaping a HAMMER attack, the doorways to return home are quickly disappearing. Only Mr. Fantastic, Reed Richards, has the technology that can help them. Hank calls up his old buddy, but plans and people change. Meanwhile, U.S. Agent and Quicksilver are off to China on a mission involving the Inhumans, which could have far reaching ramifications.
Okay, I’m not a fan of the mega-science stories; time travel, multi-dimensions, and alternate realities are not my thing. That being said, I still really like this issue. I have writer Dan Slott to thank for that. Slott can write good banter and advance the story as well. Hank Pym declaring to Reed Richards “It’s on, bitch” was a great moment in Avengers’ history. This is a far from cohesive team and Slott is able to capture the tension with wit and style. With Loki pulling the strings and Hank still not entirely stable, it’s going to be bumpy time for this fledgling team.
Stephen Segovia’s art should get this book noticed. Even panels without action appear vibrant because of his talent. There is a power and fluidity to each image that brings life into these pages.
This issue leaves us waiting for the action that will occur next issue. This team is fun and Slott seems to have a lot in store for them.
3.5 out of 5
From the cover to the main story and all the extras, this issue rocked with the thunder of the gods. Loki is the smartest of tricky villains who launches a plan that’s good-n-nasty. Loki has been gearing up in the last few issues to put the hurting on Thor and the wait pays off big time! I really enjoyed Loki developing this master plan to exile Thor from Asgard.
The kicker is he works toward exiling Thor by Thor’s own actions. Loki plays Bolder as well, and when everything is in place, checkmate.
The art is phenomenal. Oliver Coipel pencils the epic battle between Thor and his grandfather Bor to life with strong visuals. Reading through these panels, they radiate a clash between gods.
I’m not a big fan of extras being thrown into milestone issues, but I did like the ones we got here. A couple of classic stories that tied into the current arc made sense. The gallery of 600 covers was a nice touch.
J. Michael Straczynski is writing one hell of a book. With issue 600, it takes a great turn and I am looking forward to next month.
4.5 out of 5
