By: Bryce Morris
The Marvel Universe is vast and filled with a plethora of superheroes, each with their unique stories and backgrounds. Among these, the X-Men and Hulk have been notable figures, but they aren’t the sole heroes to receive the ‘Immortal’ tag. Recently, another iconic character has joined this esteemed list, and it’s none other than the God of Thunder himself, Thor. This new venture titled “Immortal Thor” comes from the brilliant mind of writer Al Ewing, who had previously delivered a masterpiece with “Immortal Hulk.” Collaborating with artist Joe Bennett on the Hulk series, Ewing seamlessly blended superhero elements with horror, creating a narrative that was both thrilling and spine-chilling.
However, with “Immortal Thor,” Ewing takes a different route. Transitioning from the complex psyche of Hulk, a character torn between his human self and the monstrous Hulk, to Thor, a cosmic deity known for his thunderous might, was no small feat. Yet, Ewing manages to do so with finesse. Unlike “Immortal Hulk,” which was a delicate balance of superhero action and horror, “Immortal Thor” plunges deep into the fantasy realm. This series pays homage to the rich legacy of Thor, tracing back to the days when legends Stan Lee and Jack Kirby first breathed life into this character.
The artistic prowess of Martin Coccolo, known for his work on “Deadpool,” further elevates this series. The inaugural story titled “All Weather Turns to Storm” serves as a refreshing introduction for newcomers to the Thor saga, while simultaneously being a treat for long-time fans.
The narrative kicks off with Thor in his element, facing off against the formidable Frost Giants of Jotunheim. These giants are up to no good, drawing the ire of Thor. As the story unfolds, readers are reintroduced to familiar faces from Thor’s world, including Lady Sif, The Warriors Four, and the ever-enigmatic Loki. With Odin, Thor’s father and guide, out of the picture, Thor finds himself at the helm, making crucial decisions for his realm.
The plot thickens when Thor encounters a new adversary, Toranos, also referred to as Utgard-Thor. This new villain bears resemblances to some of Thor’s legendary foes, such as Surtur and the Midgard Serpent. Toranos’s emergence hints at a sinister plot brewing in the shadows, setting the stage for the upcoming chapters of this series.
Over the years, Thor’s character has been molded by various creative teams, including the likes of J. Michael Straczynski & Olivier Coipel, Jason Aaron & Esad Ribic, and Roger Langridge & Chris Samnee. Each rendition has added layers to Thor’s persona. While it’s premature to predict the success of “Immortal Thor,” early indications suggest that it’s a nostalgic trip down memory lane, reminiscent of Marvel’s golden era.
For those eager to embark on this new journey with the God of Thunder, “Immortal Thor #1” is now up for grabs at select comic book stores. Don’t miss out on this epic saga that promises to be a blend of action, fantasy, and the timeless charm of one of Marvel’s most beloved characters.
