Thor: The Dark World Review

This has been a film that I've been looking forward to ever since the end of the first Thor film. The fact that this films villain will be Malekith would also grab my interest, as although Loki is still to feature it will be interesting to see a different type of villain.

Plot

When Jane Foster finds the Aether it brings about the return of Malekith, who wants the nine realms to return to eternal darkness.

Review

This was an amazing film and a brilliant follow-up to both Thor and The Avengers, also being a brilliant stand alone film in it's own rights. The main thing I noticed whilst watching this film was that it had a completely different mood and tone from the first, though that is expected when there is a different director at the helm, with Alan Taylor who's best known for his work on Game of Thrones taking over from Kenneth Branagh. Taylor would do a brilliant job of putting his own stamp on Thor, as although the change in tone took a bit of getting used to, it would add much more depth to the story, as although Branagh did a good job on the first film, I felt that Taylor was able to capture much more emotion in this one, mixing it with the action and excitement perfectly.

Most of the cast from the first Thor film would return, with Chris Hemsworth once again playing Thor, Tom Hiddleston returning as Loki, Natalie Portman as Jane Foster, Anthony Hopkins as Odin, Idris Elba as Heimdall, Ray Stevenson as Volstagg, Tadanobu Asano as Hogun, Jaimie Alexander as Sif, Rene Russo as Frigga, Stellan Skarsgård as Dr. Erik Selvig and Kat Dennings as Darcy Lewis. It would however see Zachary Levi replace Joshua Dallas as Fandral, also having Christopher Eccleston as Malekith, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje and Kurse. Now all the returning actors did a wonderful job, as did Eccleston as Makekith and Agbaje as Kurse, though I didn't like Levi as much as Fandral, preferring Dallas' performance in the first film. It would however be once again Hemsworth and Hiddleston that stole the film, with both their performance being just as good if not better than they were in the first Thor film or The Avengers.

The main villain in this film would be a Dark Elf named Malekith, played by Christopher Eccleston. Now I have to say I was in too minds whether I liked this version of Malekith, as although I was slightly disappointed that the film went down more of a sci-fi route than a fantasy route, it worked well in the film, and added a lot more impact and drama, whereas the fantasy tone may have been a bit unrealistic during the scenes set on Earth. Eccleston did however do a brilliant job of playing Malekith, as although it's probably not his best performance ever, he did have some malice in his emotions, though I personally would have preferred the ruthless and mischievous version that we get in the comics, though much like the fantasy feel may have not worked, this may also not have worked as well.

Malekith The Accursed

The thing that Malekith would be after in this film would be a relic known as the Aether. This would be a very interesting addition to the film, and the revelation about this relic at the end of the film would make things much more interesting for the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. I will however avoid spoiling that, and talk about the role that the Aether would have in the film. Basically Malekith wants to use it to turn all the nine realms into constant darkness. I found this to be a very interesting development point for the film, as it would add a lot of suspense and tension to the film, as well as more drama. On top of that I really enjoyed the fight scene at the start showing Odin's father Bor defeating Malekith and hiding the Aether.

This film would also see Jane Foster take a trip to Asgard. Now I won't go into details as to why she landed up going to Asgard, but I will say what I thought of her time there, and her interaction with other Asgardians. First of all I really enjoyed the scene were Jane and Thor are reunited, as it managed to be both very dramatic as well as slightly humorous. I also really enjoyed the reaction that Odin had to Jane being in Asgard, and Jane's reaction to the reference Odin would used to her being in Asgard was very funny. I also enjoyed that the film would show subtly that Sif also isn't happy about Jane's presence in Asgard, as well as the interaction between Jane and Thor's mother Frigga.

Now what would this film be like if it didn't have Loki in it. Originally I wasn't sure if having Loki was a good idea, as he'd already been used in both the first film and The Avengers. I did however feel that he was used perfectly in this film, with it showing how he was punisher for his crimes in The Avengers, and I was happy that he didn't overshadow Malekith as the films villain. The best thing about Loki's appearance in this film however would be that we got to see him work along side Thor against Malekith. Now I won't go into any detail over how this affected the plot, but the interaction between Loki and Thor during this was simply amazing, and I loved how it showed the mistrust that Thor has for Loki. There would however be other interesting factors about Loki's appearance, and it would also show a different side to him, which was extremely interesting to see.

Brothers in Arms

Much like all the previous films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe this film would have a post-credits scene, also having a mid-credits scene just before that. Now I won't give any details as to what happens in either scene, but the mid-credits scene was very interesting, setting-up the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe nicely, though the post-credits scene was rather unnecessary, as although it was a nice addition it didn't feel worth the wait.

Final Verdict

This is easily the best film based on a Marvel comics that's been released this year, being just as good as the first film if not better. It has a much more emotional and deeper tone to it than the first one, and although the start is ever so slightly slow the film if overall very entertaining, being very exciting for most of the film. It would also have some brilliant character interaction, and would continue to build-up the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe whilst still being an amazing stand alone film. Due to this I'd highly recommend this film and can't wait for Thor's return in Avengers: Age of Ultron.

Rating: 9/10

Thor Review

With Thor: The Dark World being released today I thought I re-watched the first movie last night, reviewing it just before seeing the new one at the cinema, which I will also be reviewing.

Plot

After disobeying his father Odin, Thor is banished to Midgard (Earth) until he can prove himself worthy.

Review

This was a brilliant film and easily one of the best in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, being in my opinion the second best from Phase One. Kenneth Branagh did an amazing job of directing this film, as he managed to give a magical feel to Asgard, whilst giving a more gritty and realistic tone to the Earth scenes. The film would also have a lot of dramatic scenes throughout, with the character interaction being captured brilliantly by Branagh. The film would also manage to add a lot of humour as well, with there being some very funny scenes that complimented the action scenes perfectly. Branagh would also show some emotion in this film, but due to this being a young and immature Thor there wouldn't be much room for emotion until later on in the film, though when it did come it was brilliant.

The cast in this film was simply perfect, and I can't think of anyone who could have done a better job of any of the characters. I'll start of with Thor though who was played brilliantly by Chris Hemsworth who would show his cocky arrogant side perfectly, whilst also showing a strong will and good nature on top. Besides Hemsworth's portrayal of Thor it would be Tom Hiddleston as Loki that would really impress me, as although I didn't really know who he was prior to this, he managed to do a great job of showing a mischievous and maniacal mindset that Loki needs. Besides this Natalie Portman would be brilliant as Jane Foster, as would Idris Elba as Heimdall, Ray Stevenson as Volstagg, Tadanobu Asano as Hogun, Joshua Dallas as Fandral, Jaimie Alexander as Sif, Rene Russo as Frigga, and especially Anthony Hopkins as the Allfather himself Odin. As well as all that I also enjoyed Stellan Skarsgård as Dr. Erik Selvig and Kat Dennings as Darcy Lewis.

The key thing that had to be right in this film had to be Thor, as it wouldn't matter how good a film it was otherwise, if Thor was handled poorly it would spoil the film. Gladly however this was far from the case, as Chris Hemsworth was simply perfect as Thor, and the way the character was used in the film was simply amazing. What I loved most was that this film allowed Thor to mature as a character, as due to him starting of as an arrogant, disobeying brat it allows opportunity for him to become a man, and truly become worthy of both wielding Mjolnir and returning to Asgard. The film would also handled the mythological side of Thor brilliantly as well, with his reactions to this world brilliant, with the cross between myth and reality being perfectly balanced.

Being Worthy

The main villain in this film would be none other than Thor's greatest villain, Loki. Now being a huge fan of both the comics as well as the myth itself I was very happy to hear that Loki would be the villain in this film, and even more happy that he was handled properly. Now having a actor as talented as Hiddleston is helps a lot, but the way Loki was written was also brilliant, showing off his conniving and treacherous ways perfectly. Hiddleston would also do a terrific job of showing the emotion in Loki of feeling like second fiddle next to Thor, striving for the attention of his father Odin. The interaction between Loki and Thor in this film was also amazing, both before and after Loki shows his true colours.

We'd also get to see Thor's most well known love interest from the comics Jane Foster, who was played by Natalie Portman. Now I was very happy that Jane was in this film, as having not seen her much lately in the comics it's nice to be reminded that she's a part of Thor's world. I also felt that Portman did a good job as the character, and that for this movie that it was appropriate to change her to a scientist rather than a doctor. I also liked how it added that she used to date a man named Donald Blake (a mortal that Thor was turned into during the comics) as it was nice that they used the reference. I also enjoyed the interaction between Jane and Thor in this film, though the development of their romance was ever so slightly sudden. On top of that I also enjoyed her science partner Dr. Erik Selvig and her intern Darcy.

Asgard would also be feature in this film, with a majority of the first half of the film being set there. The Asgard in this film was simply phenomenal, being a magical looking place that combined the mythological tales with a sci-fi tone. It was also brilliant to see all the Asgardians as well, and especially Odin who was played perfectly by the wonderful Anthony Hopkins. On top of that it was also nice to see the beautiful realm itself, as well as all the artefacts that were on display in Odin's trophy room, as it was a nice reference, as well as a brilliant teaser to possible developments, with the Infinity Gauntlet being the biggest tease of them all.

Asgard

The film would also have a post-credits scene like all the other Marvel Cinematic Universe films prior and since. This one would see Dr. Erik Selvig meet with Nick Fury (played by Samuel L. Jackson) and shown the Tesseract (better known in comics as the Cosmic Cube), which would go onto feature in both Captain America: The First Avenger and The Avengers. It would also tease Loki's involvement in The Avengers film. At the time I found all this to be very exciting, as although not quite as exciting as the post-credits scenes that preceded it, it is still one of the best overall.

Final Verdict

This was a brilliant film and is one of the best Marvel films so far, introducing Thor to the Marvel Cinematic Universe perfectly. The story itself would also be interesting, with the cast all being perfect, with the film having plenty of humour and excitement throughout. We'd also get to see the magical Asgard, as well as Thor's reaction to Earth. There'd also be some brilliant character development and interaction throughout as well, with some very emotional scenes. Due to all this I'd highly recommend this film as it's simply amazing and the perfect film to watch before going to see Thor: The Dark World.

Rating: 9/10

Thor: God of Thunder #5 Review

Writer: Jason Aaron
Artist: Esad Ribic

This has been one of the best Thor series in a while, and it's the best series Jason Aaron has written since he left the regular Wolverine series. I really hope that Aaron can keep up this level of quality, as it would be a shame if it slipped in quality.

Plot

It is revealed why Gorr hates gods so much, and Thor finally catches up with him, but is he too late?

Review

This was a very good issue, but there were a couple of things that bothered me, meaning that this wasn't a perfect issue. In fact in my opinion this is the worst issue in the series so far, but only due to a few technicalities. Aaron does however still gives us a unique an entertaining issue, and the direction he's heading with the series I can see the series being very close to perfection, if not perfect for the foreseeable future. I also think that Aaron knows exactly when to transition between the timelines that this story lies on, as he shows some of the past but pulls it away at the right moment so as to keep the reader in suspense.

The art from Esad Ribic was fabulous, and once again he amazes me. I've really enjoyed Ribic's art throughout this series, and it's easy to see why as it's nothing else but beautiful. The only problem I've had with his artwork in the past has been the awkward expressions, but there are very few of these in this issue, but even if there were it is easily forgettable due to the shear beauty of the artwork, as well as the amount of detail in it.I also really like the suspense, and emotion in Ribic's artwork, as it gives the perfect tone that the issue needs. I also enjoy the way he lays the artwork out, as it gives a very dramatic atmosphere for the comic, which is very nice.

I've really enjoyed Gorr as a villain, and although this issue doesn't really progress him much it does delve into some of his past, and gives a better insight into his goals, and the reasoning behind them. I won't say exactly what any of this is to avoid spoilers, but I personally found it very interesting, and although I felt it slowed the issue down a bit, I'd rather it did, as it gave a lot of development for Gorr as a character.

The issue also delved deeper into how Thor caused the deaths of all these gods. Again I won't speak about what exactly happened to avoid spoilers, but will say a few things. It was stated by a god from the Diamond Moons named Shadrak (God of Wine and Waterfalls) said that Thor was behind the deaths of all the gods. Since then I have been interested to find out a little more about this, so was interested to see the final conclusion of it, and I have to say it was very interesting.

The meeting between the two Thor's (future and present). After the conclusion of the last issue I was looking forward to seeing these two versions of the same character interact, and I have to say I wasn't disappointed. The interaction was everything I'd hoped for, and more on top. It was probably the best part about this issue, and I look forward to seeing this continue.

This takes me to my final point, the main problem with this issue. This issue was meant to be the fifth part of a five part story, but the issue doesn't really end the story as it looks to be continuing into a new story. I don't mind these sort of ends to a first story but I'd prefer it was ten part story, or whatever it is instead of two lots of five (or whatever the new story is), as I was really looking forward to a fully blown epic ending in this issue, which was something that I didn't get.

Final Verdict

This was a good issue, but it was a little too slow, and when it started to get exciting the issue ended, but with a fully open ending. I would still recommend this issue as it was good, just not quite good enough. Hopefully however this leads into a new, better story, as I'd be disappointed if this type of ending was for nothing.

Rating: 4/5

Thor: God of Thunder #4 Review

Writer: Jason Aaron

Artist: Esad Ribic

This has been a fantastic series, and much better than I ever expected it would be. Jason Aaron has done a brilliant job, and I haven't enjoyed reading Thor as much since J. Michael Straczynski's run. I really hope that this level of quality continues after this storyline, and doesn't drop, like it did in Aaron's The Incredible Hulk series.

Plot

This issue starts with an old Thor battling Gorr's Black Berserker's. The story jumps over the timelines between the younger, older, and present Thor, and it is revealed that Thor has been left as the last God Gorr will kill.

Review

This was another brilliant issue, and Aaron continues to amaze me. Aaron has continued to use Gorr to his best advantage throughout the storyline, not overusing him, and it's hard to think that this was the same writer who created Vegetable in Incredible Hulk. Aaron has also continued this by introducing a brilliant side character in the form of Shadrak. Shadrak was introduced at the end of last issue saying that Thor was responsible for the deaths of all the god's Gorr has killed, but I'll talk more about that later, without any spoilers, as usual. The main thing I've liked over this storyline has been how Aaron has handled the different timelines, knowing when to change between them, and what to use in each one. To be honest I originally thought this would be a terrible idea, but I couldn't have been more wrong, as it's what makes this story so good.

The art in this issue was also fantastic, and Esad Ribic continues producing brilliant artwork. Although there is still the odd weird facial expression, the artwork overall is outstanding, and I can't remember the last time I saw Thor drawn as good. The detail throughout Ribic's art is also phenomenal, and easily makes up for the weird facial expressions. The emotion throughout this issue was also fantastically handled, and I always appreciate when artists take time to show emotion, as it really shows the mood's of the characters. Ribic also drew the action throughout this issue brilliantly, and although Thor was mostly on the back foot, it was still clear that he was the main person to watch.

This issue started with the Thor of the future being over-driven by Gorr's Black Berserker's, leaving him in a poor state. Since the end of the first issue I've been looking forward to this moment, and although I forgot about it, due to the amazing events of the last few issues, I'm glad to see the story return to this point. It was interesting seeing Thor's reactions during this sequence, as he lacked determination, and appeared to welcome death, wanting it to come sooner rather than later. This shows how much power Gorr has, as I never thought I'd see Thor back down from a fight, even if he was losing, and I certainly never thought I'd see Thor in a position where he'd prefer death, so I'll be looking at how this turns out next issue.

A Broken God

This issue also expanded on the character who is revealed to be called Shadrak, who was introduced last issue, and is also revealed to be from the Diamond Moons, being the God of Wine and Waterfalls. I was looking forward to seeing more of this character, as he mentioned at the end of the last issue that Thor was responsible for the death of the god's. This sequence was brilliant, and although I felt sorry for Shadrak at the end, as he's been Gorr's prisoner for many years, I still think his anger towards Thor isn't fair, and although from a certain point Thor is responsible for the death of these god's he's not the person who actually killed them. I hope that Shadrak is featured in the next issue, and if not that he appears some time further on in the series, as he's quite an interesting character, and although there is many more interesting characters, I'd like to see more of his development as a character.

As I said earlier, I've loved how Aaron has handled Gorr, as he's always made him menacing, and always shown him having the upper hand, and appearing unbeatable, which builds up the final battle between himself brilliantly. Although I can think of many villains that are better than Gorr, I can't think of many as good as him, that have been created over the last few years. Although it has became clear that Gorr wants to kill every god, I'd like to know what his motives are for this, as his characteristics whilst talking don't appear to be one of a psychopath, and he does appear to be a man with a motive, even if it's not apparent what his motives are. I've also loved seeing a villain that overpowers Thor as much as this, as Gorr always appears to be one step ahead, and looks unbeatable. Don't get me wrong Thor has had ton's of major villains over the years, with some of them out-thinking, or overpowering Thor, most notably Loki, but none have appeared to be as dominant as Gorr is. I will really be looking forward to the final battle between Gorr, and Thor next issue, and I also hope that it is revealed exactly what Thor did to anger Gorr.

All Tied Up

Final Verdict

This was a phenomenal issue, and this series is easily one of the best in the Marvel NOW! relaunch. I would highlt recommend both this issue, and the entire series, and am really looking forward to the conclusion of this story.

Rating: 5/5

Thor: God of Thunder #3 Review

Writer: Jason Aaron
Artist: Esad Ribic

I have really been enjoying this series, and it's been one of the bigger surprises out of Marvel NOW! Jason Aaron has done brilliant work in the past but the last series' I read of his, Incredible Hulk, and Wolverine and the X-Men were a bit poor, in WATX's case at least during Avengers Vs. X-Men, as I dropped it after that. I have however heard it's still inconsistent though. This series has however been very good and I have loved every issue, which was surprising as when I heard what type of story it was going to be I was put off.

Plot

This issue is mainly set in the present with Thor looking for the victims of Gorr, the God Butcher. It also jumps between past, and future (mainly past), and shows Thor trying to find Gorr's cave, as he's not been there in over 1,0000 years.

Review

This was another fantastic issue, and I'm really glad that this has stayed at the quality it is. Although this issue wasn't quite as good as the previous two it's still brilliant, and the difference is very, very small. Aaron has done a brilliant job in introducing a new villain that is a threat to all the god's, and that's saying something. I've also liked that Aaron has managed to transition between the different timelines perfectly, and I love that he uses the monologue to set up these transitions. I've also liked how he's used Gorr sparingly, as it's easy to over use a villain in a storyline, and ruin it, whereas cause Aaron's used Gorr sparingly it'd built up more tension, and drama, and when we do get to see more of Thor vs. Gorr, whether in the past, the present, or the future it should be brilliant, and the build up should help make it even better.

I've really enjoyed the art throughout the series, and Esad Ribic has done a marvellous job. Although the facial expressions are a bit weird from time to time, and more so in this issue, his art is still brilliant, and very nice to look art. The detail is just outstanding, as there is detail in everything, whether it's scenery, or characters. Although his facial expressions are a bit weird from time to time, I do like that he's making the effort to show the character's emotions, and expressions, as you have some artist's that don't bother at all, and facial expressions/emotions are one of the key things in telling a story, or at least in my opinion. I also love how he puts a lot of drama into his artwork, and that it feels like you're watching a movie at certain times. I've noticed that a lot of artists are doing this now, and I personally love it, and think it adds a lot more to the story.

Forgotten God's

This issue sees Thor searching for the missing god's, and seeing if there's any connection between their disappearance, and Gorr. I liked that there's a place where all the god's throughout the universe can come and find information on other god's, whether they're living, dead, or missing. The conversation between Thor and Librarian (fitting name) was very interesting, and I liked how Librarian spoke to Thor, like he wasn't anything special. That was the thing I liked most about The Infinite Embassy, that all immortals were treated equally, and that no one got any special privileges. I also found it funny that the waiting period to speak to the Parliament was 200 years. Librarian also kind of reminded me of the chief librarian from Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones, as they both had very authoritative attitudes.

Dead God

Thor's journey to find these missing god's was in it's self very interesting, and I liked that it was done with monologue, showing him finding these god's that have actually been killed by Gorr. I also liked that Thor got to face Gorr's minions, and that he was getting angry because he felt Gorr was a coward for not meeting him face to face. It was also nice to see that Thor knew some of these god's and that seeing them dead upset him.

There was also an interesting thing learned in this issue, and that was that Thor has forgotten a lot of things over his life. This isn't deliberate, it's just that cause he's lived for so long he's had to forget things to make room for more recent memories. This makes total sense, as if you had lived for thousands of years it would be hard to remember everything. Okay the argument could have been made the other way, and that cause they're god's they remember everything that happens to them, but I think that this choice was better as it makes Thor look more human, but not any less of a god. It was also nice that Thor was upset with some of the things he'd forgotten, as he knew there was bound to have been people he loved that he no longer remembers, which appeared to upset/displease him the most. I like how both these things make Thor look more human, cause at the end of the day in most myths, or religions, human's are meant to be made in the images of god's, and if god's acted nothing like human's the notion wouldn't mean as much.

God Business

There was also an appearance from Iron Man in this issue. This is the second time Iron Man has appeared in a comic that he's not usually featured in this week, with Indestructible Hulk #2 being the other, but this is also the first issue of Thor: God of Thunder to feature another regular Marvel character. I like cameo's in comics, as it remind you that despite this being a unique series, with it's own stories, and goals, that it's still in the same universe as the other Marvel series'. I also liked that Iron Man's involvement was thought out, and that he wasn't just chucked in. Iron Man is in the comic to help Thor find the cave where he last battled Gorr, as he's forgotten where it is due to it happening over 1,000 years ago. I also liked that Thor eventually put his pride and stubbornness aside, and asked for more of Iron Man's help, telling him about Gorr, and if he could warn other Earth based god's.

Final Verdict

Another brilliant issue, and I've really been enjoying this series. It's been one of the best Marvel NOW! series so far, and also one of the most consistent. I would highly recommend both this issue, as well as the entire series so far, and am looking forward to the next part of this story.

Rating: 4.5/5

Thor: God of Thunder #2

Writer: Jason Aaron
Artist: Esad Ribic

The first issue of this series was brilliant and after Jason Aaron's disappointing run on his Incredible Hulk series I was happy to see that this series didn't follow that trend. It has also been nice to see a different take in a Thor series and I like how this series so far has been nothing like any other Thor series I've read.

Plot

This fight between Thor and the God Butcher from last issue is halted this issue as we go back to Thor's earlier years. This issue sees Thor's first encounter with the God Butcher and how a young God of Thunder dealt with a killer of Gods.

Review

This was an amazing issue and I am loving what Aaron has been doing with this series. The way Aaron has connected three different periods of Thor's life, all connected to the God Butcher. This new villain has been brilliant and Aaron has done a great job in showing that this is something that can easily kill Thor, if Thor is off guard. It was also nice to see that Aaron was able to redeem himself as the Vegetable villain he created in Incredible Hulk was a joke whereas the villain he's created in this series is a worthy foe for Thor. I've also loved how he's handled Thor over the first two issues and like how you can see the difference in his attitude throughout the different periods in his life, and how it's easy to see the overconfidence in the younger Thor as well as the serious Thor in the present.

The art from Esad Ribic over the first two issues has been brilliant and although the facial expressions on Thor are a bit unrealistic at times the overall art is fantastically beautiful to look at. The detail throughout his work is outstanding and I love how the changes in Thor's appearance is noticeable, whilst being similar. The way he draws the fight sequences in this issue is also amazing and I like how he draws the God Butcher. The atmosphere in this issue is also brilliant and I love how you can really feel the old Norse setting in this issue. Ive Svorcina's colours throughout the fist two issues have been amazing and they really make Ribic's art stand out and look very sleek. Svorcina's colour's also add a brilliant tone and felling to the series and along with Ribic's outstanding art, and Aaron's writing make this series truly astonishing.

I liked how this issue went back to the Thor's first encounter with the God Butcher, and how we got to see more of the younger Thor. I also liked how we get to see Thor before he is worthy of wielding Mjolnir and how it didn't matter how hard he tried to lift the hammer he couldn't due to not being serious or experienced enough to be worthy of lifting it. The way it was on a stone also reminded me of the Sword in the Stone from Arthurian Legend which was nice but not necessarily relevant for Norse mythology. I also loved seeing the younger Thor travel through Midgard during this issue and how the locations he chose including what would eventually would be called Russia, and how the cold snow regions kept the dark cold feeling that this series has given during Thor's earlier life.

It was also nice to see more of the God Butcher in this issue and actually get a proper look at him. I also liked how the God Butcher actually spoke in this issue making him slightly more menacing, although his appearance makes him menacing enough. The fight the embroiled in this issue was also brilliant and I loved how we get to see the younger less experienced Thor taking on this God killer. Although the God Butcher had the upper hand throughout the better part of this fight it was nice that Thor showed that he would not be beaten easily and that his confidence took a side step, showing a more serious Thor.

Although this issue was mostly set in the earlier years of Thor it was also nice to see at the begging, the end of the issue how it acknowledged the other time periods in this story and showing how the fight with the God Butcher that started in this issue followed Thor throughout his life. The way Aaron connected the events in this issue whilst showing the events in the rest of Thor's life was brilliantly done and I am looking forward to seeing a more in depth look at Thor's other encounters with the God Butcher, and how the God Butcher adapts to a more experienced Thor.

Final Verdict

This was a brilliant issue and the series is not only one of the best series to come out of Marvel NOW! so far, but one of the best starts ever to a Thor series. I would highly recommend this issue and am looking forward to seeing the progression of Thor's fight with the God Butcher.

Rating: 5/5

Thor: God of Thunder #1

Writer: Jason Aaron
Artist: Esad Ribic

I have been a fan of Thor as a character for years and longer than I've been a comic book fan. This is due to my obsession as a child for myths and mythological God's. It also helped at along with Arthurian, Egyptian and Greek mythology Norse was one of my favourites and the most interesting. I have also enjoyed the comic series' over the last few years enjoying J. Michael Straczynski and Matt Fraction's runs especially. I was however sceptical when I heard Jason Aaron would be doing the new series as I disliked most of his Incredible Hulk series, but he has however done a good job on this first issue.

Plot

This issue sees a mysterious creature eliminating God's throughout time with Thor stuck in the middle. These God slaying's affect Thor past, present and future and Thor is the only one capable of defeating this Butcher of God's, to prevent more God's from dying.

Review

This was an amazing issue and I was never expecting Aaron to do as brilliant a job as he has. I really have to give the guy credit and hope that this is him back as a great writer like he used to be. He has done a great job of writing Thor and I really enjoyed the way he writes him in the past present and future. I also liked how he developed the story in this issue as you have this mysterious creature killing of God's with Thor in the middle from time to time. I do hope that Aaron can keep up this brilliant work as he started off very good on Incredible Hulk but dropped in standard after the first couple of story lines.

Esad Ribic's art was simply amazing and some of the best art I've seen on a Thor comic in years. He really adds ton's of detail and draws Thor throughout the years very differently whilst making sure he's the same character. He also adds emotion to Thor who is usually a calm character but this time realises that this creature is no easy feet as it is anything but hard to kill a God whether it be Norse or otherwise. I also thought that Dean White's colours were fantastic and added lots of mood and feel to Ribic's art, and real made it pop out. I also liked that he god the colour setting perfect and that each sequence felt different.

The battle between Thor and the God Butcher was also epic and a nice edition to the issue. I say this because most of the issue is dialogue, set up and information that some people might find too overwhelming or confusing, whereas adding a fight scene draws away from that and adds more excitement and drama to the issue. Besides that the battle although short was very good and very exciting and I look forward to seeing Thor face this creature in future issues.

When I first heard that this series would show Thor throughout different periods of his life I expected that it wouldn't work and that I'd be very disappointed but I couldn't have been more wrong. The addition of Thor throughout the years was brilliant and I loved how we see his attitude changes with it as he was very cocky and overconfident early in his life thinking of the God Butcher as just another thing to be smited, whilst his present self takes the creature more seriously and the future self takes him very serious not caring any more and just wanting to be rid of the creature.

The God Butcher itself was a brilliant villain and it was very nice to see something different for a change. I also liked how we have something that can stand toe to toe with Thor and has a good chance of killing him. I do however have mixed feeling on whether I liked the villains lack of character as besides being a threat to Thor he doesn't really do much in this issue. I do however think the lack of character and personality adds a lot more suspense and makes you realise that this character has no conviction in what he is doing or why he's doing it. I am also interested to find out why this creature is killing off all these God's, and hope this is revealed throughout the story.

Final Verdict

An amazing first issue for the God of Thunder and a very unique one at that. I would highly recommend this to anyone whether new or old readers as it caters all and is a great jumping on point for new fans.

Rating: 5/5