X-Men: Battle of the Atom #2 Review

Writer: Jason Aaron

Artists: Esad Ribic & Giuseppe Camuncoli

Although Battle of the Atom has lasted longer than it probably should have, having some slow moments along the way, it has overall been a very entertaining story. It does however all come down to this ending, as although it's been good so far, a bad ending could ruin the entire story.

Plot

The X-Men and the future Brotherhood go at it one last time, with S.H.I.E.L.D. inadvertently attacking the mutants as well. 

Review

This was a very good issue as a whole, but it had quite a few problems, with the ending being one of the main problems. Also unlike solicited the issue would actually be written by Jason Aaron who did a brilliant job of making the issue very exciting. He did however not didn't do a fantastic job of ending the story, as although a certain part of the outcome was already spoiled, the ending wouldn't give much clarity to the overall story, making it feel rather unnecessary. Aaron would however add a lot of suspense and drama to this issue as well, with there being some very interesting dialogues, though the poor ending still overshadows all this quite a bit.

The artwork on this issue would be the other big problem, as although there were some very talented artists with the main artwork being done by Esad Ribic and Giuseppe Camuncoli, and the epilogue artwork featuring more of Camuncoli's work, also featuring art from Chris Bachalo, Kris Anka and Stuart Immonen. The main problem with the art was that it was clearly very rushed, with it being poorly detailed. There would however be the odd phenomenal panel, and the layout overall was amazing, but the roughness of the art made it very hard to enjoy it, even with the beautiful colours from  Ive Svorcina, Andres Mossa and Guru Efx.

The issue would start straight from where Wolverine and the X-Men #37 left off with the X-Men being attacked by S.H.I.E.L.D. missiles, that were fired by the Brotherhood. Now this would be a very exciting sequence with the fight between all the X-Men and the future Brotherhood taking up most of the issue. During the fight there would be some amazing interactions, but the best would be between Wolverine, Cyclops and  the future Jean Grey.  On top of this the younger X-Men would also add some fun to the sequence with what certain members had to say about the events.

We'd also get to see some Sentinels in this issue, though what bothered the X-Men most about this was the fact that they were S.H.I.E.L.D. Sentinels. Now naturally this wouldn't make the X-Men happy, and naturally so. The addition itself was however rather hollow, as it would have been nice to have seen a bit more action involving the Sentinels, as their appearance seems to be mainly to set up the future events of Wolverine and the X-Men. Other than that S.H.I.E.L.D.'s involvement in this issue was overall very decent, as although they seemed mainly background characters, they added a different tone to the issue, and overall I look forward to seeing the aftermath of this sequence.

The main story would be followed by four epilogues, two written by Aaron, one written by Brian Wood and the last being written by Brian Michael Bendis. Now I won't go into any detail about these epilogues, but story wise they'd be the best part of the issue, and did a fantastic job of giving a little bit of closure for the characters, setting up the future of the X-Men brilliantly. The epilogue that interested me the most however had to be the final one by Bendis that would see Kitty Pryde air her feelings over the event in a very exciting fashion.

Final Verdict

This was an exciting issue, but due to a poor ending and very rushed artwork it was probably overall the poorest issue in the story, with it making the story feel irrelevant and unnecessary. There would however be some explosive moments, and some shocking developments with the epilogues doing a fantastic job of setting up the future of the X-Men titles, but unfortunately it wasn't enough to overcome the sudden and poor ending. Due to this I'd only recommend this issue to anyone who's been following the story so far, or anyone that loves explosive action, as otherwise it's only essential for the epilogues.

Rating: 6/10

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