Thor #1
- Writer
- Jason Aaron
- Artist
- Mike Del Mundo, Christian Ward
- Letterer
- Joe Sabino
- Cover Artist
- Mike del Mundo
- Publisher
- Marvel Comics
- Price
- 5.99
- Release Date
- 2018-06-13
- Colorist
- Marco D'Alfonso, Mike Del Mundo, Christian Ward
Following Jason Aaron as the writer of Marvel's Thor is no easy feat. However, Donny Cates not only proves himself up to the task, but immediately makes the god of thunder his own. Joined by artist Nic Klein, Cates honors the past in the debut issue while setting out on a bold, new vision that promises great things.
The relaunch begins sometime after the events of the crossover War of the Realms, in which Thor ascended to the throne of a rebuilt Asgard as the new All-Father. As Thor settles uneasily into his new role, the status quo is explored as an unexpected visitor sets the thunder god on a surprise mission, teasing transformation and rebirth.
It's clear from the outset that Cates has a deep reverence for Aaron's fan-favorite run, and the opening feels like a natural progression from that. However, Cates and Klein put their own, subtle spin on the issue, culminating in the final act, where the stakes and direction are established.
That extends to the title's extensive supporting cast: Cates and Klein touch on many of the major characters in Asgard, including Lady Sif, Volstagg and Loki, each with a new status quo as the Ten Realms rebuild in the wake of the recent cataclysmic conflict. An appearance from Earth's Mightiest Heroes reminds the character -- and, by extension, the readers -- of Thor's connection to Midgard as its thunderous defender, but the focus here is Asgard, and the issue leans heavily into the dark fantasy and royal intrigue long associated with the character before the pulling rug out from under the central cast.
Klein breathes life into this new vision of Asgard, joined by by colorist Matthew Wilson and letterer Joe Sabino, who worked on Aaron's run on the title. This collaboration makes the relaunched series feel all the more like a logical continuation of the previous title, retaining many of its neo-mythical sensibilities but never feeling beholden to the past. The art team makes each Asgardian shadow feel like it contains its own secrets while the more psychedelically colorful settings and sequences feel like a technicolor dream popping off the page.
For fans of the Jason Aaron era of Thor, Cates and Klein's relaunch will feel like a natural extension, retaining a connection to the past even as it moves forward. As the issue progresses, it's clear the new creative team has plans that won't confine the thunder god to Asgard. A gorgeous, ambitious love letter to the character's extensive cast and history, with Thor #1 the creative team proves itself worthy to carry the hero into the future in the best way possible: with thunder and fury.