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Thor (2007) (Collected Editions) #2
Thor: Em Nome do Pai
O poderoso Thor trouxe todos os asgardianos de volta à vida... menos um. Mas por que justamente Odin não voltou dos mortos? Que motivos levaram o Deus do Trovão a não resgatar o próprio pai? Por que Thor nunca revelou a verdade sobre o passado de Balder, o mais valoroso dos defensores de Asgard? E por que o todo-poderoso Odin adotou justamente o filho de um de seus maiores inimigos? O roteirista J.M. Straczynski (Homem-Aranha, Poder Supremo) e os desenhistas Olivier Coipel (Dinastia M) e Marko Djurdjevic esmiúçam a difícil relação entre pais e filhos no panteão nórdico e desvendam mistérios jamais revelados.
201 pages, Hardcover
First published May 27, 2009
53 people are currently reading
1034 people want to read
About the author
J. Michael Straczynski
1,372 books1,280 followersJoseph Michael Straczynski is an American filmmaker and comic book writer. He is the founder of Synthetic Worlds Ltd. and Studio JMS and is best known as the creator of the science fiction television series Babylon 5 (1993–1998) and its spinoff Crusade (1999), as well as the series Jeremiah (2002–2004) and Sense8 (2015–2018). He is the executor of the estate of Harlan Ellison.
Straczynski wrote the psychological drama film Changeling (2008) and was co-writer on the martial arts thriller Ninja Assassin (2009), was one of the key writers for (and had a cameo in) Marvel's Thor (2011), as well as the horror film Underworld: Awakening (2012), and the apocalyptic horror film World War Z (2013). From 2001 to 2007, Straczynski wrote Marvel Comics' The Amazing Spider-Man, followed by runs on Thor and Fantastic Four. He is the author of the Superman: Earth One trilogy of graphic novels, and he has written Superman, Wonder Woman, and Before Watchmen for DC Comics. Straczynski is the creator and writer of several original comic book series such as Rising Stars, Midnight Nation, Dream Police, and Ten Grand through Joe's Comics.
A prolific writer across a variety of media and former journalist, Straczynski is the author of the autobiography Becoming Superman (2019) for HarperVoyager, the novel Together We Will Go (2021) for Simon & Schuster, and Becoming a Writer, Staying a Writer (2021) for Benbella Books. In 2020 he was named Head of the Creative Council for the comics publishing company Artists, Writers and Artisans.
Straczynski is a long-time participant in Usenet and other early computer networks, interacting with fans through various online forums (including GEnie, CompuServe, and America Online) since 1984. He is credited as being the first TV producer to directly engage with fans on the Internet and to allow viewer viewpoints to influence the look and feel of his show. Two prominent areas where he had a presence were GEnie and the newsgroup rec.arts.sf.tv.babylon5.moderated.
Straczynski wrote the psychological drama film Changeling (2008) and was co-writer on the martial arts thriller Ninja Assassin (2009), was one of the key writers for (and had a cameo in) Marvel's Thor (2011), as well as the horror film Underworld: Awakening (2012), and the apocalyptic horror film World War Z (2013). From 2001 to 2007, Straczynski wrote Marvel Comics' The Amazing Spider-Man, followed by runs on Thor and Fantastic Four. He is the author of the Superman: Earth One trilogy of graphic novels, and he has written Superman, Wonder Woman, and Before Watchmen for DC Comics. Straczynski is the creator and writer of several original comic book series such as Rising Stars, Midnight Nation, Dream Police, and Ten Grand through Joe's Comics.
A prolific writer across a variety of media and former journalist, Straczynski is the author of the autobiography Becoming Superman (2019) for HarperVoyager, the novel Together We Will Go (2021) for Simon & Schuster, and Becoming a Writer, Staying a Writer (2021) for Benbella Books. In 2020 he was named Head of the Creative Council for the comics publishing company Artists, Writers and Artisans.
Straczynski is a long-time participant in Usenet and other early computer networks, interacting with fans through various online forums (including GEnie, CompuServe, and America Online) since 1984. He is credited as being the first TV producer to directly engage with fans on the Internet and to allow viewer viewpoints to influence the look and feel of his show. Two prominent areas where he had a presence were GEnie and the newsgroup rec.arts.sf.tv.babylon5.moderated.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
May 15, 2017
Verily, this is one busy Thor book (hint: it’s a volume 2).
- It’s post-Ragnarok, the great Norse battle to the death. Lots of Norse gods died but Thor made most of them better except Sif (missing in action) and Odin (see Daddy issues further down in this review). Thor’s in charge of their days and their nights and he’s in charge of their wrongs and their rights.
- Asgard has fallen and it can’t get up somewhere west of Prairie Dog's Butt, Oklahoma. Asgardians have to deal with a certain degree of mortality for the first time. Ouch.
- This one takes place during the Dark Reign storyline, so when Thor says “Avengers Assemble”, he gets the evil, nutso version led by the lunatic, Norman Osborn.
- Captain America is in the middle of pushing up the daisies, so Thor talks to his ghost and pays tribute by interrupting all broadcasts for a minute, so if you missed that goal or cliffhanger moment….
- Daddy issues – Thor takes the Odin sleep and gets to hang out and battle Surtur with dead Odin and then fight his grandpappy, Bor (see Loki below).
- Donald Blake, Thor’s sort of alias, gets bitch slapped by former girlfriend, Jane Foster. “Hi Jane! It’s been ages. Have you seen Sif?”
- What’s up with Loki?
It’s Lady Loki or Loki-ette or Ms. Loki or Ma’am, who, no matter what she/he looks like (and she looks kinda hot), is a major player in all the better Thor storylines and as usual is up to no damned good.
Yep, it’s Manipulators ‘R Us with the end goal of removing Thor from his rule of Asgard.
Bottom Line: J. Michael Straczynski’s (Mr. Babylon 5) forays into comics have been spotty, but this is a winner. After reading the first volume of Jason Aaron’s Thor run and liking it, I am convinced that there are some Thor stories out there that won’t give me a headache. Next up: Matt Fraction.
- It’s post-Ragnarok, the great Norse battle to the death. Lots of Norse gods died but Thor made most of them better except Sif (missing in action) and Odin (see Daddy issues further down in this review). Thor’s in charge of their days and their nights and he’s in charge of their wrongs and their rights.
- Asgard has fallen and it can’t get up somewhere west of Prairie Dog's Butt, Oklahoma. Asgardians have to deal with a certain degree of mortality for the first time. Ouch.
- This one takes place during the Dark Reign storyline, so when Thor says “Avengers Assemble”, he gets the evil, nutso version led by the lunatic, Norman Osborn.
- Captain America is in the middle of pushing up the daisies, so Thor talks to his ghost and pays tribute by interrupting all broadcasts for a minute, so if you missed that goal or cliffhanger moment….
- Daddy issues – Thor takes the Odin sleep and gets to hang out and battle Surtur with dead Odin and then fight his grandpappy, Bor (see Loki below).
- Donald Blake, Thor’s sort of alias, gets bitch slapped by former girlfriend, Jane Foster. “Hi Jane! It’s been ages. Have you seen Sif?”
- What’s up with Loki?
It’s Lady Loki or Loki-ette or Ms. Loki or Ma’am, who, no matter what she/he looks like (and she looks kinda hot), is a major player in all the better Thor storylines and as usual is up to no damned good.
Yep, it’s Manipulators ‘R Us with the end goal of removing Thor from his rule of Asgard.
Bottom Line: J. Michael Straczynski’s (Mr. Babylon 5) forays into comics have been spotty, but this is a winner. After reading the first volume of Jason Aaron’s Thor run and liking it, I am convinced that there are some Thor stories out there that won’t give me a headache. Next up: Matt Fraction.
October 4, 2013
So as an audience we know to NEVER EVER trust Loki but since the Asgardian realm has been reset I suppose it's somewhat forgivable certain figures trust the trickster of tricksters.
The tale opens with Odin dead and Thor as the king of Asgard which includes Thor having broken time to bring back his realm and its people. For whatever reason and perhaps as an inside joke to fans Asgard now floats over Oklahoma, allowing mortals to pay to use telescopes to get brief views of the Norse Gods.
Loki is up to his old schemes and taken on the visage of a female so as to change perceptions. While he convinces Balder to strife with Thor our favorite Norse God is seeking a means to bring Odin back to life while he mourns Sif's death but little does he know she is alive but trapped.
There are some sweet action scenes in this piece as well as some intriguing focuses on “reality”. Look for the end Boss Battle. Rampant themes of father vs. son, too.
Overall, this was done quite well enough so I'm seeking the previous and latter volumes.
Written by Michael Straczynski (who is best known for BABYLON 5) and artwork in the earlier part by Olivier Copiel and latter part by Mark Djurjdevic. The latter had a grittier, dark tone which was almost nightmarish at the Boss Battle.
STORY/PLOTTING: B plus to A minus; CHARACTERS/DIALOGUE: B plus; ARTWORK PRESENTATION: B plus to A minus; ACTION SCENES: A minus; WHEN READ: mid to late November 2012; OVERALL GRADE: B plus to A minus.
The tale opens with Odin dead and Thor as the king of Asgard which includes Thor having broken time to bring back his realm and its people. For whatever reason and perhaps as an inside joke to fans Asgard now floats over Oklahoma, allowing mortals to pay to use telescopes to get brief views of the Norse Gods.
Loki is up to his old schemes and taken on the visage of a female so as to change perceptions. While he convinces Balder to strife with Thor our favorite Norse God is seeking a means to bring Odin back to life while he mourns Sif's death but little does he know she is alive but trapped.
There are some sweet action scenes in this piece as well as some intriguing focuses on “reality”. Look for the end Boss Battle. Rampant themes of father vs. son, too.
Overall, this was done quite well enough so I'm seeking the previous and latter volumes.
Written by Michael Straczynski (who is best known for BABYLON 5) and artwork in the earlier part by Olivier Copiel and latter part by Mark Djurjdevic. The latter had a grittier, dark tone which was almost nightmarish at the Boss Battle.
STORY/PLOTTING: B plus to A minus; CHARACTERS/DIALOGUE: B plus; ARTWORK PRESENTATION: B plus to A minus; ACTION SCENES: A minus; WHEN READ: mid to late November 2012; OVERALL GRADE: B plus to A minus.
June 29, 2013
I loved the previous volume of Thor. I love the idea of Asgard floating over the American heartland while tourists peer through telescopes to get a glimpse of the gods. I love how Loki is using his new, female body to manipulate the Asgardians in ways that would be closed to him otherwise. Loki is obviously a changed person, you can clearly see that, so you should give Loki a chance to prove it. Watching Loki's schemes unfurl has been a pleasure.
But I'd say that the best issue would be the tribute to Captain America. One year after Steve Rogers's death, Thor goes to pay his respects to his fallen friend. And being a god, he can speak with his spirit. The conversation itself is nicely written, and true to both characters. But beyond that, Straczynski also touches on what the media would do after Captain America's death: What Would Captain America Do? Who would he vote for? What would he say about this issue? And it's always, of course, what the speaker would say. And yes, this is exactly what would happen. Thor's response was perfect, in keeping with his character and with the deep respect he has for Steve Rogers.
This volume deserves reading for that issue alone. But it deserves reading for every issue, come to that.
But I'd say that the best issue would be the tribute to Captain America. One year after Steve Rogers's death, Thor goes to pay his respects to his fallen friend. And being a god, he can speak with his spirit. The conversation itself is nicely written, and true to both characters. But beyond that, Straczynski also touches on what the media would do after Captain America's death: What Would Captain America Do? Who would he vote for? What would he say about this issue? And it's always, of course, what the speaker would say. And yes, this is exactly what would happen. Thor's response was perfect, in keeping with his character and with the deep respect he has for Steve Rogers.
This volume deserves reading for that issue alone. But it deserves reading for every issue, come to that.
June 24, 2021
This was another epic one!
As Thor recovers from reviving the Asgardians and going to Odin sleep and meeting his father and battling Surtur in Valhalla, he comes to a realization he must be king and in some other places we have Don meet Jane and Inquire about Sif. There is this great moment where Thor deals with Captain America's death and gives him one of the coolest tributes and finally the big twist with Loki and we see the events circling around to the first volume and its so carefully and perfectly done that sets Hela, Loki and Thor for a big clash and also hints at big romantic reunions and things to come.
This volume takes the greatest aspects of relationships between a father and a son, comrade and friends and brothers against brothers. The twist with Balder was cool and Loki is set perfectly as the arch-enemy of Thor and this volume proves why and I love how JMS like the trickster he is and gives him an amazing twisted origin like "What came first- Chicken or the egg" and I kinda liked that aspect and the art is just too good. Probably one of the best artists.
As Thor recovers from reviving the Asgardians and going to Odin sleep and meeting his father and battling Surtur in Valhalla, he comes to a realization he must be king and in some other places we have Don meet Jane and Inquire about Sif. There is this great moment where Thor deals with Captain America's death and gives him one of the coolest tributes and finally the big twist with Loki and we see the events circling around to the first volume and its so carefully and perfectly done that sets Hela, Loki and Thor for a big clash and also hints at big romantic reunions and things to come.
This volume takes the greatest aspects of relationships between a father and a son, comrade and friends and brothers against brothers. The twist with Balder was cool and Loki is set perfectly as the arch-enemy of Thor and this volume proves why and I love how JMS like the trickster he is and gives him an amazing twisted origin like "What came first- Chicken or the egg" and I kinda liked that aspect and the art is just too good. Probably one of the best artists.
November 19, 2015
Another excellent volume of this version of Thor. With a decidedly more devious and evil version of Loki. Well done.
November 11, 2011
The second volume of J. Michael Straczynski's update of Thor is even more fun than the first. The idea of Asgard now being in a field in Oklahoma continues to provide plenty of laughs as well as serious questions about what the various inhabitants are supposed to do in a humdrum realm like Earth. Thor also works through some daddy issues, and Loki is cooking up another fiendish plot.
My favorite bit was Thor paying his respects to the recently deceased Captain America. It got me even more revved up for the upcoming Avengers movie.
My favorite bit was Thor paying his respects to the recently deceased Captain America. It got me even more revved up for the upcoming Avengers movie.
February 9, 2019
Thor is getting schemed by his brother Loki once more. Surprise surprise!
This volume goes into a Donald meeting back up with Jane after years of not seeing each other. This is a more human moment but JMS really does a great job of letting us feel for these characters. The next part is the slow plotting of Loki to overthrow her/his brother. We learn of a new brother for Thor to have that might challenge his title. We also deal with the fallout of Captain America's death. Last but not least is the return of a very old god, but this challenge might be too big for Thor himself.
Good: The fight scenes in this are so over the top and amazing, really freaking great. The human moments are so damn good, it brings these gods down to earth which I love. The end result of the build up is both intriguing and damn awesome too and I wish every Thor series was as epic as this one.
Bad: The middle can drag some. One thing I have a problem with 85% of Thor books is the Loki Scheming and mindless talking and conversations can annoying. No different here.
Overall a 4 out of 5. A nice step up from the last and I'm really enjoying JMS Thor a lot.
This volume goes into a Donald meeting back up with Jane after years of not seeing each other. This is a more human moment but JMS really does a great job of letting us feel for these characters. The next part is the slow plotting of Loki to overthrow her/his brother. We learn of a new brother for Thor to have that might challenge his title. We also deal with the fallout of Captain America's death. Last but not least is the return of a very old god, but this challenge might be too big for Thor himself.
Good: The fight scenes in this are so over the top and amazing, really freaking great. The human moments are so damn good, it brings these gods down to earth which I love. The end result of the build up is both intriguing and damn awesome too and I wish every Thor series was as epic as this one.
Bad: The middle can drag some. One thing I have a problem with 85% of Thor books is the Loki Scheming and mindless talking and conversations can annoying. No different here.
Overall a 4 out of 5. A nice step up from the last and I'm really enjoying JMS Thor a lot.
January 23, 2011
Fascinating tale between Thor and Odin - befitting the recasting of the Thor mythos. Great moments of humour - well-thought-out with new ideas (at least to me). Loki's machinations are ever sly, subtle and troublesome. Loki's on a slow burn to destabilise the new Asgard. Fun, good story. Nice emotional undercurrent between Bill and Kelda.
May 8, 2016
4-stars, extra added for the Cap spirit issue. 2 Titans who'd been dead for a long time, passing like ships in the night...reconnect for a few powerful moments.
Also, Thor fights Surtur alongside Odin, and is tricked into fighting Bor (gramps) by Loki, which then is used to trick Baldur, the new leader of Asgard.
Loki time travels and it makes sense. Also reverts to his old form, and explains the female one.
Jane and Don connect, and Don and Thor have a funny relationship.
Thor calls the Avengers for help, and gets Osborn's freaks...in response, Thor sends Normie nearly into orbit.
Mjolnir gets broken, and love blooms between a goddess and a diner cook in Oklahoma.
Loki methodically plans, and we see the endgame, via Latveria and Doom....
Such a full volume (nearly 10 issues, including #600)
Also, Thor fights Surtur alongside Odin, and is tricked into fighting Bor (gramps) by Loki, which then is used to trick Baldur, the new leader of Asgard.
Loki time travels and it makes sense. Also reverts to his old form, and explains the female one.
Jane and Don connect, and Don and Thor have a funny relationship.
Thor calls the Avengers for help, and gets Osborn's freaks...in response, Thor sends Normie nearly into orbit.
Mjolnir gets broken, and love blooms between a goddess and a diner cook in Oklahoma.
Loki methodically plans, and we see the endgame, via Latveria and Doom....
Such a full volume (nearly 10 issues, including #600)
August 2, 2017
While I don't think volume 2 has the staying power of volume 1, it's still a great continuation of JMS and Coipels run, with Djurojevic doing some fill in issues and pages (he's a great artist in his own right, and rarely does interior pages for comics).
Volume 2 moves Loki's master plan further along, and shows him as the key manipulator throughout, therefore being classic Loki.
It's just a shame JMS didn't get to finish his story properly (though I can't be mad at the Siege storyline because that is my favourite event).
And also, Coipel did 10 issues plus most of 600, and I know there were delays on this book, but he's not done that long of a run since this title. He rarely does more than 5 issues a year. And all of his work on this book is top quality stuff. He's a great artist (just a little slow and unreliable lately)
Volume 2 moves Loki's master plan further along, and shows him as the key manipulator throughout, therefore being classic Loki.
It's just a shame JMS didn't get to finish his story properly (though I can't be mad at the Siege storyline because that is my favourite event).
And also, Coipel did 10 issues plus most of 600, and I know there were delays on this book, but he's not done that long of a run since this title. He rarely does more than 5 issues a year. And all of his work on this book is top quality stuff. He's a great artist (just a little slow and unreliable lately)
February 9, 2019
Thor is getting schemed by his brother Loki once more. Surprise surprise!
This volume goes into a Donald meeting back up with Jane after years of not seeing each other. This is a more human moment but JMS really does a great job of letting us feel for these characters. The next part is the slow plotting of Loki to overthrow her/his brother. We learn of a new brother for Thor to have that might challenge his title. We also deal with the fallout of Captain America's death. Last but not least is the return of a very old god, but this challenge might be too big for Thor himself.
Good: The fight scenes in this are so over the top and amazing, really freaking great. The human moments are so damn good, it brings these gods down to earth which I love. The end result of the build up is both intriguing and damn awesome too and I wish every Thor series was as epic as this one.
Bad: The middle can drag some. One thing I have a problem with 85% of Thor books is the Loki Scheming and mindless talking and conversations can annoying. No different here.
Overall a 4 out of 5. A nice step up from the last and I'm really enjoying JMS Thor a lot.
This volume goes into a Donald meeting back up with Jane after years of not seeing each other. This is a more human moment but JMS really does a great job of letting us feel for these characters. The next part is the slow plotting of Loki to overthrow her/his brother. We learn of a new brother for Thor to have that might challenge his title. We also deal with the fallout of Captain America's death. Last but not least is the return of a very old god, but this challenge might be too big for Thor himself.
Good: The fight scenes in this are so over the top and amazing, really freaking great. The human moments are so damn good, it brings these gods down to earth which I love. The end result of the build up is both intriguing and damn awesome too and I wish every Thor series was as epic as this one.
Bad: The middle can drag some. One thing I have a problem with 85% of Thor books is the Loki Scheming and mindless talking and conversations can annoying. No different here.
Overall a 4 out of 5. A nice step up from the last and I'm really enjoying JMS Thor a lot.
June 14, 2015
I've been a fan of Marko Djurdjević's painted work and this is the first time I've seen his sequential art and it's really good!
The story reaches it's mid-point here (sort of the Empire Strikes Back chapter) where things get dark for the Thor. There's a lot of setup and maneuvering of pieces for the finale. Still worth reading and keeping my interest.
The story reaches it's mid-point here (sort of the Empire Strikes Back chapter) where things get dark for the Thor. There's a lot of setup and maneuvering of pieces for the finale. Still worth reading and keeping my interest.
August 11, 2018
OMG Loki *gasps*
June 15, 2009
What a read...with all the double-crossing, behind the scenes scheming, and high fantasy, I kept getting the fleeting feeling that I was reading a graphic adaption of a George R.R. Martin book.
We find out the fates of a few more of the restored Asgardians (and a few whom have yet to technically return), along with a nice moment of Thor dealing with the death of Captain America while he himself was dead. It all leads up to the big finale fight between Thor and someone quite unexpected, yet tragic, along with some interference by the Dark Avengers (though kudos to JMS for not beating us over the head with the fact that these are not the ACTUAL Avengers - Thor saying "You are an abomination!" is enough to let even the most casual reader know these are bad guys). Also of note is the art throughout, which is incredible and fits the books style perfectly.
If all you ever knew of Thor is the silver age stuff, his crossovers into other books, or the whole "I say thee nay!" bit, you owe it to yourself to check out this new series.
We find out the fates of a few more of the restored Asgardians (and a few whom have yet to technically return), along with a nice moment of Thor dealing with the death of Captain America while he himself was dead. It all leads up to the big finale fight between Thor and someone quite unexpected, yet tragic, along with some interference by the Dark Avengers (though kudos to JMS for not beating us over the head with the fact that these are not the ACTUAL Avengers - Thor saying "You are an abomination!" is enough to let even the most casual reader know these are bad guys). Also of note is the art throughout, which is incredible and fits the books style perfectly.
If all you ever knew of Thor is the silver age stuff, his crossovers into other books, or the whole "I say thee nay!" bit, you owe it to yourself to check out this new series.
February 19, 2016
This was pretty exciting! Thor is once again embroiled in one of Loki's machinations, and this time Loki has the upper hand! And what is his plan involving Dr Doom?
JMS writes a story that is almost all Norse god stuff, and it's good. Back stories, frost giants, Balder claiming his rightful heritage, it's all nicely spaced out and weaves a pretty thick web for Thor to stumble into. The scenes involving Dr Don Blake and Jane Foster are also pretty nice, and set up some good subplots going forward.
Oliver Copiel's art is great here. He does very well drawing Asgardians and their otherworldly foes.
JMS writes a story that is almost all Norse god stuff, and it's good. Back stories, frost giants, Balder claiming his rightful heritage, it's all nicely spaced out and weaves a pretty thick web for Thor to stumble into. The scenes involving Dr Don Blake and Jane Foster are also pretty nice, and set up some good subplots going forward.
Oliver Copiel's art is great here. He does very well drawing Asgardians and their otherworldly foes.
November 13, 2016
I didn't realize this was the second volume when my friend gave it to me. If I had read anything about Ragnarok or the first volume, I would have given this a four star, maybe a five star review. Great artwork and good dialogue. There was just a lot going on that I didn't have any background on.
January 15, 2018
This entire creative team fires on all cylinders in this book. JMS brings this run to a satisfying denouement.
JMS is unafraid of the retcon. Here he goes for some more retroactive continuity, throwing thor's ancestry and Loki's origin for a loop, adding new elements to both. It works really well here. Female Loki is terrifying and brilliant.
It's hard to put into words just how awe inspiring Olivier Coipel's artwork is; he truly captures the mythic and majestic quality of these characters. Some jaw-dropping work from Coipel here. Truly.
Marko Djurdjevic does some absolutely incredible painted Covers, while also providing some interiors on a few issues. I remember buying some of these issues when they first came out purely because the covers were so epic.
Mark Morales inks the Coipel work, while Danny Miki handles Djurdjevics pencils, both to stunning effect.
Laura Martin colors it all––as if her status as legendary wasn't already well deserved, here is more work to attest to her great skill.
Amazing work, all around. Comics Rule.
JMS is unafraid of the retcon. Here he goes for some more retroactive continuity, throwing thor's ancestry and Loki's origin for a loop, adding new elements to both. It works really well here. Female Loki is terrifying and brilliant.
It's hard to put into words just how awe inspiring Olivier Coipel's artwork is; he truly captures the mythic and majestic quality of these characters. Some jaw-dropping work from Coipel here. Truly.
Marko Djurdjevic does some absolutely incredible painted Covers, while also providing some interiors on a few issues. I remember buying some of these issues when they first came out purely because the covers were so epic.
Mark Morales inks the Coipel work, while Danny Miki handles Djurdjevics pencils, both to stunning effect.
Laura Martin colors it all––as if her status as legendary wasn't already well deserved, here is more work to attest to her great skill.
Amazing work, all around. Comics Rule.
July 7, 2020
Solid Classic Thor. Great read for Loki fans. Nice place to jump in if you’re a fan of the MCU- Asgard is on Earth starting with Volume 1.
May 9, 2020
If the first volume of this book set up Thor well as the King of Asgard (and his attempt to repopulate it), this second volume shifts into high gear, showing how the Asgardians begin to integrate with the world, the nation, and their Oklahoma neighbors, while a resurrected Baldur gets a story-shaking promotion, and a resurrected (and usually female) Loki gets a nice upgrade to their origin tale and a chance to begin their evil plots even deeper inside of Asgard.
It's busy, but a lot of fun, and masterfully told.
It's busy, but a lot of fun, and masterfully told.
April 11, 2011
The seeds lain in Volume 1 of JMS's run on Thor come to fruition in Volume 2, kicking this series into a higher gear. Once the formalities are out of the way, JMS is able to delve into the psyche of a god, lost in a foreign world, struggling to find purpose. As the chapters pass by, Thor is joined in this befuddlement by his fellow risen Asgardians. These are not mere men but other-worldly beings who are accustomed to waging war, and constantly proving the mark of vigilance and valor. While a certain measure of sympathy is garnered for Balder, Volstagg, Hogun and the rest, it's difficult not to view our characters as savage beasts, such as when a random fight breaks out that leads to a death. When the accused is asked what provoked him to these means he cannot remember. It is a stunning revelation, and a risky characterization by JMS. These are, after all, our heroes. In the background, cunning, planning is Loki. I was a little taken aback by the choice to portray the god of mischief as a woman, but I've grown accustomed to seeing it. Knowing that the representation is only temporary doesn't hurt. Olivier Coipel is joined on pencil duties for some issues by Marko Djurdjevic. While their styles are not similar, Marvel chose to wisely give Djurdjevic the "rougher" scenes to drawn, mainly the issues Thor spends with Odin in hell and the world through Bor's eyes when he is under Loki's spell. The last page of the collection and what is proposes has me eager to see this story's conclusion.
April 17, 2020
This was a nice step up from the last volume. Thor goes into the Odin sleep, or should I say Thor sleep, and meets up with Odin in the in between realm. What they get into was pretty cool. Thor also pays homage to Captain America which was a nice touch. Of course, throughout this run Loki is still scheming as usual. I don’t know why they all keep falling for it. Anyway, Loki has really done his homework on this one and really has his/her fingers in deep into the undoing of Thor and the manipulation of Balder. Can’t wait to see how this ends.
June 10, 2010
J. Michael Straczynski's run writing on Thor has so far been the most enjoyable and involving iteration of the character I've had the pleasure to read. I love both Norse mythology and pulp fantasy, so I'm predisposed to like the character, but he's still a character that is abysmal when written poorly. The art by Olivier Coipel and Marko Djurdjevic is great as well, and perfectly tells the story.
December 15, 2011
An absolutely fantastic book, with gorgeous art to match!
I've never been into Thor, and while trade 1 was mostly along the lines of "um.. who and what now?", this book took the time to lay out the characters and explain backgrounds and then twist it all up spectacularly! plus Loki. Never could walk away from a book featuring a psychotic villain carefully & deliberately laying out the vengeance plans
trade 3, you got some pretty big expectations to fulfill after this
I've never been into Thor, and while trade 1 was mostly along the lines of "um.. who and what now?", this book took the time to lay out the characters and explain backgrounds and then twist it all up spectacularly! plus Loki. Never could walk away from a book featuring a psychotic villain carefully & deliberately laying out the vengeance plans
trade 3, you got some pretty big expectations to fulfill after this
June 8, 2015
Okay, now things are getting more interesting! The real action is happening, with Loki doing some very Loki-esque things... I'd be more specific but spoilers. Let's just say, if you liked vol 1, you'll like vol 2 more. The slower pace of vol 1's setup is paying off.
July 5, 2021
I have two major issues with JMS's generally excellent Thor series: 1) The pacing is absolutely glacial, and 2) Loki's apparent cleverness is presented at the expense of everybody else on Asgard.
Both of these things are made especially clear in this middle volume.
The relatively slow pace worked well in the first volume, as Thor was trying to reestablish Asgard in a cautious way under a completely new paradigm, and that caution was represented in a deliberate pace. Here, Loki's scheming essentially takes center stage, and while his works are intricate and take a lot of time to be revealed--seeing the Bor story from two different angles, for example--it. just. goes. so. slowly. Originally, these came out in monthly comics. That would have been frustrating. It doesn't even feel padded, just kind of stalled out.
The second issue is more important to me, really. Loki is obviously as much as a liar and schemer has he has ever been. (I am going to continue to use male pronouns for Loki despite the female body he occupies in this series, for the simple fact that the body is not a reflection of his identity but rather stolen for the single purpose of garnering the Asgardians' trust and he readily admits this to one of his allies.) The thing is, Loki's scheming is obvious to everyone, and even though he is repeatedly threatened with death, all the Asgardians listen to him as if he really is a new person. Balder in particular has quite a round of plot-induced stupidity regarding Loki. I realize that Balder is in a bad place mentally and has had the rug pulled out from under him (by Loki, of course), but he should know better than to trust Loki, new female form or not. (It makes Balder's credulousness seem even more absurd to see Oliver Coipel drawing Loki as obviously evil as possible at every appearance.) I have read a few runs of Thor over the years, and I don't remember much about Balder as a character, so maybe he is as much of a dumb cypher as JMS is making him, but he seems to be laying it on thick here.
One last thing I want to touch on is the turn of focus away from Thor in the book. JMS is telling a large ensemble story, I get that. And he likes Donald Blake enough that he brought Blake back as a distinct person separate from Thor, and he therefore needs a perspective and story of his own as a reason to exist in the narrative, which I also get. And we need to get into the heads of various Asgardians, and Loki, and the citizens of Broxton. But come on, JMS: you have roughly 18 issues to do this. These things are all important, but the title of the book is "Thor," and his absence is notable. (Yes, you could argue that Thor's absence from Asgard, his forced division of his life with Blake causing neither of them to be able to focus entirely on their own needs and priorities causing them--Thor in particular--to fail, and Loki's manipulation of the situation in his absence, is a deliberate part of the narrative. I might agree even, but that doesn't mean I have to think it works well.)
So, that was a lot of complaining. But I still liked the book. (Maybe not as much as I did when it was new, but still.) It's a middle chapter. It isn't going to stand as well on its own. That being said, of the twin cliffhangers, Thor's fate among his people feels especially contrived, but the Asgardians' potential move to a new home has potential for a lot of mischief.
Both of these things are made especially clear in this middle volume.
The relatively slow pace worked well in the first volume, as Thor was trying to reestablish Asgard in a cautious way under a completely new paradigm, and that caution was represented in a deliberate pace. Here, Loki's scheming essentially takes center stage, and while his works are intricate and take a lot of time to be revealed--seeing the Bor story from two different angles, for example--it. just. goes. so. slowly. Originally, these came out in monthly comics. That would have been frustrating. It doesn't even feel padded, just kind of stalled out.
The second issue is more important to me, really. Loki is obviously as much as a liar and schemer has he has ever been. (I am going to continue to use male pronouns for Loki despite the female body he occupies in this series, for the simple fact that the body is not a reflection of his identity but rather stolen for the single purpose of garnering the Asgardians' trust and he readily admits this to one of his allies.) The thing is, Loki's scheming is obvious to everyone, and even though he is repeatedly threatened with death, all the Asgardians listen to him as if he really is a new person. Balder in particular has quite a round of plot-induced stupidity regarding Loki. I realize that Balder is in a bad place mentally and has had the rug pulled out from under him (by Loki, of course), but he should know better than to trust Loki, new female form or not. (It makes Balder's credulousness seem even more absurd to see Oliver Coipel drawing Loki as obviously evil as possible at every appearance.) I have read a few runs of Thor over the years, and I don't remember much about Balder as a character, so maybe he is as much of a dumb cypher as JMS is making him, but he seems to be laying it on thick here.
One last thing I want to touch on is the turn of focus away from Thor in the book. JMS is telling a large ensemble story, I get that. And he likes Donald Blake enough that he brought Blake back as a distinct person separate from Thor, and he therefore needs a perspective and story of his own as a reason to exist in the narrative, which I also get. And we need to get into the heads of various Asgardians, and Loki, and the citizens of Broxton. But come on, JMS: you have roughly 18 issues to do this. These things are all important, but the title of the book is "Thor," and his absence is notable. (Yes, you could argue that Thor's absence from Asgard, his forced division of his life with Blake causing neither of them to be able to focus entirely on their own needs and priorities causing them--Thor in particular--to fail, and Loki's manipulation of the situation in his absence, is a deliberate part of the narrative. I might agree even, but that doesn't mean I have to think it works well.)
So, that was a lot of complaining. But I still liked the book. (Maybe not as much as I did when it was new, but still.) It's a middle chapter. It isn't going to stand as well on its own. That being said, of the twin cliffhangers, Thor's fate among his people feels especially contrived, but the Asgardians' potential move to a new home has potential for a lot of mischief.
January 15, 2021
Disclaimer: I read this for a research project that is focused on Loki's portrayal throughout time, so all the things that I'm about to talk about are things that I liked surrounding Loki's character:
• oh no she's hot
• Trying to figure out what kind of game they're playing with these schemes
•Loki manipulates the Asgardians with these speeches about how they should be using their newfound free life not letting themselves be subjected to the walls of their castle (i.e. not letting Thor keep them inside the castle because what kind of life are we living if we're not living at all?), but that's where Loki's true motives start to come through.
• Despite the absolute cruelty that Loki displays, their actions are rooted in pain and fear. As a child, he was looking for an escape from an abusive household as well as searching for meaning in endless bloodshed. Instead, he winds up in a household where he recognizes the same qualities in his new family that were in his biological father, which gives him the goal of not letting those qualities be directed to him. He wanted to gain control over his circumstance...
•...so he made sure that he was the reason those circumstances happened. The time travel thing was him attempting to feel more in control of his environment. I mean, you can't be hurt if you're the one doing the hurting, right?
•While probably not intentional, this mindset of trying to gain control of a circumstance so as not to be the victim again (as we see in how her speech to Hela, "My brother will not be in a position to threaten me or anyone else. Ever again" is a parallel to when he hacked at his father's corpse and said "you will never strike me again! Never!") coupled with female body resonates with the general population of women. A lot of us live in our lives trying to avoid the way a lot of men can be predatory and dangerous. We seek to find ways to control our circumstance and not be trapped in a position of inferiority. We try not to live our lives in fear, but there's always an element of caution because of our experiences. Loki's experience being similar and now being expressed through a female appearance is such a good way to have the audience connect to an antagonist.
I loved a lot of other things about this comic, but I am quite grateful to the way Loki is used to communicate messages about life, values, and control. Not that I necessarily agree with their actions, but I do enjoy understanding them.
•
• Trying to figure out what kind of game they're playing with these schemes
•Loki manipulates the Asgardians with these speeches about how they should be using their newfound free life not letting themselves be subjected to the walls of their castle (i.e. not letting Thor keep them inside the castle because what kind of life are we living if we're not living at all?), but that's where Loki's true motives start to come through.
• Despite the absolute cruelty that Loki displays, their actions are rooted in pain and fear. As a child, he was looking for an escape from an abusive household as well as searching for meaning in endless bloodshed. Instead, he winds up in a household where he recognizes the same qualities in his new family that were in his biological father, which gives him the goal of not letting those qualities be directed to him. He wanted to gain control over his circumstance...
•...so he made sure that he was the reason those circumstances happened. The time travel thing was him attempting to feel more in control of his environment. I mean, you can't be hurt if you're the one doing the hurting, right?
•While probably not intentional, this mindset of trying to gain control of a circumstance so as not to be the victim again (as we see in how her speech to Hela, "My brother will not be in a position to threaten me or anyone else. Ever again" is a parallel to when he hacked at his father's corpse and said "you will never strike me again! Never!") coupled with female body resonates with the general population of women. A lot of us live in our lives trying to avoid the way a lot of men can be predatory and dangerous. We seek to find ways to control our circumstance and not be trapped in a position of inferiority. We try not to live our lives in fear, but there's always an element of caution because of our experiences. Loki's experience being similar and now being expressed through a female appearance is such a good way to have the audience connect to an antagonist.
I loved a lot of other things about this comic, but I am quite grateful to the way Loki is used to communicate messages about life, values, and control. Not that I necessarily agree with their actions, but I do enjoy understanding them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 10, 2019
Thor by JMS vol 2 is fantastic Thor, and greatly told. It's circulatory with it's plot because the setups and payoff are so well laid.
Thor is still catching up on everything he missed and Jane Foster is one of those stops. He visits Captain America's grave and reveals a secret to an old friend that changes the foundations of asguard. As well as ties into Loki's devious plan. Which I add, is a fantastic Loki. I think JMS has a great voice for each character but Loki is far and away my favorite.
The art is very nice. Depicted this big strong blocky figures of myth as such. The American people also look good. The backgrounds are nice and detailed and the color palette shifts depending on the realm.
There is setup for a great run here as well as payoffs in each issue.
Really I think it's great storytelling in here that made me want to read each next issue because it was being told so well. I overall enjoyed myself so much because of how well it was put together.
5 stars.
Thor is still catching up on everything he missed and Jane Foster is one of those stops. He visits Captain America's grave and reveals a secret to an old friend that changes the foundations of asguard. As well as ties into Loki's devious plan. Which I add, is a fantastic Loki. I think JMS has a great voice for each character but Loki is far and away my favorite.
The art is very nice. Depicted this big strong blocky figures of myth as such. The American people also look good. The backgrounds are nice and detailed and the color palette shifts depending on the realm.
There is setup for a great run here as well as payoffs in each issue.
Really I think it's great storytelling in here that made me want to read each next issue because it was being told so well. I overall enjoyed myself so much because of how well it was put together.
5 stars.
November 28, 2017
There's lots of things happening, in the manner of plans being laid and wheels within wheels spinning, but there isn't a whole lot of action. One issue focuses the dead Odin and Thor's visit with him in the afterworld. There's a little bit of intrigue around Thor's human host Donald Blake and Jane Foster, and a lot of intrigue around Loki (including time travel and creating his own future in one of the most gratuitously circular time-jumping sequences I've ever seen) as she (yes, she for now) sows discord and discontent among the Asgardians. But ultimately, there's no real driving story here; it feels like the mid-point of a story, as pieces are moved across the board to set up the next volume. There's some decent art and a couple of twists that are a little surprising, but ultimately, this is a pretty forgettable volume.
December 17, 2025
I think that this Thor run is held back by the constant restarts and reruns, and retcons. Straczynski knows how to write and Coipel knows how to draw. The story is interesting, but it just is not about Thor and feels that it would be much stronger if it were allowed to be said during a time when Asgard is not in a desert. It feels like Straczynski had an idea and wanted to write Thor, but the circumstances of Thor during that time were not the best for this story.
It focuses on Baldur, Loki, Odin and then Thor. It is weaved nicely and the dialogue is sharp. The twists and turns and Loki's schemes are awesome and I look forward to seeing it conclude in the next book, but the individual moments are what stick in my mind after reading it. And for that I cannot go higher, even though I am enjoying it.
It focuses on Baldur, Loki, Odin and then Thor. It is weaved nicely and the dialogue is sharp. The twists and turns and Loki's schemes are awesome and I look forward to seeing it conclude in the next book, but the individual moments are what stick in my mind after reading it. And for that I cannot go higher, even though I am enjoying it.
November 10, 2018
While I love the artwork and the appearance of Dr. Don Blake I found this storyline quite depressing for a number of reasons. Frivolous divorce and child abandonment by someone who eventually is supposedly worthy of the power of Thor, gods hundreds of years old falling for the simplest deceptions of a known deceiver and grown sons allowing their fathers to die so they can reign in their stead are just a few of the disheartening, depressing, and discordant storylines found within these pages. I read comics occasionally to lift my spirits, escape my problems and encourage my spirit - not to have the opposite effect.
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