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Thor Epic Collection
Thor Epic Collection, Vol. 16: War of the Pantheons
It's the beginning of a new era for the mighty Thor - but it just might be the end of the Norse gods! With Asgard adrift in space, Thor must sacrifice all when he finds himself in a losing battle to protect the planet Pangoria against the unimaginably powerful Celestials! But when Seth the Serpent God unleashes an all-out assault on Asgard, can the Norse gods defeat his ruthless army without their greatest warrior? Plus: Thor takes on the Hulk, clashes with the Celtic Lord of Lightning, battles Quicksand, and tackles the maddening Mongoose alongside Spider-Man! Earth Force targets Hogun for death! A watershed moment for Captain America! Surtur makes his demonic return! COLLECTING: Thor (1966) 383-400
472 pages, Paperback
First published October 29, 2013
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About the author
Tom DeFalco
2,477 books106 followersTom DeFalco is an American comics writer and editor, well-known for his association with Marvel Comics and Spider-Man.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
December 8, 2014
This is a classic collection of Thor stories, coming just after the Epic Simonson run. (1987 era) Thor has his beard, new Armour Suit, and many things ahead of him. Finding that he's recovered after the warriors three make him get a shave, he returns to his original appearance.
We get a lot of interesting stuff here:
The disbanded Avengers, upon Thor's return.
The introduction of Eric Masterson.
The return of Odin after his battle with the Fire Demon Surtur.
Hardly any Loki, but near the end.
The Celtic Gods.
Oh, and one tiny little thing that doesn't really matter too much...
Only Steve Rogers lifting Mjolnir! Woot. (FYI That's Steve as 'The Captain' while John Walker was Captain America, which is interesting, because his suit here looks a lot like the USAgent costume that Walker would take on permanently after Rogers returned to being Cap.)
We also have a future version of Thor lifting Mjolnir, but that's not as awesome.
4 stars for the classic moment alone, and some cool stuff. De Falco is a bit too wordy, and Walt did a better job, but it's not terrible.
We get a lot of interesting stuff here:
The disbanded Avengers, upon Thor's return.
The introduction of Eric Masterson.
The return of Odin after his battle with the Fire Demon Surtur.
Hardly any Loki, but near the end.
The Celtic Gods.
Oh, and one tiny little thing that doesn't really matter too much...
Only Steve Rogers lifting Mjolnir! Woot. (FYI That's Steve as 'The Captain' while John Walker was Captain America, which is interesting, because his suit here looks a lot like the USAgent costume that Walker would take on permanently after Rogers returned to being Cap.)
We also have a future version of Thor lifting Mjolnir, but that's not as awesome.
4 stars for the classic moment alone, and some cool stuff. De Falco is a bit too wordy, and Walt did a better job, but it's not terrible.
October 22, 2021
Os outros volumes do DeFalco na frente do Thor eu não gostei muito são muito anos 90, mas esse aqui é bacana. Quer dizer... é mais bacana que os outros, mas temos problemas.
Pelo que eu deduzi, aqui começa a fase do DeFalco logo depois da fase do Simonson e é quase covardia; o Walter Simonson fez o melhor Thor de todos os tempos e uma das últimas histórias chama-se Ragnarok'n'Roll.
Aqui a primeira história é um retcon das Guerras Secretas com o Thor dizendo que vai se manter virtuoso e não vai pegar a Encantor. A segunda conta a origem do Thor do futuro e a terceira um quebra-pau genérico com o Hulk em algum momento qualquer da continuidade.
Aí começa de verdade, Thor está em Asgard, Balder senta no trono e estranhos portais dimensionais estão se abrindo pela cidade dourada e monstros estranhos estão aparecendo e tocando o terror na galera, Thor e os Três Guerreiros vão atrás de um dos monstros e o Deus do Trovão acaba no reino do panteão celta enfrentando uma esfinge com a relutante ajuda do Deus do Raio, Leir. Depois dessa merda toda, Thor resolve dar um foda-se e voltar para a Terra - ele tava com saudade de mexer na viga.
Na viagem, como não há mais a ponte do arco-íris, o Thor acaba num planeta aleatório que está sendo julgado pelos Celestiais.
Ceslestiais, lembra? Seres gigantes, ultrapoderosos, com motivações desconhecidas. Aqui a cobra fumou, a casa caiu, mentiu pro tio, contou pro avô.
O Thor olha para o gigante celestial e diz aquelas coisas que só o Thor diz: "Pela honra e pela glória do eterno reino de Asgard, o filho de Odin vai tocar o trovão na bunda do juiz celestial."
Aí o juiz, chama Exitar, o Celestial Executor. Thor dá um sorrisinho para a população e diz: "Deixa com o Tata." E sai na porrada com um gigante de poder incomensurável.
Eu acho que essa deveria ser a história que dá nome ao volume; "Sozinho contra os Celestiais".
Uma das melhores histórias do Thor, leiam.
Depois ele acaba na Terra e num quebra-pau com lacaios dos deuses egípcios, nosso amigo Capitão, não mais América, levanta o Mjolnir. Eu lembro de ler isso num formatinho qualquer, 1547 anos atrás, e me emocionar; e, 1547 anos depois, quando eu vi no cinema eu me emocionei de novo. Foda.
A tal da Guerra dos Panteões trata de Set, deus egípcio da morte, querendo conquistar os outros panteões, começando por Asgard. Poderia ser uma história muito boa, mas ela é constantemente interrompida por outros pontos; a própria batalha com os Celestiais, o Mangusto, a introdução do Eric Masterson, uma tal de Quicksand, o Homem Aranha, o Hogun enfrentando o Demolidor, a Força Terra e sabe lá o que mais. Essas interrupções, numa publicação mensal, talvez não seja tão ruim, mas, como um volume único, eu fiquei o tempo todo pensando: "A cidade eterna vai cair e o Thor não tá lá pra enfiar o Mjolnir na orelha esquerda o Set?"
Contudo a última edição meio que salva a parada.
Mas a grande história é a dos Celestiais.
E, sim, eu vi ele ali na capa, rindo de mim.
Fingi que não era comigo.
Pelo que eu deduzi, aqui começa a fase do DeFalco logo depois da fase do Simonson e é quase covardia; o Walter Simonson fez o melhor Thor de todos os tempos e uma das últimas histórias chama-se Ragnarok'n'Roll.
Aqui a primeira história é um retcon das Guerras Secretas com o Thor dizendo que vai se manter virtuoso e não vai pegar a Encantor. A segunda conta a origem do Thor do futuro e a terceira um quebra-pau genérico com o Hulk em algum momento qualquer da continuidade.
Aí começa de verdade, Thor está em Asgard, Balder senta no trono e estranhos portais dimensionais estão se abrindo pela cidade dourada e monstros estranhos estão aparecendo e tocando o terror na galera, Thor e os Três Guerreiros vão atrás de um dos monstros e o Deus do Trovão acaba no reino do panteão celta enfrentando uma esfinge com a relutante ajuda do Deus do Raio, Leir. Depois dessa merda toda, Thor resolve dar um foda-se e voltar para a Terra - ele tava com saudade de mexer na viga.
Na viagem, como não há mais a ponte do arco-íris, o Thor acaba num planeta aleatório que está sendo julgado pelos Celestiais.
Ceslestiais, lembra? Seres gigantes, ultrapoderosos, com motivações desconhecidas. Aqui a cobra fumou, a casa caiu, mentiu pro tio, contou pro avô.
O Thor olha para o gigante celestial e diz aquelas coisas que só o Thor diz: "Pela honra e pela glória do eterno reino de Asgard, o filho de Odin vai tocar o trovão na bunda do juiz celestial."
Aí o juiz, chama Exitar, o Celestial Executor. Thor dá um sorrisinho para a população e diz: "Deixa com o Tata." E sai na porrada com um gigante de poder incomensurável.
Eu acho que essa deveria ser a história que dá nome ao volume; "Sozinho contra os Celestiais".
Uma das melhores histórias do Thor, leiam.
Depois ele acaba na Terra e num quebra-pau com lacaios dos deuses egípcios, nosso amigo Capitão, não mais América, levanta o Mjolnir. Eu lembro de ler isso num formatinho qualquer, 1547 anos atrás, e me emocionar; e, 1547 anos depois, quando eu vi no cinema eu me emocionei de novo. Foda.
A tal da Guerra dos Panteões trata de Set, deus egípcio da morte, querendo conquistar os outros panteões, começando por Asgard. Poderia ser uma história muito boa, mas ela é constantemente interrompida por outros pontos; a própria batalha com os Celestiais, o Mangusto, a introdução do Eric Masterson, uma tal de Quicksand, o Homem Aranha, o Hogun enfrentando o Demolidor, a Força Terra e sabe lá o que mais. Essas interrupções, numa publicação mensal, talvez não seja tão ruim, mas, como um volume único, eu fiquei o tempo todo pensando: "A cidade eterna vai cair e o Thor não tá lá pra enfiar o Mjolnir na orelha esquerda o Set?"
Contudo a última edição meio que salva a parada.
Mas a grande história é a dos Celestiais.
E, sim, eu vi ele ali na capa, rindo de mim.
Fingi que não era comigo.
December 18, 2014
Overall, this volume is sadly mediocre. There are some good bits (particularly the Celestials and Seth storylines) and some nice '80s continuity, but nothing excels, and there's quite a bit that's dull too.
The start of this collection is shockingly incoherent. The Secret Wars story (383) is interesting only for its innovative (at the time) view of the Enchantress [5/10]. The Future Thor story (384) is innovative and a fun done-in-one [6/10]. The Thor vs Hulk (385) story is a dull, pointless fight [2/10]. Overall, the lack of continuity between these stories makes them almost worthless. It must have been a huge letdown at the time, following the Simonson run.
When Warriors Clash (386). Nice to actually have some continuity, building on the Simonson run. This is still a pretty shallow monster-bash, but it sets up future stories with its focus on multiple pantheons [5+/10].
Celestials (387-389). This does a great job of showing off the scope of the Celestials while simultaneously giving Thor a chance to be a hero. It's got a strong ending too [6+/10].
Thor & Captain America (390). And so we begin, somewhat oddly, a collection of stories about Thor teaming up, starting with Captain America. This one feels like it does a bad job of characterizing Steve, but it offers one of the great Captain America moments ever, when he proves himself worth to wield Thor's hammer. Beyond that, it's a mediocre story that's worthwhile mainly to show the state of the Marvel universe in the late '80s. [5+/10].
Thor & Spider-Man (391). A dull, pointless fight, saved only by some nice characterization of both heroes [4/10].
Thor & Daredevil (392-393). Two dull fights, each stretched out to two issues long. Ye gods! The only good thing was the continued development of Eric Masterson, introduced in the previous issue. Beyond that, a waste of paper [3/10].
The Thor Movie (394). It's sad when the fill-ins are better than the ongoing storyline, but that's the case here, as Roger Stern used a writer trying to make a Thor movie as an excuse to look at the character from multiple points of view. (Jane Foster is used poorly here, as a nervous housewife, but that was the case during this era of Thor.) [6/10].
Thor vs. Seth (395-400). This final story is perhaps the best in "War of the Pantheon". DeFalco's been setting it up since the start of his run, and that gives it some gravitas to go with the cosmic grandeur. There's also some nice movement in Thor's continuity. Even the newly minted "Earth Force" are sort of interesting. There are still some parts that are very skimmable, but overall this is a nice Thor story for the era [6+/10].
Shorts (400). The shorts that ended issue #400 aren't particularly good, other than the Loki one (which also has great art) [4/10].
The start of this collection is shockingly incoherent. The Secret Wars story (383) is interesting only for its innovative (at the time) view of the Enchantress [5/10]. The Future Thor story (384) is innovative and a fun done-in-one [6/10]. The Thor vs Hulk (385) story is a dull, pointless fight [2/10]. Overall, the lack of continuity between these stories makes them almost worthless. It must have been a huge letdown at the time, following the Simonson run.
When Warriors Clash (386). Nice to actually have some continuity, building on the Simonson run. This is still a pretty shallow monster-bash, but it sets up future stories with its focus on multiple pantheons [5+/10].
Celestials (387-389). This does a great job of showing off the scope of the Celestials while simultaneously giving Thor a chance to be a hero. It's got a strong ending too [6+/10].
Thor & Captain America (390). And so we begin, somewhat oddly, a collection of stories about Thor teaming up, starting with Captain America. This one feels like it does a bad job of characterizing Steve, but it offers one of the great Captain America moments ever, when he proves himself worth to wield Thor's hammer. Beyond that, it's a mediocre story that's worthwhile mainly to show the state of the Marvel universe in the late '80s. [5+/10].
Thor & Spider-Man (391). A dull, pointless fight, saved only by some nice characterization of both heroes [4/10].
Thor & Daredevil (392-393). Two dull fights, each stretched out to two issues long. Ye gods! The only good thing was the continued development of Eric Masterson, introduced in the previous issue. Beyond that, a waste of paper [3/10].
The Thor Movie (394). It's sad when the fill-ins are better than the ongoing storyline, but that's the case here, as Roger Stern used a writer trying to make a Thor movie as an excuse to look at the character from multiple points of view. (Jane Foster is used poorly here, as a nervous housewife, but that was the case during this era of Thor.) [6/10].
Thor vs. Seth (395-400). This final story is perhaps the best in "War of the Pantheon". DeFalco's been setting it up since the start of his run, and that gives it some gravitas to go with the cosmic grandeur. There's also some nice movement in Thor's continuity. Even the newly minted "Earth Force" are sort of interesting. There are still some parts that are very skimmable, but overall this is a nice Thor story for the era [6+/10].
Shorts (400). The shorts that ended issue #400 aren't particularly good, other than the Loki one (which also has great art) [4/10].
March 24, 2025
This volume presents a solid collection of Thor stories, marking the beginning of Tom DeFalco's tenure on the series. DeFalco has consistently proven himself a reliable writer, I don't think he's ever written a bad run. His Amazing Spider-Man is one of the best, and he also did a great job with the Fantastic Four.
This volume starts off with 3 filler issues that aren't set in the modern day, I'm guessing the team was figuring out what to do and what direction to go in after Walt Simonsons legendary run. However, after those 3 issues things start to get rolling. Thor becomes embroiled in a dramatic conflict involving the Celestials, who are passing judgment on an alien world ruled by a corrupt leader.
The next few issues involve team-ups with Captain America, Spider-Man and Daredevil. Meanwhile, a subplot unfolds involving an invasion of Asgard by the forces of the Egyptian god Seth.
Issues #395 to #400 form the core of this volume, depicting the epic war between Seth and Asgard. This offers a satisfying conclusion to the volume and makes me eager to read the next.
This volume starts off with 3 filler issues that aren't set in the modern day, I'm guessing the team was figuring out what to do and what direction to go in after Walt Simonsons legendary run. However, after those 3 issues things start to get rolling. Thor becomes embroiled in a dramatic conflict involving the Celestials, who are passing judgment on an alien world ruled by a corrupt leader.
The next few issues involve team-ups with Captain America, Spider-Man and Daredevil. Meanwhile, a subplot unfolds involving an invasion of Asgard by the forces of the Egyptian god Seth.
Issues #395 to #400 form the core of this volume, depicting the epic war between Seth and Asgard. This offers a satisfying conclusion to the volume and makes me eager to read the next.
December 13, 2019
A little disappointing! I loved the War of the Gods storyline back in the day, and it's definitely the strongest part of this collection, but it has suffered as I've aged, I guess. The Celestials story is a lot briefer and more half-baked than I expected, with a sort of obvious and unnecessary moralizing that of course entirely to be expected from a comic book from the 80s, but still. The less said about "the Thor of the future" the better. I'm always glad to see the short-lived late 80s Avengers squad with the Black Knight and Dr. Druid, and that story issue proves Captain America worthy of wielding Mjolnir. Speaking of Dane Whitman, he's a lot more inconsequential in the War of the Gods story than I remembered--not sure why they included him. He barely had lines. Still, it's fun to even shallowly follow his terrifying descent into he Ebon Blade's blood curse. Comics! I should say that Ron Frenz's throwback art is always enjoyable.
February 16, 2021
A real disappointment on the heels of Simonson's legendary run. Kicking off with three filler stories, then a two-dimensional conflict with some Celestials, and finally the "war" with Seth of the Egyptian gods, with some Celtic gods on the Asgardian's side. With one more filler issue for good measure.
Plenty of deux ex Mjolnirina too to go with de Falco's clunky dialogue.
Redeeming qualities: Frenz's art was good and Kirbyesque. And Eric Masterson was introduced.
Plenty of deux ex Mjolnirina too to go with de Falco's clunky dialogue.
Redeeming qualities: Frenz's art was good and Kirbyesque. And Eric Masterson was introduced.
May 14, 2021
Taking over after Simonson is no easy act to follow but I think DeFalco writes a very solid Thor book.
The highs in this book were very HIGH and had me smiling. You can tell the team at the time was trying to recapture that Kirby magic and I think they’ve achieved that goal.
Ron Frenz’s art is also INCREDIBLE!
If you’re as big a Thor fan as I am, then I highly recommend this book. There are some really great Thor moments in this run that doesn’t get enough love IMO.
The highs in this book were very HIGH and had me smiling. You can tell the team at the time was trying to recapture that Kirby magic and I think they’ve achieved that goal.
Ron Frenz’s art is also INCREDIBLE!
If you’re as big a Thor fan as I am, then I highly recommend this book. There are some really great Thor moments in this run that doesn’t get enough love IMO.
June 20, 2019
In terms of "what to read next after Infinity War/Endgame" this is a great choice. MANY little inside jokes or circumstances from Endgame are in this volume.
This was a really great compilation, and I don't actually go in for "classic" comics. For me it is usually the art, I don't like this style at all. However the stories contained were solid, and again there were numerous references to things that happen in the future Endgame film (or future things in the comics - for example Original Sin).
This was a really great compilation, and I don't actually go in for "classic" comics. For me it is usually the art, I don't like this style at all. However the stories contained were solid, and again there were numerous references to things that happen in the future Endgame film (or future things in the comics - for example Original Sin).
January 12, 2020
I'd never read these issues so this was a virgin read for me. And I found it to be Classic Thor in the vein of Kirby. A very enjoyable Thor collection.
January 26, 2023
Great comics! Love the scale of the Thor stories!
April 5, 2023
Gems include Daillus the Daring fails to impress Lorelei the Lovelorn, cyberpunk Thor debuts, Erik Larsen draws a Thor v. Hulk flashback, Seth gives a feline minion the gift of death, Arishem judges Pegas the Pirate King, the destruction of Mjolnir w/in Exitar the Exterminator, Thor attacks Exitar’s brain w/ his bare hands, in a battle w/ Grog the God Crusher Cap proves himself worthy, Thor & Spidey v. Mongoose the Merciless at Rick James’s skyscraper, Hogun v. Hornhead, Hogun receives the death mark, Balder activates the celestial Siphon, Loki faults Seth’s humorlessness, Thor frees Bes from the Black Pyramid, Enchantress betrays Seth, & Seth imitates Jörmungandr. I expected the DeFalco-Frenz Thor run to be a huge falloff from Simonson Thor, but so far it’s quite impressive, especially the Celestial story, although it is occasionally annoying how much they imitate the Simonson run while undoing it is as quickly as possible. Could’ve done w/o Odin’s resurrection or Grog wielding Mjolnir
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 17, 2014
Just...I don't know. I've been reading a lot of good comics lately. I love Thor as a character and have generally been fond of each iteration of the book. Still, compared with the Walter Simonson and Jonathon Hickman volumes I've been reading elsewhere, and having read Stracszynski's (SP) run reasonably recently--at least far more recently than the DeFalco/Frenz work here, I just can't get too excited about this one. There were some great moments, and Frenz is perhaps the only truly comic-classic styled artist (which for me means he looks like Jack Kirby...) that I really enjoy, but...I can't get over Three stars.
It's fun if you're a Thor fan. A collection that will stir memories for older followers of Marvel's Thundergod, but not something that will necessarily appeal to comic fans in general. If I encountered someone who was on the fence about Thor this is definitely not the run I'd feed them to help them understand his true awesomeness.
It's fun if you're a Thor fan. A collection that will stir memories for older followers of Marvel's Thundergod, but not something that will necessarily appeal to comic fans in general. If I encountered someone who was on the fence about Thor this is definitely not the run I'd feed them to help them understand his true awesomeness.
March 7, 2014
The books has it's ups and downs. One of my all time favorite issues of Thor is included in here, when Captain America proves worthy of welding Thor's hammer. And Ron Frenz really brings on the strong Kirby influence that makes the art sing and give it excitement. But besides a couple of strong stand alone issues, the big storyline of the Egyptian God of Death Seth going to war with Asgard kind of drags.
May 22, 2014
Dopo il ciclo di Walt Simonson, che fu un capolavoro, trovarsi queste storie fu abbastanza deludente.
Ma rilette a distanza di anni devo dire che le trovo comunque godibili; De Falco recupera alcune atmosfere anni '70 ma le inserisce bene nell'epoca in cui scrive, e Ron Frenz è un disegnatore che tutto sommato mi piace, quando non esagera ma si mantiene in una via di mezzo tra Kirby e John Buscema.
Ma rilette a distanza di anni devo dire che le trovo comunque godibili; De Falco recupera alcune atmosfere anni '70 ma le inserisce bene nell'epoca in cui scrive, e Ron Frenz è un disegnatore che tutto sommato mi piace, quando non esagera ma si mantiene in una via di mezzo tra Kirby e John Buscema.
August 26, 2013
This covers Thor against the Eternals, and a major Asgard war against Seth. The storyline has many paths and makes interesting reading. I particularly liked how the Enchantress and Loki deal with the Seth threat. A good read.
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