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Thor (2020) (Collected Editions) #1-6
Thor by Cates & Klein Omnibus
The prince is now a king. The realms are at peace. All of Asgard lies before Thor, God of Thunder - but the skies above the Realm Eternal are never clear for long. The Black Winter is coming - and to triumph over this new threat, Thor must be transformed in a most unexpected way! But something is wrong with Mjolnir! What will it take to hold on to one of the most powerful weapons in the Multiverse? Plus: Thor revisits his old mortal persona, but he isn't ready for the terrifying Donald Blake that awaits! Odin makes a surprising return! Thor battles Marvel heavyweights Venom, the Hulk and Doctor Doom! And what secret history does Thanos have with Bor, father of Odin? Collecting THOR (2020) #1-35, HULK VS. THOR: BANNER OF WAR ALPHA, HULK (2021) #7-8, THANOS: DEATH NOTES, and material from THOR ANNUAL (2021) #1 and THOR ANNUAL (2023) #1.
1048 pages, Hardcover
Published October 29, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
November 26, 2024
Let’s get the elephant in the room out the way first: so this is Donny Cates run on Thor but the last few issues end with Torrun Gronnbeck writing the character. While her story felt a lil bit convoluted & all over the place at times, I did like her take on the character and history with the family. But I feel like she should’ve had her own long run on Thor to flesh it out better cause she was a cover up for Donny cause he left the book cause his life started life-ing. That took a star away for my rating because Torrun’s writing conflicted with Donny’s. But I still liked her take, and would love to see her do a full run.
Now as far as it getting a 4/5 rating from me, Donny in my opinion was cooking on Thor. So many big ideas, while adding that emotion behind the family issues is amazing. Thor is king but not really enjoying it. Donny’s writing always felt exciting to me and these stories were no different. Even making Thor this big cosmic character or as I call it “Dragon Ball Z Thor” was amazing to see. The writing felt like a lil kid grabbed some toys and created these type of stories in his head. The threats in this book was exciting from The Black Winter, to Donald Blake was crazyyyyy. And I also loved that Donny kept emphasizing that Gaea is Thor’s mother, cause that’s something I didn’t agree with from the Phoenix in Aaron’s run.
Nic Klein’s artwork matched the epic atmosphere of this run sooooooo well cause it is a dark story. There were alot of references to past Thor runs too. And the Banner of War storyline ? Aka THOR VS HULK ?!?! Was soooo fun. If you enjoy anime, you’ll love it. So powerful, fun and ridiculous. I didn’t get my full closure with Donny cates Thor, I really enjoyed it.
Now as far as it getting a 4/5 rating from me, Donny in my opinion was cooking on Thor. So many big ideas, while adding that emotion behind the family issues is amazing. Thor is king but not really enjoying it. Donny’s writing always felt exciting to me and these stories were no different. Even making Thor this big cosmic character or as I call it “Dragon Ball Z Thor” was amazing to see. The writing felt like a lil kid grabbed some toys and created these type of stories in his head. The threats in this book was exciting from The Black Winter, to Donald Blake was crazyyyyy. And I also loved that Donny kept emphasizing that Gaea is Thor’s mother, cause that’s something I didn’t agree with from the Phoenix in Aaron’s run.
Nic Klein’s artwork matched the epic atmosphere of this run sooooooo well cause it is a dark story. There were alot of references to past Thor runs too. And the Banner of War storyline ? Aka THOR VS HULK ?!?! Was soooo fun. If you enjoy anime, you’ll love it. So powerful, fun and ridiculous. I didn’t get my full closure with Donny cates Thor, I really enjoyed it.
September 1, 2025
This book is worth it alone for the first storyline. That being an epic fight with Galactus and the Black Winter; Thor gaining the power cosmic, first as Galactus' herald, but secondly from killing Galactus and absorbing the power in retribution for Galactus' atrocities but also to defeat the Black Winter; all culminating in the awesome splash page of Thor's vision for the future with Thanos wielding an all new infinity stone as well as a zombie army. And that's just the first 5-6 issues.
This leads to the Donald Blake story line, which again, is intense and awesome; Blake's realization of what he is and what he does to the fairytale world he was living in is very dark, as he tears his way through Asgard and Earth.
After his defeat, we find out Mjolnir has disappeared, and the God of Hammers storyline continues. Learning that Mjolnir has essentially infused with the spirit of the Mangog, it has torn it's way through the realms and Thor must stop it and it only comes to down to Odin sacrificing himself, imbuing Thor with the Odin force completely. After Mjolnir is defeated in an epic shot of Thor smashing the hammer, we actually see that Odin's spirit has taken up residence in the hammer after Thor's sister Angela made him a new one.
And after all the heavy hearted fantasy slaughter and drama, we get the Banner of War storyline, which is just a big popcorn beat em up event featuring Hulk and Thor and a bunch of world breaking fun and insanity.
Frankly, the conclusion of the book was slightly lackluster to me, especially compared to how much fun the first 3/4 is. However, there are a bunch of cool moments with Dr. Doom, Thanos, and this mystery new black infinity stone. All in all, a definite must read, and a definite will read again!
This leads to the Donald Blake story line, which again, is intense and awesome; Blake's realization of what he is and what he does to the fairytale world he was living in is very dark, as he tears his way through Asgard and Earth.
After his defeat, we find out Mjolnir has disappeared, and the God of Hammers storyline continues. Learning that Mjolnir has essentially infused with the spirit of the Mangog, it has torn it's way through the realms and Thor must stop it and it only comes to down to Odin sacrificing himself, imbuing Thor with the Odin force completely. After Mjolnir is defeated in an epic shot of Thor smashing the hammer, we actually see that Odin's spirit has taken up residence in the hammer after Thor's sister Angela made him a new one.
And after all the heavy hearted fantasy slaughter and drama, we get the Banner of War storyline, which is just a big popcorn beat em up event featuring Hulk and Thor and a bunch of world breaking fun and insanity.
Frankly, the conclusion of the book was slightly lackluster to me, especially compared to how much fun the first 3/4 is. However, there are a bunch of cool moments with Dr. Doom, Thanos, and this mystery new black infinity stone. All in all, a definite must read, and a definite will read again!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 17, 2025
I've never read a Thor comic that I didn't like.
February 5, 2025
I really thought the beginning of this was great and it looked like it was setting up an epic story. Unfortunately it kind of fizzles out shortly after the first arc. The art, however, is stunning all the way through.
July 31, 2026
This collection ended up being more than just Cates and Klein's stellar run, but also has some annuals by other creatives, along with a short run by Gronbek.
It's cool to have all of it collected here, but certainly makes for odd branding of this collection. Although it is certainly bang for your buck, given it's still cheaper than grabbing each of Cates and Klein's graphic novels or single issues by a landslide!
While this main Thor run is not as epic (still very epic though!) nor anywhere as long as the legendary Jason Aaron run, the highs and trajectories here are absolutely amazing!
Lots of unique and badass takes on Thor and his cast! Honestly a lot of love for Thor's family, Beta Ray Bill, and Throg here that is far more than worth it!
There is a breakdown of a classic character that I could see as upsetting and divisive, although its a great story here!
I appreciate when Jane and Runa get featured in here too!
The Hulk vs. Thor storyline is so jaw droppingly amazing!!
Unfortunately with what happened to Donny Cates' health, there is constantly very unceremonious endings for his incredibly written runs during this time. Which because of the nature of the beast of comics is a let down on how it just gets passed along.
An issue with this collection is how long and interrupted the annuals were and how they near never had anything to do with the Thor timeline of the current. At the same time it is cool getting a taste of different times of Thor and just included for free!
The biggest issue, though for me personally, is how much I did not care for the additional short run thrown in at the end by Gronbek. I was albeit feeling under the weather while reading it, but wow it was constantly confusing and unsatisfying. Couldn't wait to be done by that point.
Also a reminder that we never get a true ending for Thor's biggest fear of this collection here.
The art teams throughout this book do such fantastic work! Klein's specifically really stand out with the designs and concepts he draws!
Matthew Wilson's coloring is stellar all throughout here!
Really not a single disappointing artist in this collection, they all make the 10 Realms look magnificent!
It's cool to have all of it collected here, but certainly makes for odd branding of this collection. Although it is certainly bang for your buck, given it's still cheaper than grabbing each of Cates and Klein's graphic novels or single issues by a landslide!
While this main Thor run is not as epic (still very epic though!) nor anywhere as long as the legendary Jason Aaron run, the highs and trajectories here are absolutely amazing!
Lots of unique and badass takes on Thor and his cast! Honestly a lot of love for Thor's family, Beta Ray Bill, and Throg here that is far more than worth it!
There is a breakdown of a classic character that I could see as upsetting and divisive, although its a great story here!
I appreciate when Jane and Runa get featured in here too!
The Hulk vs. Thor storyline is so jaw droppingly amazing!!
Unfortunately with what happened to Donny Cates' health, there is constantly very unceremonious endings for his incredibly written runs during this time. Which because of the nature of the beast of comics is a let down on how it just gets passed along.
An issue with this collection is how long and interrupted the annuals were and how they near never had anything to do with the Thor timeline of the current. At the same time it is cool getting a taste of different times of Thor and just included for free!
The biggest issue, though for me personally, is how much I did not care for the additional short run thrown in at the end by Gronbek. I was albeit feeling under the weather while reading it, but wow it was constantly confusing and unsatisfying. Couldn't wait to be done by that point.
Also a reminder that we never get a true ending for Thor's biggest fear of this collection here.
The art teams throughout this book do such fantastic work! Klein's specifically really stand out with the designs and concepts he draws!
Matthew Wilson's coloring is stellar all throughout here!
Really not a single disappointing artist in this collection, they all make the 10 Realms look magnificent!
July 7, 2025
This book was both a thrilling ride and a major letdown. Donny Cates is an outstanding writer, and for the majority of his run, he delivered issue after issue that raised the stakes and built toward what should have been an epic, climactic finale. From the Galactus storyline to the Mjolnir arc, each chapter layered onto the last, creating a mythic saga worthy of the God of Thunder. Nic Klein’s artwork elevated the storytelling further, bringing Cates’ vision to life with stunning visuals. I tore through those issues with genuine excitement.
Unfortunately, the final stretch unraveled everything. Cates wasn’t involved in the last five issues, and the shift in quality is immediately noticeable. While this isn’t meant to disparage the fill-in writer—who may excel elsewhere—this conclusion was a massive misstep. What should have been the explosive payoff to Thor’s 30-issue journey, especially the confrontation with the Thanos from his visions, was brushed aside for an underwhelming and disconnected arc involving Hela. The characters felt off, the dialogue rang hollow, and crucial plot points were either ignored or rushed through off-panel. The artwork also took a noticeable dive, lacking the depth and energy Klein consistently delivered.
What’s most disappointing is that the decline in quality overshadows the brilliance of the earlier arcs. It’s a disservice not only to the story Cates carefully constructed but also to readers who invested in this journey. The annual stories that wrap up the volume are decent and offer a mild palate cleanser, but they’re not enough to redeem the mishandled finale.
I still wholeheartedly recommend the first four arcs—they're bold, exciting, and well-crafted. Just be warned: the ending doesn’t stick the landing.
Grade: B-
Unfortunately, the final stretch unraveled everything. Cates wasn’t involved in the last five issues, and the shift in quality is immediately noticeable. While this isn’t meant to disparage the fill-in writer—who may excel elsewhere—this conclusion was a massive misstep. What should have been the explosive payoff to Thor’s 30-issue journey, especially the confrontation with the Thanos from his visions, was brushed aside for an underwhelming and disconnected arc involving Hela. The characters felt off, the dialogue rang hollow, and crucial plot points were either ignored or rushed through off-panel. The artwork also took a noticeable dive, lacking the depth and energy Klein consistently delivered.
What’s most disappointing is that the decline in quality overshadows the brilliance of the earlier arcs. It’s a disservice not only to the story Cates carefully constructed but also to readers who invested in this journey. The annual stories that wrap up the volume are decent and offer a mild palate cleanser, but they’re not enough to redeem the mishandled finale.
I still wholeheartedly recommend the first four arcs—they're bold, exciting, and well-crafted. Just be warned: the ending doesn’t stick the landing.
Grade: B-
July 28, 2026
3.5 stars.
It’s got a very strong start, but the quality of this book really tapers off toward the end. The first few arcs with Galactus, Power Cosmic Thor, Donald Blake, Throg, etc… it’s all a lot of fun. Honestly even up through the Banner of War stuff, it’s pretty entertaining. But the Al Ewing issues are so cringy and the Torunn Gronbekk issues feel super out of place. That’s not to say that Cates’ writing was perfect. There were things he did that I didn’t like either, but generally his stuff was pretty good. The one thing I can say is consistently excellent throughout the book is Nic Klein’s art. That is probably the best part of the whole thing.
It’s got a very strong start, but the quality of this book really tapers off toward the end. The first few arcs with Galactus, Power Cosmic Thor, Donald Blake, Throg, etc… it’s all a lot of fun. Honestly even up through the Banner of War stuff, it’s pretty entertaining. But the Al Ewing issues are so cringy and the Torunn Gronbekk issues feel super out of place. That’s not to say that Cates’ writing was perfect. There were things he did that I didn’t like either, but generally his stuff was pretty good. The one thing I can say is consistently excellent throughout the book is Nic Klein’s art. That is probably the best part of the whole thing.
January 4, 2026
it started so strong with the first arc. so much fun.
the Blake arc was a good idea, just dont think about it.
I love coccolo's art in banner of war, fhe story wasn't great.
every arc was diminishing returns.
the Hela/black gem reveal was cool. once Laussa was introduced the time discrepancy wasnt really clear where abd when everyone was.
thanos in the past is a good continuation of cates' guardians.
the Blake arc was a good idea, just dont think about it.
I love coccolo's art in banner of war, fhe story wasn't great.
every arc was diminishing returns.
the Hela/black gem reveal was cool. once Laussa was introduced the time discrepancy wasnt really clear where abd when everyone was.
thanos in the past is a good continuation of cates' guardians.
June 9, 2026
Thor by Cates & Klein provides a key framework for understanding how Thor has evolved as a character from Jason Aaron’s iconic run prior to Al Ewing’s Immortal Thor while also serving as a fun, cosmic-centered celebration of Thor’s overall comic history.
July 9, 2025
Thor jak má být. Hvězda dolů za tu hovnařinu s Hulkem.
April 26, 2026
One of my favourite Thor stories
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews