by Kieron Gillen (writer), Doug Braithwaite (art), Andy Troy, Doug Braithwaite, & Paul Mounts (colors), and Joe Sabino (letters)
The Story: The heroes of Asgard come to grips with Siege’s aftermath, while Thor concludes his unfinished business with his clone.
What’s Good: This issue of Thor does what needs to be done in positioning the series, and the Asgardian status quo, moving into the Heroic Age as a time of rebuilding. I like where this series is going. Partly, it’s because not everything is being reversed; for instance, I like the fact that Balder is going to remain king.
Then there’s Kelda, who’s left in a very interesting position after this month’s issue. This is most particularly due to the painfully “sort of, but not quite” return of a much beloved character. Just seeing this character in an issue of Thor that isn’t a flashback was a heartwarming moment that’ll fill any reader with a desperate kind of hope.
I’m also pleased that Thor’s clone is dealt with. This is a piece of history that needs dealing with and this resolution is perfectly timed by Gillen. The character is a clear representation of Civil War and the past and thus, having this character dealt with is a symbolic step forward, away from the past and into a fresher, brighter new era.
Dough Braithwaite’s art is really quite the surprise and unlike anything I’ve seen in a Marvel Comic in some time. It’s very different and all the more enjoyable for it. It has a painterly feel reminiscent of classic, fantasy pin-ups. It also maintains a pleasantly dream-like feel throughout.
What’s Not So Good: This book gets the series where it needs to go, but that doesn’t necessarily make for a very entertaining read. Despite all the narrative consolidation, absolutely nothing unexpected occurs. Aside from that unexpected return I mentioned, everything that occurs is a no-brainer. It feels as though it could write itself on autopilot, which is never a good thing. Even Balder and Thor’s conversation regarding throne feels too easy. This scene, like much of the issue, seems phoned in.
This also makes for a book that feels somewhat filler-ish, or oddly empty. Characters wallow in the ruins of Asgard and say exactly what you’d expect them to say. There’s just a great deal of the sort of self-loathing and sadness that didn’t necessarily need to be written or shown. For example, did we really need another scene of Volstagg talking about how guilty he feels?
Then there’s the fight scene between Thor and Ragnarok. While I appreciated the event itself, the execution is something of a mess and the blame falls equally on Gillen and Braithwaite’s shoulders.
The fight itself is overly brief and makes it far too obvious that Gillen just wants the character gone. Then there’s the battle banter, which is awkward throughout both in content and phrasing. It also feels clichéd and, again, uninspired and overly blunt. At one point, Thor even says “the time for things like you is over!” Really, Gillen? That’s just cringe-worthy. Braithwaite’s art is also clearly not meant for action. I still am not at all certain what exactly went down. The back and forth energy bolt blasting is indecipherable.
Even the Kelda scenes, the issue’s strong point, are not without flaw. The manner in which that certain character’s semi-return occurs is so patently obvious that it is a complete mystery how Kelda herself had never thought of its circumstances.
Conclusion: This is the weakest issue of Gillen’s run, as it just isn’t particularly entertaining or gripping.
Grade: C -
-Alex Evans
Filed under: Marvel Comics, Reviews Tagged: | Alex Evans, Asgard, Avengers, Balder, Civil War, Comic Book Reviews, comic reviews, Dark Reign, Doug Braithwaite, Fandral, H.A.M.M.E.R., Heimdall, Hogun, Kelda, Kieron Gillen, Loki, Marvel Civil War, Marvel Comics, Norman Osborn, Ragnarok, Siege, Siege Epilogue, Siege of Asgard, Siege: Ragnarock, Thor, Thor #610, Thor #610 review, Thor clone, Valkyrie, Volstagg, Warriors Three, Weekly Comic Book Review
