Thor #5, written by Donny Cates, illustrated by Nic Klein, colored by Matt Wilson, and lettered by VC’s Joe Sabino, is published by Marvel Comics. “The Devourer King” story arc continues as Thor and Galactus are swallowed by the Black Winter. Inside the Winter, Thor is forced to face multiple versions of his own death.
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With Thor #5, Cates and Klein complement each other perfectly. Cates’ bombastic, larger than life script merges with Klein’s fast-paced, action-packed artwork to deliver a comic worthy of the God of Thunder’s name. In the same way that Batman and the Outsiders found a creative team that meshed their talents together and fired on all cylinders, the current Thor team is a match made in heaven, or rather, in Asgard.
Cates once again uses the larger than life tapestry of the Marvel Universe to tell a story with genuine emotional weight. His Doctor Strange run was about Strange connecting with others. His Venom run focuses on Eddie Brock trying to be a good person. Here, he showcases how Thor struggles to adjust to the mantle of King and the lengths he will go to in order to protect the innocent.
One of the very first pages features a conversation between Beta Ray Bill and Lady Sif, as they discuss whether Thor is worthy of his new mantle. Bill replies that he believes Thor will rise to the challenge. This small piece of dialogue shows that even if Thor doesn’t believe he’s worthy, his allies do. And that glimmer of hope can be more powerful than any hammer.
On the art side, Klein never misses a chance to go all out, particularly when Thor and Galactus battle the Black Winter. He draws the pair in a stunning two-page spread, valiantly fighting against the encroaching darkness. Another full page showcases a horde of Thor’s enemies, ready to slaughter the God of Thunder. Klein gives weight to his action sequences; you feel every thunderbolt and ever punch. This is truly a battle only a god could win.
The secret weapon of the book is Wilson’s colors. Wilson makes Klein’s artwork come to life, especially where the Black Winter is concerned. The Winter is sheer, unending darkness; it feels like a predator that will slowly encircle you and tear you to shreds. And when Thor summons his lightning, the bluish-white light feels absolutely blinding. Great color can bring a book to life and Wilson is a top-notch colorist.
The issue ends with a shocking cliffhanger that threatens to upend what we know about a Marvel character. Galactus supposedly made Thor his herald in order to combat the Black Winter. However, we learn that the Devourer of Worlds may have had an ulterior motive. Too many cliffhangers feel abrupt and I’m glad that isn’t the case.
Thor #5 features a top-notch creative team delivering a story that is packed full of emotion and action. Thor has always been a character that creators have struggled to work with, but Cates and Klein prove that they are truly worthy of the task.
Thor #5 is available wherever comics are sold.
Thor #5
TL;DR
Thor #5 features a top-notch creative team delivering a story that is packed full of emotion and action. Thor has always been a character that creators have struggled to work with, but Cates and Klein prove that they are truly worthy of the task.
