REVIEW: ‘Thor & Loki: Double Trouble,’ Issue #2

Thor & Loki: Double Trouble #2 is published by Marvel Comics, written by Mariko Tamaki, with art by Gurihiru and letters by Ariana Maher. Loki’s successful manipulations of Thor resulting in the summoning of a great serpent to Asgard threatens all of the Realm Eternal. Can the Brothers Dim manage to stop bickering long enough to devise a plan to save the day? And even if they do successfully best the serpent, an even greater question will lay before them: who’s going to clean up this mess?

The Saturday morning hijinks continue as our titular brothers scramble to undo their shortsighted actions of the last issue. Tamaki maintains a wonderful pace for the story as her writing delivers plenty of chuckles throughout Thor & Loki: Double Trouble #2 without ever stalling the madcap adventure’s momentum. 

Once the vile beast is defeated, our brothers find themselves beset by something even more terrifying as the All-Father arrives demanding explanations and a clean-up. Soon the duo is faced with a more tedious if less life-threatening challenge. But never fear. Loki may have just the magical item to speed up this clean-up. I mean, really, what’s the worst that could happen?

With Tamaki’s humorous dialogue grabbing the bulk of one’s attention as they read through Thor & Loki: Double Trouble #2, it is easy to overlook the wonderful way this story is structured. Rather than stretching the manic battle with the serpent the entire length of the issue, Tamaki preserves the moment’s punchy comedy by allowing the story to move on before our brothers’ witty banter loses its zing. 

And while both brothers have their moments in this issue, Tamaki truly outdoes the delivery with Loki. The trickster god’s failures to corral the fruits of his mischief are comedic gold. It’s the Loki I’ve always pictured in my head, finally in the panels.

While Tamaki’s writing lands marvelously, it wouldn’t have half the effect it does without the pitch-perfect art Gurihiru brings to Thor & Loki: Double Trouble #2’s panels. Every mad dash, failed idea, and bickering moment is enhanced and magnified thanks to the brilliant art. This goes double for when the artist graces the book with their overly haughty take on the All-Father.

Even though Gurihiru leans into the book’s humor as much as possible, there is also a perfect moment where the artist reigns in the goofiness just long enough to let Thor have a moment where he recalls the Norse hero we are all so familiar with. This slight break in the comedy breaks up the story while also giving Thor his moment.

Rounding out the book’s presentation is Maher’s lettering. The various sound effects text work perfectly with the art, adding that final touch to the book’s humorous presentation. While the letterer delivers a moment or two of extra emphasis to the dialogue, I can’t help but feel like much of the lettering is played a little too safe here. This story feels perfect for some bold, loud text that brings the brother’s mayhem to the dialogue. 

When all is said and done, Thor & Loki: Double Trouble #2 continues the duo’s madcap antics with all the energy one could ask for. With the book’s final page teasing an exciting new character appearance next issue, I can’t wait to see what Tamaki and company have up their sleeves. 

Thor & Loki: Double Trouble #2 is available now wherever comics are sold.