ADVANCED REVIEW: ‘Thor,’ Issue #24

Thor #24 is published by Marvel Comics and also serves as the 750th issue of the God of Thunder’s ongoing series. In the vein of other Marvel anniversary issues including Avengers #750 and Amazing Spider-Man #850, it contains a collection of stories centered around the funeral of Thor’s father Odin. The opening story “The Second Son of Asgard” is written by Donny Cates, illustrated by Nic Klein, colored by Matt Wilson, and lettered by VC’s Joe Sabino. As Thor mourns his father, he reads tales from Asgard’s Book of Kings, which chronicles the history of Asgard’s rulers.

“Prologue” is written and illustrated by Walter Simonson, colored by Laura Martin with Matt Milla, and lettered by John Workman. “The Seduction” is written and penciled by Dan Jurgens, inked by Klaus Janson, colored by Wilson, and lettered by Sabino. “Benedictions” is written by J. Michael Straczynski, illustrated by Olivier Coipel, colored by Alejandro Sanchez, and lettered by Sabino. “What Comes Next” is written by Al Ewing, illustrated by Lee Garbett, colored by Antonio Fabela, and lettered by Sabino. Finally, “Who Wields Who?” is written by Jason Aaron,  illustrated by Das Pastoras, and lettered by Sabino.

The biggest draw of the issue is that many of these creators involved have helped shape Thor in one way or another. Aaron’s eight-year run on Thor was a critical success and serves as the inspiration for Thor: Love and Thunder. Simonson is the creator of Beta Ray Bill, who happens to be my favorite character in the Thor mythos. Straczynski and Coipel gave Thor a much-needed makeover in the early 2000s and even crafted the story for the first Thor film. And Ewing, Garbett, and Fabela’s work helped push Loki into a new era–in addition to serving as a major influence on the Loki series. To see all of these creators returning is simply awe-inspiring.

Since the issue is centered on a funeral, each story tackles legacy. “Prologue” chronicles Bill’s origin, as his fellow Korbonites race to escape the destruction of their galaxy and he battles the “Alpha” Korbinite. Simonson’s bold, blocky artwork comes to life thanks to Martin and Milla’s color art. Bill in particular stands out due to his bright red armor. Workman, Simonson’s longtime partner, continues to utilize his signature lettering style, presenting characters’ words as breaking out of speech bubbles and taking the shape of sound effects. This serves as a contrast to Sabino, who gives the majority of characters the rune-style letters used for Asgardians in Marvel comics. “Benedictions” features Thor drawing up his will and ruminating on the nature of immortality. Straczynski, as usual, delivers a tale rippling with emotion, and Coipel’s artwork has never looked better—especially when paired with Sanchez’s colors.

But the creative team of Cates, Klein, and Wilson also delivers a funeral worthy of a god, with Thor coming to terms with his complicated relationship with his father. Klein, in particular, excels at drawing a two-page spread that features the vast majority of characters in the Marvel Universe, while Wilson delivers golden hues for the hall of Asgard and icy blue for Thor’s personal quarters. And Cates, in his usual fashion, delivers a massive cliffhanger that looks to upend Thor’s world. Much like the creators that followed them, this team is forging their own legend when it comes to Thor.

Thor #24 celebrates the God of Thunder’s 60th anniversary by bringing in a collection of creators who’ve helped shape his legacy. This issue should serve as a perfect example of how to celebrate a character’s anniversary, and the celebration shows no signs of stopping as Thor will battle Hulk in the upcoming Banner of War event that runs through the Thor and Hulk titles.

Thor #24 will be available wherever comics are sold on April 27, 2022.