REVIEW: ‘The Immortal Thor,’ Issue #1

The Immortal Thor #1 is published by Marvel, written by Al Ewing, art by Martín Cóccolo, colors by Matthew Wilson, and letters by Joe Sabino. Thor is now the All-Father of the Ten Realms, but there may be something bigger than him about to land.

This is a huge issue, and although there is no real divide, it feels like two separate chapters. These demonstrate the various responsibilities and loves of Thor’s life. It starts with the beginnings of a battle, a classic tale of Asgardians against Frost Giants. It’s a blast from the past, with many old storylines reworked and some new ideas established. It provides Ewing with a fresh beginning, not bogged down with history and continuity. Even when a storyline does bleed into The Immortal Thor #1, it is merely shrugged at. From there, the plot moves to Midgard, showing Thor’s activities on Earth. It’s pleasant and fun, and it causes those reading to let their guard down. The book left hints throughout, but nothing could preempt the sheer magnitude of what comes in. It fits with the style of foe Ewing tends to bring into his comic, but on the scale to match a god. The pacing of the issue is perfect, dipping in the middle to give that sense of two stories happening. 

The characters and the dialogue are fantastic. The voice of everyone in this issue feels authentic. Many of the characters have changed since those stories of old, and yet they still speak the same. That Shakespearean English, where they speak of wars, monsters, and Mythology, is back and beautiful. The much more amicable relationship between Thor and Loki carries on from recent books, demonstrating how times have evolved. Sif is now the Sentry of the Bifrost, taking over from her brother. And through all of this comes the narration, eloquent and extensive. Ewing remembers the literary side of comic books, which is more prevalent in a Thor comic, where classic myths are brought into modern-day superheroes.

The art is glorious and incredibly layered. The comic beautifully depicted the difference between the realms. Asgard seems absurd and fantastical, with a stunning design. Cóccolo brilliantly illustrates the land and the majesty of the gods within. Loki and Thor are both given early presentations of their power, which is important for later in the issue to realize what they could face. The other figures, such as The Warriors Three, Sif, and the Frost Giants, look phenomenal. I see echoes of Olivier Coipel within the style of Cóccolo. Still, it also seems like several elements of former Thor books are brought together to propel this one forward while having a distinct look of its own. New York is an extreme contrast to Asgard. For one, there is more of it, and Thor does look like he has been planted within it. All of the various scenarios he then finds himself in are awesomely presented. They can be pedestrian or heroic, and all be stunning.

What helps the positivity of the issue is reverting to a Thor design that fits what may be seen in the Simonson era. It goes back to basics, with large ears on the helmet, a broad cape, and sleeveless arms. The issue may have moments of awe and happiness, but darkness is just around the corner. The artist superbly makes this new threat seem completely alien and out of place. They are terrifying and massive, shaking the book up entirely.

The colors perfectly balance the shift in tones, worlds, and characters. The opening page is exceptionally dark, keeping the book in the shadows before exploding with color and vibrancy. This is intensified when Asgard and the Bifrost are introduced, making a point of being radiant. On Earth, there is still that warmth, but it is shown with more texture, and the lighting alters to be more grounded. But that darkness does not go ways, rolling in like a storm cloud. The lettering is the Asgardian font used for all Thor comics, which may be irritating and difficult to read.

The Immortal Thor #1 is a glorious fusion of newness and nostalgia. This is an entirely fresh story, with characters setting out on journeys with roles they’ve never had before. Ewing is introducing something that could dwarf the Asgardian Gods. It’s a bumper issue filled with so much storytelling and adventure. But there are also so many moments where the issue felt like a classic Thor comic, returning the Thunder God and his home to a real status. The art captures all of that as well, carrying reflections of homage but also presenting something unique. The whole issue is a  curious blend of influences and ingenuity.

The Immortal Thor #1 is available now wherever comics are sold.