1521 ( )

Pros:
-great modern take on Thor
-great dialogue
-decent art

Cons:
-short
-part of a larger story
-need prior knowledge of the ultimate universe ( )

I’ve only started reading Marvel comics in the past year. So, I’ve stuck with newer releases that are supposed to be newbie-friendly, like Journey into Mystery and The Mighty Thor. But, once I started, I was hooked. I particularly like the Thor comics, mainly because I love Loki. He’s my favorite villain of myth, and now comics. While browsing, Ultimate Thor popped up as a recommendation. I was hesitant at first because it appeared to be another reimaging of his origin. And it is. But, it is also a jumping off point for a new take on the hero.

The book switches between three time lines: The Present, 1939 and Asgard of various eons or ages ago. In the present, Thor appears to be in a sanitarium. They have been experimenting with something designed specifically for him but now suspect he may be crazy because he thinks he’s the reincarnated Thor! In 1939, we follow the masked Zemo as he finds the Norn stones and prepares to invade Asgard with the help of a Nazi and Frost Giant army. And, eons ago we see the sons of Odin fighting an endless war against Jotunheim; but, it will end and change everything.

First, I love that in this world, Loki is actually Odin’s son and not adopted. It presents so many opportunities to not only reimagine the tale, but to provide explanation for his and others’ action. I mean, why would Odin put up with him for so long when he favored his real sons anyway? Here, he is a real son. It also provides a possible motive for his treachery – a spurned mother. Zeno’s army presumably achieves Ragnarok, causing the reincarnation of Thor and Balder – as men. But, we cannot have Thor without his lightning, and the remedy for that is clever and full of possibilities.

Overall, I loved this Ultimate Thor, but am left unsure how to proceed. I want more of the story but since the various character often intertwine, I do not know what book to go to next… ( )