More recently, Dr. Jane Foster has become the reincarnation of the Norse god of thunder. Of course, this change does not suit everyone. However, is this the biggest concern of Odinson's ex-sweetheart?
The best Marvel series of recent years!
Is there a title from the House of Ideas that is just as brilliant about the adventures of superheroes? Well, in my opinion no. The highly interesting intrigue with the Nazi Captain America, the adventures of the moon knight or the bar in Inhumans hung high by Charles Soule do not even for a moment come close to what screenwriter Jason Aaron and cartoonist Russell Dauterman do with the female version of Thor. Respect for mythology, comics about Norse gods, as well as the courage to look for new directions in the ossified history make us receive a truly outstanding title.
The main character is the base
Odinson, Prince Thor of Asgard, abandoned his “name” after being deemed unworthy to wield a hammer – the mystical Mjolnir – and disappeared beyond the galaxy and the Nine Kingdoms. In his place has been someone completely new, a female Thor, who is not only struggling with the problems of the galaxy, like her once beloved predecessor, but is also slowly dying from cancer piercing virtually every organ in her body. Jane Foster’s tragedy is like a Greek drama, because every time she transforms into the goddess of thunder, the effects of chemotherapy (a poison that fights cancer) are removed from her body, and the cancer continues to spread as the protagonist returns to her deadly form. So why not give up your mortality once and for all? But Jane knows it will mean the end of her human identity, and she is convinced that
The rest of the heroes also perform very well. It is worth mentioning the returning Loki, deceptively reminiscent of Tom Hiddleston’s game from the Marvel Studios movies. Another interesting character is the queen mother herself – Freya – who is imprisoned by Odin and no longer has the final say in the affairs of the kingdom. However, she remains a symbol of prudence aimed at the good of her subordinates, seeing the new Thor as an ally. Unfortunately, Odin takes a completely different position, becoming a metaphor for conservatism, intolerance, and machismo, seeing the threat in the female version of the thunder god.
And war in the background
Meanwhile, Dark Elf Malekith breaks the fragile alliance between the Nine Kingdoms as his forces wreak havoc on Alfheim, defying ancient treaties, murdering his bright cousins. For his machinations, he uses human forces in the form of the Roxxon Corporation and resurrects the Ice Giant Laufey. His efforts could lead to a war between the kingdoms that would leave nothing but ashes and bones.
Despite the fact that the plot is spread over many places, among which we can distinguish the Earth, Asgard or other lands of Yggdrasil, there is no mess here. Aaron may be slowly introducing us to a new story, but he does it masterfully nonetheless. The dialogues appearing in the comic book are natural, and the whole plot is presented dynamically.
Nordic realism
The illustrator of the reviewed book – Dauterman – also did a great job. You can see from the very beginning how he combines various styles, trying to maintain dynamism and realism, a great example of which is the already mentioned Loki, which resembles Hiddleston. Earlier, this author illustrated titles for children and young people, which is also reflected in his line, able to deepen the fairy-tale aspect of the world he creates.
The combination of fantastic elements straight from Tolkien’s novels with the modern world and courtly intrigues makes Thor’s new adventures an outstanding item. I can certainly recommend them not only to Marvel fans, but also to those who are looking for a breath of fresh air in the knitted universe
