Immortal Thor #1: The More Things Change

Thor has, like many heroes, become increasingly Batman-esque in recent years, molded by the idea that characters must be grim, gritty, and dimly-lit in order to be interesting or for their stories to be taken seriously. However, Thor has traditionally been more like Superman (who has similarly gotten the grim and gritty treatment): a powerful otherworldly being who acts as a beacon of light and hope, believing in humanity’s propensity for good even when we ourselves may not. This optimistic version of Thor is the one that Immortal Thor–written by Al Ewing and drawn by Martín Cóccolo–embraces. Alex Ross’ cover, featuring the thunder god in his simpler, traditional costume originally designed by Jack Kirby makes this return to the narrative status quo abundantly clear. While Thor may be the god of storms, his disposition in this comic is sunny almost to a fault, smiling even in the face of terrifying things (and Immortal Thor #1 is chock full of terrifying things).

Ewing’s love for Thor, Loki, and the rest of the Aesir is immediately evident, as is his deeper interest in Norse mythology and the larger concept of storytelling. For anyone who read Loki: Agent of Asgard, this doesn’t come as much of a shock. And as with Loki: AoA, the comic feels genuinely and casually affirming towards queer people even when queerness isn’t the central focus (something both Jason Aaron’s and Donny Cates’ runs had a habit of erasing). While Immortal Thor is a return to the past in some regards, its sociopolitical outlook is unquestionably forward-looking.

Readers of last year’s Thor and Hulk crossover event Banner of War may recognise Cóccolo’s polished and dynamic artwork from that earlier series, though every character in Immortal Thor looks more well-rested and as if they have aged in reverse. While there are many visually striking, awe-inspiring moments in the pages of Immortal Thor #1, the feeling the issue leaves behind is mainly one of hope. This comes across even in Matthew Wilson’s colors, which are altogether more vibrant and generally less gloomy when contrasted with his work on the previous Thor series.

The narrative status quo has its shortcomings, of course, especially when it keeps comic book characters from changing or growing. The thunder god’s fearsome new foes (who I’ll leave you to discover for yourself) speak at length about the importance and necessity of change–change at any cost. How much things will change–and how much they’ll stay the same– remains to be seen.