Book Review for the Comic Book Club for June: Thor: Season One

Book: Thor: Season One by Matthew Sturges with illustrations by Pepe Larraz, color by Wil Ǫuintana and letters by VC's Cory Petit

Cover Art by Julian Totino Tedesco

Edition: Hardcover

Description:

Among the lofty spires of Asgard, Young Thor is the strongest, brashest and most arrogant god of all. But his giant-slashing, troll-smashing days come to an abrupt end when he's tricked by his jealous brother Loki into a foolish attack. Cast down to Earth into the crippled mortal form of Dr. Donald Blake, follow the Thunder God's journey of self-discovery and a mortal man's awakening to the power within. Revisit the fantastical origin of the Son of Odin in this new graphic novel, which thrusts the tale of Thor into the modern age with thunderous results! In this epic saga of towering frost giants, belching maidens and massive battles, one hero must decide which identity is truly his - before both of the worlds he loves are destroyed!



Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Thor: Season One features a modern take on Thor's origin story which includes sibling rivalry, magic, betrayal, redemption, love and war. This opens with a young Thor and Loki on a misguided trek to Jotunheim with plans to acquire (steal) a weapon from the Frost Giants to uphold a bet made with Volstagg. Even though Loki was reluctant to go, he followed his brother into an adventure they should have avoided. Because trying to get a sword led to a fight which would later play out in the story.

Despite Thor's tendency at times to be impulsive, reckless and arrogant, his father King Odin not only gifted him the extraordinary weapon Mjolnir but announced he will one day ascend the throne and become King. However, things quickly changed for Thor when he thought Loki had been kidnapped by Frost Giants. Going against his father's orders, Thor went to Jotunheim to rescue his brother. In Thor's defense, he was very concerned about his brother and thought his father was not taking the situation seriously. So in his rush to save Loki he angrily defied his father. Unfortunately for Thor, he fell for one of Loki's tricks which would soon have him pay the price for rudely disregarding the King. Thor's punishment was swift and with the help of the Norns (the Fates), he was sent to Midgard.

The story then shifts to New York City as it focused on Dr. Donald Blake and Dr. Jane Foster who had went against administrative orders to operate on a patient. Well, in Dr. Blake's defense he was misled by Dr. Foster but the surgery was crucial and it would help the patient live a better life. However, Dr. Foster was fired but Dr. Blake stood up for her and even gave an ultimatum which unfortunately resulted in him being fired as well.

It might seem out of left field for the story to focus on two humans but Dr. Blake is very important in the return of Thor. Meanwhile Dr. Foster allowed Thor to see himself in an unexpected way while also capturing his heart. Back on Asgard, with Thor gone, Loki was secretly working on a plan with the Frost Giants to overthrow Odin.

This was a good read, it's fast-paced and exciting as the story shows Thor Odinson learning from his mistakes and becoming a better person but it took throwing him off-kilter for that to happen. However, Loki seemed more determined than ever to exact revenge on Odin, Thor and Asgard. Can Thor save Asgard and everything he hold dear from Loki?

Marvel Comics released these Season One books a few years ago as a way to re-introduce many of the popular characters origin stories to new and old readers. And for anyone who is a fan of Marvel Cinematic Universe's Thor and is interested in reading Thor comics, well this is a good way to get started. Because you get an overview of Thor's intricate and immense world while also being introduced to many of the key characters who have shaped the stories over the years.