It is understandably difficult to kill a god. Even when it is accomplished, the death is rarely permanent. The cosmic cycle demands certain forces be bound within constructs of belief and faith. And those forces, where there is no worthy vessel, have to go somewhere. This principal leads to the birth of a new God of Thunder when Midgard is separated from the other Realms — a Mortal Thor.
The story centers upon construction worker Sigurd Jarlson, who recently immigrated to the United States. Sigurd remembers little of his past, such was which nation he lived in before he came to America. All he knows for certain, when quizzed by his neighbor, Kris, is his name, his love of New York City, and that he is good with a hammer.
Sigurd’s search for work leads him to discover other things about himself. He has a strong sense of justice and refuses a job that requires crossing a union picket line. Sigurd also hates bullies, particularly a Neo-Nazi biker gang called the Thunder Gods, who claim to worship Thor. He also has a guardian angel in the form of a street urchin called Lucky, who seems to know Sigurd better than he knows himself.
Mortal Thor an intriguing entry to Marvel’s Norse mythos
Writer Al Ewing presents a decidedly modern take on the classic origin of Marvel’s Thor by Jack Kirby and Stan Lee. The idea of an amnesiac god living in a mortal man is a classic concept. However, the solid execution, coupled with modern day concerns, establishes a foundation for what Ewing describes as Act Two of a three-act story. Thankfully, no previous familiarity with the earlier Immortal Thor series is required to enjoy this comic.
The artwork by Pasqual Ferry and Matt Hollingsworth offers a subtle reinforcement of The Mortal Thor’s theme of conflicting elements. Ferry’s style is generally crisp and clear, yet it becomes more gritty and rough in the action sequences. Scenes of detailed violence are rendered with light inks and limited shading. Coupled with Hollingsworth’s bright palettes, this gives the finished artwork a striking discordant appearance that defies both tradition and expectation.
Mortal Thor #1 is a worthy continuation of the saga of the Odinson at Marvel Comics. Those seeking a good place to start reading the recent adventures of Thor and Loki would do well to check this issue out, and it will also appeal to those who wish to continue the story started in Immortal Thor.
Grade: 8/10
The Mortal Thor #1 is now available at comic shops everywhere.
