Volume 16: The Mighty Thor: In Search of the Gods

The Mighty Thor: In Search of the Gods

Author: Dan Jurgens | Illustrator: John Romita Jr.

"[T]hough I be a warrior born—'tis time for this battle to end!"

The first chapter (or issue) is an Avengers episode in all but name, which means we have a team-based fight that's all pomp and bores me rigid. Things don't look good for Volume 16.

But as it goes on the focus begins to shift, or rather to divide. A number of determined paramedics, the unsung heroes, attend to civilians that are caught in the crossfire created by the superheroes' battle with villain of the week. The one we're most concerned with is Jake Olsen. Jake's struggle to help the wounded is contrasted with the Avengers' struggle to vanquish the evil, and, unsurprisingly, it's the little guy doing a big job that's the most interesting of the two events. Even though Jake plays a crucial role in the story, that's all I'm willing to say about him because I hate spoilers and to say anything further would be edging into that realm.

Thor's life isn't all roses and cake, either. Asgard lies in ruins. It's one thing to be alone on Midgard, missing the familiarity and the friends of his homeland, but to discover that your home is gone should you ever need to return is something else entirely. He feels orphaned, abandoned, and is driven to find out who caused the destruction of the once great kingdom and why.

Along the way there's plenty of the 'methinks, alas, ye and hath' language use to keep people who enjoy that kind of thing happy. The God of Thunder is even able to speak in different fonts, which is quite a talent. I'm not criticising; it is what it is and it has a purpose. What's important is that it's done well. And credit to Dan Jurgens, at the end of the day, despite the Avengers intruding, Thor's conviction really shines through and that makes it a success.

The book collects together The Mighty Thor (Vol 2) #1-7.

Verdict: