Thor is getting the Marvel-Verse treatment this week, which is Marvel’s digest-sized mini-collection starter pack. Typically in the Marvel-Verse trade paperback, readers get a taste of the character’s traditional form, a more kid-friendly take, and a general sense of who the character is at their core. This week, Thor gets the focus, which quite frankly feels rather late since many more characters have gotten the Marvel-Verse treatment!
For a recap of all the Marvel-Verse books, be sure to read our reviews for Marvel-Verse: Spider-Man, Hawkeye, Doctor Strange, Shang-Chi, Captain Marvel, Deadpool & Wolverine, Iron Man, Venom, Thanos, and Black Panther — each one features a smattering of stories from the title character’s history.
Collected here is Thor the Mighty Avenger (2010) #1-2, Marvel Adventures: Super Heroes (2008) #7, Thor: Crown of Fools (2013) #1, Thor: Where Walk the Frost Giants (2017) #1, and material from Marvel Adventures: Super Heroes (2010) #19. Somewhat shockingly, most of these are modern stories, although there are some retellings from earlier eras for the character as well. It gives the entire book a kid-friendly vibe that differs from previous Marvel-Verse collections, which can feel like a smattering of stories showing off the character in different lights.
This book opens with a two-issue story by Roger Langridge and Chris Samnee that features a younger Thor. Samnee’s art is fantastic, delivering on comedic timing, character acting, and action that feels real. He faces off against Mister Hyde, who matches his strength well.
Marvel
Next up, Louise Simonson and Rodney Buchemi tell a story with Thor in his ’90s era costume. This is the era where Thor has a secret identity as Donald Blake. It’s a good representation of this era of Thor with the secret identity as well as has Loki pop in.
This is followed by a short but sweet story from Joe Caramagna and Kevin Sharpe showing how Loki and Thor’s father messes around with them. Loki gets time to shine and there’s a touching moment where Thor isn’t happy that Loki loses at all. It’s a nice way to show how he truly is worthy of Mjolnir.
Bryan J.L. Glass and Andrea Di Vito tell a tale that heavily is influenced by Asgard. It’s a swashbuckling affair with Thor wearing some sleeker garb.
Wrapping up the book is a story by Ralph Macchio and Todd Nauck featuring plenty of Frost Giant action. This story leans into the fantasy elements, Asgard, and even features Thor riding a pegasus.
Marvel-Verse: Thor is a great collection for the younger reader who is interested in the character, but isn’t looking for complex tales. It’s geared more for younger readers more than most Marvel-Verse stories, but that’s not necessarily a strength if you’re an older reader just trying to understand the character for the first time.
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