The exploration of storytelling itself always seems to be at the edges of writer Al Ewing’s works, and his ongoing work on Thor and now The Mortal Thor continues that trend. The last issue, The Mortal Thor #4, took a side step to focus on Thor’s son in a story that felt plucked from an older time at Marvel. It showed the flourish and fun of Asgard, but in the fifth issue, back on Earth, things are far more serious for Thor/Sigurd after killing a whole bunch of people in self-defense.
After the tease of Odin coming to Earth in The Mortal Thor #3, Ewing and artist Pasqual Ferry drop us into a meeting between Odin and Loki at the start of the issue. Through captions, we’re told about the tale of Donald Blake and what Odin did to teach Thor a lesson. That’s key information and a hint at what’s to come in the issue, before diving into this new version of Odin and his frustrations with Loki, who seems to be playing a game.
The first half of the issue cuts between Odin and Loki in a coffee shop, as they discuss Sigurd and Loki’s meddling, while two cops question Sigurd about his latest criminal acts. The fact that Odin is worried for Sigurd says everything about Sigurd’s current situation, and while Odin can’t do anything, it appears Loki does have a plan in place. Fact is, from the hint of Donald Blake to the less antagonistic relationship of Odin and Loki, where this tale goes is anyone’s guess.
I wonder if the other patrons think it’s weird that these gods are chatting in the diner?
Credit: Marvel
Back in the real world, Ewing does a great job of questioning Sigurd with the detectives. They seem to be up to something and meddling, with great facial expressions from Ferry. There’s a lot going on behind the eyes, juxtaposed well with Sigurd giving them nothing. The scene is so natural and realistic that when Sigurd’s lawyer enters, he’s practically a cartoonish clown. His slim frame, paired with a red bowtie and large glasses, like something you’d wear while woodworking, signals something isn’t right with him. The satisfaction of finding out what his deal is ends the issue, with a cliffhanger that puts into question everything that’s going on. So far, we can make assumptions, but there’s some layered storytelling mirroring going on with what we know that’s compelling.
While there is no action in this issue, Ferry maximizes your interest with character acting and interesting framing. Blur and the use of striking foreground imagery add layers and complexity to pages that could have otherwise been flat and boring. His style is reminiscent of classic Disney cartoon sketches, with a glimmer of life and a sense of movement.
The Mortal Thor #5 proves how confident this series is in its storytelling. Al Ewing strips away spectacle to focus on consequence, identity, and manipulation, using Odin, Loki, and Sigurd to blur past and present in ways that feel both reverent and unpredictable. Pasqual Ferry ensures the issue never feels static, turning interrogation rooms and coffee shops into stages for visual storytelling rich with subtext. The result is a tense, cerebral chapter that trusts the reader and ends with a reveal that complicates everything we thought we understood.
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