Just 14 issues in and Al Ewing and Jan Bazaldua’s Immortal Thor has asserted its place as one of the best Thor runs fans have ever received. Throughout Immortal Thor, Al Ewing has toyed with clever societal critique and indulging the mythological roots of Thor, balancing the two with great success. Issue #14 ebbs more towards the latter, embracing the mythological aspects of the series in new and inventive ways.
Obviously Thor has roots in Norse mythology, but some writers lean into that aspect more than others. With Hercules still in the ongoing arc, Ewing blends the elements of Thor’s lore with Greek myth, creating an exciting and incredibly natural mix for the reader. Bazaldua’s art also shines, with the God characters each carrying their own distinct, striking visages. So many pages of this comic and the mythological characters within it are striking pieces of art, arguably some of Bazaldua’s best work.
Marvel Comics
With the story still in its mythology element, the adventure takes center stage. Hercules and Thor are as fun to read together in their interactions as it is to see their cast interact, resulting in several notable and easily re-readable moments. If one word could sum up this side of Ewing’s Thor, it’s “epic” – both in its spectacle and in the literary sense. The final page of this issue is nothing short of a promise for more as Thor is pushed further to his limits.
The worldbuilding Ewing is doing in Immortal is commendable and in the portions of the book that have skewed in that direction over the satirical societal critique, it’s truly an element that shines. From the fascinating character work he does with Gaea to the softer moments like Thor’s friendly whispers to lightning strikes, Ewing is able to create a world in Immortal Thor that is both entirely his and entirely Thor.
As far as Thor comics go, Immortal Thor can easily rest aside the long-revered greats as Ewing pushes these characters and this mythos into new directions.
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