Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews
Thors #1
Marvel Comics
Aaron, Sprouse, Story & Gracia
The first issue of "Thors" is a crime drama that stays about as far as super-heroes as it can while still including them as the lead characters. This comes as no surprise given that Jason Aaron gained a level of fame scripting the crime-drama, "Scalped." "Thors" is not nearly as gritty or violent as "Scalped" but the book definitely has plenty of drama. This is a slower issue but a very good read for those that enjoy a crime comic book.
Aaron takes his time to look at several of the Thor characters in this comic book and that helps the reader get to know the characters and get details about the crime that the Thor corps are investigating. The murder victim in this comic book marks the fifth woman, all in different Battleworld sectors, that has been killed. There are no leads and no motive. However, the big catch is that they can't identify the victims either.
The comic book gives life to many of the characters. A Groot Thor is a fantastic addition to the comic book and Aaron takes care to not over-use the character, but he provides a nice level of charm whenever he appears. The challenge is figuring out the other Thors. It's safe to assume some of them are characters from various comics over the years, like Ultimate Thor or regular Marvel Thor but the personalities don't distinguish themselves enough for the new reader to any one particular Thor book.
The comic leans towards a drama comic but there is some action. Aaron plays the action well because it really has nothing to do with the plot but the diversion feels valid. I can easily see how a reader that doesn't typically enjoy a crime comic will find this issue too slow.
The artwork is great. The book doesn't skimp on any artistic details. The scenes with drama have that added depth because of the artwork and the details on the character's faces. The book also takes a couple of opportunities to provide some fabulous details of this strange world that the characters now inhabit. Overall, the book looks great and helps to keep the tension up throughout the story.
"Thors" is a crime comic book. This is not for every reader out there. However, those that like the genre and don't mind a toned down version of crime-drama stories then this issue is a great book to pick up. The comic has great artwork that helps to keep the book dramatic while delivering well on the few action scenes that are in the story. This is a very good comic to pick up this week. The cliffhanger is sure to keep the Thor fans coming back for the next issue. I recommend this comic.
4 out of 5 Geek Goggles
