Aarrgh.  Here I had hoped to drop this title, since Jurgens' writing was only about average.  But, noooo, he had to go and write some of the best stuff he's written in ages.  Damn you, Jurgens ... Damn you for creating such a good comic.  

Thor attempts to get used to his new human identity-Jake Olson-and all that entails (EMS partner, fiancee, fiancee's daughter, etc.), and encounters an evil sea witch and a blowhard radio personality, while Asgard is overrun by gods from another dimension.  

THOR #1-2 were only about average, in my opinion, as the plot seemed overly contrived and some of the dialogue was just awful.  JRJR's art was gorgeous, but I didn't think I could justify buying the comic solely for that.  Of course, then Jurgens had to get things running ...  And now, all of a sudden, THOR is one of the best HR titles, and it's the best it's been since, well, since Walt Simonson's fabled run.  

While #3 was weak, in that the characters acted fairly odd (and stupid, too- why the hell was Demetrius saying things like "With Jake dead, I had the perfect patsy to pin this evil business on. Now --" ?!  What kind of idiot says stuff like that OUT LOUD ?!), and Sedna was a very uninteresting villainess, #4 and #5 were much better.  The interaction between Thor and Namor was interesting, and led me to wonder why few writers had paired them up before . . . The conflict between Thor and the obnoxious radio talk show host (Charlie Diamond) was interesting, if a bit predictable (who didn't think that he would have a change of heart?). 
 
  

By far, however, the most interesting part of these issues is the subplot involving Odin and the other-dimensional gods occupying Asgard.  I'm dying to know what's up with these gods, and what they've done to Asgard (and the other gods).  Thankfully, judging from previews, it won't be long before all is revealed...  

On the downside, while Jurgens has done a good job with Thor and Jake Olson, making me care about each one, I still don't give a damn about his fiancee, Hannah or his partner Demetrius.  They don't seem very interesting to me, yet. Perhaps that will change...  

However, all of the faults in Jurgens' writing are covered up by John Romita Jr's gorgeous artwork, which astounds and stupifies me each issue.  THOR definitely has a fantastic, larger-than-life feel to it which suits it perfectly.  The monsters in THOR are huge, nasty creatures, and JRJR's art captures them perfectly.  Thor himself, as well as Jake, Hannah and Demetrius also look fabulous.  The cityscape scenes are breath-taking, too.  

But most breath-taking (like the writing) is the Asgard section, in which JRJR seems to be able to just let loose and go mad, filling the pages with all manner of Kirbytech (just look at the energy patterns, the armor of the other- dimensional gods, or their technology-it's amazing) and wonder.  And that full-page shot of a chained Odin is breath-taking and amazingly powerful. Seeing the Father of the (Norse) Gods in such a degrading position is most impressive.  

Klaus Janson's inks, which I was intially wary of, suit JRJR just fine, and Gregory Wright's colors are also perfect, subdued enough for the more "human" scenes in THOR, and also bold and powerful enough to evoke the grandeur that is part and parcel of the super-heroic/godly side of THOR.  

Overall, a solid series, undermind a tad by Jurgens' writing, but raised to superior status by Romita's wonderful art. 
  

Score:  B 
 
  

*** Special "Second Opinions" Review ***  
By Gary Lau (gkcl@alphalink.com.au)  
 

The Norse God of Thunder, Thor, defends Migard (Earth)- his home away from home because Asgard is currently in ashes.  He has a new alter-ego as New York City Emergency Medical Service parmedic, Jake Olson to get used to as well as the resposibility that comes with being mortal.  Such as a fiancee named Hannah and her daughter Amanda, as well as his co-worker and good friend Demitrius. 
 

After a rebirth from a devastating battle with the Destroyer from issue #1 & 2, Thor stumbles into his new mortal identity, Jake Olson. Unfortunately, a mysterious figure named Marnot apparently has bigger plans for Thor.  On discovery that transformation into Thor is enabled by smashing his hand on the asphalt, Thor battles from sea monsters aided by Namor, the Sub Mariner, to an arrogant morning radio DJ! 

In all honesty, there were doubts from this reviewer whether Dan Jurgens could pull it off writing the new series of Thor for Marvel.  To many fans of Thor, they would tell you that Walter Simonson wrote and drew the quinessential run on the Mighty Thor.  It would be hard to top what Simonson did on Thor from dynamics in both story-telling and comic art. But it certainly seem that the Jurgens/Romita Jr./Janson team could possibly equal it. 

Jurgens' Thor has almost that same sense of granduer that Simonson produced, from Thor's noble tone of speech to the imminent battles with mega huge monsters.  The pacing of the stories thus far have been interesting.  Thor's struggle in accepting his mortal identity and responsibilities have been deliciously frustrating.  Interwoven are sub-plots about Demitrius' personal life; Thor's previous paramour, Dr. Jane Foster and a drug thief amongst Jake and Hannah's workplace.  And every now and then, the dialogue is sprinkled with a bit of fun and humour, although sometimes Thor-speak is a bit "forced" and uneven. 

John Romita Jr is without a doubt the torch of this series.  A veteran in the comics industry, Romita Jr. has drawn almost every popular character under Marvel Comics.  From Spider-Man, Iron-Man, Daredevil, X-Men and back to Spider-Man, his art is just a visual treat through and through.  Now on Thor, it seems he's doing some of his best work yet.  Characters' expressions are abundant with zest and liveliness.  But most particularly though are JRJr's magnificent splash pages.  The characters, including the mega huge monsters, seem to cover every inch of the page like it's ready to explode!  Most memorable to date is the double page spread of the whereabouts of Odin.  No words could explain the level of forshadowing those 2 pages expressed of the battle Thor has to endure soon. 

Of course, Klaus Janson inking JRJr on Thor is not their first collaboration.  There were a little bit of doubt also on Janson part, too, admittedly because of his "rough" or "sketchy" ink finishes seen in their previous collaborations like Punisher/Batman one-shot.  However, surprisingly, Janson does an excellent job in finishing JRJr already tight pencilwork.  These are very notable in JRJr's almost trademark techno- organic buildings and structures and the "energy" backgrounds.  The weight of the ink-lines are just superb.  Complemented by Gregory Wright's always colourful palette of hues of harmony as well as an unusually LESS over-powering lettering by Richard Starkings, and we have a masterpiece in our hands; monthly. 

Interesting times are ahead for Thor.  In issue #5 we find out that his hammer, Mjolnir, could possibly be possessed by demons of some sort.  Since you have to remember that when Thor was reborn from Hel assisted by Marnot, it was never revealed that Thor got his REAL Mjolnir back...  Also Demitrius seems to be leading another life; could he be the drug thief? Would it be that obvious?  Who is Marnot?  What's going to happen to Asgard, what with those mysterious gods, Majeston Zelia, Perrikus and Adva holding Odin prisoner?  Where all the other Asgardian Gods anyway??? 

Personally, Thor IS the *best* monthly Marvel comic book that gets published today, in my opinion.  If you've missed out Walter Simonson's famous run on Thor, this could be the next best thing. 

        THOR #3 - B+ 
        THOR #4 - A+ 
        THOR #5 - A- 
 

Score:  A    
  

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