Comic Books

Generations: Unworthy Thor & The Mighty Thor #1 Review

Thor meets Thor in this time-hopping adventure to Egypt.

August 23, 2017

[amazon_link asins=’B074BSWCNR’ template=’AiPTProductAd’ store=’aiptcomics-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’eed5106d-879f-11e7-9f0d-2be5d5c34fb8′]

I’m a tad skeptical of these “Generations” one-shot issues; they seem somewhat like throwaway tales. It goes something like this: Typically one character time travels to meet another iteration of themselves and in their battle, they come to relate to one another. It’s a neat way to have writers explore the characters in an uncommon way and so far these titles have been rather great (every issue has gotten a 9 from us). Oh, and Jason Aaron writes this issue. Well, that’s all it takes for me to be all in with this one.

Listen to the latest episode of our weekly comics podcast!

So what’s it about?

Read our preview!

Why does this matter?

This book takes place before Thor was ever capable of wielding Mjolnir, which is perfect timing for the Thor of today to meet up with him given she wields Mjolnir and Odinson cannot. Maybe a younger Thor can learn something from Jane Foster yet! Oh, and Mahmud Asrar draws this issue, who has been killing it on Totally Awesome Hulk.

Fine, you have my attention. What’s good about it?

Who dares shoot a mans goat!?

Aaron quickly makes it clear we’re dealing with a very arrogant and frustrated Thor. He’s younger, not the wisest lad and is much more focused on drinking mead than working to better himself. This sets up a good enough reason to have Thor rush off to Egypt to help some vikings fight off some Egyptians. Wait, what!? It’s a rather surprising battle between two cultures I’m pretty sure never fought in history (please tell me if I’m wrong in the comments). With Egypt comes Apocalypse — which isn’t a spoiler, given he’s on the flipping cover. Once Jane Foster Thor shows up things get interesting, words are said, and Thor is very unsure how another person, let alone a woman, could be wielding the hammer. With some fun wrinkles of dialogue Aaron has them banter a bit though as anyone knows Asgardians only need a good battle to bond.

The issue wraps up with the two talking some more and it’s a nice moment that reminds us Thor has always needed a bit more humility and a lot of learning to become a whole hero. In a surprise that is unrelated form the main story but does set up future ones, a surprise X-Men character pops in to mix things up nicely. I’ll say no more to avoid spoilers, but it certainly got me interested to see where Aaron takes this character.

Asrar does an excellent job with the art and Jordie Bellaire continues to prove she’s the best colorist in the business. There are many jaw droppingly good pages, full page spreads, and double page spreads throughout this issue. Frankly I don’t think the story could have held up so well without such good art. There are nice scenes and dialogue, but it’s clear Aaron opened this up to allow Asrar to go nuts. The lightning looks amazing, Apocalypse is all kinds of godlike and huge, and the action is well paced and choreographed. Loki gets a new look too ,which is quite interesting.

Yipes.

It can’t be perfect can it?

[amazon_link asins=’B074BSWCNR’ template=’BottomAdAIPT’ store=’aiptcomics-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’062d7971-87a0-11e7-af6b-6b77c9604055′]

As I hinted at in the last paragraph this issue is all action with not a ton of story progressing content. The fact that Thor won’t be learning much, which is directly referenced due to his drinking, makes the interaction with Foster Thor less meaningful. That said I had a ton of fun with this issue and can’t complain as far as entertainment value.

Is It Good?

Jump on every “Generations” book you can get, because so far each one has been a ton of fun with a good focus on character. This issue even ties into Marvel Legacy, which should have folks clamoring for that even more interested.