Editor's Note: Thor #606 arrives in stores tomorrow, January 27.
Let me start off by saying this: THIS is what a Thor comic should be!
If you couldn't already tell by seeing the rating I gave this issue, I absolutely loved it! It has everything that a great story needs. The heroes have courage, strength and honor, the villains are both despicable and dangerous, and the stakes are high with peril all around. I am very unfamiliar with Kieron Gillen's work, but he has done remarkable work with this story arc.
Gillen gives the Asgardians a classic voice without it seeming silly or awkward, and presents each of them with honor. Dr. Doom, a character more frequently misused than properly used is portrayed expertly here. Far too often this classic villain is either written as being too weak or incompetent just to make another character look more impressive, or he is made to look too powerful (such as in Millar's recent finale to his Fantastic Four run), making any explanation as to how he could be defeated in future stories seem contrived. Gillen gives us Doom at his best: Genius and power in one deadly individual. He also has the perfect opponent for Doom in the Asgardians and gives us an ending that is not only satisfying in itself but also points neatly toward the just started Siege event.
The artwork is equally exquisite. Tan provides an epic quality to the story with his angles and shadow. He brings the story to life as you feel the impact of the blows and see both the persistence and pain as Thor rises to get back into the battle. Baldur's anguish is clear as he decides what must be done.
I can't say much more here without giving spoilers but I can say this: If you are a Thor fan you are going to LOVE this story. If you're not a Thor fan, well, Thor #606 will show you why you should be one.
The only downside that I can even think to mention is that, from what I've read, Marvel will soon be changing the writer of this series to Matt Fraction. Fraction is one of the industry's biggest writers, to be sure, but after this arc, he's got a tough act to follow.
While there are some legendary comics out there (usually mini series) that are rightfully ranked above this issue, in general, comics just don't get any better than this. And to be fair, such legendary comics are usually graphic novels or mini-series. It's rare to find a story arc in an ongoing series that is as purely enjoyable and of as high a quality as this one has been. In fact, this issue is so good, I think perhaps my starting statement for this review should have instead been, "THIS is what ALL comics should be!"
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