The Return of Donald Blake in Thor #9
King Thor’s adventures – and trials – continue in Thor #9. He may be the King of Asgard, but that doesn’t mean all of his troubles are gone. The opposite is true if recent events are anything to go by. The real question is, how does he plan to deal with all the new difficulties?
Donny Cates is still at the helm of Thor’s newest series, making him the first new author to the character in quite some time. He has been taking risks and creating his own story. One that has been making plenty of waves.
This issue requires some knowledge about Thor’s history, though honestly, not as much as you might expect. It does lean heavily on one particular part of Thor’s past, though it does a decent job of explaining the relevant details.
Writing
Thor #9 was a shockingly intense and fascinating issue. In many ways, it is the polar opposite of the previous few dilemmas that Thor has come up against. But that is actually working to make it more engrossing rather than less.
Donny Cates has woven a delicate web here. One that has so much potential and one that’s probably going to get a whole lot darker before it concludes. If I’m being completely honest here (and I strive to always do just that), I think this might be my favorite plot arc. For this series, at least.
It’s not something I was prepared to say even one issue ago, yet this latest twist…it’s compelling. More than that, it fits in so well with some themes that have been running through Thor’s series for some time now.
The buildup for all of the major revelations and twists is on an epic level. We’re talking about the God of Thunder and King of Asgard, as they should be. Both of those titles are keenly felt in the narrative here.
Art
As with the writing, the artwork in Thor #9 aims to impress. That is a bit of a task, considering how much is portrayed within this single issue. There are two major scenes, both drastically different from one another. And yet, there is something so familiar about the tones…
Nic Klein was the lead artist and did a fantastic job setting the scene here. The scale, as is the potential cost of everything that has happened, is unavoidable. And everything about to happen, for that matter. I am truly impressed by what was rendered here, but I can’t speak in greater detail because I refuse to spoil those amazing reveals.
Matt Wilson fleshed out all of those lines with vibrant colors. All of which worked to enhance the scene. They’re vibrant and alive while having a mystical hint to them. Which is very appropriate when you think about it.
VC’s Joe Sabino’s letters were the final touch, using systems and formats to help tell a very specific story. The subtle implications here are…harrowing. It’s going to be a long wait for next month.
Conclusion
Thor #9 is a richly intense issue that sets a scene and makes dramatic leaps in a single issue. It’s captivating and just a little bit terrifying. Especially for fans who are familiar with this plot’s themes and tones. And just how bad things could possibly get before it all comes to an end.
This review was originally written for Word of the Nerd, but has been ported over to Quirky Cat’s Fat Stacks now that the site has shut down.
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