Writer: Donny Cates
Art: Nic Klein, Matt Wilson, VC’s Joe Sabino, and Olivier Coipel
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Price:$3.99
Release Date: March 17th, 2021
Searching for answers to recent troubles, THOR traded places with Donald Blake as he once did so many moons ago. However, the heaven-scape hidden underneath the world tree where Blake was trapped for all those years left him insane. So, after imprisoning THOR inside the very dimension he once was, Blake sought out all possible Asgardian forces able to destroy Odin and Asgard itself. From one past wielder of Mjolner to another, Blake took their powers including DOCTOR STRANGE’S knowledge of the world tree itself. It’s now up to Jane Foster and Odin to put a stop to all of this nonsense before it’s too late. Let’s dive into THOR #13 by Donny Cates to see if Jane and Odin have what it takes to put an end to this supercharged lunatic.
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PLATITUDES
Cates throws everything at readers this week, including the Asgardian kitchen sink. The entire cast of characters comes out of the woodwork to prepare to take on Donald Blake, otherwise known as the Shadow of Thunder. However, that’s about all that transpires this week. Imagine the scene in every action movie when the leader travels around to get their band of merry men together. Simply press play with some 80s montage music in the background and you have this issue of THOR and its ever-popular Movie trope.
Don’t get me wrong, I love those parts of the movie. They’re exciting, exhilarating, and oftentimes jaw-dropping. Yet, the entire movie isn’t just centered around getting the band back together. It’s merely an aspect of the movie. Heck, even a TV show doesn’t just focus on that one element because they know it’s kind of silly, contains no real plot, and lacks depth. Well, readers, that’s THOR #13, except with another Cates over the top cliffhanger to end the issue. And again, I truly am pumped to see if this build-up delivers. I’m jazzed to see what happens next issue. That said, I’m reviewing THOR #13 and not #14.
THE SIGNATURE SCENE
Truthfully, the best part of the issue was the beginning as Cates was reintroducing Odin and really digging in deep about his emotional state and whereabouts. Nevertheless, Cates channels some really good storytelling simply to push it aside for the 80s’ action movie chestnut. The opportunity for brilliance was ripped away. Instead, he weaves the narrative with epic character drops, mega action melees, and far-out concepts merely for short awestruck attention grabbers that fade away. Cates is the prime example of a great idea man. Still, you can’t just throw things at readers to mask the lack of actual plot development and story. There truly is so much potential here. I just hope as the next issue of THOR concludes this arc, things aren’t just magically washed away quickly without consequences.
ART
There is no doubt that Nic Klein swings for the fences in THOR #13. The opening page with Odin’s face in his hands is stunning. The panel progression within the conversations between characters is perfect. Klein is a master at panning out and looking at the larger scene to later throw in smaller frames ushering readers across the page through insightful panel progressions. Lastly, the diabolical look in Donald Blake’s eyes was simply dastardly and evil. It’s Klein that makes Doctor Blake appear almost maniacal yet simultaneously lost and alone. All of this helps provide Cates’ story with that powerful punch that will hit fans in the gut not once but twice as this issue comes to a close. This was an ingenious issue by Klein and I can’t wait to see what he has for us as this arc concludes.
FINAL THOUGHTS
How could anyone be disappointed with an issue that unfolded such an epic setup and huge character reveals? Well, I wouldn’t be… if this wasn’t the same old routine. This aspect of storytelling works when it’s done occasionally. However, not when it’s used as a norm within your arsenal of narrative utensils. There was definitely power and pure awesomeness in this installment of THOR that can’t be overlooked. Klein’s illustrations, for one, were incredible and vibrant. Nevertheless, I can’t help but miss the lack of story that’s been missing for quite some time in this series. Readers, it’s just masked in pomp, circumstance, and banality. Let me know what you think, have a great week, and God bless.