Post by goldenfist on Feb 28, 2008 9:54:02 GMT -5
Ign.com reviews Thor #6.
While I'm as happy as the next guy to see a new ongoing Thor series on the stands, it hasn't quite wowed me like I might have expected. Part of the problem is certainly the sluggish shipping schedule. More than that, though, I feel like the team of J. Michael Straczynski and Oliver Coipel never quite hit their stride. Well, they finally managed to do that with the latest issue. Thor #6 is far and away the best issue of the series so far.
Surprisingly, the story isn't even that epic or action-packed compared to the last few. Mostly it focuses on the residents of the small Oklahoma town where Thor has set up shop. Of the many changes Straczynski introduced in this revamp, the healthy dose of humor has been the most welcome. Easily my favorite part of this issue comes from a revisit of last issue's town hall meeting. Who knew Volstagg was unfamiliar with the wonders of indoor plumbing?
I'm also loving the dynamic between Thor and his human host, Donald Blake. I missed the good doctor in the last couple issues as Thor hogged the spotlight. Of the many new Asgardian cast additions, Hogun and Kelda are each given some terrific scenes in which they interact with their human neighbors. Kelda's scene in particular was touching and one of my favorite Straczynski-penned sequences since Silver Surfer: Requiem.
Not to be outdone, Oliver Coipel is coming into his own more and more with each issue. While I'm afraid his Thor will always look a bit bloated and dumpy, the rest of the characters all look fantastic. Coipel has come a long way from the cramped and dense layouts of House of M, and I look forward to even more improvement as the series goes on.
What a difference an issue can make. In the past, despite my enjoyment of the series, I found myself secretly wishing a different writer would take over Thor - and soon. After this issue, Straczynski has won me back completely. Hopefully the rest of the naysayers will feel the same way.
Review Score: 9.5 Incredible
While I'm as happy as the next guy to see a new ongoing Thor series on the stands, it hasn't quite wowed me like I might have expected. Part of the problem is certainly the sluggish shipping schedule. More than that, though, I feel like the team of J. Michael Straczynski and Oliver Coipel never quite hit their stride. Well, they finally managed to do that with the latest issue. Thor #6 is far and away the best issue of the series so far.
Surprisingly, the story isn't even that epic or action-packed compared to the last few. Mostly it focuses on the residents of the small Oklahoma town where Thor has set up shop. Of the many changes Straczynski introduced in this revamp, the healthy dose of humor has been the most welcome. Easily my favorite part of this issue comes from a revisit of last issue's town hall meeting. Who knew Volstagg was unfamiliar with the wonders of indoor plumbing?
I'm also loving the dynamic between Thor and his human host, Donald Blake. I missed the good doctor in the last couple issues as Thor hogged the spotlight. Of the many new Asgardian cast additions, Hogun and Kelda are each given some terrific scenes in which they interact with their human neighbors. Kelda's scene in particular was touching and one of my favorite Straczynski-penned sequences since Silver Surfer: Requiem.
Not to be outdone, Oliver Coipel is coming into his own more and more with each issue. While I'm afraid his Thor will always look a bit bloated and dumpy, the rest of the characters all look fantastic. Coipel has come a long way from the cramped and dense layouts of House of M, and I look forward to even more improvement as the series goes on.
What a difference an issue can make. In the past, despite my enjoyment of the series, I found myself secretly wishing a different writer would take over Thor - and soon. After this issue, Straczynski has won me back completely. Hopefully the rest of the naysayers will feel the same way.
Review Score: 9.5 Incredible
