Classic Review: Thor by Walter Simonson Vol. 1

Quick Summary

Pros: All of the stories are fun and engaging. The narrative helps build even more excitement for future volumes. The artwork looks great and perfectly pairs with the story. Both the story and the artwork help modernize this story and give it more appeal.

Cons: Some aspects of the storytelling feel dated.

Overall: Walter Simonson’s run on Thor is a classic for a reason. This volume has everything: awesome characters, exciting action, fresh concepts, and some pure and simple fun. All of this is then backed up by gorgeous artwork and the impression that this is only the start of a narrative that still has plenty more in store. Readers interested in experiencing the beginning of a great Thor series, one that easily holds up today, should start reading here.

Story

Walter Simonson’s time spent writing Thor is famous for being one of the most memorable, classic periods in the character’s history. After taking a look at the first volume, it is easy to see why.

Thor By Walter Simonson Vol. 1 is easily accessible, instantly enjoyable, and fun all the way through. The adventures that take place here are a great mix of action, emotion, and even comedy. Plus, the entire narrative gives off the impression that it is building up for something even bigger, giving readers something to look forward to in future volumes. All in all, this is a great start to a memorable run on this series.

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In a handful of chapters, Thor by Walter Simonson Vol. 1 completely revolutionizes the Thor series. It introduces new characters, like the awesome and enigmatic Beta Ray Bill or the comedic yet fiendish Lorelei. It introduces new concepts, like the fact that someone else may have the ability to lift Thor’s hammer. And it changes Thor as a character, ditching his old secret identity in favor of a powerful, new one. These dramatic changes make the comic feel new and different for longtime readers and keep it accessible for new ones.

In addition to all of this, the narrative is just plain fun. It has Thor team up with an interesting ally and shoots the pair across the galaxy, armed with more power than the series has ever seen. Then, it has him fight a powerful threat on Earth, in a story with a great emotional twist. Meanwhile, on Asgard, Thor’s friends and allies are dealing with problems of their own. All of these adventures are entertaining and many of them even manage to find places to inject some humor here and there, which is especially satisfying when it deals with Thor’s new secret identity.

While all of this is going on, Simonson also builds up potential for future stories. He makes it clear that there is a threat growing in power, a threat that even Odin fears. He also makes it clear that the personal dramas involving Balder, Lorelei, Thor, and Loki are not finished. By the end of this volume, readers are ensured that there is plenty still waiting on the horizon.

Despite its many successes, there are points where Thor By Walter Simonson Vol. 1 shows its age. In some places, the dialogue is far too descriptive and feels unnecessary. In other places, pieces of the storytelling feel a bit repetitive.

However, the biggest problem here is poor female representation. There are three major female characters in this book and every single one of their storylines revolves around their love for a major male character. Not only is this a sexist take on women, it also comes across as a cheap storytelling tactic. While the rest of the story details diverse displays of action and heroism, the romantic interactions are bland and uninteresting.

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Art

Like the story, the artwork in Thor by Walter Simonson Vol. 1 is notable for firmly modernizing the Thor series. From the very first pages, it is clear that this volume will be distinct and different from everything that came before it. The panels are larger, the level of detail is greater, and the entire work just feels more modern. The comic maintains this high level of quality throughout the reading experience.

It also helps that Simonson shows great proficiency in handling the particular tone of this comic. When the story calls for complex technology for space travel, his work gives it a science fiction twist. When the story calls for old looking buildings and magical creatures, his work gives it a fantasy twist. It is a great way of blending the two halves of Thor’s character. Plus, the design around Beta Ray Bill is just incredible, as it makes him seem both heroic and monstrous, which is exactly what the story calls for. All things considered, Simonson’s artwork is a perfect match for this volume.

Continuity

Thor by Walter Simonson Vol. 1 continues the story from Thor Epic Collection: Runequest (Review).

The story here continues in Thor by Walter Simonson Vol. 2 (Review).

This volume also makes references to other comic books, detailed below:

• Balder was killed back in Thor #274, collected in Marvel Masterworks: The Mighty Thor Vol. 17 (Review). 
• Thor originally fought Fafnir back in the “Tales of Asgard” stories from Thor #134-136, collected in Marvel Masterworks: The Mighty Thor Vol. 5 (Review). 
• Thor #341 contains a brief tease for the Secret Wars (Review) (Reading Order) event.