The Mortal Thor #9 – A Radioactive Personality

In Mortal Thor, Thor has been cast into Midgard. Now, Sigurd Jarlson, a New York construction worker, Thor is haunted by the echoes of his former divinity. After having survived a series of attacks and issues relying on his wits and a heavy sledgehammer, Thor now comes face to face with his greatest crisis yet, as Sigurd Jarlson in the form of a ghost from his past.

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Creative Team

Writer: Al Ewing
Artists: Pasqual Ferry
Colorists: Matt Milla
Letterer: Joe Sabino
Cover Artist: Alex Ross

Writing

Al Ewing truly gets Thor. This issue was an absolute treat. I love that Ewing treated us to a full-circle moment with Thor reintroducing one of Thor’s oldest nemeses to this modern story. The thing I really enjoyed about the use of the character is not that Ewing introduced it, but that Ewing did so in a way that makes narrative sense. This issue gave Ewing the chance to really show how Thor as Jarlson has not only started adapting to his new life but has learned some key lessons from his work.

It’s also clear that Ewing is crafting Roxxon into the type of shady business that we’ve come to know and extending their reach even further. As with many issues in this series so far, issue #9 of The Mortal Thor feels like a classic Thor story in a modern setting. Despite the great narrative Ewing crafted, it was also nice to see him step back in some panels and really let Ferry and Milla tell the story through their art.

Art

The art for this issue was outstanding. With the reintroduction of a classic character, Ferry and Milla were able to give them a little bit of a glow-up for the modern audience. Ferry’s lines are crisp and clear. It’s also clear that Ferry spares no detail with even background details being well drawn and lifelike.

Milla does an amazing job with colors in this issue. Because of the subject matter, there was a chance for a few particular colors to drown out the panels, but Milla does an amazing job balancing the tones and colors. Joe Sabino does a particularly impressive job in this issue, filled with SFX, getting creative and ensuring that the art gets full billing in each panel.

Final Thoughts

This is another solid issue in the series. Everything about this feels like the updated adventures of Thor. For long-time Thor fans, it feels familiar yet distinct.

Overall Grade: 9/10

Until next time, may your pulls be magical, and your multiverse remain stable

What did you think about this issue? Let’s chat about it in the comments.