THE MORTAL THOR #9 (Marvel Comics)

Hello there! Padawan J here, the resident Star Wars expert from the ODPH! This week I'm going to be reviewing the 9th issue of The Mortal Thor from Marvel Comics!

The story thus far has been about Sigurd Jarlson, the man who looks like Thor and wields a hammer about as effectively as Thor does. Sigurd is just trying to lead a normal life in New York City, but seemingly everyone is trying to get in his way to stop him. So just who is in his way this time? Let’s jump into it!

Credit: Marvel Comics // The Mortal Thor #9 by Al Ewing (Writer), Pasqual Ferry (Artist), Matt Milla (Color Artist), VC's Joe Sabino (Letterer) & Alex Ross (Cover) is a good recovery for the series that bounces back.

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

The Story

This issue is a great return to form from the misstep of the last issue. Sigurd is back in the focus for this issue and he’s going up against another foe from deep in the Thor mythos. He goes up against none other than Radioactive Man, who debuted in Journey Into Mystery #93 in April 1963!

I really like the way this issue played out because this is an enemy that brute strength alone cannot defeat, and requires a bit of cunning. The story also plays out in a way that feels slightly different from the prior issues, and that’s to the series benefit. The change in pace is definitely welcome because the series was starting to feel a little repetitive.

It also appears that more than just the pace is changing and that Sigurd is finally going to go on the offensive. Just what that will entail and how it will play out is anyone’s guess. Which remains one of the things that’s detracted from the series for me. I don’t see where this is going or how it’s going to play out. It just appears to be going through the motions, and hopefully that’s going to change soon.

The Artwork

Pasqual Ferry & Matt Milla did a great job with the artwork in this issue. It continues to be such a different looking series art-wise and it works so incredibly well. The action sequences also stand out as some of the best you’ll see this week, and the use of color is nothing short of spectacular.

Overall Grade: 7/10

FINAL POINT: It’s a nice bounce back for the series, but one that still leaves a lot to be desired. It’s a good story, but one that feels like there’s no goal in sight and just wandering around NYC.