Thor #801 (Marvel Comics)

Hello there! Padawan J here, the resident Star Wars expert from the ODPH! This week I'm going to be reviewing the 801st issue of Thor from Marvel Comics!

Sigurd Jarlson is just an ordinary man it turns out. However he holds the key to a very important task, bringing Thor back to life! So what will it take? Let’s jump into it!

Credit: Marvel Comics // Thor #801 by Al Ewing (Writer), Pasqual Ferry (Artist), Matt Milla (Color Artist), VC's Joe Sabino (Letterer) & Alex Ross (Cover); Worthy by Kieron Gillen & Declan Shalvey; Decide by Chris Condon & Jesse Lonergan

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

The Story

For the last year and change we’ve watched as Sigurd Jarlson navigated life inside New York City, all the while he’s navigated trying to live his own life while everyone it seems has a bone to pick with him. He’s also had to navigated Asgardian forces the likes of Odin & Loki (just to name a few) meddling in that life. Now it’s time for Sigurd to take what’s presumed to be his final journey and bring back the God of Thunder we all know and love. But does the issue live up to expectations?

If you’re familiar with the story as it’s played out thus far then this issue is no surprise to you. The story is a slow burn, and if you were expecting some sort of fire and brimstone spectacle to bring back Thor in a hasty return then you’re going to be disappointed. The story being told is going to take a little bit of time to set up and execute but once we reach the conclusion the payoff is going to be worth it.

There are some interesting tidbits, especially for Queen In Black readers. that do bring up some interesting prospects for future storylines that I’m sure are going to play a roll. I also enjoyed how Al Ewing turned the focus to the grander scale for the story now. Don’t get me wrong because I did enjoy the majority of the story in The Mortal Thor, but when I think of Thor I think of him fighting enemies from other realms and Asgardian tales. I don’t really think of him taking on a group of average citizens at a construction yard. So needless to say, the return to form is very welcome.

The Artwork

Pasqual Ferry & Matt Milla are in charge of the art for this issue and they continue to do a standout job for the series. It’s an art style that readers of the series will be used to, and it stays very consistent from one issue to the next with the tone and look of the art. I do have to give them credit for some of the artwork we see in this issue, as 3 characters who come face to face with Sigurd looked crazy but for where it takes place made sense. Overall, the artwork continues to be a real highlight of the series.

Overall Grade: 8/10

A solid issue that get’s the story to the return of Thor started in a very compelling way. Al Ewing’s writing really excels in the issue, and together with artwork that will blow you away they make this a story you can’t afford to pass up on!