One thing Marvel Comics learned well from the editorial beating it took in the 1990s was that rather than trying to reboot its universe in big “reboot” sagas every 10 or 20 years, it’s better to reinvent its characters constantly, more dynamics. And the next character to gain more mythological padding is the God of Thunder, from a new series called Immortal Thor.
Perhaps you have already noticed a certain similarity with the recent level naming of the Emerald Goliath, Immortal Hulk. This is not a coincidence, since the author of Thor’s new phase will be Al Ewing, who revisited the classic monstrous phase of the Hulk and added interesting elements of fantasy and cosmic horror – the idea is to give a “shop bath” in the “outfit”. Immortal”, similar to what was done with the Hulk, but, of course, with a footprint more connected to Norse mythology.
Ewing is also involved in revamping all of the House of Ideas’ key foundational concepts, such as the construction of the Multiverses and the different iterations of the Marvel Universe, scales of power and cosmic hierarchy; as well as places like the world of the Beyonders and the Place Below It All. Marvel has already been changing Thor’s past to suit the times, including new powers and flaws. Now, it’s really going to change things on a canonical level in your mythology.
“In Norse myths they called him the Thunderer. The gods know him as King of Asgard, keeper of Mjolnir, hero of tales. When injustice grips the Earth and ancient powers bring down the sky, he fights for those who cannot— and when the tale ends, we’ll know what it cost him,” reads the synopsis for Thor’s next phase.
The covers will be on account of the same prestigious cover artist of Immortal Hulk, Alex Ross, with variants of stars like Francis Manapul, Stonehouse, Peach Momoko — and, for the joy of the fans, it is already possible to notice that the new phase will bring back Jack Kirby’s classic costume, also proving the title’s retro influence.
Ewing’s arrival at the title comes at a good time, as writer Donny Cates has good arguments and some great ideas, a lot of what he does ends up being quite exaggerated and out of the classic tone of most characters that are Marvel icons. The God of Thunder really needs to bring back some of that classic heroism in a more youthful version.
Immortal Thor #1 will be available from Marvel Comics in August 2023.
