FAMILYFANS Books & Comics

THOR #600

by J. Michael Straczynski and Oliver Coipel

(Marvel)

Reader Appeal: Kids to Adults

Genre: Superhero Comic

What do you do when you’ve already created the most powerful superhuman possible? You invent a god. Or at least that’s what Stan Lee decided when he decided to come up with a follow-up to the Hulk. And that’s how the golden-haired, strange-talking, ruler of Asgard came to be. In the near future, Thor will be coming to the movie screen in a film directed by Kenneth Branaugh, and after that in Jon Favreau’s Avengers movie. But for now we’re at the climax of a major plot lead-up with Thor #600.

The basic concept of this book is pretty simple. Everything has been leading up to a climactic moment. Thor is once again under attack by Loki, his evil stepbrother (who is currently taking the form of a woman). Loki’s latest plot involves pitting Thor against an enemy who even stronger than himself. Since there aren’t too many people like that, Loki resurrects Bor, Thor’s grandfather and the first king of Asgard. Havoc ensues, and most of the comic consists of a clash of the titans as the two gods go head to head. It’s fairly simple, it’s almost entirely action, but it’s pretty fun. In the end, Thor’s world is shaken up pretty badly (most of the big heroes are on hard times right now in the Marvel universe), and even if things turn out kind of how you would expect, Straczynski manages to keep things interesting.

I’m willing to admit that I’m not a huge Thor fan. Generally I don’t enjoy the mystical or cosmic or mythic heroes of the Marvel universe. And I’m really not sure how Thor is going to fit into the world that Marvel has been building with the Iron Man and Incredible Hulk movies. Some people might be worried by the very idea of a hero that is supposed to be a god. As for myself, I’m a little less comfortable with the so-called deities, and I think that gods make less sympathetic heroes. I grew up reading Norse myths, though, many of which were first written down by Christian scribes recording the tales and folklore of the Scandinavian peoples. In my opinion, it’s up to each person or parent to figure out what is acceptable and what they’re comfortable with in this area. But whatever you want to call him, Marvel’s Thor (and also the real Thor, in my opinion) is really just another superhero.

With that out of the way, though, Thor #600 is a pretty neat treat. The writing and the art are surprisingly good. Even though I find Thor to be an odd and slightly awkward superhero, you would never think that from reading this comic. The story is appropriately epic, and I really appreciate a villain that actually manages to use their intelligence to effectively fight the hero. It’s just more interesting that another slugfest. Loki’s manipulations, and the way he (or she) has figured out how to win no matter what happens, really lend depth and meaning to the physical battles.

I also have to give special praise to Coipel for his great art. Having recently seen a lot of spotty, inconsistent, and just plain weird looking art in a climactic Batman battle, it was nice to see someone who knows how to communicate well through pictures and knows how to lay out panels in a way that makes sense.

For those who are fans of Thor, this issue also offers some extra perks that you’ll enjoy. There’s actually another story in this issue, a throwback tale written by Stan Lee himself. It’s not amazing, but it’s fun and nostalgic. Then there is a neat little Mini Marvels feature that sums up the recent history of the Thor series and a bunch of excerpts from old Stan Lee and Jack Kirby Thor comics. All of it lends sense of occasion to issue #600 and gives the whole book some extra value.

All in all, the main thing I appreciate about this comic is that it shows how to do a climactic issue right (darn you Final Crisis!). The climax isn’t bungled, the ending sets up the future conflicts nicely, the art supports the story, the dialogue is well-written (Thor-style), the author knows how to use a bit of humor (it helps not to take Thor too seriously), and the villain is a worthy enemy. And no matter what your tastes are, those are the makings of an entertaining story.

FAMILYFANS RATING: A

AFTER THE STORY

If your family members are interested in this book, then encourage discussion about it afterward. You can use these questions to get started:

• Loki’s manipulation of Thor and Bor shows how even good people can be deceived into doing wrong they didn’t mean to do. Have you ever been pushed into doing something wrong you didn’t mean to or want to do?

• Thor’s exile from Asgard shows how the rules meant to protect people can end up hurting them if we apply them without grace and understanding. Can you think of any examples like this where you’ve seen people get hurt by the rules instead of being helped? How can grace help in situations like this?

--MV

Note: All book or comics-related graphics in this column are standard publicity/promotional shots and are owned by their respective publisher.