An Ending Fitting For A God (King Thor #4 Review)
KING THOR #4
Writer: Jason Aaron
Artist: Esad Ribic
Colorist: Ive Svorcina
Letterer: Joe Sabino
Guest Art Teams: Gabriel Hernandez Walta & Chris O'Halloran; Andrea Sorrentino & Dave Stewart; Chris Burnham & Nathan Fairbairn; Nick Pitara & Michael Garland; Aaron Kuder & Laura Martin; Olivier Coipel & Laura Martin; Russell Dauterman & Matthew Wilson; Mike Del Mundo
Publisher: Marvel
Rating: 10/10
Song: Immigrant Song - Led Zeppelin
I guess the saying is true, eventually, all good things come to an end. But this isn't a time for sadness, it's a time to rejoice. Let us all revel in the greatness that we have bore witness to over the past 7 years. What Jason Aaron has done, for over 100 issues, is arguably one of the greatest tales we will ever read. The story of a God who at times was unsure of himself, at times "unworthy", but in the end he always triumphed and strived to be better than he was the day before. While this isn't the "end" of Thor, it is the final word on the God of Thunder from the man who has been the caretaker of his story for the better part of a decade. So join me as I talk of Aaron's final Thor tale.
SPOILERS AHEAD
While this series was only four issues, luckily we get an oversized one for this epic finale. We finally get to see the final battle between Gorr and Thor that has been the main focus of this entire series. At times when reading this, the finality of what is transpiring brings a sense of awe and wonder. Aarons poetic dialogue mixed with Ribic's always masterful/breathtaking art, make this one hell of an exit. Of course this wouldn't be a Thor book if Loki didn't make his presence know. Their often troubled relationship has always had love buried deep within it, even though it may not always seem that way. So it was such a fitting way to see Loki go out the way he did. I couldn't help but get choked up as I was reading.
But the meat and potatoes of this issue, is really just a springboard of more stories. See we get to the Hall of All-Knowing, it's here we peer into many different versions of Thor. And you know what?? Each and every single one of them could easily be there own mini-series. How else would you expect Aaron to go out, he show his love for stories and the way that they can live for all time, never ending. Along for the ride are one of the most insanely talented collection of artists ever collected in one comic, each deserving of a seat in the Halls of Asgard. Aaron and co. bring us new beginnings while also being an end. Showing us that Thor will always live on.
Aaron's Thor at it's core has always been full of hope and inspiration. He made the God of Thunder relatable and "human", you could almost put yourself in Thor's shoes. While I had liked Thor before Aaron took over, it was he who made Thor one of my favorite heroes. This was a book I followed from the very beginning and one I never left behind. He has made this one of the most enjoyable runs in comics I've ever had the privilege of reading. I don't see how anyone will ever come close to matching what he's given us over these past 7 years. But I do wish you luck Mr. Cates.
So now that it's over. I just want to thank you Jason Aaron for gifting us all with this. You see, when he started his Thor run I had just began my journey of sobriety, so I've always had an attachment to his book. It's weird to think about, I've been sober for as long as Aaron has been on Thor. Holy crap that's a long time. And that is why this book will forever be embedded in my mind and will always be special to me. Thanks again Jason, and I can't wait to follow you on your next epic adventure.