The Good
Jason Aaron's new run has spent a lot of time with a new heroine and not so much time with Thor Odison. Honestly, it's a little disappointing there hasn't been more balance between these two since the writer did brilliant work in THOR: GOD OF THUNDER. Still, this series is continuing the events of what went down in the previous run and this issue is a critical one for both Thor and the Goddess of Thunder.
The limited time we spend in Asgardia reminds me why I love what Aaron has done with this character and the mythos. Okay, I'll admit I'm disappointed there's been zero follow-up about the infamous unworthy whisper, but aside from that, I've been loving everything else. The time we spend there is a nice reminder of just how much potential this series has to offer. What's especially great is Aaron handles the genre in such an entertaining way. What could feel like generic fantasy elements are presented in a way that always manages to make me smile or even laugh. Simply put, the dude knows how to keep my attention and that shows throughout this issue. There's humor, huge developments, and a fair amount of very fun action. I mean, the issue's able to deliver a smart twist, emotion and spectacle while also making sure to include a big battle. Not bad, right?
If you've been despising this series with the burning passion of a thousand suns, then this issue will make you want to flip a table. Then again, why are you buying something if you don't like it? Speak with your money, silly! Anyway, I get the point that this character shouldn't be called Thor because that's Thor's first name. He's Thor Odinson. It's like if Wolverine was instead called "James" and then people started calling Sabretooth "James." I get it, but when the hammer says "possess the power of Thor," I'm cool with the person using that as their alias. They have the look and the iconic weapon, so if they want to use the heroic name that's often associated with it, I can live with that. Someone else having the name and the hammer doesn't make Odinson any less cool or interesting to me. It helps that Aaron handled the situation about the name in an amusing way. If you can't accept that, well... you're going to have a few choice words about this issue. For everyone else, it's a satisfying scene.
Once again, Russel Dauterman and Matthew Wilson produce panels that are worthy of Aaron's script. They do a terrific job capturing the force, intensity and speed behind the big brawl and they really deliver with some of the stronger displays of emotion. Thor's shocked face had me smirking. There's a fantastic double-page spread in here as well and it's one that'll keep you staring for a fair amount of time. It's also great how the onomatopoeias complement the battle. Just like the fight, they're rough, energetic and large. It's a nice way of selling the sound effects without distracting us too much from the characters.
The Bad
The point of a red herring is to fool someone and distract them from the truth. One is used in this issue and honestly, there's no way someone could believe it for even a second if they've been paying attention while reading the series. The Goddess of Thunders' thoughts take away any suspense someone may have about whether that could truly be the identity of this new superhero. Basically, obvious red herring is obvious. It also feels like they're laying it on a bit thick when it comes to driving home the point that this new character truly is worthy of the hammer and has a great start as a heroine. They've done plenty to show us this, so spelling it out when the dust settles felt like an unnecessary way of trying to really sell the character. I didn't mind the talk about the name, but what came before that didn't feel required.
The Verdict
THOR #4 is proof that Aaron knows how to balance this genre incredibly well. While much of this issue is action and reminding us that yes, this lead is indeed worthy, it also manages to incorporate a ton of character, some laughs, and one hell of a good plot twist. Readers of THOR: GOD OF THUNDER likely think there's zero mystery about who's wielding Mjolnir, but that's hardly taking away from just how fun this series is. With consistently strong visuals and a thoroughly entertaining script, THOR continues to win me over. It may not be as phenomenal as the previous run, but I have no problem watching this character's journey, especially if it turns out to be who many of us think it is (