Thor #611 – Review

by Kieron Gillen (writer), Rich Elson (art), Andy Troy (colors), and Joe Sabino (letters)

The Story: The souls of the Asgardians who fell during Siege come under attack in Hel.

What’s Good: It sure feels good to see a good old fashioned Thor story, rife with occult baddies, Hela, and trademark Norse heroism.  The last couple of pages in particular are something of a “hell yeah” in that last regard as Thor literally leads his men to hell.  That’s pretty damned awesome in concept alone and very, very “Thor.”

What makes it even more effective, however, is how Gillen has subtly made this upcoming war in hell into something of an echo of Siege itself.  In doing so, perhaps this story arc can be seen as a kind of redemption for the Asgardians.  Hela has turned herself into a castle to house the souls of the departed Asgardians from the attacking Disir and Thor and his band, at issue’s end, go to relieve the besieged.  Essentially, they’re fighting another siege, in hell, to save those who died in, Siege.  It’s really well orchestrated and I’m quite impressed with Gillen’s being able to find such an effective parallel to recent events.

Gillen does a great job with these Disir, who are really, really creepy.  The demonstrations of their power are also pretty impressive and, in one case, explosive.  I’ve got to say that Gillen doesn’t hold back one iota on the gore and violence.  One particular trick pulled by the Disir late in the issue is downright shocking.  All told, their used very effectively by Gillen.  I also thought it was pretty cool to see Hela back in action again.  In fact it’s just cool to see her in an important role again and a sign to me that it’s back to business as usual for Thor and that we’re leaving the event behind.

On art, I generally like Elson’s work.  It has a painterly feel that sort of reminds of classic fantasy pin-ups, which really suits Thor.

Weekly Comic Book Review’s Top Picks

DS’ Top Picks

Best From The Past Week: Batman: The Return Of Bruce Wayne #3 – While the Return of Bruce Wayne was briefly in contention, there’s no doubt that X-Men Legacy #237 was on another level. The sheer number of brilliant, stick-in-your-mind moments was off the scale. I mean, the master mold of the future (2 of them!), Magneto’s injured stand, Cable’s desperate rearguard action, Cypher shooting for all the marbles…breathtaking. Second Coming is the game to beat.

Most Anticipated: Green Lantern #55: Brightest Day is marching on, and the mystery of the white lantern is still to be resolved. I’m gambling that despite Lobo (whom I can’t stand as a character), Johns is going to deliver a solid issue.

Other Top Picks: Astonishing X-Men #34, Captain America #607

Alex’s Top Picks

Best From The Past Week: Legion of Super-Heroes #2 -Another amazingly stuffed issue for the Legion and another fantastic experience.  This is definitely a series to hop on-board for, whether you’re a Legion aficionado or novice.

Most Anticipated: Green Lantern #55 – Lobo?!  Hell yeah!

Other Picks: Secret Avengers #2, Captain America #607, The Flash #3, Madame Xanadu #24, Thor #611, Unknown Soldier #21, Wonder Woman #600

Dean’s Top Picks

Best From The Past Week: Amazing Spider-Man #635 – This was a really awesome issue.  In hindsight, I think we’ll probably find out that it was Kaine in the Spidey-suit, but a comic still doesn’t often hit you in the face the way this one did on the first reading (especially not in this age of advance solicitations, previews and online teasers).  If you ever needed a reason to NEVER click on an 7-page advance preview, this was it.

Most Anticipated: Invincible Iron Man Annual #1 – Besides all the hoopla surrounding this issue because it’ll be released digitally via the Marvel app, I’m just hoping for a good Iron Man story.  Invincible Iron Man has been dull recently and Iron Man Legacy just stinks.  Hopefully this story about the Mandarin will save the day.

Other Top Picks: Batman Beyond #1, Elephantmen #26, Turf #2, Secret Avengers #2, Whatever Happened to Baron von Shock #2