First, a quick recap.
In the previous installment of Donny Cates’s new cosmic epic, the infamous cosmic entity Galactus crashed down on Asgard (causing both mass destruction, and for the world tree Yggdrasil to become sick), while originally believed by Thor to be an attack, it is discovered that has come asking for help. The Black Winter, the star plague that destroyed Galactus’ original universe back when he was known as Galan, has returned. In a meeting between Galactus’ past and present heralds, Norrin (the Silver Surfer) reveals that during his time serving Galactus he discovered and documented five specific planets for Galactus to feed on if he ever needed to regain his strength. Thor, both looking for adventure and wanting to keep his kingdom safe, decides to travel with him.
However, it is discovered that when Galactus encountered the Black Winter he saw his final moments, and in his final moments, he saw Thor. Not wanting to let his guard down, Galactus promptly infuses the God of Thunder with the Power Cosmic. Thor is now the newest herald of Galactus. The Herald of Thunder.
“Thor #2” then promptly starts right where the last issue left off. Thor and Galactus are scouring the cosmos for the world that the Surfer has foretold of, and the world tree is still in decay. Asgard’s future is still uncertain.
In the first few pages of this comic, Donny Cates and artist Nic Klein truly establish a deep sense of dread for what could eventually come to be for the entire Marvel universe. The malicious and primal portrayal of the Black Winter and what it’s capable of once again shine a light on Cates’ talent for writing Lovecraftian horror as another (very familiar) universe is eaten away. Despite their best efforts, its protectors and Gods are helpless in fighting against it, showing that Thor’s reluctant partnership with Galactus is now all too necessary.
As they travel through the stars to find the five worlds, the conflicts between the two space gods begin almost immediately. Galactus, being the one who gave Thor this new power, can easily take it away. However, Thor isn’t there to serve him, he’s there for Asgard. “I will tell you this once Galactus,” he states. “Though you have named me herald in title and power…I remain a king and a God.”
In this issue, Cates sets up some interesting yet difficult moral questions for Thor. Will his duty to do what is right conflict with the duty to do what is necessary? This question will especially become prevalent due to the fact that Thor’s hammer Mjolnir is still growing heavier by the day.
This issue also shows some of the new abilities given to Thor due to his new position as All-Father and as a herald. He can now talk across the stars through his two ravens (inherited from Odin) and is also able to battle Galactus himself one-on-one. These seem to be playing into the themes of power and corruption that Cates is building up for this run.
The issue ends with a confrontation between Thor and an old, fan-favorite character that will either end in an alliance…or in devastation.
Writing aside, Nic Klein’s artwork is once again a sight to behold in and of itself. So far, this seems to be his best work. His art for “Deadpool” and “Star Wars: Target Vader” was excellent, however here he is putting all his full talent on display here. The images are bathed in an ominous blood-red light, visually foreshadowing the impending doom. Like in the last issue, he uses detailed images sparingly, saving them only for the most crucial moments.
Kelin’s shading and texture perfectly help to build and bring life to the environments that the characters are present in, as well as showing the mood on the character’s faces. There’s a panel in this comic in which Thor turns his head over his shoulder to say something to Galactus, and while only one word is spoken, the anger and contempt on his face are so clearly visible understood that we know exactly what he thinks of his new “master.” Visual storytelling at both its most simple, and its best.
This new Thor run for the new decade is shaping up to be something unforgettable. Issue #2 is sure to not disappoint any fan of Thor, or any fan of comics in general.
Thor #3 hits shops February 21, 2020.