sc's Astonishing Thor #2 review

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    Sentient Algorithms & Shiny Pink Dodecahedra

    Overview  

    The secondary installment of ASTONISHING THOR five part mini series, this naturally follows the first issue, which I also reviewed here. So if you haven't read either, I might suggest a quick look there. This issue carries on Rodi's and Choi's work, and none of the momentum is lost between issues. Stranger's shocking admission and blindsiding of Thor brings us up to speed, and we are treated to another wide angled, wide perspective shot of Thor, against a massive space backdrop. Often I find second issues of mini series is strange, because the excitement of the first issue has worn off, and their might even be a lull of sorts. However in this issue of Astonishing Thor we are treated to the same gorgeous visual treats we saw in issue #1, as well as being introduced to even more larger than life characters, as well as another character that is not only larger than life, but is roughly akin to being as large as our very Earth! Its not Ego either for those of you following at home. 
     

    Plot/Writing 

    This is a series designed for people who may not be that well versed in all things Thor. There is a lot of exposition here, and things are kept rather simple and basic. Don't be discouraged into thinking this lowers the quality of this issue, we are introduced to a lot of clever and interesting ideas. A museum so large it likely encompasses the largest collection of anything and everything ever. A room full of giant Dodecahedra that house even larger objects that can't fit in the mammoth building the Collecter resides in? Gaseous Algorithms of Marados threaten to retcon Thor as he strolls though the Collector's exhibits, the Collector I should mention is wonderfully written, and makes for an interesting foil to our protagonist in Thor. We also get to see more of Wind Goddess Zephyr here as well, and a mystery is duly noted with her presence as so far we have been teased a relationship in the distant past between her and Thor. Standard stuff really, The Elder Collector is creepy and eccentric, he does try to collect almost everything after all, (maybe we shouldn't judge him, some of us collect comics right? Yes better to move on) and Zephyr is sultry and mysterious. Also she surprisingly has a wholesome quality about herself, despite wearing only a bed sheet. Before the bell rings to signal the end of the bout, we are witness to two 'shocking' revelations, and twists. Maybe you could see them coming, but still, they both progress the story and occur somewhat organically. As well as set us up for the next issue holding a degree of anticipation. 
     

    Art/Visuals

    More lavish and lush artwork follows in this issue, I see my fellow reviewers are fairly generous towards this issue in this regard and I am in agreement. If your a fan of Choi you will like this book, if your not, your mind will not be changed here. More space imagery and cosmic backdrops, that serve to highlight the scope and scale of everything. More beautifully drawn figures, a few that try to demonstrate movement and if there is one flaw, as a Choi fan I will draw attention to, is that many of his panels can be a bit static. Still, ever one to justify the why and how, for a character like Thor, I tend to think this is okay. Lots of casual fans tend to like Choi's very pretty art. This will be in TPB form around the time the Thor movie is released.... 
     

    Criticism 

    The same as issue #1, the pacing you might find slow, and unnecessary. I myself actually enjoy the pace, and such two page spreads only serve to give the story an epic feel that if rushed though, would only diminish from the fact that Thor is in space, with an Elder billions, of years old, in a Museum created to hold things so large they require pocket dimensions, plus around characters as large as planets. Maybe it doesn't need all that extra shots of Thor floating in space, maybe its too decompressed, still. Personally I find it serves rather than detracts from the story. Maybe its because I am so dissatisfied with the main Thor comic. You might find yourself bored though, this story is very linear and if you are not a Thor fan, and don't care for such odd and grand characters like the Elder Collector you just might find their exchanges and dialoguer grating.  You either will see this as slow and pointless, or you might just indulge in the gratuity of it all. 
     

    Moments Of: Wow, and Winking at the Reader!   

    If you follow my reviews, I will make it a habit of presenting you with two small otherwise cool moments from the story that will highlight something interesting or cool about the issue. This issue, we get to see what is pretty much a staple of every page, just what I think is a particularly good example of... Mike Choi Artwork! Thats some pretty visual sequencing there innit? The Sun might not shine as powerfully as beardy Thor but still, its pretty pretty as my Creepy Pervert Uncle Cletus, Galan Hulk Smanger says. Second Panel is a funny little meta message. We all know the power of the retcon, and little thunder gods like Thor should fear its power.. 
     

    Choi's Art Ooh
    Choi's Art Ooh
     

    Retcon you Say? Ouch.
    Retcon you Say? Ouch.

     

    Who Should Buy This?

    Fan of the first issue of Astonishing Thor? A Thor fan? New to Thor? Fan of Sentient Planets, and Elders who collects things? Your all covered here. This is a big fun story, thats a bit slow maybe? Its intent is epic in nature and epic I feel it accurately conveys. No momentum is lost from the last issue, and due to my time machine, I can tell you that next issue does pick up the pace somewhat, and hints at just getting more frantic after that, so it would be a shame if you brought issue one, but didn't continue, that is, unless you hated issue #1. Things don't exactly radically change in this issue. Better go collect it too before someone retcons you. 

    Other reviews for Astonishing Thor #2

      Another Thor title 0

      Thor, Ego the Living Planet, Zephyr, and the Collector. Not as huge as you might think.   The Good: Mike Choi is a talented artists, and nothing could ever take that away from him. The art in this title definitely is top notch, although there was one instance where I thought it fell flat. Other then that, it is pretty much perfect. Mix in some beautiful colors and you get this masterpiece, art wise that is.   The Bad: I was overly excited after I read the first issue, for good reason. I thought ...

      2 out of 2 found this review helpful.

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