The fate of Thor in Marvel Comics has been a long time coming. In Thor No. 6 by Donny Cates, the Black Winter showed The Odinson’s death at the hands of Thanos and his horde of Marvel Zombies. Then, at the end of the 2023 Thor Annual No. 1, we see what could be the final days of the King of Asgard. This time, it’s the All-Father cut and bloody with his hammer and an unfamiliar axe (he gets this in Immortal Thor No. 3).
While the God of Thunder’s death has been foretold time and again, it looks like it will stick after what happens in Immortal Thor No. 24.
Immortal Thor No. 24 creative team
- Writer: Al Ewing
- Artist: Jan Bazaldua
- Colorist: Matt Hollingsworth
WARNING! SPOILERS AHEAD!
Since the very first issue of Al Ewing’s Immortal Thor, Loki has been prepping their brother for things to come. As expected, the Odinson was cautious while giving the Trickster God a chance to redeem himself. For a while, it seemed like Loki was being truthful: Thor gained weapons, magic, and skills he’d need to fight elder gods. Each came in handy in the recent story arc as Thor slew two of the most powerful gods in existence.
After defeating Mejed, the hooded one, Thor took a second. The prophecy said that this would be his final stand, but he remained on his feet. He screamed, “I LIVE!” with joy in his voice. As Sif ran to him, the two smiled at each other. Then, tragedy struck from behind by the one person who remains the villain. Loki stabs Thor in the back with an arrow made from eternity itself. But, is this what it seems?
Loki’s redemption story has been a good one since returning after dying in Siege. The parts that people love about the God of Mischief haven’t changed, but the motivation have. Loki tried to do the right thing even when it looks otherwise. For example, when Donald Blake needed to be disposed of (Thor: Prey by Donny Cates), Loki took the job and asked Thor not to inquire how. This way, they wouldn’t have to lie. That’s why Loki killing the All-Father can’t be as clear-cut as it looks. Plus, he’ll be returning in a new series in August.
"The Norse Myths tell of Gods who walked the Earth, doing great deeds for the mortals who believed in them. But Asgard isn’t real, and never was. Nobody’s coming to help. But somewhere in the city... a man is waking up."Marvel Comics
As you can see above, something isn’t right. The gods of Asgard only existed in myths? What does that mean for the world? How does this affect the history of The Avengers? Does this mean that the God of Thunder’s actions are legends instead of facts? Are Thor and Donald Blake destined to share a body again? Will Odin return as the All-Father? Furthermore, did Loki's killing of Thor stop something nefarious from happening?
One thing is for certain: Al Ewing will create another banger of a run. What he's done during this series has reinvented Thor in ways fans haven't seen in years. This writer can't wait to see what's next for Thor and all of Asgard because there's no way it won't be memorable. Stay tuned to Bam Smack Pow to learn what that is.
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