Comic Review: Thor (2018-) #5

Last issue of Thor the titular character was fighting in the frozen landscape of Hel. This issue we take a break and move to the future of the Marvel universe. This chapter revisits Thor the All-Father who is trying to save Midgard as the universe comes to an end. Ego the Necroworld is destroying everything it comes into contact with after swallowing an infected Galactus. Now a new survivor emerges. Old Man Phoenix, who is a Ronin Logan with the power of the Phoenix Force, has been traveling the universe consuming dying stars.

After Thor embraces his once friend he asks that Old Man Phoenix help him save Midgard. However, Logan fights back. He says that trying to save Midgard will only make things worse. The disagreement leads to the bulk of the issue where the two cosmic forces fight.

This is a fun issue that brings a bit more mystery to the All-Father stories that have been sprinkled into the Jason Aaron run of Thor. The last page reveals of another survivor also adds an element that some may find ridiculous and bring a smile to others. I myself could not help but smile. Aaron is having fun with the title and trying to capture the spirit of Walt Simonson who had no problems writing the story arc where Thor was Frog of Thunder.

Christian Ward and Joe Sabino provide guest art for this issue. While the art still has the painted cell look to it, it slightly departs from the street art style of Mike Del Mundo. Solid colors and lines give way to a smoother look. The colors have a bit more blended variation in the shading. The combination of colors creates shines most in the representation of the cosmic characters. The colors feel explosive and fitting.

I have to admit I never had a great deal of interest in the Thor All-Father stories myself, but this issue did turn that around for me. Even if the consequences on the present is not there this world Aaron created is fun and engaging. The last page reveal was enough for me to recommend the issue. Love it or hate it, the reveal is worth reading.