Published On: 2017-03-15 by Marvel
Artist: Russell Dauterman
Colorist: Matt Wilson
Letterer: VC's Joe Sabino
Catch-up on Last Issue
The heavens rumble as the war between Asgard and the Shi’ar tears through space. Meanwhile, the Challenge of the Gods rages on. And though Thor has fought valiantly to protect the people of Midgard, the gods of the Shi’ar have a dark and dangerous surprise in store.
In This Issue of The Mighty Thor #17
We continue with the Challenge of the Gods. Sharra and K’ythri winning most of the early rounds as Jane can’t stand the horrors inflicted on the innocent Shi’ar citizens. Jane is learning to work with the Mother Storm to dynamic and cosmic effect. The Asgardians have been summoned to war by Cul Borson and attack the Shi’ar. The Imperial Guard intervene only to be beaten back by the Asgardian ferocity. Seeing that they’ve lost Sharra and K’ythri proceed to burn it all down.
What Else Happens in this Comic?
The War of the Realms slips back into this issue with a flashback to Loki. At Malekith’s bidding, the god of Mischief pulls off only something Loki could do.
The Comic's Themes
Worthiness. More than any other issue of The Mighty Thor, we’re shown why the gods of the Marvel universe are not worthy. Sharra and K’ythri have no qualms about destruction. Shadrak is cowardly. The Asgardians are blood-thirsty. Loki is evil. Lady Thor tries to save the mortals affected by Sharra and K’ythri proving beyond a doubt that she is worthy to wield Mjolnir and a hero of the first order.
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How's The Mighty Thor #17's Writing?
The Dialogue
Something I’ve come to appreciate with Jason Aaron’s writing is all the foreshadowing his writes into the character’s dialogue. On the first read, the words are just solid for the characters. On the second read, we’ve found time and again foreshadowing of things to come. I’ve started to make note. In The Mighty Thor #17, we have at least two passages of note. One is the mention of Gorr. The second is the fight with the Warriors Three and Hildegarde. They say something important. Don’t miss it.
Showing Versus Telling
We are show with scene after scene why the Shi’ar gods are not worthy of their power. Without Jane’s intervention, the gods would have killed millions of their followers with celestrial calamity, sacrifice, plagues and falling brimstone.
Comic Art Review
Facial expressions continue to be a stand-out feature of The Mighty Thor. Shadrak’s facial expressions tell us how the Challenge of the Gods is going. The sadness, terror, and horror experienced by the Shi’ar citizens is on full display. Gladiator’s face screams determination to serve his gods and people in fighting with the Asgardians.
There’s a half-page poster show of all the Asgardian warriors plus the Destroyer armor. Sharra and K’ythri are eager for the battle now, but aren’t ready for the fury of the Asgardians.
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- Mighty Thor 17 Cover
On the Cover
Russell Dauterman’s cover shows us a scene of Lady Thor and the Asgardians flying into danger. I wasn’t digging the Asgardian boats, but on closer inspection, they do have a higher tech design from the side. Mjolnir and Lady Thor are raining down thunder and blood on their enemies.
The Comic Panel by Panel
Russell has made non-standard panels the norm in The Mighty Thor. Page two of the Mighty Thor #17 shows off the artistic talent of this team.
Look at how the panels frame the primary focus — Lady Thor in front of the super nova.
Check out the amazing colors, painting at this point, by Matt Wilson. The super nova flying through space and approaching Lady Thor.
The combination of Joe Sabino’s and Russell’s artwork in a non-traditional, sound effect based panel. Boom or more accurately Kraccagaroom which leads us into page three and the Mother Storm (more painting by Matt Wilson).
World Building
Most of the issue happens either in the M’kraan Crystal Palace or in near Shi’ar space.
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Who's In This Issue of The Mighty Thor #17
- K'ythri
- Lady Thor, Jane Foster
- Shadrak
- Shi'ar citizen
- Sif
- Warriors Three
- Hildegarde
- Cul Borson
- Gladiator
- Kid Gladiator
- Oracle
- Starbolt
- Hussar
- Destroyer
- Loki
- Mangog
The Big Question for Next Issue
What's crawling out of the lava pit on the nameless world?
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Why couldn't Gorr have killed you instead of all my friends?
Who Will Like The Mighty Thor #17?
Fans of cover to cover action, Lady Thor, or this arc in general, are going to enjoy The Mighty Thor #17. Mixed into all the action are great scenes for all of our Asgardia cast.
I Need More Content like The Mighty Thor #17
If you are unfamiliar with Gladiator and how powerful he is, check out the classic Fantastic Four #249 by John Byrne. In this issue, Gladiator takes on the entire Fantastic Four and the X-men all by himself. There’s a reason he’s a good Thor villain.
What was I missing?
There’s a flashback that explains why the Shi’ar gods decided to attack Lady Thor. I would have liked the coloring to reflect that this was a flashback. Maybe a muted color scheme or all blues would have clued me in that this wasn’t happening in comic real time.
Should You Buy This Comic Book?
We're in the middle of this arc. You can't skip this issue. Plus we get a direct reference to Gorr the God Butcher. Thor Love and Thunder here we go. Buy it.