Published On: 2015-12-16 by Marvel
Artist: Russell Dauterman
Colorist: Matt Wilson
Letterer: VC's Joe Sabino
Catch-up on Last Issue
Last issue, the first strike in the War of the Realms happened above Earth when the Dark Elves dumped the bodies of their victims in orbit knocking out a Roxxon satellite. The Avengers with the help of Lady Thor prevented more casualties on Earth.
In This Issue of The Mighty Thor #2
We continue the story of Malekith’s first strikes in the War of the Realms. He’s consolidating the lands of the elves. Lady Thor stands in his way but will she be enough to save the Light Elves. Loki is put through a trial of ice. One of our favorite Asgardians, the Enchantress, makes an appearance facing down Malekith.
The Comic's Themes
What’s the true nature of evil? Cul represents institutional evil. He uses Odin’s guard to maintain his own sense of order. Malekith is chaotic evil with a purpose. He wars with the Light Elves to unify the elf nation. The Enchantress is self-centered evil. Her aim is always to fill her own wishes. Lauffey is evil only because the way of the Frost Giants is one of violence. Loki is much like the Enchantress. He’s despicable because there’s always something in it for Loki. His current form also seems stronger magically than previous incarnations.
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How's The Mighty Thor #2's Writing?
The Dialogue
Jason Aaron’s dialogue works on two levels. First we learn who every character is through the words that they use. When Heimdall speaks, you know it’s him. Only the Guardian of the Rainbow bridge with his all-sight speaks like he’s in a day dream while knowing exactly what’s going on. Cul is the school yard bully. The second level is to move the story forward.
Showing Versus Telling
The pacing of issue #2 is excellent. We transition from scene to scene with no pauses in the action. When we need an explanation of events, Aaron picks a secondary character to fill us in. In The Mighty Thor #2, it’s Malekith’s witches that give us a quick recap.
The Vibe
It definitely felt like this issue was riffing on the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It’s too bad Christopher Eccleston didn’t get to play this version of Malekith. The Dark Elf is wickedly smart in The Mighty Thor.
Comic Art Review
There’s a lot of magic in The Mighty Thor #2. It is a Thor comic. The art team, Dauterman and Wilson, gives every magic user their own style of magic. Loki’s magic is green and light-based. Malekith’s slides around like a stringy shadow. When Heimdall waves his hand, the Rainbow Bridge changes from a road to a giant gateway.
Speaking of Wilson’s colors. He uses color to indicate where we are in the Ten Realms. Blue for the frost giants. Pink for the Light Elves. Saturated, bright hues for Asgardia.
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- Mighty Thor 2 Cover
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- Mighty Thor 2 Cover Alt Artyom Trakhanov
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- Mighty Thor 2 Cover Alt Dauterman
On the Cover
This issue we are treated to everyone’s favorite Mischief God, Loki in the midst of battle with Lady Thor. The foreshortening and extreme angle make this covera lot of fun. The colors keep our focus on Loki’s face as Thor is about to deliver a hammer blow.
The Comic Panel by Panel
As we travel around the Ten Realms, the art team keeps us on track by using a piece of a Tolkien-esque map with location names as a background image. It’s a wonderful idea as it unifies the overall story and gives us location markers.
World Building
Lauffey treats us to more of the Ten Realms with a walk down Bloodicle Canyon. The citadel of the Light Elves is under siege so we get a few peaks at the lands of the fey.
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Who's In This Issue of The Mighty Thor #2
- Loki
- Jane Foster
- Thunder Guard
- Heimdall
- Cul Borson
- Malekith the Accursed, dark elf
- Entrantress
The Big Question for Next Issue
Loki always has a side-hussle. What's he trying to accomplish by talking to Lady Thor?
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"I am the Loki who just slaughtered your greatest warriors with nothing but words.
Who Will Like The Mighty Thor #2?
If you enjoy Loki in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (like Thor Love and Thunder), you’ll really like this issue of the Mighty Thor. There’s one panel that’s Russel’s interpretation of Tom Hiddleston. It’s spot on, yet still Dauterman.
I Need More Content like The Mighty Thor #2
If you’re wondering, “who’s this Cul Borson guy”? Check out Fear Itself by Matt Fraction and Stuart Immonen. In that mega cross-over event, Cul is freed from Odin’s imprisonment. It’s the Avengers movie that was never made. It’s one of the best Avengers comics ever and reads like the MCU Avengers were transferred into a comic.
What was I missing?
There are so many characters and creatures in this issue, that I feel several Marvel Encyclopedia entries would have helped me remember everything. If you come to the Mighty Thor from the MCU Thor movies, you’ll recognize enough characters to move through the issue without problems.
Should You Buy This Comic Book?
If you were buying singles, this issue may have been a let down. It continued all of our plot threads from issue one, but nothing original happened. It was a bridge issue between one and three. Verdict. Buy the trade and read the first five issues at once.