Published On: 2017-06-21 by Marvel
Artist: Valerio Schiti
Colorist: Veronica Gandini
Letterer: VC's Joe Sabino
Catch-up on Last Issue
Previously in The Mighty Thor, Volstagg was on a diplomatic mission when the demons of Muspelheim attacked the dwarves. In his arms, several light elf children were killed during the attack. In his grief, Volstagg took up Ultimate Mjolnir, a Thor’s weapon from a dead universe. Calling himself the War Thor, Volstagg has taken his battle directly to Muspelheim.
In This Issue of The Mighty Thor #22
In his grief and rage, Volstagg takes the war directly to Sindr and Muspelheim. For the first time, the realm of fire experiences rain and thunder. Volstagg, the War Thor, is out of control. He’s willing to destroy the entire realm, soldiers and innocents alike, in his quest for revenge. Lady Thor refuses to allow him to kill innocents, and Jason Aaron sets-up the War of the Thors as Ultimate Mjolnir and Lady Thor’s Mjolnir clash.
What Else Happens in this Comic?
Malekith and Loki make an appearance this issue. They continue the over-arching storyline of the War of the Realms. Malekith is keeping his Legion of Doom inline with visits and reminders of why the war would be good for them. The Asgardians still haven’t entered the battle in a meaningful way.
The Comic's Themes
In the last arc, the major theme was unworthiness of the Marvel Universe gods. Jane shows us again why she’s worthy to wield Mjolnir and the power of Thor. She saves a baby fire demon during Volstagg’s attach on Muspelheim.
How's The Mighty Thor #22's Writing?
The Dialogue
Jason Aaron’s dialogue really shines in The Mighty Thor #22 in two scenes. Sindr’s dialogue about herself is mesmerizing. If it’s true, she’s going to be one of Thor’s best enemies. The second scene is when Jane saves the fire demon toddler. The little guy is more afraid of Lady Thor than it was of perishing off the cliff. Read its words carefully. You can infer there have been many bedside chats about evil dwarves and terrible Asgardian gods in that Muspell household.
Showing Versus Telling
This issue does a masterful job of showing us Volstagg’s state of mind. From phantom children, to bouts of rage, the poor senator has lost his mind and we stand witness to it all.
The Vibe
Aaron, Schiti, Gandini and Beredo bring a cinematic feel to the entire issue. The story itself is epic — a battle between living fire hotter than the sun and a storm born in a dead universe. The artwork is epic from the camera views to the colors.
Comic Art Review
Valerio Schiti is the primary artist for The Mighty Thor #22. He is joined by two colorists Veronica Gandini and Rain Beredo, @rainberedo. This art team is on fire 🙂 The artwork is sure to please all readers. Sindr’s design is imposing. Volstagg is huge, but even he is dwarfed by Sindr. Her form flows. Her sword of fire is deadly. The fire demon designs by series regular Russell Dauterman look great when drawn by Valerio Schiti. It’s a rare issue of The Mighty Thor that has fire breathing sharks.
On the Cover
The cover has a heavy graphic design to it. Sindr looks evil. The Thors look like they are in trouble. I’m not sure why Lady Thor and the War Thor are colored in blues. Maybe it’s the lightning from their Mjolnirs. The color sets them apart, but breaks up the cover oddly.
The Comic Panel by Panel
I’ve liked the Lord of the Rings style map of the Ten Realms since it was introduced many issues ago. In The Mighty Thor #22, we get a full page presentation of the map, and it is on fire. There are two additional full-page panels. The second page is The War Thor versus fire sharks. It is as cool as it sounds. The last full-page panel is Lady Thor versus War Thor. Their hammers are energized and ready for a fight. Between the full-page bookends, is some of the best artwork we’ve seen in The Mighty Thor.
World Building
Inferno Hall in Muspelheim is where most of the story in this issue of The Mighty Thor takes place. Seeking to contain the destruction caused by the War Thor, Lady Thor transports them both to the Yawning Void, a place between places.
Who's In This Issue of The Mighty Thor #22
- Queen Sindr
- Volstagg, War Thor
- Jane Foster, Lady Thor
- Fire-breathing Sharks
- Loki
- Malekith
The Big Question for Next Issue
Volstagg as the War Thor has taken blows from Sindr, her demons, and Lady Thor. Is there anyone that can stop him?
Who Will Like The Mighty Thor #22?
Epic is a word we’ve used many times in our reviews of the Mighty Thor. This issue is among the best. If you like big action with bigger stakes and strong emotion, you’ll enjoy The Mighty Thor #22.
I Need More Content like The Mighty Thor #22
Valerio Schiti was also the artist on Journey into Mystery featuring Lady Sif. There are several stories, and they are enjoyable reads. For more of his artwork, check them out. You can also find a lot of Schiti artwork on Instagram.
Should You Buy This Comic Book?
We waited a very long time to see Sindr, and she did not disappoint. The Queen of Muspelheim held her own against two wielders of the mighty Mjolnir. She's an appropriate cosmic level villain with high aspirations and an army of zealots at her command. I'm hoping we'll see more of Sindr.