Thor God-Size Special #1 (One Shot)

Thor became a Marvel icon thanks to the legendary run in the 1960s by the team of Stan Lee and Jack Kirby.

They took a character that started as a standard superhero and built a mythology around him, with a background in the Norse legends - although they were pretty fast and loose with their interpretation. They gave him a noble bearing and a speech pattern like no other character, and placed him in amazing, cosmic adventures that shook the Marvel Universe.

Thor had some excellent creators tackle his adventures after Stan and Jack moved on, including some incredible art by the legendary John Buscema. But no one left a bigger mark on the character, and did a better job of pumping new life into the title, than writer / artist Walt Simonson.

Once again, Thor was a power in the world, with stories on a vast scale, terrific supporting characters (including Beta Ray Bill), and high-octane art.

One of the stories from Simonson's run is the basis for this one shot issue of Thor God-Size Special (my joke the other day was, with a title like that, I thought it would be bigger). (OK, it's not much of a joke, I admit.)

Reprinted in the back of this issue is the story of Skurge the Executioner's last stand, as Simonson gave him a heroic finish (note to comic book writers everywhere - this is how you write a satisfying finale for a character).

The bulk of this large issue is written by Matt Fraction, who has an excellent handle on the Norse Gods, and he turns in an excellent story here. Thor, Balder and Loki are faced with a mystery - why can't they remember who Skurge was?

To find the answer, they must face the wrath of Hela, the goddess of death, and uncover a mystery that could destroy the world.

Each chapter is handled by one of four different artists, including painted art by Dan Brereton and throwback pencils by Mike Allred. Mixing such different styles doesn't always work, but the story supports it well, and all the artists turn in terrific work.

Tipping the scale at 64 pages (for $3.99), this comic is a good deal, and considering the talent on display, a heck of a bargain. It's heartwarming to see Thor back where he belongs - at the top of the Marvel universe pantheon!

Grade: B+