Comic Picks – Week of 10/01/2018

The Mighty Thor by Walter Simonson Vol. 2 TPB
Walter Simonson (w, a)
Marvel Comics

Liz says: Walter Simonson’s run on The Mighty Thor is one of the most influential and highly regarded in the character’s history. The ‘Surtur Saga’, which spans across the first two collected volumes, also happens to be one the greatest story arcs in any superhero book, ever. Incorporating all the elements that make for a great Thor story, Simonson crafts an epic, high-stakes tale that sees Thor fight alongside Odin, Beta Ray Bill, Lady Sif and the Warriors Three to face the evil Fire Giant Surtur. As if that wasn’t bad enough, he still has Malekith the Dark Elf, his duplicitous brother Loki and Hela the Goddess of Death to contend with, and that’s all just in this second volume! Simonson’s take on these beloved characters and formidable villains is a joy to read and unquestionably paved the way for their future characterisations. For fans of the Thunder God (and of good comics in general), this is essential reading. Skip it? I say thee nay!