Thor By Jason Aaron: The Complete Collection Vol. 5 (Thor, 5)

This volume collects Thor (2018) #1-16 and King Thor (2019) #1-4, previously collected in the following volumes:Thor – God of Thunder Reborn4-stars“Thor – God of Thunder Reborn” collects the first six-issues of this Rebirthed series, as the rightful thunder-god returns following the events of the Death of the Mighty Thor.Unfortunately, he’s returned with an artist whose style completely detracts from the story and makes it hard to read and unpleasant to look at.This unfortunately draws attention to the thin plot and witty dialogue, which would have worked perfectly with a more traditional artist, as you’d have been swept along by the pace of the story and the excellent interplay between Thor, Loki (and Thori the dog) – who are now completely given over to the films’ characterisation; they even sound like the film’s actors, as do Hela and the Executioner, as it happens…The first four issues (the opening one being a double-sized one with a short story of Old Man Thor at the end of time, which leads into his own two-part epic in issues #5 & #6) sees Thor the God of Hammers hunting down Asgardian artefacts scattered by Maagog’s attack on Asgardia in the previous volume, which eventually leads him and Loki to Hel where the War of the Realms is heating up, for what would have been a superb self-contained story that actually resolves stuff – while opening up a can of worms for the future.The last two issues continue the Old Man Thor story, as he runs into the Phoenix (“Hey, Bub”) and then another old adversary in what is bound to be a meaningful story once we get to the eventual resolution in however long Mr Aaron’s run will last. This is unfortunately also marred by highly stylised artwork.PS: there is also a sub-plot to the Old Man Thor story involving Ego and a small green worm who challenges him to a duel for the Necrosword. Seriously: a green worm? They might just as well have stuck [spoilers] on his head.So – good but could have been spectacular.Thor – Road to War of the Realms5-stars“Thor – Road to War of the Realms” collects issues #7-11 of the latest iteration of The Mighty Thor.While I was not impressed with the previous volume, the artist has suddenly become more impressive, or I’m in a better mood, or the range of cast and settings have brought something out that has clicked with me, and this book is back to being the one I reach for first, at least the next one will be, as even Dario Agger begins to be worried about where things are going here.This is a full ensemble cast, as Roz Solomon gets a new job, Jane gets a clean bill of health, Loki finds the line that will not be crossed, and Freya finds herself a hammer.All these threads, and more, are skilfully entwined as all the pieces are lined up for the Big Event. We also get a look at how Young Thor found his worthiness back in the day (where he seems to have adopted Chris Hemsworth’s voice).The Unworthy Thor does seem to be getting himself pushed into the corner of being worthy again, and this book is also proving itself to be most worthy.War’s End5-stars“War’s End” collects the final issues of Jason Aaron’s run of Thor - #12-16, though there is a “King Thor” volume to come to end the overall story.The first three issues are set during the War of the Realms, highlighting Loki (secret origin, confrontation with really Old Loki, lead-in to King Thor), Cul Borson (secret origin, secret death, secret rebirth) and Young Thor (secrets of hammers), and two post-war issues clearing up Jason Aaron’s plotlines ready for the next guy’s turn (Malekith in Hel, Loki in turmoil, Jane in Asgard, Thor on Earth), and so on, and so forth.They are all superbly written, and even superbly illustrated even though I can’t stand the main artist here.King Thor4-stars“King Thor” collects the four-issue grand finale to the Old King Thor storyline, and to Jason Aaron’s run on Thor, with plot-elements reaching back to his opening volume that are finally tied-off.This has been an often interesting series, but an often dull one too – War of the Realms went on forever – and this volume sums it all up by being rather dull and overlong. Just read the most recent Loki volume or the Valkyrie opening volume, and then read this; there’s really no comparison.Unfortunately, this is Jason Aaron’s style, or so it appears to me; his current Avengers run is also fairly uninteresting.At least we get an ending here, one that we could see coming, admittedly, and one that could have been done in an Annual or a double-sized issue, but at least it is over.The King is dead. Long live the King.