Thor #11 // Review
If you’ve been wondering why Thor Odinson has been missing from Donny Cates’ King In Black event, even though he’s been writing the hero’s solo title, then look no further than Thor #11, written by Cates himself, with art by Nic Klein, and colors by Matt Wilson. Previously, Odinson decided to take a break from being King of Asgard to sort some personal issues out and traded places with his old alter ego, Donald Blake. Blake, himself, was an identity manufactured by Odin to teach his son humility and stored in an idyllic fantasy world when not “in use.” As Thor found out upon switching places with him, Blake had become uncool with being stored away for so long (as anyone would) and went completely insane. Back in Midgard, and juiced up on the power of Jormungand the Midgard Serpent, Don has broken his cane that would allow for Thor to switch back and take control of the rainbow bridge. Now, Blake has set out to bring down all those who have taken on the mantle of Thor, and his first stop is visiting Thor’s old flame and current Valkyrie, Dr. Jane Foster.
Cates had a strong start as a writer on this book, but this story arc might be his masterpiece. Zeroing in on the strange history of Donald Blake (is he technically alive, and if so, what’s the deal when he’s not around?) once again shows the hubris of the gods and how they think so little of the consequences of their actions. Even Thor is shown to have just walked away from Blake, and forgotten about him for a ridiculously long period of time, only switching back when it served his own purposes. Cates writes Thor as a flawed character trying to do the right thing, and often coming up short, which is pitch-perfect for a god that has lived for centuries and still struggles with his “worthiness.”
Cates has also managed something nearly impossible in making Donald Blake a villain: he’s become interesting for the first time in his history. Written as creepy, sad, and scary all at the same time, Blake has become infinitely more complex than ever before. Much like Magneto, you can understand his anger and where he’s coming from, even if his actions and methods are deplorable. In particular, the scene in this issue between Donald and Jane shows that he hasn’t completely lost his humanity but still manages to illustrate how deep down the rabbit hole of insanity this character has gone.
Klein and Wilson continue to grow stronger and stronger as an art team with each issue. Starting out as unlikely picks for the cosmic story Cates was telling, this arc seems to have gotten them into more comfortable territory. They particularly seem to be relishing bringing the unhinged Donald Blake to life, and if the last page of this issue is any indication, they’re going to have a field day with next month’s guest star.
If you enjoyed Cates’ brief run on Dr. Strange (some consider it to be his best work), then this book is the one for you. He seems to be in his element when dealing with magic and all the horrible things that come with it, and he is showing no signs of running out of ideas for the God of Thunder. Jason Aaron’s epic run on Thor was always going to be a tough act to follow, but it seems Marvel chose his replacement well.
