Writer: Donny Cates

Art: Nic Klein, Matt Wilson, VC’s Joe Sabino, Laura Martin, and Olivier Coipel

Publisher: MARVEL COMICS

Price: $3.99

Release Date: December 2nd, 2020

For many years Dr. Donald Blake has roamed a region far from Midgard, the spot he once thought home. Now he has finally arrived back to the Ten Realms. Yet, it’s not the place it once was, nor is Blake the man who formerly shared a veneer with the Thundergod. Let’s hammer into THOR #10 and see what terrors are unveiled with one of Donny Cates’ most nightmarish THOR tales to date!

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This issue of THOR, as well as this entire story featuring Donald Blake, is Cates casting a shoutout to all the longtime THOR fans. Readers of Odinson must give Cates credit where credit is due. The research and time put into this story to make it so wildly creative, inventive, and twisted shines through on every turn of a page. Furthermore, the explanation during the battles as to why things are happening and how they are transpiring was rather clever showing Cates’ expertise and passion for this story.

My biggest concern of the issue, as well as this entire story arc, is mainly how Blake can somehow harness the power of the Thundergod but never could before(or at least to my knowledge). Somehow, Jormungand was able to awaken that power inside of him that he never knew was there before. Additionally, Blake was able to steal that same power from Jormungand. Now, this helps explain the “current” storyline well. However, this seems like a retcon that just isn’t sitting well with this reader. Sure, as the Odin Force was transferred to Thor, something happened. But was that enough to trigger all of this? According to Cates, yes. Still, something about it and Blake’s history just isn’t sitting well with this reviewer. Hopefully, more will divulge as the story progresses.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Lastly, I love the dark, twisted nature of Blake that Cates writes. Oddly, it’s this persona that’s in Donny’s wheelhouse. He loves and frankly writes, the tormented soul so well. That’s exactly what Donald Blake appears to be as the story unfolds. Plus, the hero/ pseudo-hero turned villain has always been a trope this comic fan has adored. Cates has done some homework here and has managed to pay homage to diehard THOR fans with Blake, Jormungand, and even down to the page-turner with Red Norvell written in the book. This is such a creative side story compared to the intergalactic, Herald of Galactus, Universe ending, mega opening to Cates run, or the Oklahoma mini. This storyline has personality, movement, purpose, inquiry, and vitality. So far, I’m really digging this story and I can’t wait to see what’s next with Lady Jane!

9/10