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Ultimate Comics: Thor #1-4
Ultimate Comics: Thor
Exploding from the pages of the Ultimates, comes Ultimate Thor! Don't miss the superstar teamup of Jonathan Hickman and Carlos Pacheco as they go back to the beginning and tell the origin of Thor, Loki and the rest of Asgard! Ragnorak has descended and Asgard sits at the edge of end. What will become of Thor and the Warriors Three? And what exactly does Baron Zemo, mysterious commander for the Nazis, have to do with it all? Ultimate Comics Thor brings you the untold story of Thor's thunderous debut!
Collecting: Ultimate Comics Thor 1-4
Collecting: Ultimate Comics Thor 1-4
186 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2011
10 people are currently reading
293 people want to read
About the author
Jonathan Hickman
1,220 books2,012 followersJonathan Hickman is an American comic book writer and artist. He is known for creating the Image Comics series The Nightly News, The Manhattan Projects and East of West, as well as working on Marvel Comics' Fantastic Four, FF, and S.H.I.E.L.D. titles. In 2012, Hickman ended his run on the Fantastic Four titles to write The Avengers and The New Avengers, as part the "Marvel NOW!" relaunch. In 2013, Hickman wrote a six-part miniseries, Infinity, plus Avengers tie-ins for Marvel Comics. In 2015, he wrote the crossover event Secret Wars. - Wikipedia
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
September 18, 2018
Fun little origin story for the god himself.
SO if you read Ultimates you're kind of like "Oh we know how Thor became who he is" but really you don't. Was he really a god? This book answers that. We also see the betrayal of Loki and the fall of Asgard. While nothing groundbreaking it was nice to see how it all came together and can see the differences with this Thor and the 616 thor.
Overall a solid little origin story with good art. Nothing mindblowing but a easy 3 out of 5.
SO if you read Ultimates you're kind of like "Oh we know how Thor became who he is" but really you don't. Was he really a god? This book answers that. We also see the betrayal of Loki and the fall of Asgard. While nothing groundbreaking it was nice to see how it all came together and can see the differences with this Thor and the 616 thor.
Overall a solid little origin story with good art. Nothing mindblowing but a easy 3 out of 5.
September 26, 2016
I'm a huge Thor fan and a huge Hickman fan so this is a slam dunk, right? Well yes and no. The story felt a bit short and under developed. The art was good just didn't have enough time with this one.
December 2, 2015
Originally reviewed on The Raving Asgardian
In four issues, Jonathan Hickman has added more to the tapestry that is Thor’s Marvel mythology than most writers ever do. He builds on what was revealed in trickles in Mark Millar’s The Ultimates . His take on the character is part Lord of the Rings , part Raiders of the Lost Ark and part H.P. Lovecraft. It is as refreshing as Walt Simonson’s own seminal run on Thor .
Within those four issues, Hickman brings Ragnarok, an essential story for any writer worth his Norse runes, and kills off the gods, only to reincarnate them into mortal flesh. Thor is the key character in their revival and this responsibility makes him appear unhinged to everyone. This explains the time he spent mental care as mentioned in The Ultimates . He is remembering everything and this is instrumental in repowering him now that he is now part of the mortal plane.
Hickman finds a new role for the Donald Blake persona and his Loki is a character steeped in tragedy. Loki isn’t plain black and white evil, he is much more complex here. He is torn between his birth mother and his step father and his vow to repair his relationship with a parent proved to be his undoing.
These four issues are not enough. Hickman has enough material here for an ongoing series. In fact, I believe, some of these concepts can be repurposed for use in the regular 616 Marvel Universe. Still, Hickman made the most out of what is essentially a flashback story.
Update:
I'm looking to upgrade to a hardcover copy, thus, this one shall be culled.
In four issues, Jonathan Hickman has added more to the tapestry that is Thor’s Marvel mythology than most writers ever do. He builds on what was revealed in trickles in Mark Millar’s The Ultimates . His take on the character is part Lord of the Rings , part Raiders of the Lost Ark and part H.P. Lovecraft. It is as refreshing as Walt Simonson’s own seminal run on Thor .
Within those four issues, Hickman brings Ragnarok, an essential story for any writer worth his Norse runes, and kills off the gods, only to reincarnate them into mortal flesh. Thor is the key character in their revival and this responsibility makes him appear unhinged to everyone. This explains the time he spent mental care as mentioned in The Ultimates . He is remembering everything and this is instrumental in repowering him now that he is now part of the mortal plane.
Hickman finds a new role for the Donald Blake persona and his Loki is a character steeped in tragedy. Loki isn’t plain black and white evil, he is much more complex here. He is torn between his birth mother and his step father and his vow to repair his relationship with a parent proved to be his undoing.
These four issues are not enough. Hickman has enough material here for an ongoing series. In fact, I believe, some of these concepts can be repurposed for use in the regular 616 Marvel Universe. Still, Hickman made the most out of what is essentially a flashback story.
Update:
I'm looking to upgrade to a hardcover copy, thus, this one shall be culled.
November 2, 2013
4.5 stars
The only other thing I can remember reading by Hickman was a few crappy FF comics, so I was sort of surprised I liked this as much as I did.
Ultimate Thor is a bit different from...what would you call it? Real Thor?...anyway, he's different.
I'm a bit burned out on the whole Nazi/occult theme, but Hickman works it well. Especially the final reveal on the man behind Barron Zemo's mask. Very cool.
Thor regaining his memories of Asgard and being a god (he's mortal now), tied in nicely with Donald Blake's true identity.
And at the end you get finally get the scoop on what was running through Thor's head while Hulk was rampaging though Manhattan.
All in all, this one is a total win for fans of Thor and the Ultimate universe.
Read it!
The only other thing I can remember reading by Hickman was a few crappy FF comics, so I was sort of surprised I liked this as much as I did.
Ultimate Thor is a bit different from...what would you call it? Real Thor?...anyway, he's different.
I'm a bit burned out on the whole Nazi/occult theme, but Hickman works it well. Especially the final reveal on the man behind Barron Zemo's mask. Very cool.
Thor regaining his memories of Asgard and being a god (he's mortal now), tied in nicely with Donald Blake's true identity.
And at the end you get finally get the scoop on what was running through Thor's head while Hulk was rampaging though Manhattan.
All in all, this one is a total win for fans of Thor and the Ultimate universe.
Read it!
July 10, 2020
Jonathan Hickman gets on the Ultimates wagon, but as ever for me fails to release the potential that his story telling initially displays for me. Nowhere near as good as Ultimate Comics New Ultimates: Thor Reborn. 6 out of 12.
July 7, 2021
So in the Ultimates by Millar, I always wondered what was up with Thor. Was he really the god he’s supposed to be or was Loki telling the truth. Well, this book gives you the answer to that. Pretty cool read.
June 9, 2021
This was pretty good!
We pick up in EUSS where the Braddocks are investigating a mad man claiming himself to be thor then we switch to 3 timelines. One is the past where we see Loki, Balder and Thor and the brothers emerging victorious then the 1939 timeline when the betrayal happens and Loki leads the Frost giants under a guise to defeat and the present where we see the origins of Thor supported by one of his brother and him becoming an ultimate protector of midgard.
Its a good volume and like has so many great moments that give you chill and the new origin is pretty good and also leaves some clues for things to come and the interpretation of Loki is very different but welcoming and I like the fast paced nature of this story and the art is just gorgeous.
We pick up in EUSS where the Braddocks are investigating a mad man claiming himself to be thor then we switch to 3 timelines. One is the past where we see Loki, Balder and Thor and the brothers emerging victorious then the 1939 timeline when the betrayal happens and Loki leads the Frost giants under a guise to defeat and the present where we see the origins of Thor supported by one of his brother and him becoming an ultimate protector of midgard.
Its a good volume and like has so many great moments that give you chill and the new origin is pretty good and also leaves some clues for things to come and the interpretation of Loki is very different but welcoming and I like the fast paced nature of this story and the art is just gorgeous.
April 23, 2021
”Do you lack faith, brother... or do you believe?”
The best book from the Ultimate Marvel imprint I’ve read so far. Hickman’s unique talent in world-building lets him effortlessly codify Norse mythology, traditional Marvel lore and the Ultimate tone into one thrilling package.
Definitely one of Marvel’s definitive Thor stories.
November 19, 2022
Gran dibujo de Carlos Pacheco, tan dinámico en la acción como le caracteriza, y muy detallista a la hora de definir la imaginería nórdica de esta historia de Asgard; en las ropas de los personajes, en los adornos del escenario... Apenas a la hora de ilustrar la capital del reino queda un poco en evidencia, con un plano general tan simple que parece un boceto de una maqueta. El guión es sota, caballo y rey del origen de Thor con los pequeños excesos de la línea Ultimate. Particularmente esas muertes gratuitas alrededor del protagonista para dejarle libre de "cargas". Hickman acierta al contar apenas lo imprescindible, llenado el relato de elipsis que dan mucha agilidad a la lectura. Aunque el cuarto y último número, que engarza lo leído con lo visto en The Ultimates, es muuuuyyyyyy prescindible.
July 22, 2012
Jonathan Hickman returns to the Ultimates Universe Mark Millar started to fill in some of the gaps in Thor's involvement with the group and how he came by his new outfit and hammer. I read Millar's Ultimates run and though I wondered about Thor's barely mentioned backstory I didn't feel it affected the larger storyline. This book is really for fans who have to know everything about the characters for whom those questions of Thor's Ultimates background have to be answered. But it's also a pretty fun read as well.
The book shows life in Asgard in the good ol' days between the brothers Balder, Loki and Thor, their war with the Ice Giants from Jotunheim, how Loki went on to betray Odin and Asgard, and the storm that destroyed the World Tree - Ragnarok. It's framed with Thor being held by European scientists as they try and figure out if he's a madman or he really is the God of Thunder, and then by the end of the book Nick Fury's shown up and the pieces of the puzzle all slide together.
Hickman does a fine job of showing Thor's bravery and character through the various events as well as show Loki for the villain he is. Asgard feels a bit Roman but there're no real criticisms against this book. It's well written, well drawn, and is a fun read. If you're a fan of the Ultimates or are thinking of reading that series, include this book as a prelude to those books which will ensure a richer reading experience.
The book shows life in Asgard in the good ol' days between the brothers Balder, Loki and Thor, their war with the Ice Giants from Jotunheim, how Loki went on to betray Odin and Asgard, and the storm that destroyed the World Tree - Ragnarok. It's framed with Thor being held by European scientists as they try and figure out if he's a madman or he really is the God of Thunder, and then by the end of the book Nick Fury's shown up and the pieces of the puzzle all slide together.
Hickman does a fine job of showing Thor's bravery and character through the various events as well as show Loki for the villain he is. Asgard feels a bit Roman but there're no real criticisms against this book. It's well written, well drawn, and is a fun read. If you're a fan of the Ultimates or are thinking of reading that series, include this book as a prelude to those books which will ensure a richer reading experience.
November 12, 2012
The backstory of the Ultimate version of Thor. There are three parallel storylines here: events in Asgard eons ago, a Nazi invasion of Asgard lead by Baron Zemo, and modern day, with the current incarnation of Thor. Apparently, Thor had already appeared in Ultimates, which I haven't read yet. This probably explains the feeling that I had while reading this, like I was missing part of the story. It seems that I was. What was here was interesting enough, sure, but I think I might have gotten more out of it with the rest of the story. I'll be honest, I liked that the character designs seemed to be synched to the movie version of Thor, because that's basically all I know of the character.
April 4, 2024
Rereading Hickman’s Ultimates comics (in anticipation of his Reunion Tour in 2024), I fondly remember the twist in this book, and find myself wanting this story to be *more* than it is.
Next to Aaron’s later wondrously heavy metal rubs on Thor, this one seems so thin, wan and sickly by comparison. Taking the concept of telling the tales of three eras, but doing nothing terribly surprising with them, is a real disappointment. A wasted opportunity.
I dunno. The conceit seems pretty anticlimactic, for reasons I can’t explain -
I’m a BIG fan of Hickman’s work, but this one book feels flat to me now.
=== Original review ===
Great origin story for UThor, with some pathos, originality and a few clever nods to classic Thor mythos. This both fills in all the implied details behind how UThor became the god/man that shows up in the first Ultimates tales, and tells a tale of how Loki came to hate his family. Great book that ends where we all began with UThor. For the record, I'm happy that Hickman re-emphasized exactly what kind of being UThor is.
Next to Aaron’s later wondrously heavy metal rubs on Thor, this one seems so thin, wan and sickly by comparison. Taking the concept of telling the tales of three eras, but doing nothing terribly surprising with them, is a real disappointment. A wasted opportunity.
I dunno. The conceit seems pretty anticlimactic, for reasons I can’t explain -
I’m a BIG fan of Hickman’s work, but this one book feels flat to me now.
=== Original review ===
Great origin story for UThor, with some pathos, originality and a few clever nods to classic Thor mythos. This both fills in all the implied details behind how UThor became the god/man that shows up in the first Ultimates tales, and tells a tale of how Loki came to hate his family. Great book that ends where we all began with UThor. For the record, I'm happy that Hickman re-emphasized exactly what kind of being UThor is.
September 23, 2021
Původně jsem Ultimate Comics Thora kupoval pro ucelenější zážitek z Hickmanova Ultimate runu, ale rád ho mám nejen kvůli pár dílkům skládačky do jeho Ultimates, ale i návaznosti na Millarův run Ultimates, kterému tahle jednohubka slouží jako prequel. Hickman vytáhne několik elementů z Millarovy práce s postavou stylem "pamatujete? tohle se vám líbilo, tohle bylo cool, tady navazuju" a odvypráví to ve 4 číslech a ve třech dějových linkách, které mistrně proplétá, takže to působí dobře a ne jen na efekt, jako například v Netflixovém zaklínači (sry, já musel, nedávno jsem si dal recap a nemůžu vyhnat z hlavy jak na sílu ta propletenost působila a zároveň jak zbytečné dvě linie byly).
Pokud máte rádi Thora, přečtěte si to. Pokud rádi vzpomínáte na Ultimates 2: Bohové a monstra, přečtěte si to. Pokud jste fanoušci Jonathana Hickmana, přečtěte si to.
Pokud máte rádi Thora, přečtěte si to. Pokud rádi vzpomínáte na Ultimates 2: Bohové a monstra, přečtěte si to. Pokud jste fanoušci Jonathana Hickmana, přečtěte si to.
July 22, 2019
One of the things I hate about Thor is every comic he’s in, the author chooses to make him speak Gibberish. I have no idea if it’s supposed to be Old English , Shakespearean or Norse it’s just awful. Luckily that isn’t the case for this version, as it’s the ultimate universe.
This feels like the start of something bigger but it’s actually only a mini series, there isn’t a follow up unfortunately. It’s weird because it sets up quite a few things, maybe they’re picked up in other series. It does set something up in the Ultimates, even though it was a brief one and done moment. Unlike most origins, this isn’t Thor getting to grips with his power or learning a lesson. Instead it’s more about him finding his place in the world which I bloody loved, Loki & Odin where pretty good in this as well they didn’t get a lot of attention it was more focused on other side characters who’s names escape me.
This feels like the start of something bigger but it’s actually only a mini series, there isn’t a follow up unfortunately. It’s weird because it sets up quite a few things, maybe they’re picked up in other series. It does set something up in the Ultimates, even though it was a brief one and done moment. Unlike most origins, this isn’t Thor getting to grips with his power or learning a lesson. Instead it’s more about him finding his place in the world which I bloody loved, Loki & Odin where pretty good in this as well they didn’t get a lot of attention it was more focused on other side characters who’s names escape me.
August 3, 2022
Una historia de origen interesante y bien realizada donde quizá destaca más el dibujo que el guión, pero qué se resuelve adecuadamente a pesar de todo.
April 26, 2023
This really succeeds at both feeling like a stand alone Thor origin story, while also being very integrated in the story of The Ultimates. Hickman and Pacheco do a great job matching the cinematic feel of that too, I went through this in one sitting and the pacing definitely fit that approach. I really liked at the end how Carlos Pacheco redid some panels from The Ultimates that was fun.
August 8, 2023
Alright. Nice start to Hickman’s run in the Ultimate universe and I like this rendition of thor. Looking forward to more.
September 29, 2013
OK so it turns out this is sort of the Origin story of Ultimate Thor from the Ultimates...I did read a couple of Ultimates stories so far, and now, having read this, it makes a LOT more sense.
I really like what Hickman has done here...he's taken parts of Thor that seem just too absurd to believe and mixed them into a more believable origin story. In this world, Thor is still brother of Balder and Loki, and son to Odin, but however, Asgard has fallen to Ragnarok in the Ultimate Universe.
In this version, we find out why Loki hates Asgard and his brothers/father so much, and it almost makes him more sympathetic. We also see that Asgard is defeated by the Frost Giants and Nazis, led by Baron Zemo, who controls the Norn Stones, and through a great betrayal.
In this universe, Thor is thought to be insane when he keeps saying he is the Norse God of Thunder. In fact, the European Super Soldier program (led by the father of Benjamin Braddock - Captain Britain) brings in a specialist to take the case of his sanity: Dr. Donald Blake. So if Thor and Blake are not the same man in this universe...then who is Thor? Who is Blake? Which one is sane? or insane?
Eventually, Thor is given a chance to join the Ultimates (after Dr. Braddock and his son, in consultation with Dr. Blake, decide that too much has gone into the program to scrap it now) by Nick Fury. He seems to spurn the offer, and does good work for humanity but leaves the Ultimates to their own business until he and Dr. Blake see the handiwork of a figure thought lost in the mystical past. The final panels are great, showing the Ultimates taken down, and Fury readying a nuclear response, leading to the last panel of the book, with Thor appearing alongside the lightning, striking just like it does.
I love that panel. Badass. I really love how the story nods to the original Thor yet updates it to the Ultimate version. It respects where it came from but tweaks just enough to be different. I really like that to some degree, Hickman kept things from being too 'big picture' like he sometimes does.
Bravo.
***SPOILER ALERT***
Dr. Blake turns out to be a reincarnated Balder, who was slain by Loki. It is Balder's guidance that helps Thor to realize he too is reincarnated as a human.
Loki turns out to have been posing as this universe's Baron Zemo, however he is not reincarnated like his brothers...he is still the Norse God.
The rampage that took out the Ultimates was the Hulk; and the last panel shows Thor literally bringing the hammer down on Hulk and stopping him when no one else could. GEEK OUT!
I really like what Hickman has done here...he's taken parts of Thor that seem just too absurd to believe and mixed them into a more believable origin story. In this world, Thor is still brother of Balder and Loki, and son to Odin, but however, Asgard has fallen to Ragnarok in the Ultimate Universe.
In this version, we find out why Loki hates Asgard and his brothers/father so much, and it almost makes him more sympathetic. We also see that Asgard is defeated by the Frost Giants and Nazis, led by Baron Zemo, who controls the Norn Stones, and through a great betrayal.
In this universe, Thor is thought to be insane when he keeps saying he is the Norse God of Thunder. In fact, the European Super Soldier program (led by the father of Benjamin Braddock - Captain Britain) brings in a specialist to take the case of his sanity: Dr. Donald Blake. So if Thor and Blake are not the same man in this universe...then who is Thor? Who is Blake? Which one is sane? or insane?
Eventually, Thor is given a chance to join the Ultimates (after Dr. Braddock and his son, in consultation with Dr. Blake, decide that too much has gone into the program to scrap it now) by Nick Fury. He seems to spurn the offer, and does good work for humanity but leaves the Ultimates to their own business until he and Dr. Blake see the handiwork of a figure thought lost in the mystical past. The final panels are great, showing the Ultimates taken down, and Fury readying a nuclear response, leading to the last panel of the book, with Thor appearing alongside the lightning, striking just like it does.
I love that panel. Badass. I really love how the story nods to the original Thor yet updates it to the Ultimate version. It respects where it came from but tweaks just enough to be different. I really like that to some degree, Hickman kept things from being too 'big picture' like he sometimes does.
Bravo.
***SPOILER ALERT***
Dr. Blake turns out to be a reincarnated Balder, who was slain by Loki. It is Balder's guidance that helps Thor to realize he too is reincarnated as a human.
Loki turns out to have been posing as this universe's Baron Zemo, however he is not reincarnated like his brothers...he is still the Norse God.
The rampage that took out the Ultimates was the Hulk; and the last panel shows Thor literally bringing the hammer down on Hulk and stopping him when no one else could. GEEK OUT!
February 25, 2017
Clear, clean storytelling, which is kind of hard to find in THOR. I enjoyed this a lot more than what Fraction was doing about the same time.
March 10, 2013
I've only started reading Marvel comics in the past year. So, I've stuck with newer releases that are supposed to be newbie-friendly, like Journey into Mystery and The Mighty Thor. But, once I started, I was hooked. I particularly like the Thor comics, mainly because I love Loki. He's my favorite villain of myth, and now comics. While browsing, Ultimate Thor popped up as a recommendation. I was hesitant at first because it appeared to be another reimaging of his origin. And it is. But, it is also a jumping off point for a new take on the hero.
The book switches between three time lines: The Present, 1939 and Asgard of various eons or ages ago. In the present, Thor appears to be in a sanitarium. They have been experimenting with something designed specifically for him but now suspect he may be crazy because he thinks he's the reincarnated Thor! In 1939, we follow the masked Zemo as he finds the Norn stones and prepares to invade Asgard with the help of a Nazi and Frost Giant army. And, eons ago we see the three sons of Odin fighting an endless war against Jotunheim; but, it will soon end and change everything.
First, I love that in this world, Loki is actually Odin's son and not adopted. It presents so many opportunities to not only reimagine the tale, but to provide explanation for his and others' actions. I mean, why would Odin put up with him for so long when he favored his real sons anyway? Here, he is a real son and it makes sense why he wouldn't give up on his child. It also provides a possible motive for Loki's treachery - a spurned mother. Zeno's army presumably achieves Ragnarok, causing the reincarnation of Thor and Balder - as men. But, we cannot have Thor without his lightning, and the remedy for that is clever and full of possibilities.
Overall, I loved this Ultimate Thor, but am left unsure how to proceed. I want more of the story but since the various character often intertwine, I do not know what book to go to next...
The book switches between three time lines: The Present, 1939 and Asgard of various eons or ages ago. In the present, Thor appears to be in a sanitarium. They have been experimenting with something designed specifically for him but now suspect he may be crazy because he thinks he's the reincarnated Thor! In 1939, we follow the masked Zemo as he finds the Norn stones and prepares to invade Asgard with the help of a Nazi and Frost Giant army. And, eons ago we see the three sons of Odin fighting an endless war against Jotunheim; but, it will soon end and change everything.
First, I love that in this world, Loki is actually Odin's son and not adopted. It presents so many opportunities to not only reimagine the tale, but to provide explanation for his and others' actions. I mean, why would Odin put up with him for so long when he favored his real sons anyway? Here, he is a real son and it makes sense why he wouldn't give up on his child. It also provides a possible motive for Loki's treachery - a spurned mother. Zeno's army presumably achieves Ragnarok, causing the reincarnation of Thor and Balder - as men. But, we cannot have Thor without his lightning, and the remedy for that is clever and full of possibilities.
Overall, I loved this Ultimate Thor, but am left unsure how to proceed. I want more of the story but since the various character often intertwine, I do not know what book to go to next...
August 21, 2020
The reveal in the book was unexpected. Overall this was pretty impressive and was yet another Thor comic I finally actually enjoyed. I liked the art in this too and how it wasn't very dialogue heavy as most Thor comics are.
October 6, 2012
This one was quite good, a 4-parter that seamlessly integrates 3 separate, yet interlinked storylines. Jonathan Hickman pulls it off nicely, as we see Thor "Ages Ago", in a war with the Frost Giants, in 1939, as he and the rest of Asgard are besieged by those same Frost Giants and nazis led by Baron Zemo (whose secret identity I did NOT see coming), and then in "present day" in the short period leading up to his joining the Ultimates in Mark Millar's first arc of that title.
I especially liked how ingenious it was of Loki to plan his escape from "the room with no doors". Very, very clever. Having read the entirety of Millar's original run, I also liked how this book manages to put things in a new light and has me re-assess my impressions of Thor and his supposed mental problems.
And what can I say about Carlos Pacheco's art that doesn't sound cliché? He exceeded my expectations, as I found his art to have improved somewhat from JLA/JSA: Virtue and Vice (and even then it was great) the book in which I first discovered this talented artist.
Bottom line, it's a solid origin story that dovetails nicely with events that long-time readers of the Ultimates are more than familiar with. 4 stars.
I especially liked how ingenious it was of Loki to plan his escape from "the room with no doors". Very, very clever. Having read the entirety of Millar's original run, I also liked how this book manages to put things in a new light and has me re-assess my impressions of Thor and his supposed mental problems.
And what can I say about Carlos Pacheco's art that doesn't sound cliché? He exceeded my expectations, as I found his art to have improved somewhat from JLA/JSA: Virtue and Vice (and even then it was great) the book in which I first discovered this talented artist.
Bottom line, it's a solid origin story that dovetails nicely with events that long-time readers of the Ultimates are more than familiar with. 4 stars.
January 18, 2016
Entretenido, ideal para pasarse un buen rato. No ofrece demasiado como historia que "cuente algo importante" pero vemos un poco más la personalidad de Thor entre los humanos y sus virtudes como Dios devenido a ser humano. Los dibujos de Pacheco son lo mejor del comic, aunque los colores dejan un poquito que desear. El guión: bueno, nada del otro mundo.
February 9, 2021
Reprints Ultimate Thor #1-4 (December 2010-April 2011). Is Thorlief Golmen actually Thor the God of Thunder or is he mad? When James Braddock calls in Dr. Donald Blake to examine Thor, he makes a discovery…Thor might not be delusional. A tale of Ragnarok and an ultimate betrayal leads to events in 1939 that changed the course of the world. The world needs Thor, and the danger coming might be even greater than ever believed.
Written by Jonathan Hickman, Ultimate Comics Thor is a Marvel comic book limited series under the Ultimate line. With art by Carlos Pacheco, the series serves a prequel to The Ultimates Volume 1: Super-Human.
I really liked The Ultimates when it launched and thought both Thor and Captain America were two of the more interesting creations for the Ultimate line. Thor always seemed too powerful in the Marvel-616 universe, and Captain America often felt too bland. The Ultimates managed to add edge to both characters, and with Ultimate Comics Thor, you learn about the events leading up to The Ultimates.
The story essentially has three parts. It has the past in Asgard, 1939 Germany, and present day. By the end of the title, all three parts neatly lock together and the story does flow. One aspect of the Ultimate line is that it was meant to streamline the Marvel Comics storyline and make continuity matter a bit again. While it kind of fell off this approach, this limited series does fit nicely into that concept.
Thor’s sanity was a big portion of the early issues of The Ultimates. He believed he was a god, but he was also potentially mad. I liked the ambiguity of the character and felt it lost a little something when it was determined that Thor wasn’t mad (which was the obvious answer to the madness question). Despite being a little disappointed by this solution, this story works around the ideas of why he was “mad” and how he convinced people to let him be part of a program if he was unstable.
I also think that Pacheco’s art works well with the character. It is a nice blend of realism and comic book style. He does a good Thor and despite the bulging muscles and perfect form, he feels a bit more natural than the Earth-616 Thor he was based upon.
The only problem with Ultimate Comics Thor is that it is short. The story pours out quickly and it is always is a tricky balance to find a comic drawing out events or shortening them. Ultimate Comics Thor isn’t the worst “shorting” of a storyline, but it would have been nice to let the story breath a bit more…Thor could carry his own series on Earth-616 with less dimension, so he could have (and should have) gotten more of an opportunity here.
Written by Jonathan Hickman, Ultimate Comics Thor is a Marvel comic book limited series under the Ultimate line. With art by Carlos Pacheco, the series serves a prequel to The Ultimates Volume 1: Super-Human.
I really liked The Ultimates when it launched and thought both Thor and Captain America were two of the more interesting creations for the Ultimate line. Thor always seemed too powerful in the Marvel-616 universe, and Captain America often felt too bland. The Ultimates managed to add edge to both characters, and with Ultimate Comics Thor, you learn about the events leading up to The Ultimates.
The story essentially has three parts. It has the past in Asgard, 1939 Germany, and present day. By the end of the title, all three parts neatly lock together and the story does flow. One aspect of the Ultimate line is that it was meant to streamline the Marvel Comics storyline and make continuity matter a bit again. While it kind of fell off this approach, this limited series does fit nicely into that concept.
Thor’s sanity was a big portion of the early issues of The Ultimates. He believed he was a god, but he was also potentially mad. I liked the ambiguity of the character and felt it lost a little something when it was determined that Thor wasn’t mad (which was the obvious answer to the madness question). Despite being a little disappointed by this solution, this story works around the ideas of why he was “mad” and how he convinced people to let him be part of a program if he was unstable.
I also think that Pacheco’s art works well with the character. It is a nice blend of realism and comic book style. He does a good Thor and despite the bulging muscles and perfect form, he feels a bit more natural than the Earth-616 Thor he was based upon.
The only problem with Ultimate Comics Thor is that it is short. The story pours out quickly and it is always is a tricky balance to find a comic drawing out events or shortening them. Ultimate Comics Thor isn’t the worst “shorting” of a storyline, but it would have been nice to let the story breath a bit more…Thor could carry his own series on Earth-616 with less dimension, so he could have (and should have) gotten more of an opportunity here.
March 12, 2018
I'm always down for Hickman's writing no matter what. The way he tells stories and his imagination just blows my mind and has never disappointed.
His take on Thor here is so strange, bizarre, oddly unique and takes everything in a completely different direction. Felt like something much more grounded/believable and real. His treatment of some of the characters, in design and all, as well as general themes you're used to in Thor comics can be very off putting here, but when you think about it hard, it's actually super interesting.
The artwork is fantastic.
The issue I had with this was how this short 4 issue story was not a contained narrative for Thor, rather it was a miniscule part to play in the grand scheme of Ultimate comics and primarily The Ultimates. It was basically all set up and establishment to place Thor prominently with a reason in this alternate universe. It's told in a way that relies on you having some background knowledge on the Norse god and Mythology before reading, because I couldn't help but try to think how someone who knows nothing about Thor would feel like when reading this. I'd think they'd be pretty confused and feel taken back.
I'm super interested in the Ultimate universe, so definitely going to be reading more and see how it all fits in together. Maybe then I'll appreciate this one more.
His take on Thor here is so strange, bizarre, oddly unique and takes everything in a completely different direction. Felt like something much more grounded/believable and real. His treatment of some of the characters, in design and all, as well as general themes you're used to in Thor comics can be very off putting here, but when you think about it hard, it's actually super interesting.
The artwork is fantastic.
The issue I had with this was how this short 4 issue story was not a contained narrative for Thor, rather it was a miniscule part to play in the grand scheme of Ultimate comics and primarily The Ultimates. It was basically all set up and establishment to place Thor prominently with a reason in this alternate universe. It's told in a way that relies on you having some background knowledge on the Norse god and Mythology before reading, because I couldn't help but try to think how someone who knows nothing about Thor would feel like when reading this. I'd think they'd be pretty confused and feel taken back.
I'm super interested in the Ultimate universe, so definitely going to be reading more and see how it all fits in together. Maybe then I'll appreciate this one more.
November 9, 2017
I never really got into the Ultimate line of comics from Marvel. I can't say that i have ever been a big fan of rebooting something that has been around for multiple decades especially to the extant that the Ultimate lines did.
Thor is part of the European super soldier program (their equivalent at least). They hit a problem when the man they picked starts saying he is actually Thor reborn as a human. They bring in the reknown, but mysterious, Dr. Donald Blake. His studies show that Thor is actually remembering. He also reveals a few of his own secrets. Deciding to go ahead with the project, the scientists develop special gear which gives Thor some extra powers. One of these devices is a large hammer. This Thor is very eco-friendly (he would have been called hippie or tree hugger in less PC times). But he might have to put saving the planet on hold, when Loki makes a reappearance.
Overall, this was an interesting approach to Thor. I still think I favor the Thor that is based a little more on mythology (not that Marvel worried too much about accuracy to those tales when they first developed Thor either). Still worth a read especially if you can find it on sale like I did.
Thor is part of the European super soldier program (their equivalent at least). They hit a problem when the man they picked starts saying he is actually Thor reborn as a human. They bring in the reknown, but mysterious, Dr. Donald Blake. His studies show that Thor is actually remembering. He also reveals a few of his own secrets. Deciding to go ahead with the project, the scientists develop special gear which gives Thor some extra powers. One of these devices is a large hammer. This Thor is very eco-friendly (he would have been called hippie or tree hugger in less PC times). But he might have to put saving the planet on hold, when Loki makes a reappearance.
Overall, this was an interesting approach to Thor. I still think I favor the Thor that is based a little more on mythology (not that Marvel worried too much about accuracy to those tales when they first developed Thor either). Still worth a read especially if you can find it on sale like I did.
February 25, 2018
El loco que tienen encerrado para ser un supersoldado jura y rejura que es el dios del Trueno,hijo de Odin, hermano de Loki y Balder,...
Hickman nos da una historia potente ,contundente y muy bien armada, con un Thor muy regular...aunque con un Zemo/Loki que se roba la historia, haciéndolo ...¿un poco mas retorcido entre pasado y presente , con un Carlos Pacheco épico que nos da unas paginas que no se pueden olvidar, como esa doble en que los gigantes atacan en conjunto con nazis, así que...¿porque solo 3 estrellas?.
Porque son 4 números, y se arma una historia increíble en los 3 primeros, pero el ultimo es un viaje entre pasado y futuro que no nos da nada nuevo y estanca lo grandioso de los números anteriores...una lastima.
Hickman nos da una historia potente ,contundente y muy bien armada, con un Thor muy regular...aunque con un Zemo/Loki que se roba la historia, haciéndolo ...¿un poco mas retorcido entre pasado y presente , con un Carlos Pacheco épico que nos da unas paginas que no se pueden olvidar, como esa doble en que los gigantes atacan en conjunto con nazis, así que...¿porque solo 3 estrellas?.
Porque son 4 números, y se arma una historia increíble en los 3 primeros, pero el ultimo es un viaje entre pasado y futuro que no nos da nada nuevo y estanca lo grandioso de los números anteriores...una lastima.
December 8, 2016
This is one of several Marvel Ultimate limited series featuring Ultimate origins. We see Thor's backstory at three pivotal junctures; the hidden pieces of the plot slowly fit together to reveal Thor's decision to engage The Hulk in NYC (as previously seen in The Ultimates.
This is good storytelling, weaving the threads we know into the tapestry until the final picture develops. The art is good, and the battles, but it never quite forms up into a great story. A good one, yes, but not a "really liked it" experience.
This is good storytelling, weaving the threads we know into the tapestry until the final picture develops. The art is good, and the battles, but it never quite forms up into a great story. A good one, yes, but not a "really liked it" experience.
May 7, 2019
I have no context for the Ultimates universe so I might have missed things, but I thought this was an interesting retelling of Thor's origin and Asgard's history.
We jump back and forth from eons ago to Thor reborn in the modern age.
Thor wakes up in a laboratory run by the Braddocks and Donald Blake comes in to examine him. They don't believe the story Thor is telling.
We learn Loki has joined an organization that's akin to the Nazis who unite with the Frost Giants, Donald Blake ends up being Balder reborn, and Thor eventually remembers who he is and spends his time helping humanity.
Fury attempts to recruit him for The Ultimates and he refuses until the Hulk goes berserk.
We jump back and forth from eons ago to Thor reborn in the modern age.
Thor wakes up in a laboratory run by the Braddocks and Donald Blake comes in to examine him. They don't believe the story Thor is telling.
We learn Loki has joined an organization that's akin to the Nazis who unite with the Frost Giants, Donald Blake ends up being Balder reborn, and Thor eventually remembers who he is and spends his time helping humanity.
Fury attempts to recruit him for The Ultimates and he refuses until the Hulk goes berserk.
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