I can’t help but feel that a lot of people don’t realize how great a story Fraction is writing with his first (ongoing) Thor arc. I enjoyed the first issue of his run but then I slacked off and only just now went back and re-read that issue, and the next three, all in one sitting. Whoa!!

This book is UNREAL. If you haven’t read it yet, pick up this trade when it comes out. The collected format is definitely the best way to read this story (This is typical of all Fraction books come to think of it)

As this is long form storytelling, I can understand now why some individual issues have left readers with a lukewarm response. However, having read the books all together, I can verify that the story reads incredibly well and is meticulously plotted, and this issue truly sets things off.

Fraction is utilizing Thor’s supporting cast well and proving that the Thor Universe is a sandbox ripe for the most imaginative creators—and Fraction definitely fits into that category. He has wisely returned this universe to its roots: somewhere in the happy medium between fantasy and sci-fi, much as Kirby first envisioned it. At the same time, Perry’s artwork compliments Fraction’s mastery of fantasy storytelling to make this universe seem fresh and entirely new—as if we are exploring the 9 worlds for the very first time.
Indeed, Fraction is serving up a slow burn with this title; but the scope is epic, characterization spot on, and the powder keg that’s been expanding finally goes off. I won’t spoil it; but the payoff is most definitely here in this issue. Nothing could stop me from finishing this arc now.
I honestly wish I had waited a few more months to start reading this cause I’m aready dying for the next issue. If this quality keeps up, this could prove to be a very special run on Thor indeed.