The first 80% of this issue tries to “explain” Gorr’s motivation for becoming the God Butcher. Frankly, it was reminiscent of the Midichlorian Star Wars debacle.

The pace was rushed and too many “bad” things happened too fast. I would have enjoyed a single defining moment of badness or about twice as long to explore Gorr’s background.

The last 20% of this issue had some great twists:
• Volstagg has been a slave for 500 years, along with some other Gods…building “something” for Gorr. Godbomb, perhaps?
• Gorr has a little buddy? Wha-?

Neat thing is we dont’ really know exactly when the last scene takes place… lots of potential there.

As for art, I was accustomed to Ribic’s epicness but, hey, Guice is no slouch and the layouts and visual storytelling were good, just not as “epic.”

Solid 4/4. As the solicit says “an interlude” but still integral to the big plot.