Thors #2

Writer – Jason Aaron
Artist – Chris Sprouse, Goran Sudzuka
Inker – Karl Story, Dexter Vines
Colours – Marte Gracia

The issue opens with the funeral of Beta Ray Thor and it is a solemn moment indeed. Someone has struck him down and woe to those that think they can raise a hand against any Thor. So it is that Ultimate Thor continues his investigation into the murder of his partner and the only clue he has is a name, that of Jane Foster. The only problem is that everywhere he goes is a dead end and at each one is a dead body, usually that of a Jane Foster. But there is one man who knows something, maybe two. All that remains is getting them to talk. The Secret Wars book that focuses upon Doom’s peacekeeping force continues with Jason Aaron delivering a very solid and mysterious tale involving murder and corpse desecration and after you read this book, you would not want it any other way. Every Thor you could ever think of and then some are in this book and it is great to see them all in one place as well as the variety and imagination used in creating them. The idea that they are a brotherhood, much like policemen or those that serve in the armed forces, is a great one and that is put on full display here. What is even better is the introduction of a chaotic element into their normally orderly lives. Seeing them try to compensate is quite awesome thanks to Chris Sprouse, Goran Sudzuka and the rest of the art team, as they face Hulks and Ultrons and more, but it is the battle between Ultimate Thor and Thor the Unworthy that is the real highlight. It was unknown if Aaron would bring back him into the book, but it is nice to see that he did and with that, the mystery deepens even further for it seems that Thor the Unworthy knows something, whether it is simply about what is going on or if it is about the time before remains to be seen, but it should be a lot of fun finding out. This is definitely one of the more exciting titles being published at Marvel at the moment and by leaving us on a great little cliff-hanger; it guarantees us coming back for more.

4 out of 5

Invisible Republic #5

Writer – Gabriel Hardman, Corinna Beckho
Artist – Gabriel Hardman
Colours – Jordan Boyd

Kroger Babb and his newfound partner Fran are making their way through the journal of Maia Reveron and are getting impatient, looking for something that will pop out and give them the big break they need for this story sooner rather than later. As the book flashes back to the past we see Maia enjoying her new life and yet, there is discord as she realizes that her cousin Arthur has wormed his way into it, something she thought she was done with and now it seems something she may never escape. The fifth issue of Invisible Republic by Gabriel Hardman and Corinna Beckho finishes with a fantastic ending that opens up all sorts of questions, more than we have answers for and after reading the issue; you have to wonder how it got to this point. The only negative to this issue is the fact that you have to wait for more. There is a bit of action, but the book is built more on mystery, suspense and intrigue, not to mention solid storytelling and it hooks you right in and refuses to let you go. The great thing about Image comics at the moment is their commitment to producing some of the best and most varied books around and this title just so happens to be one of them and the story of a fallen regime and the mysticism behind it all is really too good to pass up. As an added bonus, it all takes place in a science-fiction setting which only adds to the attraction and if you are not reading this book, then you are truly missing out on something special. Invisible Republic is definitely worth your time and money.

4.5 out of 5