Review: Loki Spins His Ultimate Tale In ‘Immortal Thor’ #7

Loki has been the trickster god, the god of lies, but their most important role has been as the god of stories. In Immortal Thor #7, their newest story might put all of the ten realms in danger.

Al Ewing, Martin Coccolo, Matthew Wilson, and Joe Sabino take the siblings to Hell and back.

Gather around the fire and listen to the tale of the god of stories. Listen to the story of Thor, the god of thunder, and Loki, the trickster, as they descended into Utgardhall. Listen as they face the Utgard-Loki, a trickster of even greater power than the god of lies. Listen as Thor continues to face the reality that his mother Gaea might have betrayed them all…

I’m going to say this first — I missed the previous issue of this series, thinking it was a one-off and I’ll catch up later. I regret that. That issue was clearly vital to this one, so don’t make the same mistake I did. I do respect Ewing for keeping it to a tight two-parter though.

In all reality though, this is probably my favorite book on the stands right now. Ewing weaves a story that feels like ancient myth. It would fit right in with old stories of Heracles, Odysseus and Thor himself. The Utgard-Loki and his minions are frightening, but fit the archetype of Loki themself perfectly. This is more than a Marvel Universe epic and that’s why I’m loving it.

Coccolo and Wilson are a huge part of why this is working so well also. Coccolo’s layouts are engaging, and his inkwash-inspired figure work makes Thor and Loki feel realistic. Thor felt powerful while Loki is mercurial and playful. Wilson’s colors make the road to Utgardhall feel eerie, and the hall of the Utgard-Loki is ominous and foreboding, all just through the use of color.

Sabino is one of the best letterers at Marvel for handling wordy issues. This isn’t a big action story, but so much is happening, and much of it has a rhythm that Sabino is able to convey. He also has fun with fonts and bubbles, making the gods and monsters of the story really come to life.

Immortal Thor #7 is available now from Marvel Comics.