Thor #600
Thor #600 is the latest effort by the powers-that-be over at Marvel to rip the hearts out of Thor fan-boys like me. And you know the worst thing about it? It is the culmination of the best storyline Marvel has published in the past year.
It is clear that J. Michael Straczynski, the writer of Thor who has done an exquisite job of resurrecting him, loves an evil scheme. In issue #600, Loki’s machinations, which have been several lifetimes in the making, come to fruition in a big way.
The story opens with Loki restoring Bor, the father of Odin, in the middle of New York City. Bor goes mad due to Loki’s manipulations, threatening to lay waste to the entire world. This draws Thor into a battle that he realizes can only end one way, although he makes every effort to avoid it. He even calls on the Avengers only to be betrayed by a wicked Dark Avengers cameo. This ultimately forces his hand against Bor, and thus Loki’s trap is sprung which will have major implications for Thor, Asgard, and the Marvel Universe.
[On a side-note, let me get this straight: Thor has the Odin-force, can take out Bor (a god) AND the entire squad of Dark Avengers, yet he gets beat up by the Red Hulk? I'm calling bullsh*t on that entire red Hulk series.]
While it comes at considerable cost, I expect Thor #600 will mark Thor’s return to a more active role in the “real world” of the Marvel Universe as opposed to his Asgardian realm. It also sets up the Asgardians’ possible role in the coming Dark Reign storyline due to the “graciousness” of a certain power-mad monarch. While this is indeed a dark day for Thor and his fans, JMS has created an epic storyline that demands attention.
