Immortal Thor (2023) #1-5

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Issue #1 introduces the new status quo for Thor as the All-Father of Asgard. However, his reign is quickly challenged by the arrival of Toranos, an ancient Elder God of the Utgard-Realm, who seeks to reclaim Earth for his kind. The issue establishes the immense power of Toranos and the threat he poses. Loki appears, seemingly in his usual mischievous role, but hints at a deeper game.

Issue #2 sees Thor confront Toranos in a brutal battle across Midgard. Thor ultimately manages to banish Toranos through a time-space rupture, but the immense exertion puts him into the "All-Sleep." Loki arrives on the moon where Thor rests, asking cryptic questions, suggesting a hidden agenda.

Issue #3 delves into the past, revealing a younger Thor and Loki's encounter with Utgard-Loki and the treacherous trials of Utgard. This flashback highlights the dangerous nature of the Utgard-Realm and establishes the long history and complex relationship between Thor and Loki. The present-day narrative shows Loki seemingly manipulating events.

Issue #4 focuses on Thor's internal struggle and his connection to Midgard. He reflects on his dual nature as both a god and a protector of Earth. The issue also introduces Dario Agger and Roxxon, who are somehow involved in exploiting the situation with the Elder Gods for their own nefarious purposes, hinting at a larger conspiracy.

Issue #5 brings the conflict with Toranos to a head. Thor gathers a new Thor Corps, consisting of Jane Foster, Beta Ray Bill, Loki, and Storm, each wielding Mjolnir temporarily. Through a clever strategy involving the worthiness enchantment of Mjolnir, they manage to defeat Toranos, who undergoes a transformation upon wielding the hammer. Toranos reveals a cryptic message about Gaia and Utgard-Loki before fading away. The issue ends with the ominous return of Skurge the Executioner and Amora the Enchantress, seemingly working with Dario Agger.

Thematic Summary:

The initial arc of Immortal Thor (2023) establishes a grand, mythic scope while exploring themes of legacy, the nature of stories, and the cost of heroism.

• Legacy: Thor grapples with the weight of his new role as All-Father, inheriting the responsibilities and challenges of leadership. The introduction of the Elder Gods and the flashback to Thor's past highlight the long and often violent history that shapes the present. The emergence of a "Thor Corps" also suggests a broadening of the heroic legacy.
• The Nature of Stories: Loki's presence and his seemingly manipulative actions hint at the power of narrative and how stories shape the perceptions and destinies of gods and mortals alike. The series subtly suggests that the events unfolding might be part of a larger, orchestrated story.
• The Cost of Heroism: Thor's battles, particularly the one against Toranos, demonstrate the immense physical and perhaps emotional toll of his power and his duty to protect others. The "All-Sleep" following his victory underscores this cost. The series also hints at a future "greatest trial," suggesting further sacrifices to come.

Overall, the first five issues of Immortal Thor lay the groundwork for an epic saga that blends high fantasy with superheroics, delving into the complex mythology of Thor and Asgard while posing profound questions about the nature of power, destiny, and the stories we tell ourselves.

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