Warning! Spoilers ahead for Mortal Thor #5!
Marvel hero Thor has entered his "Empire Strikes Back era," meaning things are about to get dark for the God of Thunder. Thor is in the midst of what is reportedly a three-act saga, and in order to triumph in Act Three, the hero needs to be reduced to his low point in Act Two.
The Mortal Thor #5 is written by Al Ewing, with art by Pasqual Ferry. The saga's latest issue finds its protagonist still acclimating to his new Earthbound paradigm, though the story kicks things up a notch by introducing a new version of a familiar character.
Unfortunately, it’s not a pleasant reunion, as Thor's two human alter egos are set on a collision course.
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According to author Al Ewing, his ambitious Immortal Thor series was Act One of a larger three-act story. Through five issues, fans still have little idea what to expect from Act Two, The Mortal Thor, in the long-term. Looking at Star Wars as an analog can help guide fans' speculation about what's in store for Thor.
The series has already taken Thor's powers and god-tier status, wiping him from Marvel continuity entirely. The Mortal Thor follows Sigurd Jarlson, Thor's human counterpart in this new reality. The Mortal Thor #5 complicates things further by introducing its new villain: Donald Blake, Thor's original human alter ego in Marvel lore.
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It seems Blake wants to take Jarlson's soul, and whatever spark of Thor's divinity remains in it. With the knowledge that this is the middle part of a larger epic story, readers should remember to be patient with The Mortal Thor. Moreover, they should expect it to put Sigurd Jarlson through the ringer.
Star Wars: Empire Strikes Back set the standard for middle parts of trilogies, solidifying it as the point in the overarching story where creators do their worst to their characters, pushing them to the brink of defeat so that they can prevail in Act Three. Marvel fans should brace themselves for the same thing with Thor in the months to come.
Mortal Thor #5 is available now from Marvel Comics.
