Thor

Starred review from September 1, 2024
The Asgardian best known to modern readers, or at least moviegoers, struts his stuff. With his customary close and spirited take on original sources, O'Connor sets his portrait within a frame story that has Odin's beefiest son--portrayed as a veritable mountain of muscle--relating several renowned exploits in order to earn passage from a cloaked ferryman at a river. In contrast to his depiction in the Marvel Comics Universe, this Thor turns out to be rather lacking in social skills. But when it comes to yarns, he does spin some winsome ones, like the story of how he acquired his hammer, Mjollnir, thanks to one of Loki's schemes. He also recounts how he got the hammer back after it was stolen, by first urging Freyja to offer herself as ransom (her reply: "@#%!!") and then by masquerading as the thief's bride. The author tucks additional tales into his closing barrage of source notes, analytical comments, and personal responses to many of the preceding panels and incidents. He also apologizes for one admittedly awesome view of Thor ripping off an ox's head barehanded; for all the martial overtones, only rarely does the gore or violence turn visually explicit. Most of the deities are light-skinned, but the many giants, dwarves, and other beings display a range of skin hues, along with often having deliciously strange and grotesque features. It's hammer time! (author's note, glossary)(Graphic mythology. 10-13)

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September 1, 2024

Gr 6 Up-Following the very successful Greek "Olympians" series, O'Connor returns with new tales, this time on Norse Gods. Thor, one of the most recognized Asgardians, takes the stage in this tall tale of adventure, mischief, feats, fights, and deception. In need of a ferry ride, Thor encounters an old man who will question him at every turn, and he'll be forced to retell some of his most outstanding achievements, including how he obtained his iconic hammer Mjollnir. Some more recognizable names-Loki, Odin-appear in this story, but they're joined by a long list of characters, places, weapons, and animals that have different, but similar names. That may make those new to the genre scratch their heads in confusion. O'Connor does include a glossary and notes on the historical accuracy of the panels in this book, which come in handy for die-hard fans looking for information and beyond the graphic novel. VERDICT A well-rounded title that will appeal to fans of the titular god and Norse mythology, and readers looking for an action-packed story. A great purchase for libraries where O'Connor's work circulates well.-Carol Youssif

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