Thor: God of Thunder Volume 3: The Accursed (Marvel Now)

by Jason Aaron

[Quirky Cat]

The Accursed is the start of a new Thor plotline by Aaron, so there's a lot going on. If you haven't read volumes one or two, that's ok. Both were good, but not essential for understanding the current plot. If you're looking for the start of the Unworthy Thor plotline, I strongly suspect this is it (Though I'd argue that God Butcher has some foreshadowing as well).



Malekith is released from Hel, where he was kept as a living prisoner (the reason for his imprisonment is in another series). From the moment he escapes (well, really a bit before that) blood is constantly being shed. Apparently he took offense to his people having the nerve to move on without him. Thor joins a small, council approved team in an attempt to end the civil war/stop the wholesale slaughter of the dark elves. They succeed in doing so, but not in the way Thor intended. Thus we have the establishment of Malekith as a long term antagonist for Thor.
I think issue twelve was the standout for me, in this volume (mostly for sentimental reasons, if I'm being honest). It showed Thor's love of Midgaurd and the people in it. We're shown his repeated returns to Earth, for no reason other than that he loves to be here. A pretty decent sized bomb is dropped about Jane Foster, and Thor's reaction was absolutely endearing and very much what I would expect from him. It seems all my favorite Thor moments happen on Earth (ahem, Midgaurd).
Issue eighteen appears to be a standalone – it has nothing to do with the current plot, and it is rendered in a different art style. It's still a fun read of course, but the change was a bit jarring.
I've already read the series that follows up God of Thunder, so I know where Aaron is going with that. Maybe that's why I can see the groundwork he's subtly laying down. Either way, I love it. Keep it coming!


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