Frankly, I never imagined that I would much appreciate this comicbook: How so? A well buggers mainstream series about end of the world, the death of a superhero (Thor! A kind of improbable mix between Schwarzenegger and Asterix in his underwear with a hammer!) So that everyone knows that he will rise again ? But I hate it !!!
But then, "Ragnarok" is much more than that. Indeed, the writer Michael A. Oeming cut the grass under the feet of the player by playing this concept of cycle experienced in the world of comics (death = major event resurrection + = = a double major event many dollars!): In treating the inside of Ragnarok myth, screenwriter dismantles the mechanisms of the "loop cycle" and finally presents a constructive and original look at this principle. Death, resurrection, final fight, any product of meaning, and enriches the story is no longer limited only to a single publishing event.
The character of Thor, totally central to the story, becomes a perfect mixture of monolithic and tragic hero archetype in the Wagnerian tradition. His quest, in the second half of the story arc (the first being devoted to an impressive succession of legendary battles), ends up looking like that of the Grail Perceval seeking, as can be seen in particular in "Excalibur", the head the work of John Boorman: an intimate quest based more on an inner reflection on a series of fights. Therefore, the story switches to a surprising metaphysical dimension, especially for a mainstream series like this and writer known for his designer working (Powers).
Choosing Andrea Divito for graphics is also welcome. This gives the reader very beautiful plates in perfect alchemy between the usual style of comics and a dimension "heroic fantasy" totally in harmony with Asgardian world populated by fantastical creatures and monstrous giants, vast mountain ranges and wonderful forests of ancient castles and colossal sculptures. A real change of scenery dotted with Homeric double-pages!
The end of the story, logical and successful, does not serve in any way the progress made since the beginning, and against all odds, break the eternal cycle, completing to release Marvel Thor a postmodern reinterpretation of ancient mythologies. Hats.
The format presented here is an economical format. If the size of the book is the same as that of a "deluxe", that is to say higher than normal, the inside pages of a poor quality, reminiscent of the old "Strange" ... The cover, very fine, is also fragile and ends not make this version a collector's item worthy of the name. Translation G. Coulomb, once will not hurt, is not catastrophic ...