As Battleworld keeps on turning, and regions of this patchwork planet give us glimpses of reimagined Marvel stories and it’s characters, there is one constant throughout; Doom rules all.  And to see that his laws are upheld, he has created the Thors, police force to Battleworld.  And it has given us one of the best books to emerge from Secret Wars.

It is a somber opening to this second issue of Thors as the Thors have gathered to honour their fallen comrade, Beta Ray Thor, who was killed by an informant who turned on him in the first issue, while investigating a series of deaths, where victims who have been dead for months are being moved and left for the Thors to find.  Words of farewell are spoken, and a toast of mead is raised for the fallen, and Ray’s partner, “Ultimate” Thor steps forward an utters only one word for his partners passing…..vengeance.

The Thors move quickly, moving from region to region, rounding up and interrogating the more seedy and suspicious characters who inhabit Battleworld, but come up with no real answers except for a name; Jane Foster.  Ultimate Thor investigates a medical center which is the last known place this regions Jane Foster worked, only to find that she has seemingly disappeared and not seen for some time.  While questioning a nurse, Ultimate Thor is told that another Thor is responsible for Jane Fosters belongings being taken.  When he asks which Thor is responsible, he is given his answer with the arrival of Thor the Unworthy; an ex member of the Thors who was stripped of his power.  He gives Ultimate Thor a dire warning; forget the name Jane Foster, lest he wishes to end up stripped of his power as the Unworthy, or dead like Beta Ray.  The two Thors to come to blows, with the Unworthy walking away in the end, reminding Ultimate to drop the search for Jane Foster.

Ultimate then meets up with two of his colleagues, Thrr and Throg, Throg being the medical examiner for the Thors.  It is revealed that all the bodies that have been found thus far all match the DNA of Jane Foster; different versions from various regions of Battleworld.  The investigation takes another strange turn as the trio investigate another body that has been found; this time a man, Donald Blake.  As the three question the latest discovery, they are interrupted by an unknown person who has gotten into their crime scene, and attacks Thrr who goes after him.  Ultimate takes the person down with his lightning, and reveals they have found their first suspect…a man who calls himself Loki.

There are many elements of this book that I am really enjoying.  This is a great detective story with a few intriguing mysteries to be solved; I am absolutely loving seeing different characters from the Marvel universe serving as a Thor, and seeing some familiar past faces (such as Throg).  But what I am enjoying the most is the whole idea of these Thors; there isn’t only one who is worthy on Battleworld, there is a whole force of Thors deemed worthy to serve and protect.  Jason Aaron lays out a great mystery for us, and really brings out the different aspects and personalities of the various Thors in this story.  Chris Sprouse and Goran Sudzuka do a great job with the art in this book; from the dark mood of the opening pages, to the action in the fight scenes, to the various Thors and their varying,  yet similar looks.

This has been a fantastic book from issue one and I am really excited to see where the third issue takes us; what answers are found to this mystery, but also what new questions will undoubtedly be raised.  I encourage anyone who hasn’t read this title to grab the first issue and jump on board – you will not be disappointed.

Story: Jason Aaron Art: Chris Sprouse & Goran Sudzuka
Story: 9 Art: 9 Overall: 9 Recommendation: Buy