Thor #602 Writer: John Michael Straczynski / Artist: Marko Djurdjevic

With Thor only being a bi-monthly series, it's a amazing that I love it so much, but John Michael Straczynski has the unique ability to sustain my interest for months at a time. Every issue contains a complete, relevant story but also builds to another story, the same way the Lord of the Rings movies did. And just like those movies, Thor gets more epic with every issue.

This issue immediately picks up on last issue's cliffhanger. Thor needs to find his Lady Sif before her host body dies. Thankfully, Donald Blake's girlfriend recognizes something interesting with her patient and lets him know. The problem is Thor is depowered with Mjolnir broken. Dr. Strange was a wonderful idea to solve the problem. Bravo Straczynski! I liked how Thor had to sacrifice a piece himself to fix Mjolnir and that the bind between the two will now be stronger than ever and could have deadly consequences. Thor's readiness to accept the terms spoke volumes of his honor and love for Lady Sif.

The other half of this issue took place in Asgard, which is now in Latveria. Straczynski makes the clever choice of using Kelda's boyfriend, Billy, as the voice of the reader. He's wondering why Balder trusts Dr. Doom the same way we are. I very much liked Balder's explanation too. His people will be happy with the new situation or Dr. Doom will betray them and all his people will have a common enemy. Either way, Asgard will be united and in an environment more suited to them.

Another thing great thing about this issue is that Loki finally returns to his true form. I don't like this new trend of making old villains into women, no matter how hot artists tried to make them. Loki is a man...a tall, lanky, creepy, beady-eyed man. He doesn't waste any time rejoicing in his new body though. As always, Loki is up to his scheming ways and hints that "My happiness is just beginning."

Marko Djurdjevic does a great job with the art in this issue. His use of shadows was incredibly effective in the scenes with Loki. Equally impressive were the panels with Thor and Doctor Strange. Thor was depicted in dire need and Strange looked appropriately mystic. Every character in the entire issue was penciled beautifully. I did miss the art of Olivier Coipel though. His work is clean and epic, whereas Djurdjevic's is a little more dark and gritty.

Thor #602 is another brilliant addition to Straczynski's run. A two month distance between issues does nothing to deter the brilliant story unfolding in these pages. The epic plot is easy to follow, rewarding to read, and leaves you wanting more. Add in the amazing art and you've got the best series on the market.