by Lowell Kempf

While I have become a big fan of cape punk, I’ve found, as a rule, books based on existing superhero IPs are generally pretty weak. In other words, books based on Marvel or DC haven’t clicked for me. 

Thor: Metal Gods by Aaron Stewart-Ahn, Jay Edison, Brian Keene and Yoon Ha Lee has proven to be an exception to that rule.

My understanding is that it started out as an audio book, which might be part of why it works. (I’m also pretty sure the four authors rotated writing chapters) My theory is that different media require approaches and DC and Marvel heroes come with so much baggage. The MCU worked by ditching the baggage and being self-contained.

Anyway, that’s a never-ending topic. Back to the actual book in question.

Metal Gods is a cosmic epic where Thor and Loki have to deal with an eldritch abomination that both of their poor choices have helped get a tentacle in the door to get released. I particularly like that Loki’s involvement was slumming in a rock band in the 80s because he was bored, as opposed to an evil scheme to conquer the nine realms.

Okay, no more spoilers.

There are two closely linked things that Metal Gods does that makes it work. First of all, it creates it own continuity. Tons of references to Marvel’s cosmic setting and alien races but still its own thing. The interpretation of Thor is a mix of the cinematic and comic book version, more cinematic, but its own thing. The second thing is does is that authors make that continuity good.

If you spent your childhood reading lots of Marvel comics like I did, there’s lot of Easter eggs for you to find. However, if you just kind of know Thor is a superhero, you’re good to go. Metal Gods isn’t high art but it is a lot of fun.

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