Warning: Spoilers ahead for The Immortal Thor #22!
In the expansive universe of Marvel Comics, Thor is not just the God of Thunder but also a part of a complex family tree that includes multiple brothers. One of the lesser-known figures is Hermod, the speedster sibling, who makes a surprising comeback in a time of crisis for Thor. Fans can hope this return signifies greater narratives for him rather than foreboding doom, but regardless of his future, his appearance in this series is a welcome addition.
The latest issue, The Immortal Thor #22, brought to life by Al Ewing and Jan Bazaldua, marks the resurgence of Hermod, spotlighting him as Thor’s most underestimated half-brother.
Hermod last appeared in The Immortal Thor #12 by Ewing and Valentina Pinti, where he faced a tragic fate at the hands of his brother Tyr, who was under the influence of Oblivion, a cosmic entity representing nothingness. Tyr’s ominous proclamation, “nothing is faster than Hermod,”inadvertently allowed Hermod’s demise by the very essence of nothing. Yet, this same paradox paves the way for his unexpected return in the recent issue.
Loki Steps Back as Hermod, Thor’s Speedster Half-Brother, Returns
Inside The Immortal Thor #22: A Creative Refuge for Hermod
In this issue, Hermod reveals to Thor and Skurge that he has been ensnared in an eerie, eternal city that lies within Utgard—the realm where several ancient “Utgard-Gods”were sent into exile eons ago. Being outside conventional reality, this “nowhere”realm serves as a sanctuary for Norse Gods displaced from reality, which is where Hermod found himself after being defeated by the concept of nothingness. As he attempts to recount his experiences, it’s clear that the nature of this city has warped his sense of time.
Fans are optimistic that Hermod’s story arc will expand, as he has often been overshadowed in Asgardian lore, despite being the son of Odin and Thor’s half-brother. Traditionally, in both mythology and the Marvel narrative, Hermod is portrayed as a messenger for Odin, known for his incredible speed. Yet, in The Immortal Thor, his character has mostly emerged as impulsive, often throwing himself into perilous situations. The hope is that moving forward, his role will evolve and reflect his potential, rather than lead to yet another defeat.
The Immortal Thor Delves Deep into Thor’s Extended Family
A Journey Through Thor’s Family Ties
The introduction of Hermod shines a light on the broader narrative interests of The Immortal Thor, which encompasses the full range of Thor’s familial connections, both by blood and by bond. Under the creative direction of Ewing and Pinti, earlier issues gathered all of Odin’s surviving children, while other chapters, such as The Immortal Thor #5, showcased Thor alongside a pantheon of potent heroes deserving of Mjolnir’s might. This series prioritizes the rich tapestry of Thor‘s life, allowing even underappreciated characters like Hermod a chance to claim their moment in the spotlight.
The Immortal Thor #22 is now available for readers eager to explore this unfolding saga within Marvel Comics.