Warning: SPOILERS ahead for Immortal Thor #2!
For over a decade now, Loki has been on a revolutionary journey beyond the character’s role as a classic Thor villain. The trickster recently debuted their new form in the pages of Immortal Thor, with an exciting title and an enticing new look signaling the latest pase in their journey to become one of the Marvel Universe’s central heroes.
Immortal Thor #2 – from Al Ewing, Martín Cóccolo, Matthew Wilson, VC’s Joe Sabino – reveals Loki’s latest incarnation, the “Teller of Tales.”
In a Loki costume straight out of David Bowie’s dreams, the Teller of Tales uses their power to send Thor, seconds from succumbing to the All-Sleep, into the unknown.
Loki’s New ‘Teller of Tales’ Form Is A Natural Progression
After appearing in Immortal Thor #1 somehow wielding the power to restore the shattered Bifrost, Loki arrives at the Gray Area of the Moon to greet Thor at the end of Immortal Thor #2. In a subdued yet emotionally tense conversation, Loki asks if Thor will trust them, as a sibling who loves him. Following the former Loki’s death at the Siege of Asgard, and the brief era of Kid Loki, the Loki readers encounter in Immortal Thor is one with all aspects of their prior selves, while also seeking to become something more. Loki’s new role as the Teller of Tales combines all these pieces of the character into one new, exciting, dynamic being.
Writer Al Ewing has been one of the most consistent creators shepherding Loki from villain to hero in recent years, with his latest take on Thor offering the most exciting step along this path for the reformed trickster yet. Under Ewing’s pen, Loki has flourished as a character who explores gender, and sexuality, while also depicting the character’s overall shift in perspective from an antagonist to a key protagonist in the ongoing narrative of the Marvel Universe. In Immortal Thor #2, the extravagance of the character’s design, contrasting with their bare feet, mixes an air of mischief and high camp sensibilities.
Loki’s Journey As The Teller of Tales Won’t Be Easy
Loki’s title as Teller of Tales may be newfound, but the concept is not altogether foreign. The previous issue of Immortal Thor referred to Loki as ‘skald,’ which is the term for an Old Norse poet and storyteller. This role of skald, as the Teller of Tales, is both powerful and vulnerable. Moving forward, it is clear that Loki, as Teller of Tales, will have a central role in Al Ewing’s latest Thor story, with both characters having to reckon with the appearance of their Utgard-predecessors. The Teller of Tales is the ultimate elevation of Loki’s power, personal growth, and the love that transcends the storm these children of Asgard find themselves within.
Immortal Thor #2 is available now from Marvel Comics.
