Marvel’s current ongoingThorcomic series has defined by its staggering ambition, and with just a few issues to go, it has offered one of itswildest reinterpretations of the Marvel Universe’s origin story yet, revealing that the oldest gods in creation are all, in fact, aspects of their progenitor, the “Demiurge,” itself, once more radically altering how readers look at the Marvel mythos.
Immortal Thor#23, written by Al Ewing, with art by Jan Bazaldua, tells the story of the “God War,” alongside Thor’s attempt to battle the Kemur, the first King, the Elder God, who embodies the concept of “rule” itself. Notable among this take on Marvel’s cosmic lore isthe notion that these earliest gods were “primordial concept[s] given form.”
From start to finish,Immortal Thorhas offered a unique perspective on the metaphysics of the Marvel Universe, which in the context of a story of the iconic Asgardian god, has lent alevel of gravity to Thor’s journey.
“Immortal Thor” Confirms The Elder Gods Are All Aspects Of The “Demiurge,” Marvel’s Creator God
Immortal Thor#23, Written By Al Ewing; Art By Jan Bazaldua; Available Now From Marvel Comics
The “Demiurge” concept was introduced to Marvel lore over forty years ago, in 1982’sThor Annual#10. Over the course of its run, Al Ewing’sImmortal Thorhas minedThorhistory for some of its most captivating concepts, and melded them all into a grandiose backstory for the Marvel Universe itself, and the Asgardian gods in particular, whose identities and roles are derived from that of their predecessors, the Elder Gods. The direct link back to the creator of the universe, at least in Ewing’s interpretation, makes the Elder Gods even more imposing antagonists.
With only two issues left inImmortal Thor’srun, it is noteworthy that the beginning of creation itself is tied so directly to the end of Thor story, at least this chapter.
Taken from the ancient tradition of gnosticism,the “Demiurge” in Ewing’sImmortal Thoressentially serves the role of the creator god, who seeks to exist directly in the world through its initial incarnations, the Elder Gods, which are extensions of itself. Conceptually, this continues the ongoing theme ofImmortal Thor, a series that has been obsessed with the idea of creation, specifically through storytelling. Now, with only two issues left inImmortal Thor’srun, it is noteworthy that the beginning of creation itself is tied so directly to the end of Thor story, at least this chapter.
By Fighting The Elder Gods, Thor Has Been Battle Marvel’s Version Of God Itself
The God Of Thunder Vs. The “Demiurge”
Thor’s first opponent in the early issues ofImmortal Thorwas Toranos, his own Elder God predecessor, and while the series has taken many detours, and featured many twists and turns along the way, it has consistently drawn Thor back into conflict with the Elder Gods. While Loki’s narration ofImmortal Thor#23 is a sweeping account of the Elder God Kemur’s creation, and his early existence, the action of the issue features Thor and Skurge fighting Kemur, who in the end is defeated, though it is not the God of Thunder who strikes the killing blow.
Instead, that honor goes to Loki, which is an ominous note for the issue to end on;Immortal Thorhas repeatedly emphasized that storytellers are the most dangerous thing to a god. For Loki, the story’s narrator, to become part of the story and save Thor at a pivotal moment is seemingly not a positive portentfor how this story ends, especially considering Marvel Comics has been teasing the death of Thor for some time now, and just announced that Al Ewing’s series will relaunch asThorfollowingImmortal Thor#25, and feature the hero in a very different context.
Thor’s Battle Against The Primordial Forces Of The Marvel Universe Will Have Unexpected Consequences
The God Of Thunder’s Looming Reset
WithImmortal Thor, Al Ewing has largely had free rein to recontextualize and refresh Marvel’s cosmic lore, but that is perhaps because much of it is about to be wiped out of continuity. The series has seemingly been patiently maneuvering toward amajor reboot ofThorcanonand while it remains to be determined exactly what that looks like, the publisher has teased a new paradigm in whichthe Asgardian godsno longer exist.How the Elder Gods, and the Demiurge, fit intoMarvelmythology, andThor’sfuture, are wide open to fan speculationat this point.
