What If…? Thor #1 Review
Today, Uatu the Watcher offers us a glimpse into the multiverse with What If…? Thor #1, written by Torunn Grønbekk and illustrated by Sergio Dávila.
The What If…? concept has been a staple of Marvel since 1977, with periodic reappearances throughout the decades. It has even been explored in several young adult novels currently in publication and an animated show oddly obsessed with Captain Carter has been produced by Marvel Studios. This new lineup of 2026 What If…? stories celebrating the series’ 50th anniversary did not start with this book, but rather with What If…? Uncanny X-Men #1, which was met with a mixed reception by X-Men fans, myself included. I must say that this is a significant improvement, thanks to Grønbekk’s story and Dávila’s art.
Dávila, originally slated to illustrate Ultimates #23 before being replaced by Stipan Morian, a long-time collaborator of Deniz Camp, delivers exceptional Asgardian artwork in this issue. I can see why he was originally chosen to end the Ultimate Universe’s War of the Nine Realms, as he successfully replicates Kirby’s style with a modern sensibility. However, his depiction of the action leaves a little to be desired, and falteres slightly in his portrayal of Knull. Then again, I do not find Knull to be that great of design to begin with.
As far as the narrative goes, I must admit that I’m not much of a Thor reader. Thankfully, though, the focus is entirely on the Symbiote. During the Secret Wars event in the mainstream Marvel continuity—not the 2015 multiverse epic written by Johnathan Hickman, but rather the 1984 toy commercial penned by Jim Shooter—Spider-Man became bonded to a brand-new black suit. This black suit was eventually revealed to be a living alien that had attached itself to Peter. It learned from Peter psychologically and eventually bonded with Eddie Brock after being rejected. They joined forces to form the ’80s Lethal Protector, Venom!
What If…? stands out because it strays from Marvel’s traditional narrative by delving into alternative scenarios. Admittedly, this can sometimes lead to mixed results. However, this story fully embraces the concept and presents a fascinating scenario. Thor is not Peter Parker. The Asgardian God of Thunder is not an average person afflicted with neuroses and driven by a sense of guilt. Rather, he is a deity characterized by profound wisdom and understanding. Therefore, one might expect this to fall into the expected tropes of Symbiote narratives, in which the host is corrupted. However, what we have here is a baby symbiote that learns about worthiness, sacrifice, and choice.
Torunn Grønbekk’s acknowledgment of the significance of “Knull” in Norwegian is hilarious. While the book doesn’t explicitly state it, only hinting at it, “knull” means “fuck” or “fucking.” This explains why Thor and the other Norse gods found it so funny, for those unaware. I could be wrong, but I don’t think it has ever been properly acknowledged until now. I also can’t remember if Donny Cates, the creator of Knull, is even aware of this.
Overall, I found What If…? Thor to be highly entertaining. Assuming they’re of the same quality of narrative, I’m excited to see what the next issues of this 50th anniversary celebration offer.
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