Writer Jason Aaron brings his Asgardian epic to a close with King Thor #4, assisted by Esad Ribic on art, Ive Svorcina on colors, and list of guest art teams too long to name. But it’s not just the end to Aaron’s run, it’s also the end to Odinson’s story, altogether. No, Marvel isn’t canceling Thor, and no, he’s not dead, but they have allowed Aaron to peer into the far future, and imagine his final story. Previously, with the universe slowly dying around Midgard, King Thor and his granddaughters set out to find a way to save all of existence. Along the way, Odinson discovered that his brother Loki was still alive, and up to no good. And, as if that wasn’t enough, his old enemy, Gorr the God Butcher, was brought back wielding the powerful All-Black, aka the Necrosword. With Gorr looking to drown the remaining universe in darkness, Thor and Loki were forced to work together to stop him.

Aaron uses this, his final chapter, to bring all of his remaining storylines to a close in Thor, and succeeds for the most part. Not only is Odinson given a proper sendoff at the end of the universe, but Loki and Gorr’s stories are brought to a noble close, as well. In fact, Aaron ends on such a poignant note for Gorr, a character he created himself, that it might be the last time we see him altogether. After all, there’s not much point in adding to a character’s story if its creator provided such a robust and complete arc for him already.

Aaron also proves with this issue what everyone already knew, which is that he is one of the best Thor writers of all time, with possibly the most significant understanding of the character in its entire history. His Odinson is one that is driven by a need to be worthy. He defines his worth by being able to lift Mjolnir, and even after regaining the hammer earlier this year, he still wakes every day wondering if he will be able to lift it. This, of course, is the true measure of a hero--a being that knows that no matter how many acts of heroism you perform, over any number of years, you must still re-earn that title every single day of your life. This is Thor, as defined by Jason Aaron, and it is a truly inspired take on the character.

The art this issue is fantastic. Not only is Ribic turning in some of his best work, but the insane roster of guest artists all bring their A-game, as well. Again, they can’t all be listed here. Still, some of the biggest names in the industry came back to Thor to show different versions of the character throughout the entire history of the Marvel universe (past, present, and future). There is not one page that isn’t filled with stellar art, which is rare in these kinds of artist jam issues.

If you’ve been a fan of Aaron’s Thor, this is a must-read issue. Everything he’s put into his run is present in this final chapter of the thunder god’s story, and it all comes to a beautiful conclusion. If, however, you are one of the people that missed out on Aaron’s masterpiece, told over approximately one hundred issues, for whatever reason, you have shorted yourself hours of entertainment and superior writing. Go back. Please read it all. His original run on Thor: God of Thunder, both of the Jane Foster books, The Unworthy Thor, King Thor--all of it makes for a legendary character piece that will never be forgotten. This final issue is the crown jewel in Aaron’s most worthy achievement, and it should not be overlooked.

Grade: A+