Marvel Animated Features - Thor: Tales of Asgard - Warped Factor - Words in the Key of Geek.

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Marvel Animated Features - Thor: Tales of Asgard

Da'Mon Guy continues his look back at the many direct to DVD comic book animated features. This time it's Marvel's 2011 offering, Thor: Tales of Asgard.



Thor: Tales of Asgard is a spirited, swash-buckling adventure that showcases one of Marvel Comics favourite characters in an is an original tale that tells the story of the Son of Odin as a youngster. This direct to DVD feature was released by Marvel Comics Animated Studios, and features the voice talents of Rick Gomez (Transformers), Tara Strong (The Little Mermaid 2), and Matt Wolf (Mars Needs Moms).

Thor: Tales of Asgard is an adventure that takes place before Thor obtained the mighty hammer, Mjolin (pronounced MYOL-neer, the name means “The Crusher“). It's the story of young Thor as he embarks on a quest to find the mythical Lost Sword of Surtur. Not only do we meet a young Thor but the movie also features younger version of all of the central characters that comprise the Thor universe; Thor, Loki, Lady Sif, and the Warriors Three (Volstagg, Fandral, and Hogan) are all included in this animated adventure. It echoes many of the same sentiments that are described in the live action movies, in addition, this animated features serves as a precursor to the first motion picture.

The film describes Thor as a brash youngster who has yet to prove himself, similar to the character in the live action film, however the Thor in the 2011 movie is battle proven but must prove himself in the ways of diplomacy and wisdom. Tales of Asgard does a good job at establishing a connection between the two stories as many of the character traits exhibited in this film can be associated with the one in the live action version. Because of his lack of creditability as a warrior, Thor embarks on a quest to find the mythical Sword of Surtur against the wishes of his father. This course of action begins a chain of events that bring Asgard to the brink of war.

The film is an enjoyable tale that grants a different perspective on all of the central characters that are associated with the Thor stories, with each one of them adding to the level of enjoyment. Despite these being the younger incarnations, the audience gets a better perspective and understanding of the characters that comprise the Thor universe, it even gives subtle clues to some of the events in the big screen debut movie. One of the better aspect of this film is the relationship dynamic between Thor and Loki. Tales of Asgard lays the foundation for the rift that would become between the two.

DC Comics dominates the animated features much in the same way that Marvel dominates the live-action movies, but although not living up to the best of DC's animated features Thor: Tales of Asgard is still an entertaining movie. Hardcore and casual comic fans will enjoy this tale of the Son of Odin.

Da’Mon Guy is a writer and artist. He’s a graduate of Coppin State University and an avid, life-long lover of film. Da'Mon has been actively writing movie reviews since 2011, for a number of publications. Check out more of his work at Examiner.com, where he has published over 400 reviews. Visit his Blog and follow him on Twitter

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