Editorials
School Library Journal
Gr 10 Up
Thunderbolt Jaxon is a character from British comics who debuted in 1949, and his story has been successfully updated for today's teens. On a hunt for buried treasure, Jack, Billy, and Saffron discover powerful relics belonging to Norse gods. One of them is a belt, and when Jack puts it on, he becomes Thor. He finds out that he is one of the powerful and immortal Aesir, who once ruled the Earth as gods and have no sympathy for mortals. Jack must find a way to use Thor's powers to protect humans, not harm them. There is plenty here to appeal to fans of superhero comics. The heroes and villains are hulking and muscled, and there are numerous fight scenes, with some graphic violence. Jack, Billy, and Saffron are vivid characters with real-life issues: Jack has an abusive stepfather, Billy has cancer, and Saffron clashes with her traditional parents. Muted colors; striking shading; and complex, dynamic layouts enhance the drama.
—Lisa GoldsteinCopyright 2006 Reed Business Information.