Kieron Gillen is Thor’s new writer

Thor #604

The November 2009 Marvel Solicitations are out and along with them the news that Kieron Gillen will be taking over the writing duties on Thor for at least 6 issues, starting with Thor #604. Along with him will be Billy Tan on pencils.

I’m not super familiar with Kieron Gillen, writer of Image’s Phonogram and other Marvel titles like Dark Reign: Ares and S.W.O.R.D., but I gotta admit, this saddens me a bit. Not because of any worry about Kieron Gillen but because it’s just a reminder of the sudden departure by J. Michael Straczynski and Olivier Coipelwho had a historical run on the title (just picked it up; AMAZING). We’ve known about JMS’s departure for some time now, quoting from CBR, “the writer had been considering ending his run with the hugely acclaimed book once he saw what he called “The Siege of Asgard Big Crossover Event” looming before him.”

Kieron has big shoes to fill and states on his blog, “JMS’ run has been personified with this slow and careful build, with all these pieces being put into motion. If left to their own devices, they’re moving in interesting ways. The best metaphor I can think of is a chess-game. A grandmaster has been playing and now, in its endgame, he leaves the table. With my handful of issues, I make these final moves. They’re mine, but to be at all effective, they’re a logical extension from what became before.”

I’ve waited for the trades on JMS’s run and will probablly do the same here but with a new $2.99 price tag I could be convinced. The best of luck to Kieron and I can’t wait to see how he picks things up. Here’s the #604 solicit:

Written by KIERON GILLEN
Pencils & Cover by BILLY TAN
Gatefold VariantCover by OLIVIER COIPEL
Has Doctor Doom crossed a line…? And what role did Loki play in Doom’s sinister plans? What did Loki know…and when…? Now, as Thor heads to Latveria to settle the score, only one thing can happen: Thor sitting Doom down and having a serious chat about their feelings. By which we mean, STATE-OF-THE-ART SLEDGHAMMER SKY-SCRAPING SUIT-SMASHING SUPERHEROICS! Billy Tan (NEW AVENGERS) draws the action-packed escapades while Kieron Gillen (NEW UNIVERSAL: 1959, DARK REIGN: ARES, Phonogram) starts his six issue run. Hold onto your runestones, True Believers – things get hectic quick!
32 PGS./Rated T+…$2.99