>>> THE MIGHTY MARVEL MAILER INTERVIEW -- WITH THOR WRITER DAN JURGENS!
There was a time when a Marvel Annual would come out and present a
stand-alone tale that would have little or nothing to do with the
character's ongoing storyline. Not anymore. Take THOR 2000, for example.
Not only does it tie into both THOR #20 and #21, but it also winds up
some ongoing plot lines, while having the God of Thunder face some
pretty stiff competition at the same time! MMM chatted with THOR writer
DAN JURGENS about this essential issue in the Thunder God's ongoing
saga:

MMM: What's THOR 2000 about?

Two things, actually, as it has two different stories. The first story
will serve as a wrap-up to the Jake Olson subplots that have been
running through the previous issues of THOR. So far, we've seen Jake
hunted by the law on charges of burglary, drug running and attempted
murder. Most everyone who knows Jake believes him guilty, the proof is
conclusive, and there appears to be no way Thor's mortal alter-ego can
escape jail. Those difficulties present Thor with a tremendous problem
and conclude in an exciting and unexpected fashion!

As for the second tale, it kicks off a major storyline that will run
through the next several issues of THOR, pitting everyone's favorite
Asgardian against Thanos! It's drawn by Jose Ladronn in a story that
will be a real treat. Both stories tie in quite heavily with events in
the monthly and are NOT to be missed!

MMM: Who's the opposition on tap?

In the first story, Loki. In the second, Mangog and Thanos. It doesn't
get any better than that!

MMM: Word is that Jerry Ordway will be penciling. Why do you two work
together so well?

Aside from the fact that we were cloned in the same Secret Genetic
Facility which currently orbits Venus, we share some of the same
sensibilities about what makes a good comic book. Besides that, I'm
always willing to eat a free meal and Jerry's always willing to pick up
the tab, so we get along great.

MMM: Will there be any ramifications from this book's events?

Major ramifications, especially as we build towards THOR #25!

Your Man @ Marvel,
What with Thor's recent domination in the Wizard Super
Hero Showdown, I think that the time is right for some
decent Thor projects. For example, Walt Simonson's run in
a nice hard cover reprint package of a couple or three
volumes, as well as some trade paperbacks, would be very
welcome. Get on it, by Thunder!

--DP

A collection of Walt Simonson's THOR issues would indeed be a welcome
addition to the Marvel library of trade paperbacks, DP. That's why there's a
good chance we'll see that happening in 2000. In the meantime, all fans of
Asgard's #1 son must check out AVENGERS #22 for some heavy-duty
hammering! And congrats to Thor for winning Wizard's online Super Hero
Showdown!