Thor (Marvel Comics)

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This article describes a work or element of fiction in a primarily in-universe style. Please help rewrite it to explain the fiction more clearly and provide non-fictional perspective. (January 2011)
Thor

Cover to The Mighty Thor #272 (June 1978).
Art by John Buscema.
Publication information
Publisher Marvel Comics
First appearance Journey into Mystery #83 (Aug. 1962)
Created by Stan Lee
Larry Lieber
Jack Kirby
In-story information
Full name Thor Odinson
Species Asgardian
Place of origin Asgard
Team affiliations Asgard
Avengers
Warriors Three
Thor Corps
God Squad
Avengers Unity Squad
Notable aliases Siegmund, Siegfried, Dr. Donald Blake, Jake Olson, Sigurd Jarlson, Eric Masterson
Abilities

Superhuman durability, longevity, speed, and strength
Abilities via Mjolnir:
Thor
Thor battles Hercules on the cover of his first self-titled issue, Thor #126 (March 1966). Art by Jack Kirby and Vince Colletta.
Series publication information
Publisher Marvel Comics
Schedule Monthly
Format Ongoing series
Genre Superhero
Publication date (vol. 1)
March 1966 – September 1996
(vol. 2)
July 1998 – December 2004
(vol. 3)
September 2007 – January 2009
(vol. 1 cont.)
April 2009 – May 2011
Number of issues (vol. 1)
377, 18 annuals
(vol. 2)
85, 4 annuals
(vol. 3)
12
(vol. 1 cont.)
23, 1 annual, 2 specials
Main character(s) List of Thor supporting characters
Creative team
Writer(s) (vol. 1)
Stan Lee, Gerry Conway, Roy Thomas, Bill Mantlo, Len Wein, Ralph Macchio, Mark Gruenwald, Doug Moench, Walt Simonson, Tom DeFalco, Ron Frenz, Ron Marz, Warren Ellis, William Messner-Loebs
(vol. 2)
Dan Jurgens, Michael Avon Oeming
(vol. 3)
J. Michael Straczynski, Kieron Gillen, Matt Fraction
Penciller(s) (vol. 1)
Jack Kirby, Neal Adams, John Buscema, Keith Pollard, Bob Hall, Mark Bright, Walt Simonson, Ron Frenz, M.C. Wyman, Mike Deodato, Pasqual Ferry
(vol. 2)
John Romita, Jr., Erik Larsen, Andy Kubert, Stuart Immonen, Joe Bennett, Paco Medina, Scot Eaton, Tom Raney
(vol. 3)
Oliver Coipel, Marko Djurdjević, Billy Tan, Doug Braithwaite, Pasqual Ferry
(vol. 1 cont.)
Pasqual Ferry
Inker(s) (vol. 1)
Joe Sinnott, Mike Esposito
(vol. 2)
Scott Hanna

Thor is a fictional character, a superhero who appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in Journey into Mystery #83 (Aug. 1962) and was created by editor-plotter Stan Lee, scripter Larry Lieber, and penciller Jack Kirby. The mythological Thor had appeared previously in Venus #12-13 (Feb-Apr 1951).

Debuting in the Silver Age of Comic Books, the character is based on the god Thor of Norse mythology. He has starred in several ongoing series and limited series, and has been a perennial member of the superhero team the Avengers, appearing in each of the four volumes. The character has also appeared in associated Marvel merchandise including animated television series, clothing, toys, trading cards, video games, and movies.

The 2011 film Thor, based on the character and comic, was directed by Kenneth Branagh and starred Chris Hemsworth as Thor. Hemsworth reappears as Thor in The Avengers, and Thor: The Dark World is set for release in 2013. Thor placed 14th on IGN's Top 100 Comic Book Heroes of All Time in 2011.

Contents

Publication history [edit]

Further information: List of Thor titles

The Marvel Comics superhero Thor debuted in the science fiction/fantasy anthology title Journey into Mystery #83 (cover-date Aug. 1962), and was created by editor-plotter Stan Lee, scripter Larry Lieber, and penciller Jack Kirby. Lee in 2002 described Thor's genesis early in the Marvel pantheon, following the creation of the Hulk:

[H]ow do you make someone stronger than the strongest person? It finally came to me: Don't make him human — make him a god. I decided readers were already pretty familiar with the Greek and Roman gods. It might be fun to delve into the old Norse legends... Besides, I pictured Norse gods looking like Vikings of old, with the flowing beards, horned helmets, and battle clubs.  ...Journey into Mystery needed a shot in the arm, so I picked Thor ... to headline the book. After writing an outline depicting the story and the characters I had in mind, I asked my brother, Larry, to write the script because I didn't have time. ...and it was only natural for me to assign the penciling to Jack Kirby...[1]

Subsequent stories of the 13-page feature "The Mighty Thor" continued to be plotted by Lee, and were variously scripted by Lieber or by Robert Bernstein, working under the pseudonym "R. Berns". Various artists penciled the feature, including Jack Kirby, Joe Sinnott, Don Heck, and Al Hartley. With Journey into Mystery #101 (Feb. 1964), the series began a long and definitive run by writer and co-plotter Lee and penciler and co-plotter Kirby that lasted until the by-then-retitled Thor (also called The Mighty Thor) #179 (Aug. 1970).[2]

Lee and Kirby included Thor in The Avengers #1 (Sept. 1963) as a founding member of the superhero team. The character has since appeared in every subsequent volume of the series.

The five-page featurette "Tales of Asgard" was added in Journey into Mystery #97 (Oct. 1963), followed by "The Mighty Thor" becoming the dominant cover logo with issue #104 (May 1964). The feature itself expanded to 18 pages in #105, which eliminated the remaining anthological story from each issue; it was reduced to 16 pages five issues later.

Journey into Mystery was retitled Thor (per the indicia, or The Mighty Thor per most covers)[2] with issue #126 (March 1966). "Tales of Asgard" was replaced by a five-page featurette starring the Inhumans from #146–152 (Nov. 1967 – May 1968), after which featurettes were dropped and the Thor stories expanded to Marvel's then-standard 20-page length.

After Kirby left the title, Neal Adams penciled issues #180-181 (Sept.-Oct. 1970). John Buscema then became the regular artist the following issue. Buscema continued to draw the book almost without interruption until #278 (Dec. 1978). Lee stopped scripting soon after Kirby left, and during Buscema's long stint on the book, the stories were mostly written by Gerry Conway, Len Wein, or Roy Thomas. Thomas continued to write the book after Buscema's departure, working much of the time with the artist Keith Pollard; during this period Thomas integrated many elements of traditional Norse mythology into the title, with specific stories translated into comics form.[3] Following Thomas's tenure, Thor had a changing creative team.

Walt Simonson took over both writing and art as of #337 (Nov. 1983). Simonson's run as writer-artist lasted until #367 (May 1986), although he continued to write – and occasionally draw – the book until issue #382 (Aug. 1987). Simonson's run, which introduced the character Beta Ray Bill, was regarded as a popular and critical success.[4][5]

After Simonson's departure, Marvel's editor-in-chief at the time, Tom DeFalco, became the writer. Working primarily with artist Ron Frenz, DeFalco stayed on the book until #459 (Feb. 1993).

As a consequence of the "Heroes Reborn" crossover story arc of the 1990s, Thor was removed from mainstream Marvel continuity and with other Marvel characters re-imagined in an alternate universe for one year. The Thor title reverted to Journey into Mystery with issue #503 (Nov. 1996), and ran four different, sequential features ("The Lost Gods"; "Master of Kung Fu"; "Black Widow" and "Hannibal King") before ceasing publication with #521 (June 1998).

When the character was returned to the mainstream Marvel Universe, Thor was relaunched with Thor vol. 2, #1 (July 1998). As of issue #36, the title used dual numbering in a tribute to the original Thor series, and the caption box for said issue became #36 / #538 (June 2001). The title ran until issue #85 / #587, dated December 2004. Dan Jurgens wrote the first 79 issues, with Daniel Berman and Michael Avon Oeming completing the series.

The third volume debuted as Thor #1 (Sept. 2007), initially written by J. Michael Straczynski and penciled by Olivier Coipel.[6] Beginning with what would have been vol. 3, #13 (January 2009), the third volume reverted to issue #600, reflecting the total number of published issues from all three volumes.[7][8][9] Kieron Gillen took over from Straczynski in Thor #604 with artists Billy Tan, Richard Elson and Dougie Braithwaite,[10] with his final storyline finishing in issue #614.[11] Afterward, Matt Fraction took over Thor in issue #615, after having been announced as starting in Thor #610[12] and #611.[13][14]

To coincide with the Thor film, Marvel launched a number of new series starring the character in mid-2010. These included Thor: The Mighty Avenger by Roger Langridge and Chris Samnee,[15] Thor: First Thunder by Bryan J. L. Glass and Tan Eng Huat,[16] Thor: For Asgard by Robert Rodi and Simone Bianchi,[17] and Iron Man/Thor by writing duo Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning.[18]

In April 2011, Thor once again reverted to its original title of Journey into Mystery with issue #622, reuniting writer Gillen and artist Braithwaite in a series of stories starring Thor's adopted brother, Loki.[19] An ongoing series, officially titled The Mighty Thor, kicked off the same month with writer Fraction and artist Coipel.[20] The series ended with issue #22 in October 2012.[21]

In November 2012, an ongoing series entitled Thor: God of Thunder by writer Jason Aaron and artist Esad Ribic debuted as part of the Marvel NOW! relaunch.[22] Thor is a regular character in Uncanny Avengers (2012), beginning with issue #1.

Fictional character biography [edit]

 This article's plot summary may be too long or excessively detailed. Please help improve it by removing unnecessary details and making it more concise. (December 2011)

1960s [edit]

Journey into Mystery #83 (Aug. 1962): the debut of Thor. Cover art by Jack Kirby and Joe Sinnott.

Thor's father Odin decides his son needed to be taught humility and consequently places Thor (without memories of godhood) into the body and memories of an existing, partially disabled human medical student, Donald Blake.[23] After becoming a doctor and on vacation in Norway, Blake witnesses the arrival of an alien scouting party. Blake flees into a cave after from the aliens. After discovering Thor's hammer Mjolnir (disguised as a walking stick) and striking it against a rock, he transforms into the thunder god.[24]

Defeating the aliens, Thor shares a double life with his alter ego: treating the ill in a private practice with nurse - and eventual love - Jane Foster, and defending humanity from evil. Thor's presence on Earth almost immediately attracts the attention of his adoptive brother and arch-foe Loki;[25] who returns repeatedly to Earth in a bid to destroy Thor.[26] Loki is also responsible for the emergence of three of Thor's principal foes: the Absorbing Man;[27] the Wrecker,[28] and the Destroyer.[29] On one occasion, Loki's tactics were accidentally beneficial - although successful in using an illusion of the Hulk to draw Thor into battle, it results in the formation of the superhero team the Avengers, of which Thor is a founding and longstanding member.[30]

Thor's other early foes include the Red Army;[31] Zarrko, the Tomorrow Man;[32] the Radioactive Man;[33] the Lava Man;[34] the Cobra;[35] Mister Hyde;[36] the Enchantress and the Executioner[37] and the Grey Gargoyle.[38]

Falling in love with Jane Foster, Thor disobeys his father and refuses to return to Asgard, an act for which he is punished on several occasions.[39] Thor's natural affinity for Earth is eventually revealed to be due to the fact that he was the son of the Elder Goddess Gaea.[40] Although Thor initially regards himself as a "superhero" like his teammates in the Avengers,[40] Loki's machinations draw Thor into increasingly epic adventures, such as teaming with father Odin and Asgardian ally Balder against fire demon Surtur and Skagg the Storm Giant,[41] and defeating an increasingly powerful Absorbing Man and proving his innocence in the "Trial of the Gods".[42] This necessitates an extended leave of absence from the Avengers.[43]

Thor also encounters Greek God Hercules,[44] who became a loyal and trustworthy friend. Thor also saved Hercules from fellow Olympian Pluto;[45] stops the advance of Ego the Living Planet;[46] rescues Jane Foster from the High Evolutionary and defeats his flawed creation, the Man-Beast.[47] Odin finally relents and allows Thor to love Jane Foster, on the proviso she pass a trial. Foster, however, panics and Thor intervenes. Although Foster fails the test, Odin returns her to Earth, where she is given another chance at love, while a heartbroken Thor is introduced to Asgardian warrior Sif.[48] Thor battles the Asgardian troll Ulik for the first time when Ulik attempts to steal Mjolnir;[49] defeats Avengers foe Kang the Conqueror[50] and the alien Super-Skrull[51] and with Odin and his Asgardian allies, engages in a battle to the death with the Enchanters Three.[52]

Despite repeated attempts by Loki to destroy Thor with a series of past and new foes, Thor is victorious, and even avoids being claimed by Asgardian death goddess Hela.[53] The thunder god returns to Asgard to prevent Mangog from drawing the Odinsword and ending the universe;[54] learns the origin of the cosmic entity Galactus (and encounters Ego once again);[55] and stops the childlike Him (who would eventually become Adam Warlock) from kidnapping Sif.[56]

1970s [edit]

Thor battles Surtur once again when the fire demon attempts to storm Asgard (with Loki, temporarily seizing power courtesy of the Odin Ring);[57] encounters the entity the Stranger and his pawn the Abomination[58] and overpowers an outmatched Doctor Doom.[59] Thor only returns to Earth sporadically, forced to deal with a constant wave of Asgardian (e.g., Mangog;[60] Ulik[61]); godly (e.g. Pluto;[62]) and cosmic threats (e.g., Infinity;[63] Xorr[64]).

Courtesy of the manipulation of the Elder of the Universe the Collector,[65] Thor is present to aid the Avengers against their greatest foes (Graviton;[66] Ultron;[67] Count Nefaria[68] and ultimately Korvac[69]). Thor prevents another attempt by Mangog — disguised as Odin — to draw the Odinsword;[70] is saved by the intervention of ally Volstagg when the "Odin Force" became a semi-sentient destructive force[71] and is rescued from death when Odin engineeres a false Ragnarök (the "Twilight of the Gods") and has reporter Red Norvell die in his place battling the Midgard Serpent.[72] Thor later encounters the Eye of Odin, the eye Odin gave up for drinking from the Well of Mimir, increasing his wisdom. It has grown and gained sentience. Thor finds there was another Asgard before his, involving a red-haired Thor.[73]

1980s [edit]

Thor eventually confronts the threat of the Celestial Fourth Host, and after an extended series of encounters learns of the apparent true origin of Asgard and Odin's plans to defend Earth from the alien judges. Despite the attempt by Odin to stop the Celestials by occupying the Destroyer armor (now 2,000 feet tall as holding the life essence of every Asgardian) and wielding the Odinsword (and aided by the Uni-Mind, an entity composed of the Eternals) and Thor himself, the aliens depart when presented with an offering by Gaea on behalf of the "Skymothers" (e.g. Frigga and Hera) of twelve perfect humans. Thor also learns Gaea was his birth mother.[74]

After restoring the Asgardian gods (courtesy of a gathering of energies donated by Skyfathers from other pantheons)[75] Thor has a series of adventures on Earth, including encountering two Heralds of Galactus in swift succession;[76] stopping Mephisto from taking human souls;[77] clearing his name when framed by Asgardian god of war Tyr;[78] aiding Drax the Destroyer;[79] with ally Iron Man defeating the Bi-Beast and Man-Beast;[80] engaging the former king of Nastrond Fafnir (transformed by Odin into a dragon) in combat when freed by Loki[81] and battling Dracula.[82] Thor also learned of the existence of the "God Eater", a creature summoned when the death gods of several pantheons temporarily merge their realms. Thor thwarts the creature - revealed to be in humanoid guise Atum, the son of Gaea, and therefore Thor's half-brother - and ensures the cosmic balance is restored.[83]

While exploring an approaching space vessel at the request of Nick Fury, Thor encounters Beta Ray Bill, who after a brief battle, proved himself worthy of lifting Thor's hammer Mjolnir. After initial misunderstandings, Bill forms an alliance with the Asgardian gods, and is empowered by Odin to aid Thor and his allies in a war with an approaching army of demon,s[84] which is revealed to be led by fire demon Surtur, now wielding "Twilight", the gigantic "Sword of Doom". After a series of extended battles - including a battle to the death with Fafnir and thwarting the Dark Elf Malekith — the gods are finally triumphant, although during combat Odin and Surtur disappear through a rift and are presumed dead.[85]

Thor remains in Asgard to deal with the vacuum left by Odin's apparent death, and drives off Hela;[86] meets Tiwaz, his great-grandfather;[87][88] forces Loki to cure him from the effects of a love potion;[89] with allies enters Hela's realm and rescues lost mortal souls.[90] Returning to Earth, Thor and Beta Ray Bill defeate the transformed Dark Elf Kurse,[91] although Loki also uses the power of Surtur's discarded sword to change Thor into a frog. After an adventure in Central Park, Thor manages to partially restore himself and then forces Loki to reverse the spell.[92] While rescuing X-Factor member Angel from torture by the mercenary team the Marauders, Thor is cursed by Hela, who makes his bones as brittle as glass and unable to heal if damaged; and renderes him truly immortal and unable to die no matter how severe his injuries.[93] Thor is injured again during a battle with the Absorbing Man (engineered by Loki),[94] and is ultimately saved by Loki during a battle with the Dark Elves.[95]

Eventually forced to wear armor to protect his broken body, Thor and Loki defeate a group of Ice Giants, who seek revenge by trying to locate the Midgard Serpent, hoping it would kill the thunder god. The Giants instead find the dragon Fin Fang Foom, who is revealed to be the Midgard Serpent in disguise. Time slows as the pair - mortal enemies due to prophecy that stated they would kill each other during Ragnarök — battle to the death. Thor kills the Serpent, although his body is completely pulverized. Loki restores the Destroyer, and after killing the Ice Giants finds Thor's now liquid form. The Destroyer attempts to disintegrate the thunder god but can not do so due to Hela's curse. Thor assumes mental control of the Destroyer, and forces Hela on pain of death to restore his true form. The thunder god then breaks Loki's arm as punishment for his actions.[96]

1990s [edit]

After another encounter with the Celestials on an alien world;[97] Thor finds Odin — a captive of Seth — and uses the Odinpower to fend off a returning Surtur;[98] defeats Annihilus while Asgard is in the Negative Zone[99] and on Earth battles X-Men foe the Juggernaut[100] and many other opponents. When Thor kills Loki in single combat, Thor is banished by the Asgardian Heimdall (acting as temporary ruler of Asgard while Odin entered the Odinsleep) and replaced by the mortal Eric Masterson, who became the hero Thunderstrike. When Odin awakes, Thor is forgiven and returned.[101] During a battle Thor is driven into a "warrior's madness" by a Valkyrie. After overpowering everyone who attempts to stop his rampage, Thor is brought by the Eternal Thanos before Odin, who cures his son of the madness.[102]

Thor, together with Avengers, Fantastic Four and other heroes, is trapped in alternate universe after defeating the villain Onslaught. The heroes live alternate lives for a year in what is revealed to be an artificial creation until returning to their own universe.[103] Thor rejoins the Avengers,[104] and with several members of the team, battles the Destroyer. Thor is saved by an enigmatic being called Marnot, who binds the life-force of a mortal called Jake Olson to the thunder god.[105] Thor enters into a war with the Dark Gods (with Marnot revealed to be Hescamer, one of Odin's ravens);[106] battls the returning Enchanters Three[107] and enters into a prolonged struggle against Thanos when he seeks to remake the universe.[108]

2000s [edit]

Thor vol. three #1 showing the character's redesigned look by Oliver Coipel.

When Odin dies in battle against Surtur, Thor becomes ruler of Asgard. The thunder god extends his rule to Earth, with major repercussions. Thor and the Asgardians slay or imprison those who oppose them, including a young religious mutant called Davis; Zarrko the Tomorrow Man; Perrikus of the Dark Gods; the U.S. Government, and even his fellow Avengers. Thor marries Amora (the Enchantress), and has a son, Magni, who upon reaching adulthood doubts his father's judgment. Wracked with guilt, Thor is drawn into battle with his former ally Tarene and the Destroyer (occupied by former foe Desak), and reverses these events via time travel.[109]

When the timeline is reset, Loki revives Surtur, who forges new uru hammers for Loki's Storm Giant followers and began Ragnarök. Thor learns that Ragnarok was the result of the self-styled "gods to the gods" known as Those Who Sit Above in Shadow, who feed on the cycle. Thor confronts the Norns (Fates), and severes the tapestry of Asgard's existence. After breaking the Ragnarok cycle and being advised by the Odinforce that this was his father's plan, Thor enters into hibernation. With his fate unknown to the Avengers, he is believed to be missing in action.[110]

Thor's hammer Mjolnir is eventually found on Earth and put under U.S. Army protection. When the supervillain Doctor Doom escapes from Hell, Mjolnir falls through the dimensional plane, and Doom tries unsuccessfully to lift the hammer. Mjolnir then comes into the possession of a man carrying a bag with the initials "D.B".[111] Donald Blake, upon touching the hammer Mjolnir, is transported to the void of non-existence in which Thor resides. Blake explains that when Odin originally removed the Blake persona from Thor,[112] Blake was consigned to the void that Thor now inhabited. With Odin's death, however, Blake was suddenly restored into being in New York City. Blake convinces Thor to wield Mjolnir once more, return to Earth, and renew the dual identity with Blake. Blake also reveales that Thor's fellow Asgardians still live in the minds and hearts of mortals, and only needed to be found and released.[113]

In the third volume of the Thor ongoing series, which was launched in 2007 by writer J. Michael Straczynski, Thor rebuilds Asgard over Broxton, Oklahoma,[114][115][116] and learns of the events that occurred during the 2006-2007 "Civil War" storyline, in which the U.S. government passed the Superhuman Registration Act, requiring all persons with superhuman abilities to register with the government or be subject to imprisonment. The superhero community was split over this law, which led to conflict between the two sides. Furthermore, Iron Man, who became the de facto leader and public face of the pro-registration forces, hunted and imprisoned their mutual former comrades who had joined the anti-registration side, led by Captain America. Iron Man and others also used Thor's DNA to create a clone of him to serve him in this campaign,[117] for which Thor is greatly angered.[116][118] When Iron Man confronts Thor over the latter's bringing Asgard to Oklahoma, and tells him that he himself must register with the government, Thor easily dispatches Iron Man, and tells him that anyone who attempts to approach Asgard uninvited will be dealt with mercilessly. As a compromise to keep the U.S. government from losing face, Iron Man suggests that since Asgard hovers above the ground, it can be regarded as diplomatic embassy or mission separate from the United States and not bound by the Registration Act. Though Thor accepts this,[118] his and Captain America's animosity toward Stark would persist until the conclusion of the 2010-2011 Avengers Prime miniseries.[119] Thor searches for his fellow Asgardians, and restores each of them,[120] with the exception of Sif, who had been trapped in the body of an old woman dying of cancer, her real form stolen by Loki. Thor also locates Odin in a limbo between life and death, waging constant battle with Surtur. Odin advises his son that Thor must lead the Asgardians.[121][122]

During the 2008 "Secret Invasion" storyline, Thor rescues and heals Beta Ray Bill, who after being temporarily given Mjolnir, aids Thor in defending Earth against an invading force of alien Skrulls.[123][124][125] Due to Loki's deception, Thor battles and kills his grandfather Bor, and is banished from Asgard.[126][127] With Thor's hammer Mjolnir damaged in that battle, Thor seeks out Doctor Strange, who is only able to repair the hammer by transferring the Odinforce from Thor to Mjolnir, binding the two in a symbiotic relationship. With the repaired hammer, Thor is able to draw out the imprisoned Sif, and return her to her own body, thereby restoring Loki to his male body in the process.[128][129]

2010s [edit]

During the events of the 2010 "Siege" storyline, Thor defends Asgard against an invasion by Norman Osborn and his Dark Avengers. Although the invasion force is ultimately defeated, Asgard itself is toppled by the Sentry, who also kills Loki. Thor then kills the Sentry. Subsequently, the Superhuman Registration Act is repealed and Thor joins the rebranded Avengers, who had come to his aid during the battle.[130][131][132][133][134] The next day Balder lifts Thor's exile and appoints Thor as his adviser.[135] Immediately after the fall of Asgard, Thor, Captain America and Iron Man are transported to the Norse realm of Hel, where they battle against Hela, after which Thor and Captain America's friendship with Iron Man is renewed.[119]

Thor aids Amadeus Cho in a quest to find the necessary ingredients to bring back their mutual friend Hercules from a parallel universe.[136] During the events of the Chaos War, Thor joins Hercules' God Squad to battle the Chaos King, who is set on destroying all of existence.[137]

With Asgard in ruins on Earth, the nine worlds are left undefended and are invaded by a force known as "The World Eaters". Seeking counsel on the matter, Thor restores his father Odin. Thor also restores his brother Loki, whom Thor had missed since his death.[138]

During the 2011 "Fear Itself" storyline, Sin frees Odin's long-forgotten brother, Cul, a God of Fear known also as the Serpent, from his underwater prison. Once free, The Serpent dispatches his generals known as the Worthy, each armed with magical uru hammers of their own, to descend the Earth into a state of fear. Although Thor and the Avengers manage to defeat the Serpent and his followers, Thor dies from the injuries he sustains during the battle.[139] At Thor's funeral, Thor and the memories of Thor are replaced by Ulik under the guise of Tanarus, a new thunder god.[140][141] However, Thor returns from the limbo of forgotten dead gods with the help of Loki and the Silver Surfer, and vanquishes Ulik.[142]

During the 2012 "Avengers vs. X-Men" storyline, Thor leads the Secret Avengers into deep space to battle the Phoenix Force, but is defeated. He is later captured and taken prisoner by the phoenix-empowered duo of Colossus and Magik.[143] Following the war, Captain America selects Thor to join the Avengers Unity Squad, a new team of Avengers composed of both classic Avengers and X-Men.[144]

Powers and abilities [edit]

Like all Asgardians, Thor is incredibly long-lived and relies upon periodic consumption of the Golden Apples of Idunn to sustain his extended lifespan, which to date has lasted many millennia. Being the son of Odin and the elder goddess Gaea, Thor is physically the strongest of the Asgardians.[40][145][146][147][148][149] If pressed in battle, Thor is also capable of entering into a state known as the "Warrior's Madness" ("berserkergang" in Norwegian), which will temporarily increase his strength and stamina tenfold, although in this state he attacks friend and foe alike.[150]

Thor possesses a very high resistance to physical injury that approaches invulnerability.[151][152][153][154] Thor also possesses keen senses[25] that allows him to track objects traveling faster than light[155] and hear cries from the other side of the planet.[156] Thor has the ability to travel through time.[157][158] His stamina allowed him to battle the entire Frost Giant army for nine months without any sustenance or rest;[159] Thor has also shown the ability to regenerate wounded portions of his body,[160] including entire limbs or organs, with the aid of magical forces like Mjolnir,[161] Thor has superhuman speed, agility, and reflexes, enabling him to deflect bullets with his hammer.[162] Like all Asgardians he has immunity to all Earthly diseases and some resistance to magic. However, exceptionally powerful magic can overwhelm Odin's enchantment that transforms him between Asgardian and mortal forms.[163]

As the Norse god of Thunder, Thor can summon the elements of the storm (lightning; rain; wind; snow) and uses Mjolnir as a tool to focus this ability, although the hammer cannot command artificial weather, only natural. He can cause these weather effects all over the world and destroy entire buildings; by whirling his hammer he can also lift entire buildings with the wind.[148] As the son of the Earth goddess Gaea, Thor has shown some control over the Earth.[164]

Thor is a superb hand-to-hand combatant, and is skilled in armed combat, excelling in the use of the war hammer, sword, axe and mace. Thor possesses two items which assist him in combat: the enchanted Belt of Strength, and his signature weapon, the mystical hammer Mjolnir. The first item doubles Thor's strength and endurance[165] while the second is used to control his weather abilities; flight; energy projection and absorption; dimensional travel; matter manipulation and the most powerful of his offensives, the God Blast (which taps into Thor's life force),[166] the Thermo-blast,[167] and the Anti-Force (which counteracts another force).[168] Using Mjolnir by throwing in the desired direction and then holding on to the handle's leather loop, Thor can also fly at supersonic speeds in Earth's atmosphere and travel faster than light in space. When Thor has to transport companions and/or objects to a destination by himself, he has a chariot drawn by two huge mystical goats called Toothgnasher and Toothgrinder that can fly nearly anywhere he desires almost as easily as with Mjolnir.[92] He can throw an object out of Earth's atmosphere using his strength,[169] and throw his hammer to Asgard from where it will return.[170]

When Mjolnir was damaged, Doctor Strange bound Thor's soul into Mjolnir, meaning that if the hammer were to be broken again, Thor may also die.[128]

Supporting characters [edit]

Main article: List of Thor supporting characters

Thor's family tree as it appears in Thor #500 (July 1996):

 
 
 
 
 
 
 Buri
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Mimir
 
 Borr
 
 Bestla
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Jord
 
 
 Grid
 
 Odin
 
 Frigga
 
 Vili
 
 Ve
 
 Laufey
 
 Farbauti
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Thor
 
 Vidar
 
 Tyr
 
 Hermod
 
 Balder
 
 
 
 
 
 Loki
(adopted by
Odin & Frigga)
  • Odin has another brother, Cul, introduced in the 2011 storyline, Fear Itself, who in the comics was erased from all known history.[171][172]

Other versions [edit]

Main article: Alternative versions of Thor

In other media [edit]

Main article: Thor (Marvel Comics) in other media

References [edit]

  1. ^ Lee, Stan; Mair, George (2002). Excelsior!: The Amazing Life of Stan Lee. Fireside. ISBN 0-684-87305-2. 
  2. ^ a b "Thor (I) • The Mighty Thor (I) (1966-1996)". Unofficial Handbook of Marvel Comics Creators. "Series is named 'Thor' in the indicia [copyright] information, but most covers have the title [trademark] 'The Mighty Thor'." 
  3. ^ Such as the "Ring of Nibelung" saga, in Thor #293–297 (March–July 1980).
  4. ^ Singer, Matt (October 1, 2007). "Review: Thor Visionaries: Walter Simonson". Popimage.com. Retrieved 2010-12-28. 
  5. ^ "Essay on what makes certain stories definitive". Silver Bullet Comics. Retrieved 2010-12-28. 
  6. ^ "Thor (III) (2007-2009)". Unofficial Handbook of Marvel Comics Creators. 
  7. ^ "Thor (I) cont. (2009-2010)". Unofficial Handbook of Marvel Comics Creators. 
  8. ^ George, Richard (October 14, 2008). "Debuting Thor #600". IGN. Retrieved July 13, 2011. 
  9. ^ "Holding the Hammer: JMS Talks Thor". Newsarama. October 17, 2008. 
  10. ^ Richards, Dave (August 24, 2009). "Kieron Gillen Talks Thor". Comic Book Resources. Retrieved 2009-10-12. 
  11. ^ Richards, Dave (May 21, 2010). "Gillen Sends 'Thor' to Hell". Comic Book Resources. Retrieved 2010-07-31. 
  12. ^ Richards, Dave (December 14, 2010). "Matt Fraction's Thunderous New Assignment". Comic Book Resources. Retrieved 2010-07-31. 
  13. ^ Richards, Dave (March 12, 2010). "Fraction Ushers 'Thor' into the Heroic Age". Comic Book Resources. Retrieved 2010-07-31. 
  14. ^ Pepose, David (March 12, 2010). "Mjolnir Belongs to Fraction & Ferry with June's Thor #611". Newsarama. Retrieved 2010-07-31. 
  15. ^ Mahadeo, Kevin (April 17, 2010). "C2E2: Langridge Teams with 'Thor'". Comic Book Resources. Retrieved 2010-07-31. 
  16. ^ Mahadeo, Kevin (June 11, 2010). "Bryan J.L. Glass Brings the (God of) Thunder". Comic Book Resources. Retrieved 2010-07-31. 
  17. ^ Richards, Dave (July 8, 2010). "Bianchi Gets Epic With 'Thor: For Asgard'". Comic Book Resources. Retrieved 2010-07-31. 
  18. ^ Richards, Dave (July 23, 2010). "CCI: DnA Go High Tech & Mythic For 'Iron Man/Thor'". Comic Book Resources. Retrieved 2010-07-31. 
  19. ^ Morse, Ben (January 17, 2011). "A New Journey Into Mystery". Marvel.com. Retrieved 2011-01-17. 
  20. ^ Morse, Ben (January 17, 2011). "The Mighty Thor Strikes". Marvel.com. Retrieved 2011-01-17. 
  21. ^ Melrose, Kevin (July 10, 2012). "Nine titles end in October as Marvel NOW! begins". Comic Book Resources. Retrieved 2012-08-07. 
  22. ^ Ching, Albert (August 07, 2012). "Past, Present & Future THOR Star in Aaron's GOD OF THUNDER". Newsarama. Retrieved 2012-08-07. 
  23. ^ Revealed in flashback in Thor Annual #11 (Jan. 1983).
  24. ^ Journey into Mystery #83 (Aug. 1962)
  25. ^ a b Journey into Mystery #85 (Oct. 1962)
  26. ^ Journey into Mystery #88 (Jan. 1963); #91-92 (April–May 1963)
  27. ^ Journey into Mystery #114 (March 1965)
  28. ^ Thor #148 (Jan. 1968)
  29. ^ Journey into Mystery #118 (July 1965)
  30. ^ Avengers #1 (Sept. 1963)
  31. ^ Journey into Mystery #84 (Sept. 1962); #87 (Dec. 1962)
  32. ^ Journey into Mystery #86 (Nov. 1962)
  33. ^ Journey into Mystery #93 (June 1963)
  34. ^ Journey into Mystery #97 (Oct. 1963)
  35. ^ Journey into Mystery #98 (Nov. 1963)
  36. ^ Journey into Mystery #99 (Dec. 1963)
  37. ^ Journey into Mystery #103 (April 1964)
  38. ^ Journey into Mystery #107 (Aug. 1964)
  39. ^ Journey into Mystery #101 (Feb. 1964); #113 (Feb. 1965); #145 (Oct. 1967)
  40. ^ a b c Thor #300 (Oct. 1980)
  41. ^ Journey into Mystery #104 (May 1964)
  42. ^ Journey into Mystery #114-123 (March–Dec. 1965)
  43. ^ Avengers #16 (May 1965)
  44. ^ Thor Annual #1 (1965)
  45. ^ Thor #126-130 (March–July 1966)
  46. ^ Journey into Mystery #131-133 (Aug.–Oct. 1966)
  47. ^ Journey into Mystery #134-135 (Nov.–Dec. 1966)
  48. ^ Thor #136 (Jan. 1967)
  49. ^ Thor #137-139 (Feb.–April 1967)
  50. ^ Thor #140 (May 1967)
  51. ^ Thor #142 (July 1967)
  52. ^ Thor #143-144 (Aug.–Sept. 1967)
  53. ^ Thor #150 (March 1968)
  54. ^ Thor #154-157 (July–Oct. 1968)
  55. ^ Thor #160-162 (Jan.–March 1969); #168-169 (Sept.–Oct. 1969)
  56. ^ Thor #165-166 (June–July 1969)
  57. ^ Thor #176-177 (May–June 1970)
  58. ^ Thor #178 (July 1970)
  59. ^ Thor #182-183 (Nov.–Dec. 1970)
  60. ^ Thor #197-198 (Feb.–March 1972)
  61. ^ Thor #210-211 (April–May 1973)
  62. ^ Thor #199-201 (April–July 1972)
  63. ^ Thor #185 (Feb. 1971)
  64. ^ Thor #214-216 (Aug.–Oct. 1973)
  65. ^ Avengers #175 (Sept. 1978)
  66. ^ Avengers #158-159 (March–April 1977)
  67. ^ Avengers #161-162 (July–Aug. 1977); #170-171 (April–May 1978)
  68. ^ Avengers #164-166 (Oct.–Dec. 1977)
  69. ^ Avengers #176-177 (Oct.–Nov. 1978)
  70. ^ Thor #249-250 (July–Aug. 1976)
  71. ^ Thor #263 (Sept. 1977)
  72. ^ Thor #274-278 (Aug.–Dec. 1978)
  73. ^ Thomas, Roy (w), Pollard, Keith (p), Stone, Chic (i). "The Twilight of SOME Gods!" Thor 293 (March 1980)
  74. ^ Thor Annual #7 (1978); Thor #283–300 (May 1979 – Oct. 1980)
  75. ^ Thor #301 (Nov. 1980)
  76. ^ Thor #305-306 (March–April 1981)
  77. ^ Thor #310 (Aug. 1981)
  78. ^ Thor #312-313 (Oct.–Nov. 1981)
  79. ^ Thor #314 (Dec. 1981)
  80. ^ Thor #315-317 (Jan.–March 1982)
  81. ^ Thor #318 (April 1982)
  82. ^ Thor #333 (July 1983)
  83. ^ Thor Annual #10 (1982)
  84. ^ Cronin, Brian (July 21, 2010). "A Year of Cool Comics – Day 202". Comic Book Resources. Retrieved 2010-09-28. 
  85. ^ Thor #337-353 (Nov. 1983 – March 1985)
  86. ^ Thor #354 (April 1985)
  87. ^ Thor #355 (May 1985)
  88. ^ Cronin, Brian (June 13, 2010). "A Year of Cool Comics – Day 164". Comic Book Resources. Retrieved 2010-09-28. 
  89. ^ Thor #359 (Sept. 1985)
  90. ^ Thor #360 (Oct.–Dec. 1985)
  91. ^ Thor #363 (Jan. 1986)
  92. ^ a b Thor #364-366 (Feb.–April 1986)
  93. ^ Thor #374 (Dec. 1986)
  94. ^ Thor #375-376 (Jan.–Feb. 1987)
  95. ^ Thor #377 (March 1987)
  96. ^ Thor #378-382 (April–Aug. 1987)
  97. ^ Thor #387-389 (Jan.–March 1988)
  98. ^ Thor #395-400 (Sept. 1988 – Feb. 1989)
  99. ^ Thor #404-405 (June–July 1989)
  100. ^ Thor #411-412 (both Dec. 1989)
  101. ^ Thor #432-457 (May 1991 – Jan. 1993)
  102. ^ Thor #468-471 (Nov. 1993 – Feb. 1994); Silver Surfer vol. 3, #88 (Jan. 1994)
  103. ^ Avengers vol. 2, #1-13 (Nov. 1996 – Nov. 1997)
  104. ^ Avengers vol. 3, #4 (May 1998)
  105. ^ Thor vol. 2, #1-2 (July–Aug. 1998)
  106. ^ Thor vol. 2, #9-13 (March–July 1999)
  107. ^ Thor vol. 2, #15-19 (Sept. 1999 – Jan. 2000)
  108. ^ Thor vol. 2, #21-25 (March–July 2000)
  109. ^ Thor vol. 2, #41-79 (Nov. 2001 – July 2004)
  110. ^ Thor vol. 2, #80-85 (Aug.–Dec. 2004)
  111. ^ Fantastic Four #536 (May 2006)
  112. ^ Thor #340 (Feb. 1984)
  113. ^ Thor vol. 3, #1 (Sept. 2007)
  114. ^ Straczynski, J. Michael (w), Coipel, Oliver (p), Morales, Mark (i). Thor v3, 2 (August 2007), New York City: Marvel Comics
  115. ^ Straczynski, J. Michael (w), Coipel, Oliver (p), Morales, Mark (i). Thor v3, 5 (January 2008), New York City: Marvel Comics
  116. ^ a b Furey, Emmett (May 24, 2007). "Fallen Odinson: JMS talks 'Thor'". Comic Book Resources. 
  117. ^ Millar, Mark (w), McNiven, Steve (p), Vines, Dexter (i). Civil War #1-7 (July 2006 – January 2007) Marvel Comics
  118. ^ a b Straczynski, J. Michael (w), Coipel, Oliver (p), Morales, Mark (i). Thor v3, 3 (November 2007), New York City: Marvel Comics
  119. ^ a b Bendis, Brian Michael (w), Davis, Alan (p), Farmer, Mark (i), Avengers Prime 1 - 5 (August 2010 - March 2011) Marvel Comics
  120. ^ Straczynski, J. Michael (w), Coipel, Oliver (p), Morales, Mark (i). Thor v3, 3-5 (November 2007 – January 2008), New York City: Marvel Comics
  121. ^ Straczynski, J. Michael (w), Djurdjevic, Marko, Danny Miki (p). Thor v3, 7-8 (March–April 2008), New York, NY: Marvel Comics
  122. ^ "'Thor' #1, 8 sell out, reprinted in one edition". Comic Book Resources. May 6, 2008. Retrieved 2010-09-27. 
  123. ^ Fraction, Matt (w), Braithwaite, Doug, Gabriele Dell'Otto (p). Secret Invasion: Thor 1 (Oct. 2008), New York, NY: Marvel Comics
  124. ^ "Thor joined the battle in 'Thor: Secret Invasion' #1". Comic Book Resources. July 22, 2008. Retrieved 2010-09-26. 
  125. ^ Bendis, Brian Michael (w), Dell'Otto, Gabriele, Leinil Francis Yu (p). Secret Invasion 8 (Jan. 2009), New York, NY: Marvel Comics
  126. ^ Giarrusso, Chris, Stan Lee, J. Michael Straczynski (w), Aja, David, Olivier Coipel, Marko Djurdjevic, Chris Giarrusso (p). Thor 600 (April 2009), New York, NY: Marvel Comics
  127. ^ Nevett, Chad (September 15, 2009). "Review: Thor Annual #1". Comic Book Resources. Retrieved 2010-09-27. 
  128. ^ a b Straczynski, J. Michael (w), Djurdjevic, Marko (p). Thor 602 (Aug. 2009), New York, NY: Marvel Comics
  129. ^ Nevett, Chad (June 23, 2009). "Review: Thor #602". Comic Book Resources. Retrieved 2010-09-26. 
  130. ^ Siege #1-4
  131. ^ Richards, Dave (January 7, 2010). "Storming Heaven: 'Siege' #1". Comic Book Resources. Retrieved 2010-09-26. 
  132. ^ Richards, Dave (February 17, 2010). "Storming Heaven: 'Siege' #2". Comic Book Resources. Retrieved 2010-09-26. 
  133. ^ Richards, Dave (March 29, 2010). "Storming Heaven: 'Siege' #3". Comic Book Resources. Retrieved 2010-09-26. 
  134. ^ Richards, Dave (May 18, 2010). "Storming Heaven: 'Siege' #4". Comic Book Resources. Retrieved 2010-09-26. 
  135. ^ Thor #610
  136. ^ Heroic Age: Prince of Power #1-4
  137. ^ Chaos War #1-3; Chaos War: Thor #1
  138. ^ Thor #616-619 (2011)
  139. ^ Fear Itself #1-7 (2011)
  140. ^ Fear Itself #7.2 (2011)
  141. ^ The Mighty Thor #8 (November 2011)
  142. ^ The Mighty Thor #12 (March 2012)
  143. ^ Avengers vs. X-Men #2-9 (2012)
  144. ^ Uncanny Avengers #1 (October 2012)
  145. ^ Thor #272 (June 1978)
  146. ^ Thor #379 (May 1987)
  147. ^ Thor #178
  148. ^ a b Journey into Mystery #94
  149. ^ Silver Surfer #4
  150. ^ Thor #166 (July 1969); Hulk #440 (April 1996); Thor #502 (Sept. 1996)
  151. ^ Thor #309 (July 1981)
  152. ^ Avengers #14
  153. ^ Thor #324 (Oct. 1982)
  154. ^ Thor #282 (April 1979)
  155. ^ Thor #337 (Nov. 1983)
  156. ^ Thor #341-343 (March–May 1984)
  157. ^ Journey into Mystery #86
  158. ^ Avengers, Thor & Captain America: Official Index to the Marvel Universe #1 (June 2010)
  159. ^ Thor: The Trial of Thor #1
  160. ^ Thor #155 (Aug. 1968)
  161. ^ Thor #155
  162. ^ Journey into Mystery #100
  163. ^ Defenders #11 (Dec. 1973)
  164. ^ Thor vol. 3, #4 (Nov. 2007)
  165. ^ Journey into Mystery #91 (April 1963)
  166. ^ Thor #160-161 (Jan.–Feb. 1969); #388 (Feb. 1988); Thor vol. 2, #25 (July 2003)
  167. ^ Thor #133
  168. ^ Thor vol. 2, #12 (June 1999)
  169. ^ Journey into Mystery #90
  170. ^ Journey into Mystery #85
  171. ^ Fraction, Matt (w), Immonen, Stuart (p), von Grawbadger, Wade (i). "Worlds on Fire" Fear Itself 4 (September 2011), Marvel Comics
  172. ^ Fraction, Matt (w), Ferry, Pasqual (a). "Fear Itself: In the Beginning" Thor 7 (December 2011), Marvel Comics

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