Thor Odinson is a fictional

character Character or Characters may refer to: Arts, entertainment, and media Literature * ''Character'' (novel), a 1936 Dutch novel by Ferdinand Bordewijk * ''Characters'' (Theophrastus), a classical Greek set of character sketches attributed to The ...

appearing in American comic books published by

Marvel Comics Marvel Comics is an American comic book publisher and the flagship property of Marvel Entertainment, a divsion of The Walt Disney Company since September 1, 2009. Evolving from Timely Comics in 1939, ''Magazine Management/Atlas Comics'' in 19 ...

. The character is based on the Norse mythological god of the same name, the Asgardian

god of thunder Polytheistic peoples from many cultures have postulated a thunder god, the personification or source of the forces of thunder and lightning; a lightning god does not have a typical depiction, and will vary based on the culture. In Indo-European c ...

whose enchanted hammer Mjolnir enables him to fly and manipulate weather, among his other superhuman attributes. A founding member of the superhero team the

Avengers Avenger, Avengers, The Avenger, or The Avengers may refer to: Arts and entertainment In the Marvel Comics universe * Avengers (comics), a team of superheroes **Avengers (Marvel Cinematic Universe), a central team of protagonist superheroes of ...

, Thor has a host of

supporting characters Support may refer to: Arts, entertainment, and media * Supporting character Business and finance * Support (technical analysis) * Child support * Customer support * Income Support Construction * Support (structure), or lateral support, a ...

and

enemies Enemies or foes are a group that is seen as forcefully adverse or threatening. Enemies may also refer to: Literature * ''Enemies'' (play), a 1906 play by Maxim Gorky * '' Enemies, A Love Story'', a 1966 novel by Isaac Bashevis Singer * '' Enem ...

. Debuting in the

Silver Age of Comic Books The Silver Age of Comic Books was a period of artistic advancement and widespread commercial success in mainstream American comic books, predominantly those featuring the superhero archetype. Following the Golden Age of Comic Books and an int ...

, the character

first appeared In American comic books and other stories with a long history, first appearance refers to the first issue to feature a fictional character. These issues are often highly valued by collectors due to their rarity and iconic status. Reader intere ...

in ''

Journey into Mystery ''Journey into Mystery'' is an American comic book series initially published by Atlas Comics, then by its successor, Marvel Comics. Initially a horror comics anthology, it changed to giant-monster and science fiction stories in the late 1950s. ...

'' #83 (August 1962) and was created by artist

Jack Kirby Jack Kirby (born Jacob Kurtzberg; August 28, 1917 – February 6, 1994) was an American comics artist, comic book artist, writer and editor, widely regarded as one of the medium's major innovators and one of its most prolific and influential c ...

, writer

Stan Lee Stan Lee (born Stanley Martin Lieber ; December 28, 1922 – November 12, 2018) was an American comic book writer, editor, publisher, and producer. He rose through the ranks of a family-run business called Timely Publications which w ...

, and scripter

Larry Lieber Lawrence D. Lieber (; born October 26, 1931) (Scroll down) is an American comic book artist and writer best known as co-creator of the Marvel Comics superheroes Iron Man, Thor, and Ant-Man; for his long stint both writing and drawing the Marvel W ...

. The character has starred in several ongoing series and

limited series Limited series may refer to: *Limited series, individual storylines within an anthology series *Limited series, a particular run of collectables, usually individually numbered * Limited series (comics), a comics series with a predetermined number ...

, and appears in all volumes of the Avengers series. The character has been used in Marvel Comics merchandise, animated television series, films, video games, clothing and toys.

Chris Hemsworth Christopher Hemsworth (born 11 August 1983) is an Australian actor. He rose to prominence playing Kim Hyde in the Australian television series '' Home and Away'' (2004–2007) before beginning a film career in Hollywood. In the Marvel Cinem ...

portrays the

in several

Marvel Cinematic Universe The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is an American media franchise and shared universe centered on a series of superhero films produced by Marvel Studios. The films are based on characters that appear in American comic books published ...

films: ''

Thor Thor (; from non, Þórr ) is a prominent god in Germanic paganism. In Norse mythology, he is a hammer-wielding god associated with lightning, thunder, storms, sacred groves and trees, strength, the protection of humankind, hallowing ...

'' (2011), '' The Avengers'' (2012), '' Thor: The Dark World'' (2013), '' Avengers: Age of Ultron'' (2015), '' Doctor Strange'' (2016,

cameo Cameo or CAMEO may refer to: * Cameo appearance, a brief appearance of a known figure in a film or television show * Cameo (carving), a method of carving, making use of layers of different colours, or an item made with such a method Music * ...

), '' Thor: Ragnarok'' (2017), '' Avengers: Infinity War'' (2018), '' Avengers: Endgame'' (2019), and '' Thor: Love and Thunder'' (2022). Alternative versions of the character appear in the

Disney+ The Walt Disney Company, commonly known as Disney (), is an American multinational mass media and entertainment conglomerate headquartered at the Walt Disney Studios complex in Burbank, California. Disney was originally founded on October 1 ...

series '' What If...?'' (2021).

Publication history

The

superhero Thor debuted in the

science fiction Science fiction (sometimes shortened to Sci-Fi or SF) is a genre of speculative fiction which typically deals with imagination, imaginative and futuristic concepts such as advanced science and technology, space exploration, time travel, Paral ...

fantasy Fantasy is a genre of speculative fiction involving magical elements, typically set in a fictional universe and sometimes inspired by mythology and folklore. Its roots are in oral traditions, which then became fantasy literature and drama ...

anthology title ''

'' #83 (

cover-date The cover date of a periodical publication is the date displayed on the cover, which is not necessarily the true date of publication (the on-sale date or release date); later cover dates are common in magazine and comic book publishing. More unu ...

August 1962), and was created by editor-plotter

, scripter

, and penciller-plotter

. A different version of the mythological Thor had appeared previously in ''

Venus Venus is the second planet from the Sun. It is sometimes called Earth's "sister" or "twin" planet as it is almost as large and has a similar composition. As an interior planet to Earth, Venus (like Mercury) appears in Earth's sky never f ...

'' #12–13 (February–April 1951). Lee in 2002 described Thor's genesis early in the Marvel pantheon, following the creation of the Hulk: In a 1984 interview Kirby said "I did a version of Thor for D.C. in the fifties before I did him for Marvel. I created Thor at Marvel because I was forever enamored of legends, which is why I knew about Balder, Heimdall, and Odin. I tried to update Thor and put him into a superhero costume, but he was still Thor." The story was included in '' Tales of the Unexpected'' #16, from 1957; and although the character had a different design, some details would be reused by Kirby when he created the Marvel Comics version. And in a 1992 interview, Kirby said " knew the Thor legends very well, but I wanted to modernize them. I felt that might be a new thing for comics, taking the old legends and modernizing them." 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 Joseph Leonard Sinnott (; October 16, 1926 June 25, 2020) was an American comic book artist. Working primarily as an inker, Sinnott is best known for his long stint on Marvel Comics' ''Fantastic Four'', from 1965 to 1981 (and briefly in the la ...

Don Heck Donald L. Heckic; actually Comic Media/nowiki>, in 1952," Heck recalled in 1993, Hardy “called me up and asked me to join."Heck, ''Comics Scene'' #37, p. 55 Heck's first known comics work appeared in two Comic Media titles both cover-dated Septe ...

, and

Al Hartley Henry Allan Hartley (October 25, 1921 – May 27, 2003)Henry A. Hartley
at the United States

The Avengers'' #1 (Sept. 1963) as a founding member of the superhero team.DeFalco "1960s" in Gilbert (2008), p. 94: "Filled with some wonderful visual action, ''The Avengers'' #1 has a very simple story: the Norse god Loki tricked the Hulk into going on a rampage. In response, Rick Jones and his Teen Brigade tried to contact the Fantastic Four for help. However, Loki redirected the radio signal so Thor would hear it in the expectation that he would battle

he Hulk He or HE may refer to: Language * He (pronoun), an English pronoun * He (kana), the romanization of the Japanese kana へ * He (letter), the fifth letter of many Semitic alphabets * He (Cyrillic), a letter of the Cyrillic script called ''He'' in ...

" 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. Comics historian

Les Daniels Leslie Noel Daniels III, better known as Les Daniels (October 27, 1943 – November 5, 2011), was an American writer. Background Daniels attended Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, where he wrote his master's thesis on '' Frankenste ...

noted that "the adventures of Thor were gradually transformed from stories about a strange-looking superhero into a spectacular saga." Artist

Chic Stone Charles Eber "Chic" Stone (January 4, 1923 – July 28, 2000)Charles E. Stone
at the ...

, who inked several early Thor stories, observed that "Kirby could just lead you through all these different worlds. The readers would follow him anywhere." ''Journey into Mystery'' was retitled ''Thor'' (per the

indicia Indicia may refer to: *Indicia (philately), markings on a mail piece showing that postage has been paid by the sender *Indicia (publishing) Indicia is the plural of the Latin word ''indicium'', meaning distinguishing marks. In magazine and comic ...

, or ''The Mighty Thor'' per most covers) with issue #126 (March 1966). "Tales of Asgard" was replaced by a five-page featurette starring the

Inhumans The Inhumans are a fictional superhuman race of superheroes appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The comic book series has usually focused more specifically on the adventures of the Inhuman Royal Family, and many peopl ...

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. Marvel filed for a

trademark A trademark (also written trade mark or trade-mark) is a type of intellectual property consisting of a recognizable sign, design, or expression that identifies products or services from a particular source and distinguishes them from oth ...

for "The Mighty Thor" in 1967 and the

United States Patent and Trademark Office The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is an agency in the U.S. Department of Commerce that serves as the national patent office and trademark registration authority for the United States. The USPTO's headquarters are in Alex ...

issued the registration in 1970. After Kirby left the title,

Neal Adams Neal Adams (June 15, 1941 – April 28, 2022) was an American comic book artist. He was the co-founder of the graphic design studio Continuity Associates, and was a Creator ownership, creators-rights advocate who helped secure a pension and re ...

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 Gerard Francis ConwayThomas, Roy. "Roy's Rostrum" (" Bullpen Bulletins") in '' Marvel Super-Heroes'' #43 and other Marvel Comics cover-dated May 1974. (born September 10, 1952) is an American comic book writer, comic book editor, screenwriter, t ...

Len Wein Leonard Norman Wein (; June 12, 1948 – September 10, 2017) was an American comic book writer and editor best known for co-creating DC Comics' Swamp Thing and Marvel Comics' Wolverine, and for helping revive the Marvel superhero team the X-Men ...

, or

Roy Thomas Roy William Thomas Jr."Roy Thomas Checklist" ''Alter Ego'' vol. 3, #50 (July 2005) p. 16 (born November 22, 1940) is an American comic book writer and editor, who was Stan Lee's first successor as editor-in-chief of Marvel Comics. He is possibl ...

. Thomas continued to write the title after Buscema's departure, working much of the time with the artist

Keith Pollard Keith Pollard (; born January 20, 1950) is an American comic book artist. Originally from the Detroit area, Pollard is best known for his simultaneous work on the Marvel Comics titles ''The Amazing Spider-Man'', ''Fantastic Four'', and ''Thor'' i ...

; during this period Thomas integrated many elements of traditional Norse mythology into the title, with specific stories translated into comics form. Following Thomas's tenure, ''Thor'' had a changing creative team. In the mid-1970s, Marvel considered giving the character a second series as part of parent company

Magazine Management Magazine Management Co., Inc. was an American publishing company lasting from at least 1947 to the early 1970s, known for men's-adventure magazines, risque men's magazines, humor magazine, humor, Romance novel, romance, puzzle, celebrity/film and ...

's line of black-and-white comics magazines. A story written by

Steve Englehart Steve Englehart (; born April 22, 1947) is an American writer of comic books and novels. He is best known for his work at Marvel Comics and DC Comics in the 1970s and 1980s. His pseudonyms have included John Harkness and Cliff Garnett. Early lif ...

for the aborted project appeared in ''Thor'' Annual #5 (1976). A black-and-white Thor story appeared in ''

Marvel Preview ''Marvel Preview'' is a black-and-white comics magazine published by Magazine Management for fourteen issues and the affiliated Marvel Comics Group for ten issues. The final issue additionally carried the imprint Marvel Magazines Group. Publica ...

'' #10 (Winter 1977).

Walt Simonson Walter Simonson (born September 2, 1946) is an American comic book writer and artist, best known for a run on Marvel Comics' ''Thor (Marvel Comics), Thor'' from 1983 to 1987, during which he created the character Beta Ray Bill. He is also known f ...

took over both writing and art as of #337 (Nov. 1983). His stories placed a greater emphasis on the character's mythological origins. 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 Beta Ray Bill is a fictional superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Debuting in the Bronze Age of Comic Books, the character was initially intended to be a surprise; an apparent monster who unexpectedly turns out ...

, was regarded as a popular and critical success. Simonson's later stories were drawn by

Sal Buscema Sal Buscema (; ; born Silvio Buscema, January 26, 1936) is an American comics artist, primarily for Marvel Comics, where he enjoyed a ten-year run as artist of ''The Incredible Hulk (comic book), The Incredible Hulk'' and an eight-year run as ar ...

, who describes Simonson's stories as "very stimulating. It was a pleasure working on his plots, because they were a lot of fun to illustrate. He had a lot of great ideas, and he took ''Thor'' in a totally new direction." Asked why he was leaving ''Thor'', Simonson said that he felt the series was due for a change in creative direction, and that he wanted to reduce his work load for a time. After Simonson's departure, Marvel's editor-in-chief at the time,

Tom DeFalco Tom DeFalco (born June 26, 1950) is an American comic book writer and editor well known for his association with Marvel Comics, with long runs on ''Amazing Spider-Man'', ''Thor'', and ''Fantastic Four''. Career While in college, DeFalco "wrote fo ...

, became the writer. Working primarily with artist

Ron Frenz Ronald Wade Frenz (born February 1, 1960) is an American comics artist known for his work for Marvel Comics. He is well known for his 1980s work on ''The Amazing Spider-Man'' and later for his work on '' Spider-Girl'' whom he co-created with wri ...

, DeFalco stayed on the book until #459 (Feb. 1993). The character of Thor was involved in the year-long '' Marvel Super Heroes Secret War'' storyline written by

Jim Shooter James Shooter (born September 27, 1951) is an American writer, editor and publisher for various comic books. He started professionally in the medium at the age of 14, and he is most notable for his successful and controversial run as Marvel Comic ...

from May 1984 to April 1985, following his mysterious disappearance in ''The Mighty Thor'' #341 and ''The Mighty Avengers'' #242. As a consequence of the " Heroes Reborn"

crossover Crossover may refer to: Entertainment Albums and songs * ''Cross Over'' (Dan Peek album) * ''Crossover'' (Dirty Rotten Imbeciles album), 1987 * ''Crossover'' (Intrigue album) * ''Crossover'' (Hitomi Shimatani album) * ''Crossover'' (Yoshino ...

story arc of the 1990s, Thor was removed from mainstream Marvel continuity and with other Marvel characters re-imagined in an

alternate universe Parallel universe often refers to parallel universes in fiction, a self-contained separate world, universe or reality coexisting with the real world, which is used as a recurring plot point or setting used in fantasy and science fiction. Parallel ...

for one year. The ''Thor'' title reverted to ''

'' with issue #503 (Nov. 1996), and ran four different, sequential features ("The Lost Gods"; "

Master of Kung Fu Zheng Shang-Chi ( ), also known as the Master of Kung Fu and Brother Hand, is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character was created by writer Steve Englehart and artist Jim Starlin, debuting in '' ...

"; "

Black Widow Black widow may refer to: Spiders * Black widow spider, a common name for some species of spiders in the genus ''Latrodectus'' American species * ''Latrodectus apicalis'', the Galapagos black widow * ''Latrodectus curacaviensis'', the South Amer ...

", and "

Hannibal King Hannibal King is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. He first appeared as a supporting character in the 1970s comic book '' The Tomb of Dracula'', issue #25 (Oct. 1974). King was played by Ryan Re ...

") before ceasing publication with #521 (June 1998). When the character was returned to the mainstream

Marvel Universe The Marvel Universe is a fictional shared universe where the stories in most American comic book titles and other media published by Marvel Comics take place. Super-teams such as the Avengers, the X-Men, the Fantastic Four, the Guardians of ...

, 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 Dan Jurgens (; born June 27, 1959) is an American comic book writer and artist. He is known for his work on the DC comic book storyline "The Death of Superman" and for creating characters such as Doomsday, Hank Henshaw and Booster Gold. Jurgens ...

wrote the first 79 issues, with Daniel Berman and

Michael Avon Oeming Michael Avon Oeming is an American comic book creator, both as an artist and writer. Career Oeming is a fan of ancient mythology, having written or drawn several projects centering on the Norse gods. He frequently collaborates with long-time f ...

completing the series. The third volume debuted as ''Thor'' #1 (Sept. 2007), initially written by

J. Michael Straczynski Joseph Michael Straczynski (; born July 17, 1954) is an American filmmaker and comic book writer. He is the founder of Synthetic Worlds Ltd. and Studio JMS and is best known as the creator of the science fiction television series ''Babylon 5'' ...

and penciled by

Olivier Coipel Olivier Coipel (; November 7, 1969) is a French comic book artist, known for his work on books such as ''House of M'', ''Legion of Super-Heroes'' and ''Thor''. Career Olivier Coipel started as a movie animator, working as an assistant on '' Balto ...

. Beginning with what would have been vol. 3, #13 (Jan. 2009), the third volume reverted to issue #600, reflecting the total number of published issues from all three volumes.

Kieron Gillen Kieron Michael Gillen (; born 30 September 1975) is a British comic book writer and former video game and music journalist. In comics, Gillen is known for '' Phonogram'' and '' The Wicked + The Divine'', both co-created with artist Jamie McKe ...

took over from Straczynski in ''Thor'' #604 with artists

Billy Tan Billy Tan Mung Khoy, commonly known as Billy Tan, is a Malaysian comic book artist. Early life Billy Tan was born in Malaysia and moved to the United States when he was 18, in 1989 to study business at the University of Kentucky. He began working ...

Richard Elson Richard Elson (born 1962) is a British comic book artist best known for his work on '' Sonic the Comic'', '' 2000 AD'' and '' Thor''. Biography Richard Elson is a fine art graduate with over sixteen years experience as an artist and illustra ...

and

Dougie Braithwaite Doug Braithwaite is a British comic book artist. Career Braithwaite started out working on British comics, like '' 2000 AD'' and '' A1'', but is best known for his Marvel Comics work on the ''Earth X'' sequels, ''Universe X'' and ''Paradise X'' ...

, with his final storyline finishing in issue #614.

Matt Fraction Matt Fritchman (born December 1, 1975), better known by the pen name Matt Fraction, is an Eisner Award-winning American comic book writer, known for his work as the writer of '' The Invincible Iron Man'', '' The Immortal Iron Fist'', '' Uncanny X ...

took over the series with issue #615, after having been announced as starting in ''Thor'' #610 and #611. To coincide with the ''

'' film, Marvel launched a number of new series starring the character in mid-2010. These included ''Thor: The Mighty Avenger'' by

Roger Langridge Roger Langridge (born 14 February 1967) is a New Zealand comics writer, artist and letterer, currently living in Britain. Biography Langridge originally came to public prominence most notably with the '' Judge Dredd Megazine'' series ''The St ...

and Chris Samnee, ''Thor: First Thunder'' by

Bryan J. L. Glass Bryan Jason Lee Glass is an American comic book writer, known for works such as ''The Mice Templar'', a creator-owned series that he publishes through Image Comics, and for which he won two Harvey Awards. He has also written books for Marvel Comi ...

and

Tan Eng Huat Tan Eng Huat (; born 1974), also known as Kutu, is a Malaysian comics penciller and inker. After self-publishing comics in his homeland, Tan began a career in Western comics, starting with '' Doom Patrol'' volume 3 in 2001 by DC Comics. Biog ...

, ''Thor: For Asgard'' by Robert Rodi and Simone Bianchi, and ''Iron Man/Thor'' by the writing duo of

Dan Abnett Dan Abnett (born 12 October 1965) is an English comic book writer and novelist. He has been a frequent collaborator with fellow writer Andy Lanning, and is known for his work on books for both Marvel Comics, and their UK imprint, Marvel UK, sinc ...

and

Andy Lanning Andy Lanning is an English comic book writer and inker, known for his work for Marvel Comics and DC Comics, and for his collaboration with Dan Abnett. Career Lanning works primarily at Marvel Comics and DC Comics as an inker. He has also pencil ...

. In April 2011, ''Thor'' once again reverted to its original title of ''

'' with issue #622, reuniting writer Gillen and artist Braithwaite in a series of stories starring Thor's adopted brother,

Loki Loki is a god in Norse mythology. According to some sources, Loki is the son of Fárbauti (a jötunn) and Laufey (mentioned as a goddess), and the brother of Helblindi and Býleistr. Loki is married to Sigyn and they have two sons, Narfi ...

. An

ongoing series In comics, an ongoing series is a series that runs indefinitely. This is in contrast to limited series (a series intended to end after a certain number of issues thus limited), a one shot (a comic book which is not a part of an ongoing series), ...

, titled ''The Mighty Thor'', launched the same month with writer Fraction and artist Coipel. The series ended with issue #22 in October 2012. In October 2012, Thor became a regular character in ''

Uncanny Avengers ''Uncanny Avengers'' is a comic book series first appearing in the October 2012 debut of Marvel NOW!, published by Marvel Comics. The series follows an interconnected fictional superhero team, featuring members from the Marvel Universe (specifica ...

'', beginning with issue #1. The following month, an ongoing series titled ''Thor: God of Thunder'' by writer

Jason Aaron Jason Aaron (born January 28, 1973) is an American comic book writer, known for his creator-owned series '' Scalped'' and ''Southern Bastards'', as well as his work on Marvel series '' Ghost Rider'', ''Wolverine'', '' PunisherMAX'', ''Thor'', a ...

and artist

Esad Ribić Esad T. Ribić (born 10 November 1972) is a Croatian comic book artist and animator, known for his work on various titles for Marvel Comics, including ''Loki'', '' Silver Surfer: Requiem'', '' Sub-Mariner: The Depths'' and the 2015 ''Secret Wars'' ...

debuted as part of the

Marvel NOW! Marvel Now! (stylized as Marvel NOW!) is a comic book branding for the relaunch of several ongoing comic books published by Marvel Comics, that debuted in October 2012 with new #1 issues. The relaunch also included some new titles, including ''Un ...

relaunch. This story arc was voted as the eighth best Thor story by Comicbook.com. In October 2014, a fourth volume of ''Thor'' by Jason Aaron and artist

Russell Dauterman Russell Dauterman is an American comic book illustrator known for work on ''Supurbia'' for Boom! Studios and ''Nightwing'' for DC Comics. Before breaking into comics Dauterman served as a costume illustrator in the movie industry, working on such ...

debuted that featured a female character (later revealed to be

Jane Foster Jane Foster is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character was introduced as a love interest of the superhero Thor Odinson until becoming a superhero in her own right. Created by writers Stan Lee and ...

) in the role of Thor after the classic hero is no longer able to wield Mjolnir. Aaron stated that "this is not She-Thor. This is not Lady Thor. This is not Thorita. This is Thor. This is the Thor of the Marvel Universe. But it's unlike any Thor we've ever seen before." The following October, Aaron and Dauterman signed an exclusive agreement with Marvel to continue their work together in a second volume of ''The Mighty Thor'', also starring Foster. In July 2016, Marvel announced a new ongoing series titled ''The Unworthy Thor'' by Aaron and Coipel. The series follows the original Thor, who now refers to himself as Odinson, as he tries to find his purpose after relinquishing his name and title to Foster. Aaron stated that the series finds Odinson in a dark place explaining, "He failed for a reason we still don't quite understand. He dropped the hammer and hasn't been able to pick it up since. So then we go to a pretty dark place. A darker, more desperate, more driven version." In January 2020, Thor volume #6 debuted, written by Donny Cates. This story follows Thor, as he becomes the new king of Asgard and tries to fulfill his duties as a king while fighting his destiny in an attempt to save the multiverse from an unknown threat.

Fictional character biography

1960s

Thor's father Odin decides his son needed to be taught humility and consequently incarnates Thor (without memories of godhood) on Earth as a mortal, partially disabled human medical student, Donald Blake. After becoming a doctor, Blake witnesses the arrival of an

alien Alien primarily refers to: * Alien (law), a person in a country who is not a national of that country ** Enemy alien, the above in times of war * Extraterrestrial life, life which does not originate from Earth ** Specifically, intelligent extrate ...

scouting party while he is on vacation in Norway. Blake flees from the aliens into a cave. After discovering Thor's hammer Mjolnir (disguised as a

walking stick A walking stick or walking cane is a device used primarily to aid walking, provide postural stability or support, or assist in maintaining a good posture. Some designs also serve as a fashion accessory, or are used for self-defense. Walking s ...

) and striking it against a rock, he transforms into the thunder god. Later, in ''Thor'' #159, Blake is revealed to have always been Thor, Odin's enchantment having caused him to forget his history as The Thunder God and believe himself mortal. Defeating the aliens, Thor shares a double life with his

alter ego An alter ego (Latin for "other I", "doppelgänger") means an alternate self, which is believed to be distinct from a person's normal or true original personality. Finding one's alter ego will require finding one's other self, one with a differe ...

: treating the ill in a private practice with nurse – and eventual love –

, and defending humanity from evil. Thor's presence on Earth almost immediately attracts the attention of his adoptive brother and enemy

. Loki is responsible for the emergence of three of Thor's principal foes: the

Absorbing Man Absorbing Man (Carl "Crusher" Creel) is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. He first appeared in '' Journey into Mystery'' #114, cover dated March 1965, created by writer Stan Lee and writer/artist ...

; the Destroyer, and the Wrecker. 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

, of which Thor and Hulk, alongside

Ant-Man Ant-Man is the name of several superheroes appearing in books published by Marvel Comics. Created by Stan Lee, Larry Lieber and Jack Kirby, Ant-Man's first appearance was in ''Tales to Astonish'' #27 (January 1962) but first appeared in costum ...

, the

Wasp A wasp is any insect of the narrow-waisted suborder Apocrita of the order Hymenoptera which is neither a bee nor an ant; this excludes the broad-waisted sawflies (Symphyta), which look somewhat like wasps, but are in a separate suborder. Th ...

and

Iron Man Iron Man is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character was co-created by writer and editor Stan Lee, developed by scripter Larry Lieber, and designed by artists Don Heck and Jack Kirby. The charact ...

, would be founding members. Thor's other early foes include

Zarrko Zarrko, the Tomorrow Man is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character is most commonly associated with Thor. Publication history Zarrko was created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, and first appeared ...

, the Tomorrow Man; the

Radioactive Man Radioactive Man may refer to: *Radioactive Man (comics), a fictional character in the Marvel Comics Universe *Radioactive Man (The Simpsons), a fictional comic book superhero in ''The Simpsons'' :*''Radioactive Man'', a comic book series starring th ...

; the Lava Man; the Cobra;

Mister Hyde ''Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde'' is a 1886 Gothic novella by Scottish author Robert Louis Stevenson. It follows Gabriel John Utterson, a London-based legal practitioner who investigates a series of strange occurrences between his old ...

; the Enchantress and the

Executioner An executioner, also known as a hangman or headsman, is an official who executes a sentence of capital punishment on a legally condemned person. Scope and job The executioner was usually presented with a warrant authorising or orderin ...

, and the

Grey Gargoyle Grey Gargoyle (Paul Pierre Duval) is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Publication history The Grey Gargoyle first appeared in ''Journey into Mystery'' #107 (Aug. 1964) and was created by Stan Lee and ...

. Falling in love with Jane Foster, Thor disobeys his father and refuses to return to

Asgard In Nordic mythology, Asgard (Old Norse: ''Ásgarðr'' ; "enclosure of the Æsir") is a location associated with the gods. It appears in a multitude of Old Norse sagas and mythological texts. It is described as the fortified home of the Æsir ...

, an act for which he is punished on several occasions. 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. Although Thor initially regards himself as a "superhero" like his teammates in the Avengers, Loki's machinations draw Thor into increasingly epic adventures, such as teaming with his father Odin and Asgardian ally

Balder Baldr (also Balder, Baldur) is a god in Germanic mythology. In Norse mythology, Baldr (Old Norse: ) is a son of the god Odin and the goddess Frigg, and has numerous brothers, such as Thor and Váli. In wider Germanic mythology, the god was k ...

against the fire demon

Surtur In Norse mythology, Surtr (Old Norse "black"Orchard (1997:154). "the swarthy one",Simek (2007:303–304) Surtur in modern Icelandic), also sometimes written Surt in English, is a jötunn. Surtr is attested in the ''Poetic Edda'', compiled in the ...

and Skagg the Storm Giant, and defeating an increasingly powerful Absorbing Man and proving his innocence in the "Trial of the Gods". This necessitates an extended leave of absence from the Avengers. Thor encounters the

Greek God The following is a list of gods, goddesses, and many other divine and semi-divine figures from ancient Greek mythology and ancient Greek religion. Immortals The Greeks created images of their deities for many purposes. A temple would house the ...

Hercules Hercules (, ) is the Roman equivalent of the Greek divine hero Heracles, son of Jupiter and the mortal Alcmena. In classical mythology, Hercules is famous for his strength and for his numerous far-ranging adventures. The Romans adapted th ...

, who becomes a loyal and trustworthy friend. Thor saves Hercules from fellow

Olympian Olympian or Olympians may refer to: Religion * Twelve Olympians, the principal gods and goddesses in ancient Greek religion * Olympian spirits, spirits mentioned in books of ceremonial magic Fiction * ''Percy Jackson & the Olympians'', fiction ...

Pluto (Marvel Comics), Pluto; stops the advance of Ego the Living Planet; rescues Jane Foster from the High Evolutionary and defeats his flawed creation, the Man-Beast. Odin finally relents and allows Thor to love Jane Foster, on the proviso she pass a trial. Foster panics and Thor intervenes. After Foster fails the test, Odin returns her to Earth, where she is given another chance at love, while a heartbroken Thor is introduced to the Asgardian warrior Sif (Marvel Comics), Sif. Thor battles the Asgardian troll Ulik for the first time when Ulik attempts to steal Mjolnir. The thunder god returns to Asgard to prevent Mangog from drawing the Odinsword and ending the universe, Thor learns the origin of Galactus and rescues Sif after she is kidnapped by Adam Warlock, Him.

1970s

Thor battles Surtur once again when the fire demon attempts to storm Asgard; encounters the Stranger (comics), Stranger and his pawn the Abomination (comics), Abomination; and overpowers an outmatched Doctor Doom. In the fall of 1972, writers

, and

crafted a metafictional unofficial Intercompany crossover, crossover spanning titles from both major comics companies. Each comic featured Conway, Englehart, and Wein, as well as Wein's first wife Glynis Wein, Glynis, List of comics creators appearing in comics, interacting with Marvel or DC characters at the Rutland Halloween Parade in Rutland (city), Vermont, Rutland, Vermont. Beginning in ''Amazing Adventures'' vol. 2 #16 (by Englehart with art by Bob Brown (comics), Bob Brown and Frank McLaughlin (artist), Frank McLaughlin), the story continued in ''Justice League, Justice League of America'' #103 (by Wein, Dick Dillin and Dick Giordano), and concluded in ''Thor'' #207 (by Conway and penciler John Buscema). Thor prevents another attempt by Mangog — disguised as Odin — from drawing the Odinsword; is saved by the intervention of ally Volstagg when the "Odin Force" became a semi-sentient destructive force; and is rescued from death when Odin engineers a false Ragnarök and has reporter Red Norvell die in his place battling the Midgard Serpent. Thor met the Eternals (comics), Eternals in a lengthy storyline. Thor also encounters the "Eye of Odin" (sacrificed by Odin to drink from the Well of Mimir) which claimed another Asgard and version of Thor once existed.

1980s

Thor eventually confronts the threat of the Celestial (comics), 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 (comics), Eternals) and Thor himself, the aliens depart when presented with an offering by Gaea on behalf of the "Skymothers" (e.g. Frigga (Marvel Comics), Frigga and Hera (Marvel Comics), Hera) of twelve perfect humans. Thor also learns Gaea was his birth mother. After restoring the Asgardian gods with a gathering of energies donated by Skyfathers from other pantheons, Thor has a series of adventures on Earth, including encountering two Heralds of Galactus in swift succession; stopping Mephisto (comics), Mephisto from taking human souls; clearing his name when framed by Asgardian god of war Tyr (Marvel Comics), Tyr; aiding Drax the Destroyer; with ally

defeating the Bi-Beast and the Man-Beast; engaging the former king of Nastrond Fafnir (comics), Fafnir transformed by Odin into a dragon in combat when freed by Loki, and battling Dracula (Marvel Comics), Dracula. Thor learns 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 (comics), Atum, the son of Gaea, and therefore Thor's half-brother – and ensures the cosmic balance is restored. While exploring an approaching space vessel at the request of Nick Fury, Thor encounters

, 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 demons, 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 Elves (Marvel Comics)#Dark Elves, Dark Elf Malekith (comics), Malekith — the gods are finally triumphant, although during combat Odin and Surtur disappear through a rift and are presumed dead. Thor remains in Asgard to deal with the vacuum left by Odin's apparent death, and drives off Hela (character), Hela; meets Tiwaz, his great-grandfather; forces Loki to cure him from the effects of a love potion; with allies enters Hela's realm and rescues lost mortal souls. Returning to Earth, Thor and Beta Ray Bill defeat the transformed Dark Elf Kurse, although Loki 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. While rescuing X-Factor (comics), X-Factor member the Warren Worthington III, Angel from torture by the mercenary team the Marauders (comics), Marauders, Thor is cursed by Hela, who makes his bones as brittle as glass and unable to heal if damaged; and renders him truly immortal and unable to die no matter how severe his injuries. Thor is injured again during a battle with the Absorbing Man engineered by Loki, and is ultimately saved by Loki during a battle with the Dark Elves. Eventually forced to wear armor to protect his broken body, Thor and Loki defeat a group of Ice Giants, who seek revenge by trying to locate the Midgard Serpent (comics), 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, who kills the Ice Giants and 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. Thor meets and battles Leir (Marvel Comics), Leir, the Celtic pantheon, Celtic god of lightning. After another encounter with the Celestials on an alien world; Thor finds Odin — a captive of Seth (Marvel Comics), Seth — and uses the Odinpower to fend off a returning Surtur; and defeats Annihilus while Asgard is in the Negative Zone. Thor battles X-Men foe the Juggernaut (comics), Juggernaut and meets the New Warriors.

1990s

After Thor kills Loki in single combat, Heimdall (character), Heimdall – standing in for Odin temporarily as ruler of Asgard – banishes Thor from Asgard; he is replaced by the mortal Eric Masterson, who became the hero Thunderstrike (Eric Masterson), Thunderstrike. When Odin awakes, Thor is forgiven and returned. During a battle Thor is driven into a "Berserker, warrior's madness" by a Valkyrie. After overpowering everyone who attempts to stop his rampage, Thor is brought by the Eternal (comics), Eternal and Thanos before Odin, who cures his son of the madness. Thor, together with the Avengers, the Fantastic Four, and other heroes, is trapped in an Parallel universe (fiction), alternate universe after defeating the villain Onslaught (Marvel Comics), Onslaught. The heroes live alternate lives for a year in what is revealed to be an artificial creation until returning to their own universe. Thor and several members of the Avengers battle 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. Thor enters into a war with the Dark Gods with Marnot revealed to be Hescamer, one of Odin's ravens; and battles the returning Enchanters Three.

2000s

Thor faces a prolonged struggle against Thanos when he seeks to remake the universe. 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 Federal government of the United States, U.S. Government, and even his fellow Avengers. Thor marries Amora (the Enchantress), and has a son, Magni (Marvel Comics), Magni, who upon reaching adulthood doubts his father's judgment. Wracked with guilt, Thor is drawn into battle with his former ally Thor Girl, Tarene and the Destroyer (occupied by former foe Desak), and reverses these events via time travel. When the timeline is reset, Loki revives Surtur, who forges new Uru hammers for Loki's Storm Giant followers and begins 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 severs 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. Thor's hammer Mjolnir (Marvel Comics), Mjolnir is eventually found on Earth and put under United States 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". 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, Blake was consigned to the void that Thor now inhabited. With Odin's death, 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 reveals that Thor's fellow Asgardians still live in the minds and hearts of mortals, and only needed to be found and released. Thor rebuilds Asgard over Broxton, Oklahoma, and learns of the events that occurred during the 2006–2007 "Civil War (comics), 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,

, 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 Ragnarok (comics), clone of him to serve him in this campaign, for which Thor is greatly angered. 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, his and Captain America's animosity toward Stark would persist until the conclusion of the 2010–2011 ''Avengers Prime'' miniseries. Thor searches for his fellow Asgardians, and restores each of them, with the exception of Sif (Marvel Comics), Sif, who had been trapped in the body of an old woman dying of cancer, her real form stolen by Loki. Thor locates Odin in a limbo between life and death, waging constant battle with Surtur. Odin advises his son that Thor must lead the Asgardians. 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. Due to Loki's deception, Thor battles and kills his grandfather Bor, and is banished from Asgard. 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.

2010s

During the events of the 2010 "Siege (comics), Siege" storyline, Thor defends Asgard against an invasion by Green Goblin, Norman Osborn and his Dark Avengers. Although the invasion force is ultimately defeated, Asgard itself is toppled by the Sentry (Robert Reynolds), 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. The next day Balder lifts Thor's exile and appoints Thor as his adviser. Immediately after the fall of Asgard, Thor, Captain America and Iron Man are transported to the Norse realm of Hel (location), Hel, where they battle against Hela (character), Hela, after which Thor and Captain America's friendship with Iron Man is renewed. Thor aids Amadeus Cho in a quest to find the necessary ingredients to bring back their mutual friend Hercules from a Parallel universe (fiction), parallel universe. During the 2010 - 2011 "Chaos War (comics), Chaos War" storyline, Thor joins Hercules' God Squad (comics), God Squad to battle the Amatsu-Mikaboshi (comics), Chaos King, who is set on destroying all of existence. 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 and his brother Loki, whom Thor had missed since his death. During the 2011 "Fear Itself (comics), Fear Itself" storyline, Sin (Marvel Comics), Sin frees Odin's long-forgotten brother, Cul, a God of Fear known also as the Serpent (comics), 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. At Thor's funeral, Thor and other people's memories of him are replaced by Ulik under the guise of Tanarus, a new thunder god. Thor returns from the limbo of forgotten dead gods with the help of Loki and the Silver Surfer, and vanquishes Ulik. During the 2012 "Avengers vs. X-Men" storyline, Thor leads the Secret Avengers into deep space to battle the Phoenix Force (comics), Phoenix Force, but is defeated. He is later captured and taken prisoner by the phoenix-empowered duo of Colossus (comics), Colossus and Magik (Illyana Rasputin), Magik. Following the war, Captain America selects Thor to join the Uncanny Avengers, Avengers Unity Squad, a new team of Avengers composed of both classic Avengers and X-Men. Thor then investigates the disappearances of several gods, and defeats Gorr the God Butcher in a story arc that spans several millennia. Following the murder of Uatu and the revelation of his many secrets during the 2014 "Original Sin (comics), Original Sin" storyline, Thor learns that Angela (comics), Angela is the daughter of Odin and that she was thought to have been killed during Asgard's war with the Angels of the Tenth Realm. In response, Odin severed the Tenth Realm from the other nine realms and removed all memory of its existence. Thor confronts Frigga about these events and travels to the Tenth Realm with Loki to learn more about his "sister." Later, Nick Fury whispers an unrevealed secret to Thor that causes him to lose the ability to pick up his hammer. In the aftermath of the "Original Sin" storyline, Thor takes up the battle axe Jarnbjorn as a substitute for Mjolnir and subsequently loses his left arm in combat against Malekith the Accursed. Thor previously used Jarnbjorn as his regular weapon beginning in the ninth century after unable unsuccessful attempts to lift Mjolnir . Composed of Asgardian Steel, Jarnbjorn and Thor fought many foes on Earth, including frost giants, trolls and dragons. However, during the 11th Century, Thor faced off with the Celestials, Celestial-powered being called Apocalypse (comics), Apocalypse and lost. Seeking revenge, Thor blessed Jarnbjorn with his own blood, giving it the power to pierce Celestial armor. Meanwhile, an unidentified woman, later revealed as

, lifts Mjolnir, taking possession of Thor's power. Although Thor initially attempts to reclaim the hammer, he relinquishes the name and role of Thor after witnessing the woman wield its power. Thor Odinson continues his work as a superhero under the name "Odinson", using Jarnbjorn and a prosthetic arm made of black uru. In the 2016 limited series ''The Unworthy Thor'', Odinson learns that Ultimate Thor's hammer has crash landed on Asgard following the "Secret Wars (2015 comic book), Secret Wars" storyline. Odinson ultimately turns down the opportunity to lift it and reveals to Beta Ray Bill that the words Nick Fury whispered to him were "Gorr was right," explaining that no god is worthy of mortal admiration. After this, an unknown individual, later revealed as Volstagg, picks up Ultimate Thor's hammer and calls himself "War Thor." During the 2017 "Secret Empire (comics), Secret Empire" storyline, Odinson is recruited by Steve Rogers — who is under the influence of Kobik, the sentient Cosmic Cube — into joining Hydra (comics), Hydra, but later sides with the resistance in their efforts to end Hydra's control over the United States. After Odinson learns that Mjolnir's new wielder is Jane Foster, Jane sacrifices Mjolnir to destroy Mangog by wrapping Mangog in chains tied to Mjolnir before hurling both into the sun. After Odinson works with his father to bring Jane back to life, she restarts her chemotherapy while inspiring Odinson to return to his old name, suggesting that he see what kind of Thor he can be without a hammer after witnessing her accomplishments with one. As a result, Thor returns to a variant of his more familiar look with a golden arm, using various substitute hammers until the dwarves can gather enough uru to forge a true new Mjolnir. During the 2019 "War of the Realms" storyline, Thor sacrifices one eye and the last remaining fragment of Mjolnir to gain the necessary knowledge to defeat Malekith, but subsequently manages to channel the cosmic storm generated by their final battle to reforge Mjolnir, restoring his ability to wield the hammer by accepting his past unworthiness and proclaiming that he will now fight for the unworthy.

2020s

Following the "War of the Realms" storyline, Odin names Thor the new King of Asgard in a new ongoing series by writer Donny Cates and artist Nic Klein. Along with the new title, Thor receives a new costume with black body armor, black boots, and a glowing white sash in the form of a Thurisaz rune. In the series, an injured Galactus crash lands on Asgard and claims to be seeking asylum from the cause of his universe's destruction: the Black Winter (Fimbulwinter). Galactus reveals to All-Father Thor that he had a vision of Thor being responsible for his death. In a bid to destroy the Black Winter, Galactus turns Thor into his Herald of Thunder, who will find five particular worlds that Galactus must consume to gain the power to oppose the Black Winter. The transformation into a Herald also restores Thor's lost eye and arm.''Thor'' vol.6 #1 Thor later learns that the Black Winter considers Galactus as his herald. Outraged at being used, Thor drains Galactus of his energies, leaving him a decimated husk. When the Black Winter moves in to claim Galactus' body, Thor used it as a bomb to decimate the Black Winter. Prior to the battle with Galactus, Thor had noticed that Mjolnir had been growing heavier for him. After the battle, he sends Mjolnir to Broxton, Oklahoma, where Asgard was once built and later on destroyed. There, a man named Adam Aziz visits the crash site first. He notices that "Call Tony Stark" is written, along with his phone number (which was Thor's revenge for the "Nice throw" Iron Man had previously written on Thor's Hammer), and calls Tony. When Iron Man comes, both him and Adam see that writing on Mjolnir has changed to "Pick it up". Adam picks up the hammer, and his clothes change to more Asgardian like, with a cape and a helmet. Thor soon comes to Broxton, and takes Mjolnir from Adam, but Iron Man snatches it, refusing to return it to Thor until he had run some tests on the hammer and until Thor had answered some questions. Thor replies that he does not answer to anyone, to which Iron Man hit Thor on the face with the hammer. Thor threatens Iron Man, who promptly gives the hammer back. Thor explains to Iron Man that while the hammer has been growing heavier for him, it has been becoming lighter for others. Iron Man promises that he will not tell anyone and goes. Thor goes to Asgard after briefly teaching Adam how to fly using Mjolnir. In the 2020 ''Avengers'' "Enter the Phoenix" story-arc, it is alluded that Thor is the son of a mutant avatar of the Phoenix Force known as Phoenix Force (comics)#Lady Phoenix, Lady Phoenix, who had an affair with Odin 1,000,000 years prior at the dawn of man. However, in a later story in Thor's own comic book, he once again drew upon powers over the Earth inherited by Gaea, as had repeatedly been established earlier, so the veracity of these claims remain very uncertain.

Powers and abilities

Like all Asgardians, Thor is incredibly long-lived and relies upon periodic consumption of the Golden Apples of Idunn (Marvel Comics), 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. Thor is capable of incredible feats of strength, such as lifting the almost Earth-sized Midgard Serpent (Marvel Comics), Midgard Serpent, supporting a weight equivalent to that of 20 planets, destroying Surtur (Marvel Comics), Surtur's solar system-sized dimensional portal (by combining his power with that of

), and allegedly overpowering infinite gravity. By exerting himself to his maximum, he moved the Worldengine, which held the World Tree, which contains nine universal space-time continuums, and significantly affected their timelines. If pressed in battle, Thor is capable of entering into a state known as the "berserker, Warrior's Madness" ("berserkergang" in Norwegian and Danish alike), which will temporarily increase his strength and stamina tenfold, although in this state he attacks friend and foe alike. Thor is extremely durable to physical injuries. He has even survived energy blasts from Celestial (comics), Celestials. Thor possesses keen senses that allow him to track objects travelling faster than light and hear cries from the other side of the planet. His stamina allowed him to battle the entire Frost Giant army for nine months without any sustenance or rest; Thor has shown the ability to regenerate wounded portions of his body, including entire limbs or organs, with the aid of magical forces such as Mjolnir. Thor has superhuman speed, agility, and reflexes, enabling him to deflect bullets with his hammer, and to swing or throw it at many times the speed of light. In early stories, Thor demonstrated vortex breath, which produces powerful winds. Like all Asgardians, he has immunity to all Earthly diseases and is resistant to magic. Exceptionally powerful magic can overwhelm Odin's enchantment that transforms him between Asgardian and mortal forms. 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 over the world and destroy entire buildings; by whirling his hammer he can lift entire buildings with the wind. Thor can also create small tornadoes by quickly whipping his cape in circles. As the son of the Earth goddess Gaea, Thor has shown control over the Earth.''Thor'' #22 (February 2022) Thor is a superb hand-to-hand combatant, and is skilled in armed combat, excelling in the use of the war hammer, sword, battle axe, axe and mace (bludgeon), mace. Thor possesses two items which assist him in combat: the enchanted Megingjörð, Belt of Strength, and his signature weapon, the mystical hammer Mjolnir. The first item doubles Thor's strength and endurance whereas the second is used to control his weather abilities; flight; energy projection and absorption (sufficient to drain the galaxy-destroying Null Bomb, and use its energy to reignite a dying star);''Thor'' #407 (Sept. 1989) dimensional travel; matter manipulation, the Thermo-blast, the Anti-Force (which counteracts another force), and the ''God Blast'', that taps into Thor's life force and has even forced Galactus to flee.''Thor'' vol. 3 #12 (June 1999) Using Mjolnir by throwing it in the desired direction and then holding on to the handle's leather loop, Thor can fly at supersonic speeds within Earth's atmosphere and much faster than light in outer space. He can also use the hammer to create a barrier by letting it spin in a circle, and even managed to contain an explosion powerful enough to destroy 1/5th of the Universe, although at the cost of his own life. He can throw an object out of Earth's atmosphere by using his strength, and throw his hammer to Asgard from which it will return. 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 Tanngrisnir and Tanngnjóstr, Toothgnasher and Toothgrinder that can fly nearly anywhere he desires almost as easily as with Mjolnir. Mjolnir also has the following powers: * It can create huge vortices.''Journey into Mystery'' #82 (Aug. 1962) * It can emit antimatter particles. * It can project mystical blasts of energy, control electromagnetism, and perform molecular manipulation. It can also absorb energy; * It drained the Asgardian powers of the Wrecking Crew (comics), Wrecking Crew into the Wrecker. * It drained the energies of the villain the Presence (Marvel Comics), Presence. * It negated the force field of the Juggernaut (comics), Juggernaut. The hammer also accidentally endowed the hero Union Jack (comics), Union Jack with the ability to generate electricity, and it can remove any harmful radiation or toxins from a host. There are also several rarely used abilities of Mjolnir: * Tracking a person. * Locating mystical items. * Detecting illusions. * Projecting images, as Thor has shown a glimpse of Asgard to his fellow Avenger

. As a former religious relic, Mjolnir is also lethal to the undead, causing creatures such as vampires to burst into flame and crumble to dust. When in possession of the "Odinforce" that usually empowers his father, Thor has proven capable of killing Galactus when the latter is very well fed and far beyond his normal power level.

Supporting characters

Reception

Accolades

* In 2011, ''IGN'' ranked Thor 14th in their "Top 100 Comic Book Heroes of All Time" list. * In 2012, ''IGN'' ranked Thor 1st in their "Top 50 Avengers" list. * In 2015, ''Entertainment Weekly'' ranked Thor 12th in their "Let's rank every Avenger ever" list. * In 2015, ''Gizmodo'' ranked Thor 2nd in their "Every Member Of The Avengers" list. * In 2015, ''BuzzFeed'' ranked Thor 4th in their "84 Avengers Members Ranked From Worst To Best" list. * In 2017, ''Screen Rant'' ranked Thor 1st in their "15 Best Thors In Marvel Comics" list. * In 2018, ''GameSpot'' ranked Thor 39th in their "50 Most Important Superheroes" list. * In 2020, ''CBR.com'' ranked Thor 5th in their "10 Marvel Gods With The Highest Kill Count" list. * In 2022, ''Newsarama'' ranked Thor 5th in their "Best Avengers members of all time" list. * In 2022, ''CBR.com'' ranked Thor 3rd in their "10 Scariest Avengers" list. * In 2022, ''Screen Rant'' included Thor in their "10 Most Powerful Avengers In Marvel Comics" list and in their "10 Most Powerful Hercules Villains In Marvel Comics" list.

Other versions

In other media

The character was first portrayed in live action by Eric Allan Kramer in the 1988 television movie ''The Incredible Hulk Returns''.

portrays Thor (Marvel Cinematic Universe), Thor Odinson in the

films ''

'' (2011), '' The Avengers'' (2012), '' Thor: The Dark World'' (2013), '' Avengers: Age of Ultron'' (2015), '' Doctor Strange'' (2016) in a cameo, '' Thor: Ragnarok'' (2017), '' Avengers: Infinity War'' (2018), '' Avengers: Endgame'' (2019) and '' Thor: Love and Thunder'' (2022). Additionally, archival footage of Hemsworth as Thor was used in the 2013 episodes "Pilot (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.), Pilot" and "The Well (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.), The Well" of ''Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.'' Thor appears as an outfit in ''Fortnite Battle Royale'' Chapter 2's Season Four Battle Pass.

Collected editions

*''Journey into Mystery#Collected editions, Journey into Mystery'' *List of Thor titles#Collected editions, Various titles of Thor *''Thor: Son of Asgard#Collected editions, Thor: Son of Asgard'' *''Thor: Vikings#Collected editions, Thor: Vikings''

References

External links

* *
Larry Lieber interview in ''Alter Ego'' vol. 3, #2 (Fall 1999)
* {{Authority control Thor (Marvel Comics), 1962 comics debuts Avengers (comics) characters Characters created by Jack Kirby Characters created by Larry Lieber Characters created by Stan Lee Comics by Gerry Conway Comics by J. Michael Straczynski Comics by Jack Kirby Comics by Jason Aaron Comics by Len Wein Comics by Matt Fraction Comics by Stan Lee Comics by Warren Ellis Comics characters introduced in 1962 Fantasy comics Fictional characters with absorption or parasitic abilities Fictional characters with air or wind abilities Fictional characters with anti-magic or power negation abilities Fictional characters with dimensional travel abilities Fictional characters with electric or magnetic abilities Fictional characters with elemental transmutation abilities Fictional characters with energy-manipulation abilities Fictional characters with slowed ageing Fictional characters with superhuman durability or invulnerability Fictional characters with superhuman senses Fictional characters with weather abilities Fictional deicides Fictional exiles Fictional hammer fighters Fictional kings Fictional gods Fictional physicians Fictional princes Male characters in film Marvel Comics adapted into films Marvel Comics adapted into video games Marvel Comics Asgardians Marvel Comics characters who can move at superhuman speeds Marvel Comics characters who use magic Marvel Comics characters with accelerated healing Marvel Comics characters with superhuman strength Marvel Comics film characters Marvel Comics male superheroes Marvel Comics television characters Marvel Comics titles Norse mythology in comics Thor