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EspañolTHOR (MARVEL COMICS)
'Thor' (often called 'The Mighty Thor') is a superhero appearing in the Marvel Comics universe. Based on the god of the same name from Nordic mythology and created by editor-plotter Stan Lee, scripter Larry Lieber, and penciller Jack Kirby, he first appears in ''Journey into Mystery'' #83 (Aug. 1962). The uncredited initial inker was Joe Sinnott.[1]
Publication history
Writer-editor Stan Lee described Thor's genesis as following the creation of the Hulk: "I thought it would be fun to invent someone as powerful as, or perhaps even more powerful than, the Incredible Hulk. But how do you make someone stronger than the strongest human? It finally came to me: Don't make him human — make him a god."[2]
Following Thor's debut in the science fiction/fantasy anthology title ''Journey into Mystery'', the 13-page feature "The Mighty Thor" continued to be plotted by Lee but scripted by Lee's brother Larry Lieber or Robert Bernstein (working under the pseudonym "R. Berns"). Penciling was by either Jack Kirby, Joe Sinnott, Don Heck, or, for a single issue, Al Hartley. Then with ''Journey into Mystery'' #101 (Feb. 1964), the series began a long and definitive run by Lee and Kirby that lasted until the by-then-retitled ''The Mighty Thor'' #179 (Aug. 1970).
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 ''The Mighty Thor'' with issue #126 (March 1966). "Tales of Asgard" was replaced by a five-page featurette starring the "The Inhumans", from #146–152 (Nov. 1967 – May 1968), after which featurettes were dropped and the Thor stories reverted to Marvel's then-standard 20-page length.
Once Kirby left the book, John Buscema and Neal Adams each drew a few issues. Buscema became the regular artist with issue #182 (Nov. 1970) and 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, but for several years ''The Mighty 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). He introduced many popular characters, such as Beta Ray Bill, in a popular and critically acclaimed run.[3][4]
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 event of the 1990s, Thor was removed from mainstream Marvel continuity and, with many other Marvel characters, reimagined in an alternate universe for one year. His series' 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 Thor and the other heroes returned to the Marvel Universe, the 85-issue ''Thor'' vol. 2 was launched, premiering with #1 (July 1998). This series began using dual numbering, as if the original Thor series had continued unbroken, with issue #36 / #538 (June 2001). (At the time, the Marvel Comics series begun in the 1960s, such as ''Fantastic Four'' and ''The Amazing Spider-Man'', were given such dual numbering on the front cover, with the present-day volume's numbering alongside the numbering from the original series.) Dan Jurgens was writer for a majority of this series' run, leaving with issue #79 (July 2004). Scot G. Eaton joined him, as penciler, on #68-79. They were followed by co-writers Daniel Berman and Michael Avon Oeming and penciler-inker Andrea Di Vito for the "Avengers Disassembled" crossover storyline through the final issue #85 / #587 (Dec. 2004)
A new Thor ongoing series, ''Thor'' vol. 3, written by J. Michael Straczynski and penciled by Olivier Coipel, premiered with a first issue cover-dated Sept. 2007.
Fictional character biography
The Marvel version of Thor is noble and very self-assured, sometimes to the point of arrogance. Odin decides his son needs 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. After becoming a doctor and thoroughly believing himself to be the young surgeon Blake, he later discovers Thor's disguised hammer and learns to change back and forth into the Thunder God. The real Blake's persona remains elsewhere until many years later, after Odin becomes satisfied of Thor's humility and lifts the spell, thereby removing the need for a mortal alter ego. The mortal experience, however, shapes Thor into an honorable and courteous individual, who is loyal to all comrades.
Protector of Midgard
''Thor'' #126 (March 1966). The premiere, after the retitling of ''Journey into Mystery''. Cover art by Jack Kirby and Vince Colletta.
Being the son of the Elder Goddess Gaea, Thor has a natural affinity for Earth and feels obliged to protect the mortals that occupy it. Thor's time on Earth is marked by battles against supervillains, monsters, cosmic beings and even other gods.
Thor's principal foe is his adopted brother Loki, who has hated Thor since childhood. While a master of magic with power that dwarfs even that of Earth's Sorcerer Supreme Dr. Strange,[5] Loki prefers to employ the use of minions in his battle against Thor. Ever the schemer, Loki is cautious not to be seen to be directly involved for fear of angering Odin. To that end, Loki creates two ubiquitous foes of Thor — the Absorbing Man and the Wrecker. Loki also tricks others into fighting on his behalf, such as the Asgardian troll Ulik, the Fenris Wolf, the dragon Fafnir and the Silver Surfer.
Sometimes, however, Loki overreaches himself and faces disaster. Guiding a mortal to the shrine of the Asgardian Destroyer — which then absorbs the mortal's essence and battles Thor — almost proves fatal for Loki, as Odin became aware of the conflict and promises that should Thor perish, the trickster god would quickly follow. On another occasion, Loki uses the Hulk as a lure to draw Thor out; while this proved successful, it resulted in the formation of the superhero team the Avengers, of which Thor is a founding and longstanding member.[6]
Thor's other mortal foes include the Radioactive Man; Grey Gargoyle and Wrecking Crew, but among his most powerful foes are the Asgardian monsters as Mangog, the Frost Giants, the Enchanters Three, the Midgard Serpent and the fire-demon Surtur. Thor's gallery of mystical/cosmic rogues extends to Mephisto, Thanos, the God Eater, the Dark Gods, the Sh'iar Praetor Gladiator, and the god-slayer Desak. Thor has even fought against the combined might of the Celestials, when their Fourth Host arrived to judge Earth. [7]
The Reigning
''Thor'' vol. 2, #55. Cover art by Tom Raney.
Much of the second volume of the title deals with the consequences of Thor's decision to intervene in the affairs of Earth.[8] After reluctantly assuming the throne of Asgard, Thor sees mortals at their worst and reshapes the world in his image.
A nightmarish future follows as Thor and the Asgardians conquer Earth and 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. He marries Amora, the Enchantress, and has a son, Magni.
Wracked with guilt, Thor is eventually drawn into a final battle with Tarene and a Desak-occupied Destroyer in a time-travel bid to undo what he has done. As soon as the timeline is reset, Loki revives Surtur, who forges new uru hammers for Loki's Storm Giant followers and begins Ragnarok, a.k.a. Götterdämmerung or "the twilight of the gods".
Thor learns that the Ragnarok cycle is the result of self-styled "gods to the gods" known as Those Who Sit Above in Shadow, who feed on the cycle. Thor confronts the Norns (Fates), breaking the Ragnarok cycle, and then enters a self-induced state of non-existence, sleeping "the sleep of the gods." With his fate unknown to the Avengers, he is believed to be missing in action. [9]
Civil War
Two years later and just prior to the events of Civil War, Thor's hammer Mjolnir is found on Earth and put under U.S. Army protection. Six months later, Doctor Doom - who escapes from Hell as Mjolnir falls through that dimensional plane - tries unsuccessfully to claim the hammer. The hammer is later claimed by a mysterious man carrying a bag with the initials "D.B".[10] During a battle between the two Civil War superhero factions, "Thor" appears and kills Goliath.[11] This version of Thor is later revealed to be a fusion of cloning technology and cybernetics created by Reed Richards and Henry Pym. Anti-registration hero Hercules destroys the clone in a final battle between the factions. [12] The remains of the clone are currently stored in the laboratories at Camp Hammond. [13]
New beginning
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The mysterious man seen during the events of ''Civil War'' is revealed to be Donald Blake. When Blake touches the hammer, he is transported to the void where Thor has been in hibernation. Blake explains that when Odin originally removed the Donald Blake persona from Thor,[14] Blake was transported to the void Thor now inhabits, and was returned to New York City when Thor broke the Ragnarok cycle. Blake convinces Thor to wield Mjolnir once more and return to Earth, with the dual identity of Donald Blake restored. Blake also reveals that Thor's fellow Asgardians are not dead but hidden on Earth.[15] Thor rebuilds Asgard in Oklahoma, paying for the land with Asgardian treasure, then goes off to seek his fellow Asgardians. [16]
Powers and abilities
Thor is the Norse god of thunder and lightning. Like all Asgardians, Thor is not truly immortal but relies upon periodic consumption of the Golden Apples of Idun to sustain his lifespan, which to date has lasted many millennia. The strongest of the Norse gods, Thor has performed feats such as lifting the World Serpent, lifting and hurling the Odinsword, an extra-dimensional object of incredible power, through a Celestial.[7] He is also capable of matching other Marvel powerhouses such as the Hulk, [18] Hercules, [19] and Gladiator. [20] He also possesses godly stamina, is highly resistant to physical injury and possesses superior speed and reflexes. If pressed in battle, Thor is capable of entering into a state known as the "Warrior's Madness", which will temporarily increase his strength tenfold.[21]
Thor eventually inherits the Odinforce and Rune magic, and becomes even more powerful than his father, Odin. In this form, Thor is capable of manipulating vast amounts of energy for a variety of purposes including temporary augmentation of physical attributes, energy projection, matter manipulation and interdimensional teleportation. While in possession of the Odinforce, Thor is capable of decapitating a Desak-occupied Destroyer with one hammer throw. Thor later acquired the knowledge of the Runes and a level of enlightenment that allowed him to free Asgard from the eternal cycle of Ragnarok. Leaving Asgard he entered into hibernation in an unknown location in space. [22]
Thor is also a superb hand-to-hand combatant and has mastered a number of weapons such as the war hammer, sword, and mace. Thor is also very cunning and intuitive in battle, with many centuries of experience. Thor possesses two items that assist him in combat: the Belt of Strength and his mystical hammer Mjolnir. The first item doubles Thor's strength,[23] while the second is used for flight; weather control; energy projection and absorption; dimensional control; matter manipulation and the most powerful of Thor's offensives, the God Blast[24] and the Anti-Force.[25] Thor also possesses a pair of gauntlets which enable him to wield Mjolnir when using the Godblast at its highest output capacity.[26] Thor also used Mjolnir to both restore life and endow the second Union Jack(Brian Falsworth) with electric generating powers [27]
Other versions
In mainstream comic continuity
Eric Masterson
Eric Masterson is initially bonded with Thor after Thor is punished for apparently killing Loki. Masterson carries the mantle of Thor for several years, continuing his roles as a member of the Avengers and protector of Midgard. Thor is eventually freed from Eric's mind, and asks that he continue serving as God of Thunder. Tricked by the Enchantress Masterson attacks Thor, and soon after relinquishes the hammer to Thor. In gratitude for his services, Odin provides Masterson with an enchanted mace, which he uses under the alias of Thunderstrike.[28]
Red Norvell
Part of a documentary crew brought to Asgard by Loki, 'Roger "Red" Norvell' meets and falls in love with Lady Sif. Red Norvell is given Thor's ''Iron Gauntlets'' and ''Belt of Strength'' by Loki to compete with Thor for Sif's affections, with neither realizing this was part of a master plan by Odin to create a surrogate God of Thunder to die fighting the Serpent of Ragnarok and fulfill the prophecy. [29]
The two Thunder God's battle with Norvell nearly the victor until he accidentally kills a fellow crew member and kidnaps and flees with Sif. Sif is able to calm Norvell, who returns to Asgard to seek forgiveness, ultimately taking Thor's place in the battle against the Serpert and dying. [30]
Alternate continuities
1602
A version of Thor appears with an alter ego of an elderly Christian priest named Donal — an allusion to Thor's original secret identity Donald Blake. Donal fears and despises his alter-ego, believing that the shared existence will damn him. [31]
2099
In the Marvel 2099 line of comics, set in the year 2099, the role of Thor is taken by a man named Cecil MacAdam, who belongs to a class of priests known as "Thorites" who worship the original version of Thor. [32]
Age of Apocalypse
In the 1995-1996 fictional crossover event "Age of Apocalypse", published in ''X-Men'' and related titles and taking place in an alternate universe, Donald Blake never discovers that he is the reincarnation of Thor, and is instead an agent of the Human High Council and a doctor, traveling with Gwen Stacy to provide aid in human refugee camps. [33]
Amalgam Comics
In the Amalgam Comics universe, Thor is joined with Orion to make Thorion.
Marvel Zombies
In the alternate-universe miniseries ''Marvel Zombies'' #1-5 (Feb.-June 2006), Thor appears as a cannibalistic zombie wielding a makeshift version of a hammer composed of a concrete block and pipe.
Spider-Ham
In the 1985-1987 alternate-universe series ''Peter Porker, The Spectacular Spider-Ham''' from Marvel's children's line, Star Comics, Thor made at least one appearance as a dog called Thrr Dog of Thunder.[34]
Dargo Ktor
Dargo Ktor is the host of a 26th-century version of Thor, who is empowered when holding Mjolnir - a subject of worship in that century. [35]
Ultimate Marvel
Main articles: Ultimate Thor
Thor is a member of the superhero team the Ultimates in the Ultimate Marvel Universe. [36] Despite his claims to be a Norse god, he is regarded by many to be delusional during the first months of his career. It is not until he is seen summoning an army of Asgardian warriors to fend off an attack on Washington DC by demonic forces commanded by Loki that Thor's teammates realize he is exactly who he says he is. [37]
In other media
Television
A "Mighty Thor" title card from segment ''The Marvel Superheroes''
★ Thor's first appearance in television was in the segment "The Mighty Thor" of the syndicated, anthological animated television series ''The Marvel Superheroes'', originally syndicated in 1966.
★ Thor's Donald Blake identity appeared in the 1980's Spider-Man episode "Wrath of the Sub-Mariner."
★ Thor appeared in an episode of ''Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends'' titled "Vengeance of Loki" (1981/1982)
★ Thor appeared in the live action TV-movie The Incredible Hulk Returns. Thor was played by Eric Allan Kramer , and Donald Blake by Steve Levitt. The TV-movie was to be a backdoor pilot for a Thor television series.[38]
★ Thor has a cameo in one part of the ''X-Men Animated Series''.
★ Thor also guest stars in two episodes of the Fantastic Four animated series voiced by John Rhys-Davies. Rhys-Davies reprises his role as Thor in an episode of the ''Incredible Hulk'' animated series.
Video games
★ Thor is a character in ''. He is voiced by Cam Clarke.
★ Thor has a cameo appearance in ''.
★ Thor is mentioned in the ''Spider-Man'' video game.
★ At the end of '', the ''Daily Bugle'' runs an article stating that Thor was the hero who defeated Hyper-Electro.
Film
★ Ultimate Thor appears in the direct-to-video animated features ''Ultimate Avengers'' and ''Ultimate Avengers 2''. He is voiced by Dave Boat.
★ In August 2007, director Matthew Vaughn was hired to direct a live action feature film based on the character. A script written by Mark Protosevich was scheduled to begin filming begin in late 2007.[39]
★ The name of Thor's alter ego, Doctor Donald Blake, is mentioned over the hospital public-address system in the 2007 direct-to-DVD feature ''Doctor Strange''.
Toys
★ In the 1970s, Mego released a Thor action figure, one of many Marvel characters released by them. This figure is one of the primary characters used by Toyfare: The Toy Magazine for their comic strip ''Twisted ToyFare Theater''.
★ A Thor action figure was released by Toy Biz in the early 1990s as part of its Marvel Superheroes toyline.
★ Toy Biz released a Thor action figure as part of a box set of the Original Avengers. This set also included action figures of the Giant-Man, Hulk and Iron Man as well as miniature figures of Ant-Man and Wasp.
★ A short-lived Avengers toyline was produced by Toy Biz which included both Thor and his half-brother Loki.
★ Thor has appeared twice in the Toy Biz's Marvel Legends toy line, and once in Hasbro's.
Bibliography
Main series
★ ''Journey into Mystery'' #83-125 (Aug. 1962 - Feb. 1966)
★ ''Thor'' (a.k.a. ''The Mighty Thor'') #126-502 (March 1966 - Sept. 1996)
★ ''Thor'' (a.k.a. ''The Mighty Thor'') #1-85 (July 1998 - Oct. 2004)
★
★ Cover-titled ''The Mighty Thor: Lord of Asgard'' from #45-67; ''The Mighty Thor: Lord of Earth'' from #68-#79
★ ''Thor'' (a.k.a. ''The Mighty Thor'') #1- (July 2007 - )
Annuals
★ ''Journey into Mystery Annual'' #1 (1966)
★ ''Thor'' (a.k.a. ''The Mighty Thor'') ''Annual'' #2-19 (1966 - 1994)
★ ''Thor Annual '98''; '' '99''; ''2000''; and ''2001'' (1998-2001)
One-shots and limited series
★ ''Thor - I, Whom The Gods Would Destroy (1988: Marvel Graphic Novel #33)
★ ''Thor Corps'' #1-4 (Sept.-Dec. 1993)
★ ''Thor: Rough Cut'' #1 (Sept. 1998; pencil-only reprint of ''Thor'' vol. 2, #1)
★ ''Thor: Godstorm'' #1-3 (Nov. 2001 - Jan. 2002)
★ ''Thor: Vikings'' #1-5 (2004)
★ ''Thor: Son of Asgard'' #1-12 (May 2004 - Jan. 2005)
★ ''Thor: Blood Oath'' #1-6 (Nov. 2005- Feb. 2006)
See also
★ Thor Girl
★ Beta Ray Bill
★ Mjolnir (Thor's Hammer)
Footnotes
1. Per The Unofficial Handbook of Marvel Comics Creators, "On the letter page of ''Thor'' (I) #433, Ron Frenz claims that this story was inked by Joe Sinnott; confirmed by [Sinnot's son,] Mark Sinnott".
2. In his autobiography ''Excelsior!: The Amazing Life of Stan Lee'' (Fireside, 2002; ISBN 0-684-87305-2), by Lee and George Mair, Lee gave his perspective of Thor's genesis:
3. Review of a trade paperback collecting some of Simonson's run at PopImage.com
4. Essay on what makes certain stories definitive at Silver bullet Comics.
5. ''Strange Tales'' #123 (Aug. 1964)
6. ''Avengers'' #1 (Sept. 1963)
7. ''Thor'' #300
8. ''Thor'' vol. 2, #41-85 (Nov. 2001 - Dec. 2004)
9. ''Thor'' v2. #85
10. ''Fantastic Four'' # 536
11. ''Civil War'' #4 (October 2006)
12. ''Civil War'' #7 (2007)
13. ''Avengers: The Initiative'' #2 (2007)
14. ''Thor'' #340 (Feb. 1984)
15. ''Thor'' vol. 3, #1 (Sept. 2007)
16. ''Thor'' vol. 3, #2 (Oct. 2007)
17. ''Thor'' #300
18. ''Journey Into Mystery'' #118
19. ''Thor Annual'' #1 (1965)
20. ''Thor'' vol. 2, #35
21. ''Thor'' #502
22. ''Thor'' vol. 2, #85
23. First mentioned in ''Journey Into Mystery'' #91
24. ''Thor'' vol. 2, #12
25. ''Thor'' vol. 2, #25
26. ''Thor'' #381
27. ''Invaders'' vol. 1 #33
28. ''Thor'' #391
29. ''Thor'' #273
30. Thor vol 1. #273
31. ''Marvel 1602'' #1-8 (Nov. 2003 - June 2004)
32. ''Spider-Man 2099'' #15
33. ''Age of Apocalypse'' 1995 - 1996
34. "Tails of Arfgard" backup feature in ''Peter Porker, the Spectacular Spider-Ham'' #5 (Jan. (1986)
35. ''Thor Corps'' #1-4 (1993).
36. First appearance in ''Ultimates'' #1-13 (March 2002 - April 2004)
37. ''Ultimates'', vol.2 #13
38. IMDb listing for 2004 TV special ''The Best TV Shows That Never Were''
39. Matthew Vaughn to direct 'Thor'
References
★ Marvel.com: Thor
★ Grand Comics Database
★ Marvel Directory: Thor
★ Larry Lieber interview, ''Alter Ego'' vol. 3, #2 (Fall 1999)
External links
★ The Immortal Thor of Asgard (fan site)
★ Thor comic cover gallery
★ Comparing Thor of myth with Marvel's Thor
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