Thor
Thor battles Hercules on the cover of the character's first self-titled issue, Thor #126 (March 1966)
Art by Jack Kirby and Vince Colletta
Publication information
PublisherMarvel Comics
ScheduleMonthly
FormatOngoing series
GenreSuperhero
Publication date
List
  • (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
    (The Mighty Thor vol. 1)
    June 2011 – December 2012
    (Thor: God of Thunder)
    January 2013 – November 2014
    (vol. 4)
    October 2014 – July 2015
    (The Mighty Thor vol. 2) January 2016 – June 2018
    (vol. 5)
    August 2018 – October 2019
    (King Thor)
    November 2019 – February 2020
    (vol. 6)
    March 2020 – August 2023
    (The Immortal Thor vol. 1) October 2023 –
No. of issues
List
  • (vol. 1)
    377 (#126–502) plus 18 annuals
    (vol. 2)
    85 (#1–85) plus 3 Annuals
    (vol. 3)
    12 (#1–12)
    (vol. 1 cont.)
    23 (#600–621 and #620.1), 1 Annual and 2 Specials
    (The Mighty Thor vol. 1)
    23 (#1–22 plus #12.1)
    (Thor: God of Thunder)
    25 (#1–25)
    (vol. 4)
    8 (#1–8)
    (The Mighty Thor vol. 2)
    30 (#1–23 and #700–706)
    (vol. 5): 16 (#1–16)
    (King Thor)
    4 (#1-4)
    (Thor vol. 6)
    36 (#1–35, Annual #1)
    (The Immortal Thor vol. 1)
    1 (#1) (as of October 2023 cover date)
Main character(s)List of Thor (Marvel Comics) supporting characters
Creative team
Written by
List
Penciller(s)
List
Inker(s)
List
Colorist(s)
List

Thor is the name of several comic book titles featuring the character Thor and published by Marvel Comics, beginning with the original Thor comic book series which debuted in 1966.

Publication history

The Marvel Comics superhero Thor debuted in the science fiction/fantasy anthology title Journey into Mystery #83 (cover-date August 1962), and was created by editor-plotter Stan Lee, scripter Larry Lieber, and penciller-plotter 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 #179 (Aug. 1970).[2][3]

The five-page featurette "Tales of Asgard" was added in Journey into Mystery #97 (Oct. 1963),[4] 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 noted that "the adventures of Thor were gradually transformed from stories about a strange-looking superhero into a spectacular saga."[5] Artist Chic Stone, who inked several early Thor stories, observed that "Kirby could just lead you through all these different worlds. The readers would follow him anywhere."[6]

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. Marvel filed for a trademark for "The Mighty Thor" in 1967 and the United States Patent and Trademark Office issued the registration in 1970.[7]

After Kirby left the title, Neal Adams penciled issues #180–181 (Sept.-Oct. 1970).[8] 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 title 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.[9] 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's line of black-and-white comics magazines. A story written by Steve Englehart for the aborted project appeared in Thor Annual #5 (1976).[10] A black-and-white Thor story appeared in Marvel Preview #10 (Winter 1977).[11]

Walt Simonson took over both writing and art as of #337 (Nov. 1983). His stories placed a greater emphasis on the character's mythological origins.[12] 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.[13][14] Simonson's later stories were drawn by Sal Buscema, 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."[15] 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.[16] 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).[17][18][19] 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.[20][21][22] 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.[23][24][25] Kieron Gillen took over from Straczynski in Thor #604 with artists Billy Tan, Richard Elson and Dougie Braithwaite,[26] with his final storyline finishing in issue #614.[27] Matt Fraction took over the series with issue #615, after having been announced as starting in Thor #610[28] and #611.[29][30]

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.[31]

In October 2014, a fourth volume of Thor by Jason Aaron and artist Russell Dauterman debuted that featured a female character (later revealed to be Jane Foster) 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."[32] 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.[33]

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.[34][35] After Cates had to depart Thor due to suffering a car accident in early 2023, Torunn Grønbekk was brought on to write the remaining issues of the series.[36]

References

  1. ↑ DeFalco, Tom; Gilbert, Laura, ed. (2008). "1960s". Marvel Chronicle A Year by Year History. London, United Kingdom: Dorling Kindersley. p. 88. ISBN 978-0756641238. [Stan Lee] had always been fascinated by the legends of the Norse gods and realized that he could use those tales as the basis for his new series centered on the mighty Thor...The heroic and glamorous style that...Jack Kirby [had] was perfect for Thor. {{cite book}}: |first2= has generic name (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  2. 1 2 "Thor (I) • The Mighty Thor (I) (1966–1996)". Unofficial Handbook of Marvel Comics Creators. Series is named "Thor" in the imprint, but most covers have the title "The Mighty Thor".
  3. ↑ Thor at the Grand Comics Database
  4. ↑ DeFalco "1960s" in Gilbert (2008), p. 95: "These backup stories originally began with updated versions of Norse mythology, but later switched to the adventures of a younger Thor."
  5. ↑ Daniels, Les (1991). Marvel: Five Fabulous Decades of the World's Greatest Comics. New York, New York: Harry N. Abrams. p. 124. ISBN 9780810938212.
  6. ↑ Evanier, Mark (2008). Kirby: King of Comics. New York, New York: Harry N. Abrams. p. 127. ISBN 978-0810994478.
  7. ↑ "The Mighty Thor". Markify. Retrieved May 23, 2013.
  8. ↑ Schumer, Arlen (Winter 1999). "Neal Adams: The Marvel Years". Comic Book Artist (3). Retrieved May 12, 2013.
  9. ↑ Thomas, Roy; Macchio, Ralph; Gruenwald, Mark; Pollard, Keith (2007). Thor: The Eternals Saga vol. 2. Marvel Comics. p. 216. ISBN 978-0785124054.
  10. ↑ Englehart, Steve (n.d.). "Thor the Mighty". SteveEnglehart.com. Archived from the original on December 19, 2012. Retrieved May 26, 2013. Unfortunately, in one of those things that just happen in life, publishing plans changed and Thor the Mighty was shelved.
  11. ↑ Marvel Preview #10 at the Grand Comics Database
  12. ↑ Nolen-Weathington, Eric; Ash, Roger (2006). Modern Masters, Volume 8: Walter Simonson. Raleigh, North Carolina: TwoMorrows Publishing. p. 45. ISBN 978-1893905641. I combined Norse mythology with 'Marvel Norse mythology' with 'Walter mythology' and put together a storyline.
  13. ↑ DeFalco "1980s" in Gilbert (2008), p. 213: "This issue began a highly acclaimed run by writer/artist Walt Simonson that would last for nearly four years and end with issue #382 (Aug. 1987)."
  14. ↑ Singer, Matt (October 1, 2007). "Review: Thor Visionaries: Walter Simonson". Popimage.com. Archived from the original on June 4, 2013. Retrieved December 28, 2010.
  15. ↑ Amash, Jim; Nolen-Weathington,, Eric (2010). Sal Buscema: Comics' Fast & Furious Artist. Raleigh, North Carolina: TwoMorrows Publishing. p. 72. ISBN 978-1605490212.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  16. ↑ Sanderson, Peter (October 1986). "Walt & Louise Simonson". Comics Interview. No. #39. Fictioneer Books. p. 55.
  17. ↑ "Thor (II) • The Mighty Thor (II) (1998–2004)". Unofficial Handbook of Marvel Comics Creators.
  18. ↑ Thor vol. 2 at the Grand Comics Database
  19. ↑ Manning, Matthew K. "1990s" in Gilbert (2008), p. 289: "Thor thundered into his new ongoing series by writer Dan Jurgens and artist John Romita Jr."
  20. ↑ "Thor (III) (2007–2009)". Unofficial Handbook of Marvel Comics Creators.
  21. ↑ Thor vol. 3 at the Grand Comics Database
  22. ↑ Manning "2000s" in Gilbert (2008), p. 337: "With his impressive run ending on The Amazing Spider-Man, writer J. Michael Straczynski decided to tackle another of Marvel's iconic pantheon – Thor."
  23. ↑ "Thor (I cont.) (2009–2011)". Unofficial Handbook of Marvel Comics Creators.
  24. ↑ George, Richard (October 14, 2008). "Debuting Thor #600 The God of Thunder celebrates a milestone in January". IGN. Archived from the original on February 19, 2014. Retrieved July 13, 2011.
  25. ↑ Arrant, Chris (October 17, 2008). "Holding the Hammer: JMS Talks Thor". Newsarama. Archived from the original on February 1, 2014. Retrieved May 24, 2013.
  26. ↑ Richards, Dave (August 24, 2009). "Kieron Gillen Talks Thor". Comic Book Resources. Archived from the original on June 22, 2013. Retrieved October 12, 2009.
  27. ↑ Richards, Dave (May 21, 2010). "Gillen Sends Thor to Hell". Comic Book Resources. Archived from the original on October 25, 2012. Retrieved July 31, 2010.
  28. ↑ Richards, Dave (December 14, 2010). "Matt Fraction's Thunderous New Assignment". Comic Book Resources. Archived from the original on June 23, 2013. Retrieved July 31, 2010.
  29. ↑ Richards, Dave (March 12, 2010). "Fraction Ushers Thor into the Heroic Age". Comic Book Resources. Archived from the original on February 2, 2014. Retrieved July 31, 2010.
  30. ↑ Pepose, David (March 12, 2010). "Mjolnir Belongs to Fraction & Ferry with June's Thor #611". Newsarama. Archived from the original on February 2, 2014. Retrieved July 31, 2010.
  31. ↑ Morse, Ben (January 17, 2011). "A New Journey Into Mystery". Marvel Comics. Archived from the original on May 23, 2013. Retrieved January 17, 2011.
  32. ↑ "Marvel Proudly Presents Thor". Marvel Comics. July 15, 2014. Retrieved July 15, 2014.
  33. ↑ "Marvel & Jason Aaron Announce New Exclusive Agreement". Comic Book Resources. October 20, 2015. Retrieved February 1, 2017.
  34. ↑ "Donny Cates' Thor Dons His Crown in the Blackest of Winters". CBR. November 21, 2019.
  35. ↑ "Venom & Thor Join Forces to Fight a Deadly New Threat to Earth". Screen Rant. April 16, 2022.
  36. ↑ Comments, Rich Johnston | Last updated | (2023-08-02). "Donny Cates, Missing Six Months Of His Life, After Car Accident". bleedingcool.com. Retrieved 2023-08-26.
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