Thor
A Marvel superhero and transmedia entertainment property inspired by the Norse thunder god and centered on Thor Odinson, Asgard, and the wider Marvel Universe.
Last updated October 14, 2026
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Overview
Thor is a Marvel Comics publishing property and the name used for several comic-book series featuring the superhero Thor, a character inspired by the Norse thunder god. The character first appeared in Journey into Mystery #83, cover-dated August 1962, created by editor-plotter Stan Lee, scripter Larry Lieber, and penciller-plotter Jack Kirby. The feature initially appeared within Marvel's science-fiction and fantasy anthology, but Thor gradually became the dominant character in the book and the title was renamed Thor in 1966. The early stories established the central dual identity of Thor and physician Donald Blake, together with the enchanted hammer Mjolnir, Asgardian mythology, and a large supporting cast of gods, heroes, villains, and humans. Lee and Kirby's extended collaboration from the early 1960s through 1970 transformed the feature from a conventional superhero strip into a large-scale mythological adventure series. The stories combined superhero conventions with cosmic fantasy, epic settings, and adapted elements of Norse mythology. A supplementary feature, Tales of Asgard, expanded the setting and background of the character during the 1960s. After Kirby's departure, the title passed through a succession of writers and artists, including Neal Adams, John Buscema, Gerry Conway, Len Wein, Roy Thomas, and Keith Pollard. John Buscema's long artistic tenure helped define the book's visual language during the 1970s, while Roy Thomas incorporated additional material from traditional Norse mythology. In the 1980s, Walt Simonson's work as writer and artist gave the series another major creative direction. His run emphasized mythology and introduced Beta Ray Bill, and is widely regarded as one of the title's most influential periods. Thor underwent several publishing and continuity changes during the 1990s. Following the Heroes Reborn crossover, the character was temporarily removed from Marvel's mainstream continuity. The title reverted to the name Journey into Mystery in 1996 and ended with issue #521 in 1998. Thor returned in a second volume beginning in 1998, which later used dual numbering to acknowledge the accumulated publication history of the earlier series. A third volume began in 2007 and eventually adopted issue number 600 in recognition of the combined numbering of the previous volumes. The property continued to evolve through major changes in creative teams and character status. In 2011, the title again became Journey into Mystery, this time focusing on Loki after Thor's series had reached a transition point. In 2014, a fourth Thor volume introduced Jane Foster as the character wielding Mjolnir after the original Thor became unable to lift it. Marvel presented Foster as Thor rather than as a separate female variant, making the storyline a significant reinterpretation of the title's central identity. A subsequent series continued Foster's story. A sixth volume debuted in 2020, written by Donny Cates, with Thor portrayed as the new king of Asgard while confronting threats to the wider multiverse. Cates later left the series after a serious car accident, and Torunn Grønbekk was brought in to write the remaining issues of that run. Across its publication history, Thor has functioned both as a continuing superhero title and as a flexible publishing platform capable of changing protagonists, settings, numbering systems, and creative approaches while retaining the core concepts of Asgard, Mjolnir, and mythological superhero adventure.
History
Thor's publishing history began in Marvel Comics' anthology Journey into Mystery. The character debuted in issue #83, cover-dated August 1962, created by Stan Lee, Larry Lieber, and Jack Kirby. The original feature presented a modern superhero interpretation of the Norse thunder god and established the connection between Thor and the human physician Donald Blake. Mjolnir, Asgard, and the character's relationship with other figures from Norse mythology became foundational elements of the series. The Thor feature initially occupied part of the anthology. Additional material appeared through the Tales of Asgard feature, which began in Journey into Mystery #97 and supplied short mythological stories and background. By issue #104, The Mighty Thor had become the dominant cover logo, and the feature expanded in length soon afterward. The book was formally retitled Thor with issue #126, cover-dated March 1966. Marvel also pursued trademark protection for The Mighty Thor during the late 1960s, with registration issued in 1970. The most defining early creative period was the Lee-and-Kirby collaboration that developed strongly from Journey into Mystery #101 through the retitled Thor #179. The stories moved beyond ordinary superhero plots into elaborate cosmic and mythological sagas. After Kirby left, Neal Adams briefly handled the art before John Buscema became the regular artist. Buscema remained closely associated with the title for much of the 1970s, working with writers including Gerry Conway, Len Wein, and Roy Thomas. Thomas further integrated traditional Norse mythology into Marvel's fictional universe. Marvel considered additional Thor material for a black-and-white magazine line during the 1970s, although the proposed second series was not published in that form. A story prepared for the abandoned project later appeared in Thor Annual #5, and another black-and-white Thor story was published in Marvel Preview #10. Walt Simonson began a major run with issue #337 in 1983, serving as both writer and artist. His approach gave the book a strong mythological and visual identity and introduced Beta Ray Bill. Simonson continued as writer after leaving the regular art duties, before eventually departing the title. Tom DeFalco then became the principal writer, working largely with artist Ron Frenz until 1993. The 1990s brought a substantial continuity disruption. As part of the Heroes Reborn storyline, Thor was removed from Marvel's mainstream continuity and its title was temporarily replaced by other features. Journey into Mystery resumed with issue #503 in 1996 and presented several sequential features before publication ended with issue #521 in 1998. Thor returned to the mainstream Marvel Universe in a second volume beginning in July 1998. The series later used dual numbering, combining the volume's issue count with the cumulative numbering of earlier Thor issues. That volume ended in 2004. A third volume launched in 2007 under writer J. Michael Straczynski and artist Olivier Coipel. In 2009, its numbering was adjusted to issue #600, reflecting the total number of issues published across the earlier volumes. Kieron Gillen and later Matt Fraction subsequently worked on the title. In 2011, the publication returned to the Journey into Mystery name with issue #622, with stories centered on Loki. A fourth Thor volume began in 2014 under Jason Aaron and Russell Dauterman. Its central premise made Jane Foster the wielder of Mjolnir after the original Thor became unable to use it. Marvel treated Foster as Thor rather than as a separate derivative identity, and the creative team later continued with a second volume of The Mighty Thor. Thor volume six launched in 2020 with Donny Cates as writer. The series portrayed Thor as king of Asgard and placed him in a conflict involving the fate of the multiverse. Following Cates's departure after a car accident, Torunn Grønbekk was brought in to write the remaining issues. The title's long history is marked by recurring relaunches, renumbering, changes in the character carrying the mantle, and shifts between superhero, mythological, and cosmic storytelling.
- 2023
Immortal Thor begins
[12]Al Ewing and Martín Cóccolo launched Immortal Thor, emphasizing folklore, cosmic horror, and the mythic dimensions of the character.
- 2020
A new Thor ongoing series launches
[11]Marvel launched a Thor series written by Donny Cates, continuing the character’s modern cosmic and mythological adventures.
- 2016
The Unworthy Thor explores Thor Odinson’s loss of Mjolnir
[10]The limited series examined Thor Odinson after he became unable to wield his original hammer.
- 2014
Jane Foster assumes the Thor mantle
[6]Marvel made Jane Foster the principal bearer of Mjolnir and the Thor identity in its 2014 series.
- 2007
Asgard returns to modern Earth
[5]The 2007 Thor series re-established Asgard in a contemporary setting and began a major modern publishing era for the property.
- 1998
A new Thor volume begins
[9]Marvel relaunched the character’s solo title after his return to the mainstream Marvel Universe.
- 1996
Thor participates in Heroes Reborn
[1]Thor was temporarily removed from the primary Marvel continuity during the Heroes Reborn publishing initiative.
- 1983
Walter Simonson begins his influential Thor run
[3]Simonson’s run expanded Thor’s mythic scale and introduced major developments including Beta Ray Bill and a celebrated Ragnarok storyline.
- 1966
Journey into Mystery is renamed Thor
[3]The numbering continued with Thor #126, establishing the long-running solo title associated with the character.
- 1963
Thor becomes an Avengers founder-level member
[8]Thor joined Iron Man, Hulk, Ant-Man, and the Wasp in the original Avengers lineup, integrating the character into Marvel’s shared superhero universe.
Products and positioning
A globally recognized Marvel superhero property combining Norse-inspired mythology, cosmic fantasy, superhero continuity, ensemble adventure, and cinematic spectacle.
Comic-book series · 1962
Journey into Mystery featuring The Mighty Thor
The original Marvel publishing home of the modern Thor character. Thor debuted in Journey into Mystery #83 in 1962, where the series combined superhero action, science fiction, mythology, and the Donald Blake identity before the title was renamed Thor.
Comic-book series · 1966
Thor (1966–1996)
The first long-running solo series carrying the Thor title. It continued the numbering of Journey into Mystery from issue #126 and developed the character’s central mythology, Asgardian supporting cast, Avengers connections, cosmic adventures, and major creative eras.
Comic-book series · 1998
Thor (1998–2004)
A post-Heroes Reborn relaunch that returned Thor to the mainstream Marvel Universe and continued the character’s solo publishing presence in a new volume.
Comic-book series · 2007
Thor (2007–2011)
A modern relaunch that restored Asgard and its inhabitants to Earth while exploring Thor’s relationships with Odin, Loki, the human world, and the wider Marvel Universe. The series is associated with the influential work of J. Michael Straczynski and Olivier Coipel.
Comic-book series · 2014
Thor (2014–2015)
The series in which Jane Foster became the principal bearer of Mjolnir and the Thor identity. Its central premise expanded the idea of Thor as a mantle defined by worthiness rather than a role permanently restricted to Thor Odinson.
Comic-book series · 2012
Thor: God of Thunder
A modern Thor title associated with Jason Aaron’s long-form storytelling. It linked different periods of Thor’s life and developed themes of divine responsibility, ancient threats, god-killing, and the consequences of power across time.
Comic-book series · 2020
Thor (2020–2023)
A Donny Cates-era Thor series that continued the character’s cosmic and mythological adventures, with stories involving kingship, Mjolnir, Asgard, and threats extending beyond a single realm.
Comic-book series · 2023
Immortal Thor
An ongoing series launched in 2023 by Al Ewing and Martín Cóccolo. It places renewed emphasis on myth, folklore, ancient powers, supernatural dread, and the idea of Thor as a figure whose stories operate on both superhero and godlike levels.
Annual comic-book publication · 1966
Thor Annual
A series of oversized or special annual publications containing additional Thor stories, guest appearances, and supporting material. Marvel published Thor annuals across several periods beginning in the 1960s.
Books and collected comics · 1970
Thor collected editions
Trade paperbacks, hardcovers, Masterworks, Epic Collections, omnibus editions, and digital collections that repackage major Thor runs and storylines for bookstore, direct-market, and digital distribution.
Transmedia and licensed products
Thor screen and licensed merchandise
The brand extends beyond comics into films, animation, games, toys, apparel, collectibles, publishing collaborations, and other licensed products. These expressions generally use identifiers such as Mjolnir, lightning, Asgard, Loki, and the Avengers.
Brand decisions
2023
Marvel introduced Immortal ThorProduct launchBackground
The Thor line continued to evolve by emphasizing the character’s mythological and folkloric dimensions alongside conventional superhero action.
Action taken
Marvel launched Immortal Thor by Al Ewing and Martín Cóccolo as a new ongoing series.
Aftermath
The title renewed the brand’s focus on ancient powers, supernatural storytelling, and the relationship between myth and superhero continuity.
2020
Marvel launched another Thor ongoing seriesProduct launchBackground
Marvel periodically refreshes long-running superhero properties with new creative teams and accessible entry points.
Action taken
A new Thor series began in 2020 and continued the property’s emphasis on cosmic threats, Asgardian politics, Mjolnir, and Thor’s responsibilities as a god and hero.
Aftermath
The series ran through 2023 before the launch of Immortal Thor.
2014
Jane Foster became ThorGeneration changeBackground
Marvel used the concept of worthiness to explore the Thor identity as a mantle rather than an exclusive personal name.
Action taken
Jane Foster was introduced as the new bearer of Mjolnir and the principal Thor in the 2014 series.
Aftermath
The storyline created a significant new publishing era, broadened the brand’s representation, and later influenced the cinematic portrayal of Jane Foster.
2007
Marvel relaunched Thor with a contemporary Asgard settingGeneration changeBackground
After a period without a regular ongoing title, Marvel sought to restore Thor to a central position in the publishing line.
Action taken
The 2007 series brought Asgard back to Earth and repositioned Thor through a modern mythic and political storyline.
Aftermath
The relaunch became a major foundation for later Thor stories and helped refresh the property for wider audiences.
1996
Thor was moved into the Heroes Reborn publishing initiativeStrategyBackground
Marvel used Heroes Reborn to place several major characters in a revised continuity and publishing environment.
Action taken
Thor was temporarily removed from the primary Marvel Universe alongside other major heroes.
Aftermath
The character returned to the mainstream continuity and received a new ongoing volume in 1998.
1966
Marvel converted the feature into a dedicated Thor titleStrategyBackground
Thor had first appeared as a feature in Journey into Mystery. The character’s continuing importance justified making him the title identity of the series.
Action taken
Marvel continued the numbering with Thor #126 and used Thor as the principal title for the ongoing publication.
Aftermath
The change established Thor as one of Marvel’s enduring solo comic-book franchises while retaining continuity with the character’s debut series.
Recent events
- 2023
Marvel launched the Immortal Thor ongoing series[12]
Product launch · Product generation
Marvel introduced Immortal Thor, a new ongoing comic-book series written by Al Ewing and drawn by Martín Cóccolo. The series returned to mythic and horror-inflected storytelling while continuing the modern Thor publishing line.
- 2020
Marvel continued the Thor comic-book line through multiple modern relaunches[3]
Product generation · Other
Marvel’s modern Thor publishing program included a 2020–2023 Thor series and associated special editions, following earlier relaunches in 1998, 2007, 2014, and 2018.
- 2014
Jane Foster became a major holder of the Thor mantle[6]
Product launch · generation_change
Marvel’s 2014 Thor series made Jane Foster the principal character using the Thor identity and Mjolnir, creating a major status change in the franchise and a sustained publishing storyline.
- 1966
Thor’s classic solo series entered Marvel’s long-running title history[3]
Product launch · Other
The Thor title continued the feature that had begun in Journey into Mystery, beginning with issue #126 and establishing the character’s long-running solo publishing identity.
Sources13 sources
- 1Thor (Marvel Comics)en.wikipedia.org
- 2Thor (comic book)en.wikipedia.org
- 3Thor (1966–1996) | Marvel Comicsmarvel.com
- 4Thor Annual (1966–2001) | Marvel Comicsmarvel.com
- 5Thor (2007–2011) | Marvel Comicsmarvel.com
- 6Thor (2014–2015) | Marvel Comicsmarvel.com
- 7Marvel Comics series directorymarvel.com
- 8Avengers (1963–1996) | Marvel Comicsmarvel.com
- 9A new Thor volume beginsmarvel.com
- 10The Unworthy Thor explores Thor Odinson’s loss of Mjolnirmarvel.com
- 11A new Thor ongoing series launchesmarvel.com
- 12Immortal Thor beginsmarvel.com
- 13Thor acquires Central Hounde project in Burkina Fasoglobalminingreview.com
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