I admit I am a comic and super hero junkie. There is something about fighting for justice and protecting the innocent under a disguise that is appealing to me. The idea that someone is so prepared to put themselves in harm's way and sacrifice any sense of normal life is so amazing to me. However maybe my favorite comic book character does not even wear a mask or have a secret identity. That character is the son of Odin, the God of Thunder and the one who wields Mjolnir.....The Mighty Thor.
The character was first created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby in answer to DC's Superman and was first introduced in the comic known as "Journey Into Mysteries." Stan Lee deduced that the only being who could theoretically be stronger than an alien is a god. Lee was fascinated with the Greek and Norse Pantheon of Gods but felt it was better to explore the lesser used Norse Gods and so Thor was born.
Thor has always been a staple of the Marvel Universe and was always seen as it's "Heavy Hitter," but his popularity has flucuated over the years and the book was cancelled years ago. It was at this time that the world of comics and superheroes waned for me. I love the character of Thor as he is something different. Based in Norse mythology, he has such a deeper and richer tapestry for stories.
Thor was re-launched a few years ago and there were many chances taken. The costume was updated and the setting was changed. Asgard was no longer in the heavens above us, as Thor created in the state of Oklahoma. Thor re-emerged after Civil Was had concluded and Captain America was assassinated.
The stories crafted by Joseph Michael Straczynski and the artwork of Oliver Coipiel re-imagined The God Of Thunder and made him the best selling comic book and one of the best crafted books that Marvel produced. The creative team has changed again but Thor still remains a well written book. Marvel has finally figured out that they need to put such a complex character in capable hands and it will succeed.
Why do I love this character so much? Well, he is one of the most all around characters in comics. He is intelligent, well read, possesses super strength, has the ability to fly, can channel the powers of weather, is a sound tactical warrior and carries one of the most legendary weapons in all mythology, the uru metal hammer Mjolnir.
I will continue to buy Thor as long as I can and it is the only monthly comic I still purchase. I have various issues from all three volumes and am awe at some of the names that have worked on the character over the years. To Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, Walt Simonson, Dan Jurgens, Joseph Michael Straczynski, Matt Fraction, Oliver Coipiel and any other person who has contributed to the legacy of the character I offer a huge "THANK YOU" for helping grow a character and comic book that I rather enjoy.
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