from all The makeovers Marvel’s cinematic superheroes have been given have not been more dramatic or fun than Thor’s. After transforming into a mean god bro in 2011 Thor to a bleak hammer-wielder in the 2013s Thor: The Dark Worldhe got a new attitude in Thor: Ragnarok in 2017. Directed Taika Waititi‘s hands, the mighty god of thunder not only got a fresh new haircut, he also became the funny friend of the Avengers from work. He took a bit of a sad turn Avengers: Endgame (remember Lebowski Thor?), but with Thor: Love and thunder, he’s back – and again in Waititi’s loving embrace.
Waititi isn’t the only one returning for love and thunder† It also features Natalie Portman reprising her role as Jane Foster, who – in a move inspired by Jason Aaron’s favorite comic book storyline – becomes the new Thor. And that’s not Aaron’s only influence in the film. Christian Bale’s villain, Gorr the God Butcher, is also from the writer’s work. Have we aroused your interest? Want to know what other comics might be relevant to this week’s release of love and thunder† Start reading here.
Thor: God of Thunder #1-12 (2012-2013)
An epic dive into a god’s lifespan, told across three time periods, Jason Aaron’s first Thor story was an incredibly daring debut. Not only does it introduce the threat of the seemingly unstoppable Gorr, it also shows Thor grow into the person he never imagined he could be. (Side note: There may be some fathering issues here.) You’ll come for the emotional and violent melodrama, but you’ll probably stay for the lush artwork by Esad Ribic and Matt Wilson, which is gorgeous in a way that few superhero comics can be.
Thor #1-8 (2014); Mighty Thor #1-5, 8-11, 13-14 (2015-2016)
What happens when Odin’s son is no longer worthy of the enchanted hammer Mjolnir? Apparently the hammer goes out and finds a new owner for itself, resulting in the creation of a new Thor, as unlikely as that may seem. Aaron’s clever, funny reboot brought in an army of new fans, excited by both the mysterious new god of thunder—her true identity was a secret, which was a big part of the fun at the time—and the beautiful art of newcomer Russell Dauterman. No one suspected the tragedy at the heart of the story, but once it was revealed, it only added more poignancy.
Valkyrie: Jane Foster #1-10 (2019-2020)
The price of being a Thor is heavy. But even after Jane Foster discovered how hard it could be, Marvel wasn’t done with her. In this run, she’s in a position even less likely than the thunder goddess: ferrywoman to the dead. With murderous super-villains on the loose — say hello, Daredevil villain Bullseye — and a few familiar and unfamiliar faces to help out, there’s a lot going on for Jane at a time when she might have expected to get a good night’s sleep (in peace ).
Guardians of the Universe #1-18 (2020-2021)
While the version of the team that appears in the most recent comic book installment of the franchise isn’t exactly the one that director James Gunn has made a household name, this take on the Guardians is arguably the best seen in years. It embraces the many genres and influences present in the DNA of the concept, and of science fiction superheroes in general. Also keep an eye out for the new members of the team(s) in this particular lineup. Not only are a few likely to become your new favorite characters, but at least one of them needs to be paid attention to for reasons that will become clear at the end of this book. love and thunder†
the mighty Thor #126, 221, 356 (1966, 1974, 1985)
What makes these three different issues – published more or less a decade apart – a good trifecta to revisit in the wake of love and thunder† The presence of another god, who is not from Asgard and initially does not even enjoy Thor’s company: Hercules, the son of Zeus (Russell Crowe in love and thunder† He’s an excellent foil to Odin’s favorite offspring, in part because they share so many traits: hubris, stubbornness, and a love of sleeveless outfits. You really need to get to know Hercules. Once you’ve seen the movie, you’ll know why.