The Thunder God’s exploits have been filled with a plethora of awesome feats that have delighted readers for almost half a century. Here is our list of the top ten moments in Thor’s illustrious history.
- Thor vs. Count Nefaria (Avengers 164-166)
The dastardly Count Nefaria had stormed Avengers mansion and laid waste to the Avengers. As Nefaria tosses ‘Earth’s Mightiest Heroes’ around like rag dolls, he boasts that his new power levels make him unstoppable. Nefaria engages in epic trash talking and bemoans the fact that Thor isn’t around to get a beating as well – that is until the God of Thunder shows up and makes Nefaria eat his words.
- Thor Turns into a Frog (The Mighty Thor 363-364)
It isn’t easy being green – just ask Bruce Banner! When one of Loki’s spells turned Thor into a hammer-wielding frog it could have been a colossal joke. The fact Thor Frog is fondly remembered by fans is a testament to Simonson’s storytelling and ability to get the best out of the Asgardian – whether he be man or amphibian.
- Thor Battles Zeus During the Trojan War (Thor Annual 8)
Thor and Loki find themselves embroiled in the Trojan War after they discover a long lost passageway to Ancient Greece. Zeus becomes enraged when Thor disregards his command to stay out of the war and they do battle on Mount Ida. The two take turns throwing lightning bolts and bold statements at each other as the Trojan War rages on below them. In the end Thor is no match for the King of Olympus, but earns Zeus’ respect. Thor reunites with Loki only to discover that his trickster brother has meddled in the war by helping Odysseus bring about the downfall of Troy.
- Thor vs. the Midgard Serpent (The Mighty Thor 380)
There were numerous highs during Walt Simonson’s Thor era and Issue 380 was a fitting climax to his contributions to the Asgardian’s lore. Wearing armor to protect his brittle bones, Thor and Jormungand engaged in a titanic battle that changed the prophecy of Raganarok forever. This issue was the last one that Simonson wrote and penciled during his glorious run on the title.
- Thor Cracks Exitar’s Armor (The Mighty Thor 388)
Stranded in deep space, Thor found himself on the planet Pangora just as Exitar the Exterminator arrived to destroy it. Thor leapt into action to save the planet using his belt of strength and Uru hammer to deliver devastating blows upon the Celestial. The onslaught produced a crack in Exitar’s armor and Thor entered the Celestial to cause further damage.
- Thor meets Silver Surfer for the First Time (Silver Surfer 4)
This particular issue featured one of the most iconic covers in the history of comics with the Silver Surfer and Thor on the Rainbow Bridge. Manipulated by Loki, the Surfer attacks Thor on Asgard and a fierce battle ensues until both heroes realize that everything is not as it seems. It was the first meeting between the former herald of Galactus and Thor and it didn’t disappoint.
- Thor, Loki and Odin Stand Together Against Surtur (The Mighty Thor 353)
Doom, Doom, Doom! The heartbeat of the Surtur arc came to a pulse-pounding end as Asgard lay in ruins and Odin stood shoulder to shoulder with his sons, Thor and Loki, in a final stand against the sword wielding fire demon.
- Thor vs. Galactus (The Mighty Thor 161)
Deep in space, Thor becomes embroiled in a battle between Galactus and Ego, the Living Planet. During the skirmish, Thor hurtles his hammer at Galactus delivering a blow that stuns the planet eater. The Thunder God’s attack is so severe Galactus reveals that it’s the first time he’s felt pain in a millennium.
- Thor Topples a Celestial (The Mighty Thor 300)
In an attempt to stop the Celestial, Arshiem from rendering judgment against Earth, Odin imbues the Destroyer with power from all of Earth’s deities and the life force of every Asgardian. When the Destroyer falls in battle, Thor becomes enraged upon the realization that all the Asgardians are dead. To avenge the deaths of his people, Thor knocks down Arishem and plunges the Odinsword through its chest.
- Beta Ray Bill Lifts Thor’s Hammer (The Mighty Thor 337)
Walt Simonson’s tenure on Thor began with a story that rocked the comics world. The alien Beta Ray Bill accomplished something that had never happened before in the Marvel Universe: Someone was worthy enough to lift Thor’s hammer. Beta Ray Bill was granted Thor’s powers and the son of Odin was reduced to living life as Donald Blake. Thor eventually got Mjolnir back after Odin fashioned another hammer for Beta Ray Bill, and Simonson’s historic run was off to a thunderous start.
