"The Mighty Thor"- A Roar of Thunder (60's-70's)

The Mighty Thor (The Thunder 'god' from Asgard) debuted like a thunder clap, in "Journey Into Mystery"#83 (Aug. 1962). He was created by Stan Lee (editor / plotter), Larry Lieber (scripter), and Jack Kirby (artist). His abilities included---superhuman strength, speed & stamina. Other powers through his Hammer (Mjolnir) included---dimensional teleportation, electrical / weather manipulation, and flight. Thor is one of the founders and long-time member of "The Avengers".

Odin of Asgard (Thor's father) decided to teach his son humility, by sending him to Earth; placing Thor in the body of Donald Blake, a slightly crippled medical student (who had no memories of his life as Thor, the Asgardian 'god' of thunder). Don would not learn of his Asgardian heritage, until he took a vacation to Norway; where he witnessed an invasion from outer space (by aliens who had heads like the statues on Easter Island)! While shielding himself in a nearby cave, Don discovered a walking stick (the disguised 'Hammer of Thor', Mjolnir), which he struck  against a rock. This caused him to transform into The Mighty Thor (with all of his 'god-like' powers) and changed the stick into his empowered Hammer. After becoming a full medical doctor, Don started his own practice with a nurse, Jane Foster (who would become Thor's long-time love interest).Thor would eventually reveal his identity to Jane and confess his love for her; bringing major repercussions from his father Odin. Odin later brought Jane to Asgard, to test her worthiness of Thor's love. He deemed her unworthy and sent her back to Earth, stripping her of her memories of love for Thor, as well as her visit to Asgard. Thor's principal love interest (after Jane) was an Asgardian warrior woman named Sif. Thor's Asgardian best friend and fellow warrior in battle, was Balder. Thor's main enemy was his adopted brother, Loki (who himself possessed great powers, which he used for evil purposes). Some of Thor's other main enemies included---The Absorbing Man; The Destroyer; Ulik (Asgardian troll); Surtur (fire-demon); and Skagg (a storm giant).

Thor headlined "Journey Into Mystery" from #83-#125, with the title changing to "The Mighty Thor, starting at #126 (which featured a smack-down battle with Hercules) on. Jack Kirby's fantastic artwork graced much of this period of time, along with fabulous artistry from Joe Sinnott, Don Heck and Al Hartley. After Jack Kirby left, the artwork  was taken over by the amazing Neal Adams for two issues (#181-#182); followed by the action-packed, well-drawn stylings of John Buscema, clear up to issue #278 (quite a run!). In the winter of 1977, Marvel produced a black & white magazine featuring Thor ("Marvel Preview"#10).

Thor has been part of many animated series' and several animated movies. He was also featured in a live-action TV movie from "The Incredible Hulk" (Bill Bixby / Lou Ferrigno) series called "The Incredible Hulk Returns". In 2011, Thor finally reached feature film status with the movie "Thor"; who was portrayed to slightly arrogant perfection by Chris Hemsworth. He reprised his role as Thor in the extremely successful film, "The Avengers" (2012). Later this year, Hemsworth will be featured in the Thor sequel ("Thor: The Dark World"). I am looking forward to this and many great " Thor" projects to come!!!