With an upcoming movie its good to know your CBM Character - THOR. This feature answers the questions - Who he is? What are his abilities? What are the changes he underwent? Who has portrayed him in Comic Book Movies?
Who is THOR?
THOR is the Asgardian god of thunder who wields a mythical uru hammer, the mighty Mjolnir. He was sent to midgard (earth) by his father, Odin, to learn humility. In his time on midgard, he became one of its greatest hero, fighting in the name of Odin and of Asgard.
THOR is a fictional superhero who first appeared in Marvel Comics Journey into Mystery #83 (August 1962). He was created by editor-plotter Stan Lee, scripter Larry Lieber, and penciller Jack Kirby.Debuting in the Silver Age of Comic Books, the character is based on the THOR of Norse mythology.
What are his powers and abilities?
Note: Due to the nature of comicbooks being an on-going tale, the character's powers along with his appearance, is in a constant state of flux.
Superhuman Strength: Being the son of Odin and the elder goddess Gaea, THOR is physically the strongest of the Norse gods and one of the most powerful beings in the Universe.
Superhuman Stamina: THOR's advanced musculature is considerably more efficient than that of a human and most other Asgardians. As a result, his muscles produce practically no fatigue toxins during physical activity compared to those of humans and most other members of his race. He possesses practically inexhaustible stamina. He can exert himself at peak capacity for countless months on end at the very least without tiring at all.
Superhumanly Dense Tissue: THOR's skin, muscle, and bone tissues have several times the density of the same tissue in the body of a human being, contributing to his superhuman weight.
Self Sustenance: He is capable of surviving in the vacuum of space unaided and does not need air, food, water, or sleep.
Superhuman Longevity: THOR, like all other Asgardians, isn't immortal. THOR ages at a pace far, far slower than a human being as he is countless eons old; mortals' life spans are comparable to nothing more than a blink of his immortal eyes.
Superhuman Durability: The tissues of THOR's body are considerably harder and much more resistant to injury than those of humans. THOR possesses tremendous durability and is practically invulnerable.
Superhuman Speed: THOR's superhumanly strong legs allow him to run and move at superhuman speeds far greater than the finest human athlete. He is so fast, he is capable of moving at speeds faster than the human eyes can see.
Superhuman Agility: THOR's agility, balance, and bodily coordination are enhanced to levels that are far beyond the natural physical limits of the finest human athlete.
Superhuman Reflexes: THOR's reflexes are similarly greatly enhanced and are much more superior to the reflexes of the finest human athlete.
Superhuman Senses: THOR possesses incredible superhuman senses, as he is able to effortlessly see objects as far out as the edge of the Solar System, and hear cries from as far as the other side of the planet.
Regenerative Healing Factor: Despite his astounding resistance to injury, it is possible to injure THOR. In the rare instances that he is injured, his body is capable of repairing damaged tissue with much greater speed and efficiency than the body of a human being and almost all other Asgardians.
Master Combatant: THOR is a superbly skilled warrior trained in the arts of war with over countless years of combat experience. He is one of the most skilled fighters to ever walk the planet.
Master Tactician: For over thousands and thousands of years he has lead Asgard into battle against overwhelming forces with great leadership and employed strategies and tactics from every culture, including forgotten ones.
What are the changes he underwent?
1. First appearance
Since his first appearance Journey into Mystery #83. This costume designed by Jack Kirby is still the main driving force on THOR's look. Of course the costume has change throughout the decades, but most of the changes derived its look from this classic outfit. Elements of his costume are the winged helmet, the red cape, the metal discs on his upper tunic, and the strapped boots, which pretty much screams Superhero Viking. He has worn this costume since his debut in the 60s and throughout the 80s.
2. Battle armor
In THOR #378 (April 1987), THOR and Tony Stark designed a battle armor that will help hold THOR together after a curse placed on him by Hela made his bones as brittle as glass and unable to heal if damaged. THOR already broke his left arm so he has an armored cast around it. THOR also has to wear a mask and sport beard to cover the scars he has incurred on his face.
3. 1000 years younger
THOR #401 (March 1989), We have a story set in the past where a younger THOR accepts a wager from Loki to travel to Midgard, and join a Viking expedition to the new world. He will not have his power and will be unable to use Mjolnir. If he fails, he will be exiled to Midgard forever and give up all claim to the throne. He wores a more armored costume of his classic look, and he lost the red cape and gained a sword to replace his absent hammer.
4. Back to the Classics
At the tail end of the 80s and in the early days of the 90s THOR is back wearing his classic costume. Though there are times it seems that his upper costume loses the covering on his sides.
Enter the 90s
If you have read my previous articles about characters and their costumes during the 90s then you won't be surprised as much on the looks that THOR underwent.
5. Godpack
It was during the mid 90s THOR was running around with beings of his peer, the Godpack, and as always when you are among peers there will be peer pressure and THOR has to find a way to fit in, and he got this costume. Metal pants, spiked kneepads, huge shoulder pads, the silver discs are now replaced by yellow octagons and a helmet with a widow's peak. (Goodtimes) This costume debuted in THOR 475, June 1994
6. Topless
Maybe realizing the ridiculousness of his previous costume, he just said to hell with it I'll just show my abs. So most of 96 he was running around shirtless.
7. DC Crossover Costume
(THOR then decided…oooh I have a long hair, all I need are some leather straps and chains and I'm set to start my metal band. I hope Logan is good for drums. ) This costume was a little hiccup in THOR's history. One minute it was there and then it was gone. It did get some playtime during the company wide crossover with DC, where THOR fought Captain Marvel. This costume first appeared in the cover of THOR 502 (September 1996).
8. Counter Earth
In a fight with Onslaught most of the heroes were dead (don't panic its not dead dead but comic dead), what actually happened is that most of these heroes where trasported to a "counter earth" (see you can breathe well now, they are ok). The costume still has that classic look to it but now it has some added metallic studs all over the place. He seems like a Superher Skyscraper.
9. Heroes Reborn
The end of 1996 we have the aftermath of the battle with Onslaught. And we see the heroes returning with a new look, which did not exclude THOR. We now have THOR sporting yellow dots all over his costume. (I imagine a lot of comic book out there with smiley faces drawn on those yellow circles.)
10. Lord of Asgard
In 2001 THOR became the King of Asgard, after the death of Odin. He is seen with a more regal and mature look, which is appropriate for the position he was holding at that time. He once again sports a full beard.
11. Modern
Fast forward to 2009. Odin is back as King of Asgard, and we see THOR back in Midgard. He now brings with him and more sensible armored design to his classic costume which still retains his iconic silhoutte.
THOR in Live Media
1. THOR appeared in the live action television film The Incredible Hulk Returns (1988). THOR was played by Eric Allan Kramer. In this version THOR was a spirit that cannot be admitted into Asgard until he has proved himself worthy. In this movie THOR is portrayed as a fun-loving warrior who is very happy drinking beer, fighting with men, and carousing with women.
2. THOR will then next in his own Marvel Movie, out in May 2012. He will be played by Actor Chris Hemsworth. He will also be a part of the AVENGERS movie which will be released a year after.
sources: http://blog.newsarama.com/2010/05/06/agent-of-s-t-y-l-e-thor-throughout-the-ages/ : http://www.immortalthor.net/thor381-390.html : http://www.comicvine.com/thor/29-2268/ : http://marvel.wikia.com/Thor : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thor_(Marvel_Comics) :
This is the 10th article in my Know Your CBM Character series. Any requests and suggestions for an article for this series write it down in the comment section BELOW.
This article is requested by:
parascythe
my noypi dude..how about THOR?
Gmoney84
I agree with THOR. In honor of his movie being the first of this summer we need a THOR article.
Note: Any error in the article above, if any, just blame it on my age, humanity and ignorance. Just be sure to check the comment section for the corrections, any error I made will surely be pointed out and corrected by much bigger geeks (because there will always be a bigger geek out there).-This has been PollMaster inviting you to the geekside.
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