Thor: 10 Best Comic Issues of the 2010s

The Asgardian God of Thunder has been a constant fan favorite in the pantheon of Marvel superheroes. The 2010s saw several comic arcs focusing on his mythical roots, as well as his time with the Avengers. As the character made his cinematic debut with 2011’s Thor, the character’s popularity only soared further in comics.

While there have several iconic comic books, including The Mighty Avenger and Goddess of Thunder, many Marvel fans would agree that there are a few issues and stories that stand out more than others. But which ones exactly?

10 God Butcher (Thor: God Of Thunder #1-5)

Jason Aaron penned several iconic stories for Thor in the 2010s, God Butcher being one of the earliest examples. The title refers to Gorr, the God Butcher, an alien from an unnamed planet who goes back in time and vows to kill all gods. His quest keeps him at loggerheads with Thor, engaging in intense duels with the God of Thunder.

God Butcher is worth a read for the introspective arguments it presents. Gorr isn’t treated as a one-dimensional antagonist. In fact, he does make some valid points on how the gods never seem to help people when their divine intervention is actually required. In this sense, Gorr is one of the coolest Thor comic book villains in recent times.

9 Siege (Siege #1-4)

Siege was an ambitious crossover event that featured the Avengers and New Avengers combating the Dark Avengers under Norman Osborn’s leadership. Chaos ensues when the Dark Avengers plan to take over Asgard. So, now, Thor isn’t just fighting for the Avengers but also to protect his homeland.

The best part about Siege is the focus on its individual characters rather than just relying on ensemble-driven action. Both Captain America and Thor go through some difficult discussions while leading the offensive. The usually-cunning Loki also bravely sacrifices himself to preserve Asgard.

8 The Death Of The Mighty Thor (The Mighty Thor #700-703)

After taking up the mantle of Thor, Jane Foster has had god-like powers. It was also revealed during this time that Jane had terminal cancer in her mortal form; if she let go of Mjolnir, there was a chance that she would die. Her struggle for survival is made even more difficult when she ends up fighting the impending threat of Mangog, a monstrous villain that aims to slay all gods.

As Jane gears up for what seems like her final fight, the comic is very intense till its last pages. The storyline also shows some of the most passionate moments in Thor Odinson and Jane’s romance. From being an alternate version of Thor, Jane truly becomes an Asgardia guardian in her own right.

7 The Asgard/Shi’ar War (The Mighty Thor #13-19)

As the Dark Elf Melekith gains the upper hand in the War of the Realms, it is up to Thor (Jane Foster) to assemble her own united front. Alongside Thor Odinson, Jane also seeks the help of Lady Sif and Odinson’s sister Angela.

The Asgard/Shi’ar War provides for an important Marvel Team that can even debut in the MCU in the future. While the large-scale action and psychedelic art are aplenty, the storyline also offers enough space to understand the dynamics between Jane and Odinson. While the latter was initially disgruntled with him losing his claim on Mlojnir, he eventually gains acceptance of Jane’s capabilities as Thor.

6 Godbomb (Thor #6-11)

A continuation of Jason Aaron’s The God Butcher storyline, this adventure shifts between the past, the present, and the future. Gorr’s threat increases to such an extent that all three versions of Thor need to join forces.

The comic significantly adds more context to the character of Gorr, the God Butcher, while covering the trials and tribulations Thor has gone through in different phases of his life. The artwork by Esad Ribic and Dean White is majestic in all ways and adds to the mature tones of the storyline.

5 Infinity (Complete Series)

The Infinity miniseries was also published in continuity with Avengers and New Avengers, chronicling a monumental battle between the Earth’s mightiest heroes and the iconic Marvel comics villain Thanos.

Thor, like many of his colleagues, puts up a tough fight for the Titan, along with Captain Marvel (although the latter manages to overpower them in the end). Regardless, the comic shows Thor’s maturity as a hero. Even though he mostly relied on his fighting skills earlier, he’s now shown to balance both brain and brawn. For instance, there are several moments in Infinity when readers can see how Thor saves alien refugees.

4 The Goddess Of Thunder (Thor #1-5)

Introducing Jane Foster as the ‘Goddess of Thunder’ was a polarizing decision at first but since then, fans have grown more receptive towards her story arcs. Her debut in the rebooted Thor series was initially ominous so that no reader could figure out her true identity.

As revealed later, Thor’s own love interest, Jane Foster, was the next in line to wield Thor’s powerful hammer Mjolnir. The Goddess of Thunder story arc makes for essential reading for fans of Jane as it shows how she’s no more “a damsel in distress” but a superhero in her own right. Now, even in the MCU, Natalie Portman’s debut as Thor in Love & Thunder is bound to seek inspiration from this comic.

3 Thor: The Mighty Avenger (Complete Series)

Before becoming one of the bravest members of the Avengers, Thor was a spoilt brat who was too caught up in his own powers. The Mighty Avenger shows his younger years as he learns valuable life lessons while fighting off Midgardian villains.

Thor is often shown as a muscled, beer-guzzling hero but The Mighty Avenger also reveals his boyish side. If readers wish to get a glimpse at his emotional side, this coming-of-age miniseries would be a great pick. Even the artistic style is vibrant enough to show a lighter aspect of Thor’s life. Apart from Iron-Man and Captain America having supporting roles, Thor also gets to combat Namor and Fin Fang Foom.

2 Everything Burns (The Mighty Thor #18-22)

Published in both The Mighty Thor and Journey Into Mystery, this storyline is set after the events of the first Aesir/Vanir War as a second war is about to commence. The title alludes to the villain Surtur, a menacing fire giant who disturbs the existence of the Nine Realms.

Ever since Loki was played by Tom Hiddleston in the MCU, the character’s antihero side got highlighted even in the comics. In fact, Loki even overshadows Thor in Everything Burns as he relies on diplomacy and empathy to counter Surtur’s destruction. For fans of Loki and Thor’s brotherly moments, Everything Burns would provide a warm-hearted look at their relationship.

1 King Thor (Complete Series)

After having a major multi-year run with Thor comics, Jason Aaron returned once again to narrate the tale of Thor from the future aka the All-Father (as seen in God Bomb). The titular monarch in King Thor is the ruler of a fading realm as he yet goes head-to-head against his conniving brother Loki.

The limited series focused on a weaker and exhausted side of Thor, an Asgardian who has been protecting his world for so long that now he just needs to rest. Fans of Jason Aaron and Esad Ribic’s work with previous Thor stories are bound to have fun reading this offbeat take at the God of Thunder.

About The Author

Shaurya Thapa
(730 Articles Published)

Shaurya Thapa is an Indian freelance journalist who mostly dabbles in writings on cinema, music, and human interest features. When it comes to Screen Rant, he writes lists on a wide array of subjects ranging from international films to mainstream Netflix series and comic book trivia. He also hosts a podcast called ‘BhindiWire’, an Indian parody of IndieWire.

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