Collecting Thor: Complete Beginner's Guide

Collecting Thor is one of the most rewarding adventures in the Marvel Universe. The character benefits from exceptional editorial continuity since 1962, legendary artists (Kirby, Simonson, Buscema, Coipel, Dauterman) and a rich mythology which gives each issue an epic dimension. Unlike certain characters whose series experience prolonged dips in quality, Thor has regularly benefited from high quality runs which maintain the collector's interest.

This guide is aimed at the beginner collector who wants to build a coherent Thor collection without breaking the bank. We cover acquisition strategies, priority numbers by budget, pitfalls to avoid and essential tools for organizing and tracking your collection.

Defining your collecting approach

Before purchasing your first issue, clarify your goal. Thor collectors are generally divided into three profiles:

• The reader-collector:you want to read the best stories in physical format. You favor complete runs in reading grade (VG to FN, i.e. 4.0-6.0). Recommended monthly budget: $50-100.
• The key issues collector:you target significant numbers (first appearances, notable arcs, iconic covers). You accept that you don't have everything but aim for quality. Recommended monthly budget: $100-300.
• The investor-collector:you are looking for high quality copies (CGC 8.0+) of issues with high appreciation potential. Recommended monthly budget: $300+.

Whatever your profile, a collection tracking tool is essential from the start. It will help you avoid duplicates, help you identify your missing items and give you a clear view of the value of your collection over time.

The first 10 numbers to acquire

Here is the priority list for forming the core of a Thor collection, ranked by affordability:

1. Thor #337 (1983):first Beta Ray Bill, start of the Simonson run — VF/NM: $50-80. THE entry number for any Thor collector.
2. Thor: God of Thunder #2 (2012):first Gorr — NM: $30-50 raw. Modern key accessible.
3. Thor #1 (2014):first Jane Foster Thor — NM: $20-35 raw. Historically important number.
4. Thor #340 (1984):Beta Ray Bill receives Stormbreaker — VF/NM: $20-30. Natural complement to #337.
5. Thor #362 (1986):death of Skurge, iconic scene — VF/NM: $15-25. Emotionally powerful number.
6. Thor: God of Thunder #1 (2012):start of run Aaron — NM: $15-20 raw.
7. Thor #411 (1989):first New Warriors — VF/NM: $15-25. Underrated sleeper.
8. Thor #126 (1966):first issue titled Thor — Good/VG: $80-150. Founding piece.
9. Thor #338 (1983):Beta Ray Bill vs Thor, second appearance — VF/NM: $15-20.
10. Thor vol.3 #1 (2007):post-Civil War return by JMS and Coipel — NM: $10-15.

Total budget for these 10 issues in presentable grades: approximately $300-500. It's an excellent foundation that covers key moments in the character's history.

Buying Strategies for the Beginner

To optimize your budget, adopt these proven strategies:

• eBay lots:lots of 10-20 consecutive numbers from the Simonson run are regularly found at $3-5 per number. This is the best way to put together a complete run at a low cost.
• Local conventions:the $1-5 bins often hold Thor issues from the 80s-90s in good condition. Arrive early and search systematically.
• Patience on auctions:prices fluctuate. A Thor #337 in VF can vary from $40 to $80 depending on the week. Set alerts and wait for the right moment.
• Buy raw before CGC:for modern issues, a raw NM copy often costs 60-70% less than the same slabbed CGC 9.8 issue. If you don't resell immediately, save on grading.

Pitfalls to avoid

Classic mistakes of the beginner Thor collector:

• Neglect the state:a Poor (0.5-1.0) issue is often only worth 10-20% of the price of a Good (2.0) issue. Except for JiM #83, avoid very low grades unless the price is proportionately low.
• Confusing the series:there are at least 6 distinct series titled "Thor". Make sure you know which one you are buying. Thor #1 (1966), Thor vol.2 #1 (1998), Thor vol.3 #1 (2007), Thor #1 (2014), Thor #1 (2018), Thor #1 (2020) are different issues.
• Ignore reprints:Marvel has reprinted several key issues of Thor. Always check that you are purchasing a first print. Reprints are worth a fraction of the price.
• Buy under the emotion of a film:prices soar when MCU films are released and fall again 3-6 months later. Buy BEFORE the announcements or AFTER the drop.

Organize and enhance your collection

From your first purchases, set up a rigorous monitoring system:

• Catalog each purchase:number, estimated grade, price paid, date of purchase, seller. This information is valuable for performance monitoring and assurance reporting.
• Store correctly:Mylar pouches (or at least polypropylene) with acid-free board, storage boxes protected from light and humidity.
• Follow the values:the rating of a Thor #337 or a God of Thunder #2 changes regularly. An automated tracking tool saves you from checking manually.