Thor Reading Order: Where to Start and Recommended Guide

With over 60 years of continuous publication and hundreds of issues spanning a dozen different series, tackling Thor can seem daunting. The God of Thunder has crossed all eras of comic books - from the Silver Age to the present - with relaunches, renumberings and crossovers which complicate navigation for the neophyte as well as for the experienced collector.

This structured reading guide offers three courses adapted to your profile: a complete chronological course for purists, a course by essential runs for readers in a hurry, and a modern course for those who wish to start with the best of the contemporary era. Each course includes precise numbers and the optimal reading order.

Course 1: The Stan Lee and Jack Kirby era (1962-1970)

The absolute starting point for comics historians. Stan Lee and Jack Kirby created Thor and laid all the foundations: Asgard, Loki, Odin, Sif, the Warriors Three, Hela, the Destroyer and the Enchantress.

1. Journey into Mystery #83-125 (1962-1966):the origins of Thor, the first clashes with Loki, the gradual introduction of the Asgardian pantheon. Tales of Asgard backups are essential.
2. Thor #126-179 (1966-1970):direct continuation after the title change. Includes the Galactus Saga (#160-162), the introduction of Him/Adam Warlock (#165-166), and major cosmic arcs.
3. Thor #180-200 (1970-1972):end of the Kirby era and transition. Kirby's final issues (#177-179) are among the most visually spectacular.

This course represents approximately 120 numbers. In physical reading, this is a considerable investment, but the Marvel Masterworks and Omnibus offer accessible reading solutions for those who do not collect the original issues.

Course 2: The Walt Simonson run (1983-1987)

Unanimously considered the best Thor run of all time, the Simonson period is THE recommended entry point. Walt Simonson reinvents the character with unparalleled narrative energy and showmanship.

1. Thor #337-355:introduction of Beta Ray Bill, the Surtur Saga (climax in #353), the transformation of Thor into a frog (#364-366). Each number is an event.
2. Thor #356-382:the end of Simonson's run on the storyline, including Skurge's death at Gjallerbru Bridge (#362) — one of the most memorable scenes in Marvel history.
3. Balder the Brave #1-4 (1985):companion mini-series by Simonson, enriches the mythology.

In just 46 issues, Simonson delivers a complete and autonomous saga. This is the unanimous recommendation for anyone who only wants to read one Thor run.

Course 3: The modern era — Jason Aaron (2012-2019)

Jason Aaron's run on Thor spans seven years and several distinct series. Here is the precise chronological reading order:

1. Thor: God of Thunder #1-25 (2012-2014):introduction to Gorr the Butcher of the Gods, story on three temporalities. Absolute masterpiece.
2. Original Sin #7-7.1 (2014):Thor loses Mjolnir — triggering event for the sequel.
3. Thor #1-8 (2014-2015):a mysterious woman becomes Thor. Revelation of Jane Foster.
4. Mighty Thor #1-23 (2015-2017):Jane Foster Thor versus Malekith, Jane's cancer, Asgard's political maneuverings.
5. Generations: The Unworthy Thor & The Mighty Thor (2017):one-shot linking the two Thors.
6. Mighty Thor #700-706 (2017-2018):“The Death of the Mighty Thor” — epic conclusion.
7. Thor #1-16 (2018-2019):return of Odinson, build-up towards War of the Realms.
8. War of the Realms #1-6 + tie-ins (2019):Marvel event culminating 7 years in the making.

This run totals around 80 issues for the main arc. The optional tie-ins (Unworthy Thor #1-5, Thors #1-4) enrich the experience without being essential for understanding.

Course 4: Essential additional reading

To complete your knowledge of Thor beyond the three main courses, these runs deserve your attention:

• Thor #380-382 (Tom DeFalco, 1987):the Thor vs Jormungand fight, with the famous #380 composed of full-page splashes.
• Thor vol.2 #1-85 (Dan Jurgens, 1998-2004):underrated era with the "Lord Thor" arc where Thor takes control of Asgard and Earth.
• Thor vol.3 #1-12 + #600-603 (J. Michael Straczynski, 2007-2009):post-Ragnarok resurrection, Asgard, Oklahoma. Beautifully illustrated by Olivier Coipel.
• Unworthy Thor #1-5 (Jason Aaron, 2016-2017):story of Odinson without a hammer, quest for the hammer of the Ultimate Universe.
• Thor vol.6 #1-35 (Donny Cates, 2020-2022):Thor Herald of Galactus, God of Hammers, connection to the King in Black.
• Immortal Thor #1+ (Al Ewing, 2023-):ambitious cosmic and mythological approach, well received by critics.

For collectors who purchase physical issues, a collection tracking tool is essential to navigate these multiple series without losing track or purchasing duplicates.