Thor Modern Age Key Issues: Complete Collector's Guide (2012-2026)

Thor's modern era, launched by Jason Aaron's masterful run in 2012, profoundly transformed the character and created a new wave of highly sought-after key issues. The Aaron saga spans seven years and introduces characters that have become essential: Gorr the God Butcher, Jane Foster as Thor, and King Thor of the future. These creations directly inspired the film Thor: Love and Thunder (2022) and continue to influence editorial direction in 2026.

For the modern collector, these issues represent a unique opportunity: key issues that are still financially accessible, with appreciation potential linked to future MCU adaptations. Unlike Silver Age keys already out of reach for many, modern Thor keys allow you to build a quality portfolio on a reasonable budget.

Thor: God of Thunder (2012-2014) — The Jason Aaron Era Begins

The launch of Thor: God of Thunder as part of Marvel NOW! marks a major editorial turning point. Jason Aaron and Esad Ribic create an epic story across three timelines (young Viking Thor, Avenger Thor, King Thor) that redefines the character for a new generation.

Key issues from the series:

• Thor: God of Thunder #1 (2012): first issue of the Aaron run — CGC 9.8: $150-220
• Thor: God of Thunder #2: first full appearance of Gorr the God Butcher — CGC 9.8: $400-600. This is THE key issue of the series, directly tied to the film Love and Thunder.
• Thor: God of Thunder #6: first Gorr cover appearance, Gorr origin story — CGC 9.8: $80-120
• Thor: God of Thunder #9: first full Necrosword — CGC 9.8: $60-90
• Thor: God of Thunder #25: final issue, sought-after variant cover — CGC 9.8: $50-70

The newsstand variant of God of Thunder #2 is particularly sought after and can exceed $1,000 in CGC 9.8 due to its limited print run. It is a must-watch issue for any modern investor.

Thor #1-8 (2014) — Jane Foster Takes the Hammer

In October 2014, Marvel upends the status quo: Thor Odinson becomes unworthy of Mjolnir and a mysterious woman (revealed as Jane Foster in Thor #8) takes up the mantle. This bold editorial change created major key issues.

• Thor #1 (2014): first appearance of the female Thor (identity hidden) — CGC 9.8: $250-350. The Alex Ross 1:100 variant reaches $800-1,200.
• Thor #8 (2015): Thor's identity revealed as Jane Foster — CGC 9.8: $100-150
• Original Sin #7.1 (2014): Thor loses Mjolnir, Nick Fury whispers the secret — CGC 9.8: $60-80

Following the critical and commercial success of the film Thor: Love and Thunder featuring Jane Foster/Thor (Natalie Portman), these issues saw a significant price increase. The trend remains bullish as the Jane Foster Thor character has become a pillar of the modern Marvel universe.

Mighty Thor #700-706 (2017-2018) — The Death of Thor

The "Death of the Mighty Thor" arc is considered one of the best Marvel stories of the 2010s. Jane Foster sacrifices her life to save Asgardia from Mangog, in an emotionally devastating conclusion illustrated by Russell Dauterman.

• Mighty Thor #700: oversized anniversary issue, multiple variants — CGC 9.8: $40-60
• Mighty Thor #705: death of Jane Foster Thor — CGC 9.8: $80-120. The Stanley Artgerm Lau variants exceed $200.
• Mighty Thor #706: resurrection of Jane, end of an era — CGC 9.8: $50-70

These issues remain undervalued relative to their narrative importance. The film adaptation only covered a fraction of this arc, leaving appreciation potential if Marvel Studios further develops the character in upcoming phases.

Thor #1-6 (2018-2020) and War of the Realms

The return of Thor Odinson with the Jason Aaron and Mike Del Mundo run marks the final phase of the Aaron saga, culminating in the War of the Realms event — the culmination of seven years of narrative construction.

• Thor #1 (2018): Odinson returns as Thor, start of the Hel arc — CGC 9.8: $60-90
• War of the Realms #1 (2019): major event, multiple first appearances — CGC 9.8: $40-60
• Thor #1 (2020, Donny Cates): new run, first Herald Thor — CGC 9.8: $80-120. The Cates series introduces the Black Winter and connects Thor to the Knull saga.
• Thor #6 (2020): Thor becomes the Herald of Galactus — CGC 9.8: $50-70

Recent Key Issues (2022-2026)

The current period continues to produce issues worthy of attention for forward-looking collectors:

• Thor #28-35 (2022, Torunn Gronbekk): new post-Aaron directions, introduction of new Asgardian antagonists — CGC 9.8: $20-35 each
• Immortal Thor #1 (2023, Al Ewing): ambitious relaunch with a cosmic Thor — CGC 9.8: $40-60. Ratio variants are the most sought after.
• Immortal Thor #14-15: appearance of Toranos, major new villain — CGC 9.8: $25-40

These recent issues are potential future sleepers. History shows that first issues from acclaimed runs appreciate in value once the series ends and its historical importance is recognized.