The three essential Thor runs are the Simonson (1983-1987) considered the best superhero run in history, the Aaron God of Thunder (2012-2019) who closely follows him in ambition, and the Lee/Kirby founder (1962-1970) which creates the Asgardian Marvel mythology.
Thor, the God of Thunder, has one of Marvel's richest catalogs. Its unique blend of Norse mythology and cosmic superheroes attracted visionary creators who produced legendary runs. From Kirby to Aaron, each great era of Thor has pushed the boundaries of the epic.
This guide ranks the best Thor runs for the discerning collector. Ratings for key numbers have increased significantly since the character's cinematic success in the MCU, making certain vintage runs increasingly valuable.
Top 1: Walt Simonson (Thor #337-382, 1983-1987)
Writer/Draughtsman: Walt Simonson | Numbers: Thor #337-382
The definitive run. Simonson reinvents Thor with the arrival of Beta Ray Bill (#337), the transformation into a frog, the saga of Surtur, and the Skurge in Gjallerbru. Its powerful style, innovative compositions, and epic storytelling make it one of the best runs in the entire medium: not just Thor.
Key numbers: #337 (first Beta Ray Bill, $40-200), #338 (Bill lifts Mjolnir), #362 (Thor in armor), #380 (dumb fight against Jormungand). Full run: $300-900.
Top 2: Jason Aaron (Thor: God of Thunder #1-25, Thor #1-8, Mighty Thor, Unworthy, War of Realms, 2012-2019)
Screenwriter: Jason Aaron | Designers: Esad Ribic, Russell Dauterman, others |Numbers:~80 issues over 7 years
The most ambitious saga of modern Thor. Aaron begins with God Butcher/God Bomb (absolute masterpiece with Ribic), introduces Jane Foster as Thor (#1 2014, cultural phenomenon), and concludes with War of Realms. Seven years of a coherent and masterful vision of the God of Thunder.
Key numbers: God of Thunder #1 (first Gorr, $20-80), #6 (God Bomb), Thor #1 2014 (Jane Foster Thor, $15-60), Mighty Thor #700. Complete saga: $200-600.
Top 3: Stan Lee & Jack Kirby (Journey into Mystery #83-125, Thor #126-179, 1962-1970)
Screenwriter: Stan Lee | Designer: Jack Kirby | Numbers: JiM #83-125, Thor #126-179
The foundations. Kirby visually creates the entire Asgardian Marvel mythology (the Bifrost, the Nine Worlds, Ragnarok) with a boundless imagination. The backup Tales of Asgard are gems. This run is the DNA of everything that follows, and numbers in good condition are treasures.
Key numbers: Journey into Mystery #83 (first Thor appearance, $5,000-50,000), #85 (first Loki, $1,000-8,000), Thor #134 (first High Evolutionary). Selective run: variable budget.
Top 4: Donny Cates & Nic Klein (Thor vol.6 #1-35, 2020-2022)
Screenwriter: Donny Cates | Designer: Nick Klein | Numbers: #1-35
Thor becomes King of Asgard and Herald of Galactus. Cates pushes the sliders to the maximum: Black Winter, Mjolnir which contains a universe, God of Hammers. Klein delivers breathtaking cosmic plates with a sumptuous color palette. Epic, bombastic, spectacular.
Key numbers: #1 (Thor Herald of Galactus, $10-35), #2 (Black Thor), #6 (Black Winter). Full run: $80-200.
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Start my trial →Top 5: Dan Jurgens (Thor vol.2 #1-79, 1998-2004)
Writer/Draughtsman: Dan Jurgens | Numbers: #1-79
A long and underrated run. Jurgens explores Thor as a deity among men: right up to the controversial "Lord of Asgard" arc where Thor imposes his will on Earth. The divine power/responsibility dilemma reaches its most accomplished expression here. Visually solid and narratively ambitious.
Key numbers: #1 (Heroes Return relaunch, $5-15), #25 (Thor vs. Gladiator), #80-85 (Avengers Disassembled, Ragnarok). Full run: $60-150.
Top 6: Al Ewing (Immortal Thor #1-15+, 2023-present)
Screenwriter: Al Ewing | Designer: Martin Coccolo | Numbers: #1-15+
The current run and one of the most intellectually stimulating. Ewing connects Thor to the broader Marvel cosmology (Elder Gods, Celestials, Enigma Force) with impressive comics erudition. Cóccolo brings mythic grandeur to every page. A run for connoisseurs that rewards the informed reader.
Key numbers: #1 (launch, $5-12), #10 (Toranos). Run in progress, first prints accessible: $4-10 per issue.
Top 7: J. Michael Straczynski (Thor vol.3 #1-12 + #600-603, 2007-2009)
Screenwriter: J. Michael Straczynski | Designer: Olivier Coipel | Numbers: #1-12, #600-603
Thor's return after Ragnarok. Straczynski and Coipel resurrect the God of Thunder and place Asgard above a small town in Oklahoma. The contrast between the divine and the everyday is brilliant, and Coipel draws the most majestic Thor since Simonson. Short but memorable.
Key numbers: #1 (post-Ragnarok return, Coipel cover, $10-30), #3 (Loki's return as a woman). Full run: $30-80.
Find our guides on Thor key numbers and the editorial history of the God of Thunder.
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Walt Simonson's run (1983-1987), considered the best superhero run in history, Jason Aaron's (2012-2019), which follows closely in ambition, and the foundational run by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby (1962-1970), which creates Marvel's Asgardian mythology.
Simonson, writer and artist of Thor #337-382, reinvents the character with the arrival of Beta Ray Bill (#337), the transformation into a frog, the Surtur saga and Skurge at the Gjallerbru bridge. The landmarks are #338 (Bill lifts Mjolnir), #362 and #380 (silent fight against Jormungand).
It begins with God Butcher and God Bomb, a masterpiece drawn by Esad Ribic, introduces Jane Foster as Thor in Thor #1 (2014) and concludes with War of the Realms. Seven years of a coherent vision of the God of Thunder. Thor: God of Thunder #1 contains the first appearance of Gorr.
Kirby visually creates Marvel's Asgardian mythology: the Bifrost, the Nine Worlds, Ragnarok. The keys are Journey into Mystery #83 (first appearance of Thor), #85 (first Loki) and Thor #134 (first High Evolutionary). The backup Tales of Asgard are gems.
Donny Cates and Nic Klein's (2020-2022), where Thor becomes King of Asgard and Herald of Galactus, Al Ewing and Martín Cóccolo's (Immortal Thor, since 2023), demanding, and J. Michael Straczynski and Olivier Coipel's (2007-2009), which resurrects the God of Thunder after Ragnarok. Dan Jurgens's (1998-2004) remains underrated.