Where to start with Thor?

[glue]

I've read no Thor other than his appearances in the first ESSENTIAL AVENGERS. But I bought his newest Marvel Legends figure because I thought it looked cool and now I really want to read his stuff. I've narrowed it down to two trades:

ESSENTIAL THOR Vol 1
THOR VISIONARIES Vol 1: WALT SIMONSON

The ESSENTIAL is cheaper and larger. But VISIONARIES is color (not a HUGE deal to me, but it matters) and I've heard Simonson wrote the best Thor. So which of these would be the best bet?


I know he's not in the Avengers right now, so if this belongs in Marvel Universe I apologize.

[Indigo Al]

I definitely endorse the Walt Simonson TPBs - there's actually 2 volumes, and the second one is very had to find.

[Dial Tone]

I definitely endorse the Walt Simonson TPBs - there's actually 2 volumes, and the second one is very had to find.

There are three volumes.

Yes, Walt's Thor is the blueprint that clueless Marvel editors have refused to follow since he left. Luckily, the same thing wasn't done after Miller left daredevil, or his book would be a big mess now, too.

Walt's Thor is my favorite comic ever by a good distance, and that's not a knock on anything else that I love, Walt's Thor is just THAT good.

[Expletive Deleted]

Like he said, there are three.

And they really, truly are that good.

[The Shadow]

And they really, truly are that good.

Yep.

Start and end with Walt Simonson.

The early stuff by Stan and Jack is good too... but I don't know about trade or hardcover availability.

[Will.S]

I definitely endorse the Walt Simonson TPBs - there's actually 2 volumes, and the second one is very had to find.

I really wish Marvel kept trades in circulation or at least when the harder to find ones are out of print, make new editions.

So far I've been having a hard time getting the Under Siege trade as well as some of the Simonson stuff. Anyway, I think the Dan Jurgens trades as well as the Mike Oeming Disassembled trades are very good.

[Hombre]

As much as possible, when is doable, I suggest to also try tracking down the originals. It's certainly the case here, as all Thors are pretty cheap except for the earlier ones.

The originals give you a guarantee of not being tampered with. Plus, you'll get the three panels in which Thor becomes involved in the Secret Wars with the Avengers, which Walt included only in the letters page (leaving three blank panels on the original comic).

The best way to reprint any series, in my opinion, is to make strides with the Essentials, so you can get the big picture.

[Jmacq1]

Speaking of Simonson TPBs....

Anyone know if they're going to collect the rest of his run? I so want the battle with the Midgard Serpent collected into a TPB! That was one of the best comic-book battles -ever-.

[glue]

As much as possible, when is doable, I suggest to also try tracking down the originals. It's certainly the case here, as all Thors are pretty cheap except for the earlier ones.

When you say earlier ones are you talking about early Simonson or early THOR? I may try to track down individual issues.

And, I agree with Will S. I hate when only part of a run is readily available. Is there a chance that when they relaunch THOR (which I assume they will) that they'll reissue the OOP Simonson trades?

[Dial Tone]

Speaking of Simonson TPBs....

Anyone know if they're going to collect the rest of his run? I so want the battle with the Midgard Serpent collected into a TPB! That was one of the best comic-book battles -ever-.

I haven't heard, so I'm guessing there are no plans. That sucks. I'd love the rest of the run that was drawn by Sal Buscema, plus the Balder limited series. I know that two issue (I think) appear in an X-Men collection. Fall of the Mutants. I believe that was Thor #373 and #374 that ties into that story.

[Kirk G]

I agree that the Walt Simonson trades would be a better choice, IF you already know the background of Thor and the players.

Alternatively, if you are just starting, I would recommend that you consider the Thor Essential Volume #2, which is classic Thor from Journey into Mystery #113 through at least 136 I believe. The storytelling and artwork is superior, plus you get the backup Tales of Asgard feature running through the entire book.

There have been Marvel Masterworks Hardbound Volumes put out so far that include approximately 12 issues or so each volume, so, working backwards, the lastest volume out contains JIM 121-130, the one before, 111-120, the one before 101-110, and the first most rare one leads the series.
Now, if you just want to read, pick up the Essential volume 0ne... but the stories REALLY pick up with Essential volume two and I'd personally recommend the last two Marvel Masterworks in color if you can afford them.

[glue]

So the second ESSENTIALS is better than the first? I may pick that up tomorrow. I was going to get VISIONARIES, but I looked at it today and it had stains and what appeared to be dried boogers on it. And I saw that the issues from Simonson aren't pricey, so I may just hunt down the run as it'll be more fun that way. Plus, I was thinking it was $5 more than ESSENTIALS but it's $10.

[Kirk G]

That's not to say that the Walt Simonson trades or arcs aren't great!
I just think that the starting point from Thor 337 takes the original mythos and gives it a good twist! If you aren't familiar with the originals and Odin's enchantment of the mallet/hammer.... then the first big cliffhanger falls flat... it will seem much ado about nothing. But believe me, when it cameout, we were all on the edge of our chair. The Simonson run is great!... but as if fades into the awful Mutant Massacre cross-over, it's not so good any more.

If you have only one chance to score the simonson book, go for it. It will probably be your only chance. The Essentials will probably be around for years to come...

[glue]

Yeah, I know nothing about Thor. My exposure is limited to the first seven issues of THE AVENGERS. So I'm sure that cliffhanger would be lost on me. Maybe, if I can convince the wife I'll be able to get both. :)

[Kirk G]

Go slow. Start with the Essential Vol. 2 until you're sure you like it.