Mjolnir is switching allegiance! It would seem that plain ol’ thunder-god Thor is heading elsewhere within the Marvel Comics universe, and a new Thor is on the way.
There isn’t a lot of information as of yet, but Marvel has explained some of the details:
No longer is the classic male hero able to hold the mighty hammer, Mjölnir, a brand new female hero will emerge will who will be worthy of the name THOR. Who is she? Where did she come from and what is her connection to Asgard and the Marvel Universe?
“The inscription on Thor’s hammer reads ‘Whosoever holds this hammer, if HE be worthy, shall possess the power of Thor.’ Well it’s time to update that inscription,” says Marvel editor Wil Moss. “The new Thor continues Marvel’s proud tradition of strong female characters like Captain Marvel, Storm, Black Widow and more. And this new Thor isn’t a temporary female substitute – she’s now the one and only Thor, and she is worthy!”
Series writer Jason Aaron emphasizes, “This is not She-Thor. This is not Lady Thor. This is not Thorita. This is THOR. This is the THOR of the Marvel Universe. But it’s unlike any Thor we’ve ever seen before.”
So first off—Thor is not becoming a woman here. (Some people might count this as obvious, but Loki was female there for a while, so it’s not an impossible turn of events.) The Thor that we know is going to be otherwise occupied, we presume. This might still be slightly confusing because up until now, Thor was more a name than a title. (Excerpt for a bout of madness in the late 80s and early 90s) But because Mjolnir’s inscription directly pertains to Thor, it would seem that the name can be passed on in a title-like fashion. This is the problem with people-gods.
Everyone with me so far?
Mjolnir is deciding that a woman is worthy. Which is fantastic. And exciting. (And may force me to make some shiny new cosplay plans.) It’s also a pretty big deal, considering the fact that Thor is one of Marvel’s bigger-name superheroes, especially where the Avengers lineup is concerned. Even if ye olde Thor is still around, we can presume that his role in things will be shaken up. And what of Thor’s name? Does he get a new one? Should we call him Donald again? Don the Thunderer?
Moreover, who is picking up the mantle (and hammer)? Angela was recently revealed to be Thor’s sister, but since the press release emphasizes a new hero, that would seem to indicate someone newer being indoctrinated to the fold. Considering the success of Kamala Khan’s introduction as Ms. Marvel, it’s not an unlikely path for Marvel to take.
So let’s take a look at the costume design that was released for the announcement:
But. But, guys. Boob plate armor is not comfortable for moving in. I thought we’d been through this already. (Then again, that helmet doesn’t look too sound either, even if it is oh-so shiny.)
Ah, well. Let’s start with the buffness, and hope for more and better down the road. It seems likely that they’re trying to telegraph Thor being female via visual cues, but really; Thor doesn’t exactly need armor. Seems silly to think that she’d opt for something decorative that’s less than cozy. I am liking the fact that she fights bare-armed, which former-Thor was partial to as well.
UPDATE: Here is what Joss Whedon had to say about the announcement (well played, sir, though I think the Captain Marvel fans have Sackhoff on hold)—
All that aside—what’s important is that the success of female-lead comics are leading to more female-lead comics. What’s important is that a top-tier male superhero will now be a female superhero. What’s important is that young women everywhere will know that they, too, can possess the power of Thor.
Count me excited for this one to hit shelves.
News via The Mary Sue.
