The official title of the Avengers’ strongest hero just changed hands, as Thor overpowers Hulk thanks to a new power upgrade. But can Thor actually handle this new power upgrade, or will the cost destroy him?
Thor and Hulk have been rivals ever since they co-founded the Avengers, with the God of Thunder seeing Hulk as just another monster, and Bruce Banner seeing Thor as a god floating far above his mortal troubles. However, under the surface, neither has ever been comfortable knowing there’s someone out there who challenges them on a physical level.
Now, god and monster have changed sides in that equation, but Thor’s increased power may also rob him of his humanity.
Thor’s Strength Rockets as Venom’s New Host
In today’s What If…? Thor #1 – from Torunn Grønbekk, Sergio Fernández, Aure Jimenez, Bryan Valenza and Joe Sabino – Thor bonds with the Venom suit, changing Marvel lore surrounding the 1984 Secret Wars event. As a black, spiky costume envelops him, Hulk goes to test how durable it is, causing Thor to grab his wrist in an iron grip.
It’s the first time that Venom seems to overtly control Thor, with the God of Thunder clearly not fully understanding his response to his longtime ally. But conscious or not, it’s an unbelievable show of strength, with Hulk immediately overpowered and clearly feeling some pain in the aftermath.
Venom has long enhanced the strength of its hosts, and apparently once it’s bonded with a literal god, that only becomes more extreme. Thor and Hulk have traded punches in the past, but Thor has never easily overpowered Hulk in this way before.
However, the Venom symbiote also enhances the aggressive instincts of its host. While Thor may be stronger than ever before, can even his incredible nobility stop him becoming a monster as the symbiote’s influence increases? Fans can find out in today’s issue.
Thor Has Never Been Weaker In Marvel’s Mainstream… And It’s Awesome
While What If…? has made Thor stronger than ever before, his ongoing Mortal Thor series – from Al Ewing and Pasqual Ferry et al – has stolen his godlike strength in its entirety. Killed by Loki and reborn as the mortal Sigurd Jarlson, Thor has been wiped from humanity’s memories, but his heroism has still attracted the attention of his classic villains, as he opposes the Roxxon corporation as a mere mortal.
In the last few months, Thor has taken on his old foes Radioactive Man, Mr. Hyde, King Cobra, the Grey Gargoyle and Dario Agger’s Minotaur, finding ways to triumph with just human ingenuity and a regular hammer on a length of bungee cord.
But despite this massive decrease in power, Thor has rarely been more interesting as a character, as Mortal Thor digs down into what makes him a hero when his divine status is stripped away.
In current comics, Thor is simultaneously stronger than ever before and weaker, and yet fans are enjoying both, showing the surprising versatility of a character who fans often define by his strength.
What If…? Thor #1 is available now from Marvel Comics.
- First Appearance
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Journey into Mystery
- Alias
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Thor Odinson, Eric Masterson, Kevin Masterson, Beta Ray Bill, Thordis, Throg, Red Norvell, Jane Foster
- Alliance
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Avengers, Warriors Three, Thor Corps, God Squad
- Race
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Asgardian, Human
- Franchise
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Marvel