When it comes to legendary figures in the Marvel Universe, Thor Odinson stands as one of the most powerful and complex characters ever created. A god among mortals, a prince with the weight of realms on his shoulders, and a hero whose journey constantly tests the meaning of worthiness, Thor has wielded Mjolnir—and other hammers—with triumph and tragedy alike. His stories blend Norse mythology, superhero action, cosmic adventure, and deep character introspection in a way few Marvel titles can. From fighting against the end of all things to losing his hammer and questioning his place in the universe, Thor’s tales are epic in every sense of the word. For new readers and longtime fans alike, these ten storylines offer the definitive Thor experience—each one illuminating a different facet of the thunder god’s mythos. Let’s journey through Asgard, Midgard, and beyond as we rank the top ten Thor stories every fan must read.
#10: Thor: Godstorm (2001)
This three-issue miniseries by Kurt Busiek and Steve Rude is often overlooked, but it delivers a powerful blend of mythology and Marvel superheroism. Told in an almost fable-like tone, Godstorm explores the origins of Thor’s power not just as a physical force, but as a spiritual and elemental connection to nature itself. The story is framed around the idea of a god storm—a cosmic event that represents the raw fury and energy of the heavens. Busiek uses this celestial phenomenon to tie together various eras of Thor’s life: his young, impulsive days in Asgard, his time on Earth as a mortal protector, and his modern role as a cosmic warrior. Rude’s classic, almost Kirby-esque art gives the tale a timeless feel, and the story itself serves as a love letter to what makes Thor such a unique character. It’s not just his hammer or his lineage—it’s his eternal bond with thunder and the elemental fury that dwells within him. While not as expansive as other sagas, Godstorm is an intimate, reverent story that captures Thor’s mythic essence in a fresh way.
#9: Thor: The Mighty Avenger (2010)
Roger Langridge and Chris Samnee’s Thor: The Mighty Avenger is an underrated gem that reimagines Thor’s early days on Earth in a lighthearted, accessible way. Geared toward new readers, this short-lived series captures the heart and humor of Thor in a romantic, almost Silver Age-inspired tone. Here, Thor isn’t just the god of thunder—he’s a fish out of water, trying to understand humanity, prove his worth, and navigate feelings for Jane Foster. The charm lies in its simplicity. Rather than world-ending threats, the story emphasizes emotional stakes and small victories, focusing on Thor’s personal growth. Samnee’s expressive art and Langridge’s witty, heartfelt dialogue create a version of Thor that’s deeply lovable and approachable. Despite only lasting eight issues, The Mighty Avenger has gained a cult following for good reason—it’s a pure, joyful reminder of why Thor is more than just a hammer-wielding powerhouse. It’s the perfect introduction for readers seeking character-driven stories without needing decades of continuity.
#8: Thor: Blood and Thunder (1993–1994)
Blood and Thunder is pure 90s Marvel excess—in the best possible way. This cosmic saga sees Thor’s mental state deteriorate, resulting in him falling under the delusion that he’s reunited with his long-lost love, the Valkyrie. In reality, he’s spiraling into madness and rampaging across the cosmos, drawing the attention of some of Marvel’s heaviest hitters: Silver Surfer, Beta Ray Bill, Adam Warlock, and even Thanos. The story spans multiple titles, including Thor, Silver Surfer, and Warlock and the Infinity Watch, turning it into an epic crossover. What makes this story stand out isn’t just the action—it’s the idea that even gods can break under emotional strain. Thor’s descent into madness is tragic and terrifying, and it challenges the loyalty of his closest allies. It’s a chaotic, high-stakes saga that combines psychological drama with cosmic spectacle, and it marked a turning point in Thor’s portrayal as a deeply flawed and volatile force, rather than an always-noble warrior.
#7: Thor Disassembled / Ragnarok (2004)
Before Marvel’s Avengers Disassembled shook the wider universe, Thor: Ragnarok by Michael Avon Oeming and Andrea Di Vito delivered one of the most epic send-offs to a major hero. This storyline sees Thor fulfill the prophecy of Ragnarok—the end of the gods—by willingly allowing the cycle of death and rebirth to reach its conclusion. In doing so, he breaks the cycle, choosing to end the eternal loop that has doomed Asgard’s inhabitants for eons. The arc is filled with haunting visuals, emotional final moments, and philosophical musings on fate, free will, and the price of godhood. Thor’s final stand against Surtur and the twilight of the gods is operatic and devastating. This wasn’t just another death—it was a symbolic cleansing of the old ways. The aftermath saw Thor absent from comics for years, adding weight to his departure. Ragnarok is essential for understanding Thor’s willingness to sacrifice not just himself, but an entire way of life, in order to build something better from the ashes.
#6: Thor: The Reigning (2003–2004)
One of the darkest and most ambitious Thor arcs, The Reigning by Dan Jurgens imagines a future where Thor has taken control of Earth and established Asgard as its dominant power. Initially well-intentioned, Thor’s rule slowly transforms into tyranny, as he imposes his will on humanity in a misguided attempt to prevent future disasters. The story echoes themes of authoritarianism, the corrupting influence of power, and the fine line between God and tyrant. As Thor watches his dream of a utopia unravel, he’s forced to confront the very mortal flaws he tried to erase. Jurgens crafts a tragic version of the hero—a man who loses sight of his ideals while trying to save the world. It’s a cautionary tale with deep political and emotional undertones. Few stories delve as deeply into Thor’s inner turmoil and moral ambiguity as The Reigning, making it one of the most thought-provoking entries in his entire mythos.
#5: The Ballad of Beta Ray Bill (Thor #337–340, 1983)
This legendary arc by Walt Simonson marked a turning point for the Thor mythos and introduced one of its most beloved characters: Beta Ray Bill. From the moment Bill crashes into the Marvel Universe by defeating Thor in battle and lifting Mjolnir—a feat once thought impossible—readers knew this was something special. Rather than being treated as a villain, Beta Ray Bill is revealed to be a noble alien warrior defending his people, the Korbinites, from cosmic annihilation. The moral complexity of the story—combined with Simonson’s bold artwork and fresh take on godly storytelling—elevated this arc into instant classic territory.
One of the standout elements is how it redefines “worthiness.” Thor, a god, is forced to wrestle with the idea that someone else could wield the very weapon that defines him. That introspection deepens Thor’s character while simultaneously expanding the legacy of Mjolnir. Odin, in his ever-dramatic wisdom, constructs a new hammer, Stormbreaker, for Bill, granting both warriors their due. This storyline not only brings action and character development but also starts a lasting friendship between Thor and Bill—one built on respect, sacrifice, and shared honor. With just four issues, Simonson crafts an epic about identity, legacy, and the rare power of shared worth. It’s essential reading for any fan who wants to see Thor challenged in new and meaningful ways.
#4: The Goddess of Thunder / Jane Foster Thor (Thor Vol. 4, 2014–2015; The Mighty Thor Vol. 2, 2015–2018)
One of the boldest reinventions in Marvel’s modern history, the Goddess of Thunder storyline saw Jane Foster take up the mantle of Thor after the Odinson was deemed unworthy. Written by Jason Aaron with art by Russell Dauterman, this arc defied expectations and won critical acclaim for its emotional depth, stunning visuals, and progressive storytelling. Jane, battling terminal cancer, chooses to wield Mjolnir even though each transformation accelerates her illness. That choice defines her heroism—not her powers, but her willingness to sacrifice her life for others again and again.
The story pushes every boundary of what a Thor tale can be. It explores questions of identity, legacy, and femininity without ever diminishing what came before. Instead, it honors it. The mystery of who the new Thor is, the reactions from the gods of Asgard, and the visceral battles she engages in—especially against the Roxxon Corporation and Mangog—make this saga feel revolutionary. Perhaps its most powerful moment comes when Jane refuses to let gods determine her fate, making her final stand with strength, grace, and unshakable will. Her arc culminates in tragedy and triumph, and it forever alters the Thor mythos by proving that Mjolnir chooses the worthy—not the strong, not the divine, but the truly selfless.
#3: The World Eaters (Thor Vol. 3, #615–621, 2010–2011)
Following the events of Siege, Matt Fraction and Pasqual Ferry’s World Eaters arc brings Thor back into a cosmic conflict where the stakes are mythic in scale. This storyline introduces the villainous Asgardian god of fear, The Serpent, and begins with the reconstruction of Asgard on Earth. When cosmic invaders known as the World Eaters threaten the newly grounded city, Thor is once again forced to become a defender of not just his people, but reality itself.
This arc beautifully balances Asgardian grandeur with intimate personal beats. Fraction dives into Thor’s emotional landscape—his grief over Loki, his guilt over Asgard’s fall, and his uncertain future as both protector and prince. Pasqual Ferry’s sweeping, ethereal artwork brings a sense of magical surrealism to the tale, elevating it beyond traditional superhero fare. What makes this storyline essential is how it cements Thor’s role not just as a warrior, but as a bridge between worlds—divine and mortal. It’s a high-fantasy epic with enough heart and cosmic danger to satisfy fans of both myth and Marvel.
#2: Thor: The God Butcher / Godbomb (Thor: God of Thunder #1–11, 2012–2013)
Jason Aaron and Esad Ribić’s God Butcher arc is a modern masterpiece that redefined Thor for a new generation. Spanning across timelines—past, present, and future—this storyline pits Thor against Gorr the God Butcher, a being so consumed by hatred for gods that he embarks on a genocidal mission to erase divinity from the cosmos. Gorr isn’t just a villain; he’s a philosophical opponent who challenges Thor’s core beliefs. Why do gods exist if they allow suffering? What does it mean to be worthy when others die in your name?
Aaron masterfully weaves together three Thors—young, brash Viking-era Thor; modern, Avengers-era Thor; and All-Father Thor, a bitter, weary king of the future. Watching these three iterations struggle to comprehend Gorr’s cruelty while battling their own limitations is pure narrative gold. Ribić’s art adds a sweeping mythic weight, painting every scene with haunting beauty and power. The saga culminates in Godbomb, where Gorr seeks to annihilate all gods across time. Only by uniting past, present, and future selves can Thor stop him—at great personal cost. This arc became the foundation for much of Thor’s modern identity and directly inspired elements of Thor: Love and Thunder. It’s a must-read, not just for Thor fans, but for anyone who loves high-stakes cosmic storytelling.
#1: The Surtur Saga (Thor #337–353, 1983–1984)
Topping the list is Walt Simonson’s legendary Surtur Saga, a storyline that defines everything epic about Thor’s world. The arc begins subtly, with cosmic foreboding and strange omens, and gradually escalates into a cataclysmic war between Asgard and Muspelheim. At the center of it all is Surtur, the fire demon prophesied to bring about Ragnarok. What makes this saga truly iconic is how it blends personal stakes with massive cosmic consequences. Thor fights not only to save Asgard, but to prevent the literal end of everything.
Simonson’s writing is sharp, poetic, and unrelentingly tense. Every chapter adds to the growing doom. From Loki’s uneasy alliance with the gods to the heroic sacrifices of Balder and Odin, every character has a role to play. When Surtur finally reaches Asgard, the ensuing battle is drawn with such scale and emotion that it feels like reading a myth carved into stone. The art, the pacing, and the stakes are unmatched. It remains the blueprint for all great Thor stories—balancing world-ending threats with deeply personal character beats. The Surtur Saga doesn’t just tell a great story—it defines Thor as a character, as a god, and as a protector of all realms.
From battling cosmic butchers to surrendering his very identity for the sake of others, Thor’s stories have always been more than thunder and lightning—they’re about heart, sacrifice, and the eternal struggle to be worthy. These ten storylines represent the very best of what the Odinson has to offer: mythic scale, emotional complexity, and timeless heroism. Whether you’re a newcomer to Asgard or a longtime fan of the Thunder God, these arcs are the essential chapters that reveal why Thor remains a pillar of the Marvel Universe. So, raise your hammer—if you’re worthy—and dive into these unforgettable tales.
