Thor's Luscious Golden Locks will Now Belong to a Woman

Thor #1 cover by Russell Dauterman

It turns out the "thundering" announcement Marvel promised to make during ABC's The View was indeed Thor-related. Beginning in October a new Thor and comic book series will feature a female God of Thunder. Described as the one and only Thor worthy of wielding Mjolnir.

According to the press release (below) the classic character is no longer worthy to carry the hammer and power of Thor so a female will emerge to carry the name. Details were sparse as to who that woman will be but the creative team will be Jason Aaron and artist Russell Dauterman. Artwork was released including of the "unworthy" Thor. 

Unworthy Thor by Esad Ribic

Marvel trumpeted their emphasis on female-led titles and now one of their biggest heroes firmly implanted in people's minds because of the movies has been gender swapped. It's a risky but progressive move to make this change at the height of Thor's popularity. Online reaction has been mixed but most have trusted the talent behind the comic to do the character justice. 

It's great to see Marvel focus their attention on more female-led books to try and keep up with demand from a growing female customer base. Now if only they would also integrate more female creators then it would certainly impact the industry a lot more. DC Comics has also made strides in regards to more female creators with new titles with broader appeal. 

Thor was a curious choice to change instead of creating an original character. To Marvel's credit they do have a stable of strong and popular female characters - Captain Marvel, Black Widow, Storm, She-Hulk - but are they seeking their own version of a Wonder Woman? An all-powerful warrior to become the female face of the brand? Perhaps but whatever the outcome the move has caused a lot of chatter and buzz which was the point in the first place. 

Thor #1 cover by Esad Ribic

Marvel Press Release:

Marvel is excited to announce an all-new era for the God of Thunder in brand new series, THOR, written by Jason Aaron (Thor: God of Thunder, Original Sin) complimented with art from Russell Dauterman (Cyclops).

This October, Marvel Comics evolves once again in one of the most shocking and exciting changes ever to shake one of Marvel’s “big three” – Captain America, Iron Man and Thor – Marvel Comics will be introducing an all-new THOR, GOD OF THUNDER. No longer is the classic male hero able to hold the mighty hammer, Mjölnir, a brand new female hero will emerge 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.”

THOR is the latest in the ever-growing and long list of female-centric titles that continues to invite new readers into the Marvel Universe. This female THOR is the 8th title to feature a lead female protagonist and aims to speak directly to an audience that long was not the target for Super Hero comic books in America: women and girls.