Marvel Killed Thor Twice (And One Death Is More Epic Than the Other)

by

As a devoted fan of Marvel’s epic tales, I can’t help but notice the recurring theme of Thor’s demise. Time and again, this divine hero has faced the grim reaper across various comic book arcs, with the Ragnarok saga in “Avengers Disassembled” and “Fear Itself” standing out prominently. Now, I don’t mean to criticize Marvel, but it seems they’ve made Thor’s grandiose deaths feel as mundane as any ordinary Tuesday in the cosmos.

You see, the myth of Ragnarok is deeply ingrained in Thor’s character, a prophecy that foretells the death of the Norse gods and the birth of a new world. However, Marvel has diminished this powerful event by making it seem like just another day in the universe. It’s almost as if they can’t get enough of ending Thor’s story, so much so that they published two comics on July 2nd, 2025, that mark the end of the God of Thunder.

In issue 25 of Al Ewing’s “Immortal Thor” series and in Jason Aaron and Aaron Kuder’s “Godzilla vs. Thor” one-shot, Thor Odinson met his end. The death in “Immortal Thor” was a long-anticipated event by the creator, but it’s Thor’s demise in “Godzilla vs. Thor” that feels fitting for such a godly character. Aaron and Kuder infuse Thor’s final moments with so much emotion that it feels epic and legendary, making it a poignant conclusion to the character and all he symbolizes.

Thor Dies a Man in Immortal Thor

The inconsistency between the title “Immortal Thor” and the character’s death isn‘t missed by Ewing. In this comic, Thor was portrayed as a living symbol of legends, delving into profound themes like immortality and divinity. Interestingly, Thor’s mythology was manipulated to diminish his depth, with Roxxon and the Enchantress altering Thor’s narrative through their corporate comics to present a shallower image. In the end, Thor is betrayed by Loki and faces off against his former mortal persona, Donald Blake.

In the initial tale of Thor’s origins, Dr. Donald Blake was granted the power to transform into the mighty Thor upon tapping his cane. Later on, Marvel decided to sever the connection between Blake and Thor, making Blake the new Deceiver among gods. Thor gets transported to Vidbláinn, a realm for deceased Norse deities. Despite trying to make amends, Blake resorts to attacking Thor with the Hellnir, a second hammer imbued with divine power. In a fit of vengeance for being exiled as a sinner, Blake blinds Thor. However, before being turned into stone, Thor realizes that Blake is an integral part of his own being. With this realization, Blake loses his human essence and transforms into a serpent-like entity.

In issue #25 of “Immortal Thor,” we find Odinson, who has transformed into Sigurd Jarlson, an ordinary man previously used by Thor as a secret identity. He encounters a boy named Lukki, created by Loki in a past life. The comic reveals that the concept of Thor was not only physically killed but also erased from history and people’s memories, with Beta Ray Bill taking his place. As Ewing prepares to restart the series as a new “Thor” comic featuring Sigurd, this issue serves as a poignant and fitting conclusion. However, it doesn’t quite capture the epic quality that Thor’s other recent death did. In contrast, Aaron and Kuder deliver an impressive portrayal of Thor dying in battle rather than accepting a mortal life in “Godzilla vs. Thor.

Thor Dies a Legend in Godzilla vs. Thor

In contrast to the contemplative and introspective character of Immortal Thor, the encounter between Thor and Godzilla is an unbridled battle. Writer Jason Aaron portrays both figures as divine entities, employing the timeless trope of invincible force colliding with immovable object. Godzilla is indomitable, while Thor remains resilient, leading to a titanic clash amidst the ruins of Asgard. This struggle transcends earthly boundaries, and Aaron’s narration is rich in poetic language, emphasizing that the confrontation between the God of Thunder and the Monster King is a contemporary myth. Like enduring legends, Aaron does not provide a decisive conclusion to Thor vs. Godzilla. Even in death, both deities will persist in their eternal struggle within Hel, solidifying the notion that neither will ever surrender.

Although the final scene in “Godzilla vs. Thor” sees Thor passing away and venturing into an afterlife fitting for him, it provides him with more respect than he received in “Immortal Thor”. In “Godzilla vs. Thor”, Thor’s death doesn’t mark the end of his tale but rather sets the stage for an afterlife worthy of a god. The eternal battle against the mightiest Kaiju serves as the perfect storyline for Thor, offering a more fulfilling resolution than the choice made by Thor at the conclusion of “Immortal Thor”. The authors, Ewing and Aaron, are telling two distinct stories that both succeed in their own ways. Ewing aims to challenge our perceptions of Thor and restore his human qualities, while Aaron portrays him as a legendary figure, further highlighting his godly essence. Essentially, Ewing delves into the human side of Thor, whereas Aaron celebrates him as a legend.

https://comicbook.com/comics/news/10-best-marvel-legacy-characters/embed/#

Read More

2025-07-04 22:11