Marvel is bringing back some of Thor's most influential creators for his birthday.
This April, Marvel will publish Thor #24, which doubles as a celebration of 750 issues of the series in total. Conveniently timed to coincide with Thor's 60th anniversary, the oversized comic will feature some important names from the God of Thunder's past. In addition to the main story by the current Thor creative team of writer Donny Cates and artist Nic Klein, the issue will have new tales from fan-favorite creators J. Michael Straczynski, Olivier Coipel, Dan Jurgens, Walter Simonson, Al Ewing, Lee Garbett, Tom DeFalco, Ron Frenz, Jason Aaron and Das Pastoras.
Cates and Klein's main story takes place in the wake of the current story arc, "God of Hammers," which has reimagined Thor's relationship with Mjolnir. After learning the King of Asgard's prophesized death, Thor questioned his connection with his signature weapon. In Thor #20, Mjolnir seeming gained sentience, further confusing the God of Thunder. Klein's cover for Thor #24 teases that the storyline will feature a significant death when all is said and done, with Thor, Odin, Sif, Valkyrie and others seen performing a Viking funeral.
In addition to the fallout of "God of Hammers," Thor's anniversary brings writer J. Michael Straczynski back to the title for the first time in over a decade. Alongside artist Olivier Coipel, JMS resurrected Thor after the character's death in "Ragnarok." JMS and Coipel's run changed Thor's speech pattern, established his connection to Broxton, Oklahoma and reimagined his relationship with the Nine (now Ten) Realms of Yggdrasil, setting the standard for many of the hero's subsequent adventures. Marvel has revealed that JMS and Coipel's short takes place during the events of their redefining Thor saga.
Though Thor is the focal point of his anniversary issue, some of the issue's stories will spotlight the God of Thunder's closest allies. Writer/artist Dan Jurgens' story will see Thor team up with Balder the Brave while writer/artist Walter Simonson revisits Beta Ray Bill, a character he created while helming the series in the '80s. Furthermore, writer Jason Aaron and artist Das Pastoras' will present a tale centered around Thor's father, Odin. Aaron recently revealed that the Phoenix is Thor's true mother, and Marvel promises that the fabled writer will fill this new short with more "revelatory" plot points.
Finally, Thor #24 will showcase two of the hero's greatest rivals. Writer Tom DeFalco teams with artist Ron Frenz will focus their story on longtime villain Enchantress, whose magical manipulations have often complicated Thor's life. Similarly, writer Al Ewing reunites with Loki: Agent of Asgard artist Lee Garbett for a tale centered on the God of Mischief.
Thor #24 goes on sale this April from Marvel Comics
Source: Marvel Comics