As eagle-eyed readers already may have realized by its absence from Marvel's February solicitations, the publisher has canceled Thor: The Mighty Avenger with January's Issue 8. A Marvel spokesman confirmed the cancellation, saying it will be "a satisfying end for fans."

Created by Roger Langridge and Chris Samnee, the critically acclaimed all-ages series was announced during April's Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo as a timeless, accessible take on the classic character. The comic began with Thor's reappearance on Earth after a thousand-year absence, enabling the creators to chronicle the thunder god's first meetings with friends and foes ranging from Jane Foster and Captain Britain to Hank Pym and Mr. Hyde.

The first two issues were released in July, selling about 20,000 and 14,000 copies, respectively -- certainly not great numbers, but not out of step with other all-ages titles at either Marvel or DC Comics. Unfortunately, sales continued to slip even as the publisher expanded its Thor books in the lead-up to the Kenneth Branaugh-directed movie, which opens in May 2011. By October's Issue 5, Thor: The Mighty Avenger had dipped below 10,000 copies.

Issue 6, which features Fin Fang Foom, is set for release next week.