In 2017, Thor: Ragnarok premiered in theaters. While many characters like Hulk and Loki reappeared, many fans took a liking to a new character that was introduced in the movie. Valkyrie, played by Tessa Thomson, was a displaced warrior from Asgard who fought against Hela during her first rise to power. Stranded on Sakar, she became a scrapper for the Collector. While many depictions and variations of Valkyrie have been shown in the comics, none have surpassed the success of Thompson's portrayal of the character.
Later, in the 2018 series, Exiles, Valkyrie makes her first comic book appearance as the sole protector of Asgard in Exiles #2 (by Saladin Ahmed, Alvaro Lopez, Chris O’Halloran, and Javier Rodriguez). She willingly assists Blink and the rest of the Exiles on their mission to save the multiverse from the Time-Eater. This depiction of the Asgardian warrior was very different from her MCU appearance
The two depictions have many similarities and differences. The MCU’s Valkyrie is distant, sarcastic, witty, and a bit brash before the audience gets to know her. It may have to do with the traumatic memories she has of the battle with Hela. She’s fierce and brave in combat, and she’s not afraid to speak the truth. After she’s introduced in Exiles, Valkyrie is shown in a new light. She’s eager for the quest ahead, and takes on the challenge to restore her home. She is cheerful, optimistic, confident, and is protective over the friends she's made. Her personality is similar to Thor's in many ways.
They also have different ways of speaking. The Valkyrie from the MCU has a modern way of speaking, which could've been a result from living on Sakar for many years. Even among other Asgardians, she is direct and blunt with her words. In Exiles, Valkyrie speaks similarly to any Asgardian. Her language is flowery, and seems straight out of a Shakespearean play. It's very reminiscent of the way Thor speaks with dramatic metaphors and threats.
While Valkyrie’s backstory in the MCU focuses on her conflict with Hela, not much else was revealed about her childhood or how she rose to become a warrior for Odin. However, in Exiles #10 (by Saladin Ahmed, Alvaro Lopez, Muntsa Vicente, and VC's Joe Caramagna) the Exiles are brought to trial by a group of rogue Watchers who believe they've committed crimes against the timeline. During this issue, the group's individual backstories are revealed. Valkyrie talks about how Odin created six girls including Valkyrie by striking the land of Asgard with a thunderbolt. The girls grew up together under Odin's watchful eye and trained to be the chosen Valkyrie. In the end, it was her who was victorious and gained the honorable responsibility to protect Asgard.
Despite their differences in personality and mannerisms, the two Valkyries have more in common than it may seem. Both women wear the same style of armor, which consists of a black chest piece with blue accents, a blue cape, and silver boots. They both also wield long spears and occasionally a sword. Additionally, they both have a flying horse companion that they mount in battle named Elendil. Although, fans only see the horse in the MCU during the final battle in Avengers Endgame, Elendil makes appearances throughout the series until his unfortunate death at the hands of a crazy Charles Xavier variant in Exiles #7 (bySaldin Ahmed, Rod Reis, Lee M. Ferguson, and VC's Joe Caramagna).
Valkyrie cares deeply about her home, both in the MCU and in the comics. At the end of Avengers: Endgame, Thor tasked Valkyrie with becoming the official ruler of New Asgard. While he was consumed with grief and depression, Valkyrie took the burden of making sure the Asgardians were doing alright. Later, in Thor: Love and Thunder, fans can see Valkyrie and the Asgardians flourishing via tourism. In Exiles, Valkyrie loves Asgard, and has devoted her life to protecting it. Despite her sudden exile from her home after fighting the Time-Eater, she still carries the heart of Asgard with her in everything she does.
The futures of both Valkyrie's MCU and comic book depictions have yet to be confirmed, although Thompson herself is open to portraying Valkyrie in any context. Her "kingly duties" on New Asgard would make it difficult, but not impossible to reappear in any of Marvel's later films. Valkyrie's depiction in the comics has yet to branch out from her role in Exiles, which came to an end with #12 in 2019. The series' ending was left open-ended, with Valkyrie finally getting to start a relationship with Becky Barnes, an alternate version of Bucky Barnes who accompanied Captain Carter.
The 2021 series, The Mighty Valkyries, introduces Runa, who bears a striking resemblance to both the MCU and the Exiles versions of Valkyrie. She currently fights to aid Jane Foster as both Valkyrie and the Mighty Thor in the series Jane Foster and the Mighty Thor. Without her successful appearance in Thor: Ragnarok, fans wouldn't have got to see her in Exiles or in recent Thor related comics. The character herself has become a major influence for readers across many demographics. Valkyrie is a lover and a fighter, no matter what she appears in. Readers can look forward to seeing this noble warrior continue to fight for what she believes in the MCU and in the comics.