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Thor

Mortal Identity: Dr. Donald “Don” Blake
First Appearance: Journey into Mystery #83 (1962)
Affiliation: Asgard; founding Avenger
Powers and Equipment: Great strength and an enchanted hammer used for flight and control of storms.

Thor’s reviewed story begins with Dr. Don Blake discovering a mysterious stick in a cave while fleeing the Stone Men from Saturn. In Journey into Mystery #83, it becomes the hammer that transforms him into Thor. The discovery gives Blake extraordinary power, but also a restriction: separation from the hammer for about a minute changes him back.

His life as a doctor remains important. Journey into Mystery #84 introduces his feelings for nurse Jane Foster and the difficulty of keeping his two identities separate. Jane and Don’s relationship becomes entangled with her admiration for Thor, while threats to her safety repeatedly affect his choices.

Asgard brings another set of responsibilities. Odin’s authority and Loki’s schemes pull Thor away from the life he wants on Earth. His love for a mortal becomes a source of conflict with his father, while Balder proves a valuable friend when Jane needs protection.

Thor also helps establish the Avengers. By Avengers #16, however, his Asgardian troubles are drawing him away from the team. The Trial of the Gods in Journey into Mystery #116 places him against Loki under rules that Thor follows and Loki evades. Thor’s subsequent search for the Norn Stones continues that conflict rather than ending it.

The latest reviewed installment, Journey into Mystery #118, leaves him facing the Destroyer, a weapon whose power threatens even the God of Thunder. With Odin asleep and Loki unable to secure his intervention, the battle remains unresolved. At this point, Thor’s story balances his commitment to Earth and Jane with obligations and dangers that reach far beyond his mortal life.