Top 12 Avengers-Number 4

Thor

While trying to come up with new ideas for heroes, Stan Lee started thinking about mythology. It occurred to him that while most people were familiar with Greco-Roman figures, they weren't really familiar with other groups like the Norse. Since there would be fewer people complaining about discrepancies, Stan suggested that Marvel try using Thor as a hero.

This was great because not only did we get to have Thor, but Norse mythology had already provided a large group of allies and enemies to make writing a little bit easier. Odin and Loki have been huge features in the book, as well as Fenrir and the Midgard Serpent.

One of the most important parts played by Thor was the reason for the creation of the Avengers. Loki was trying to trick and theoretically kill his brother, Thor, by pitting him against the Hulk. Not only Thor replied to the call for help, but so did Ant Man, Wasp, and Iron Man. The four teamed up, and with the help of the Hulk, they managed to defeat Loki's evil scheme.

Since Thor has to split his attentions between Midgard (Earth) and Asgard, he hasn't always been an active part of the Avengers, but his presence is always welcomed, and appreciated.

I think what I really like about Thor is the option of the different worlds. With Asgard, you also get all of the Nine Realms with all of the insanity. Frost Giant, Dwarves, Dark Elves, Hel are all great possibilities, and you get all of the great enemies and allies like Enchantress, the Warriors Three, Sif and the rest.

I almost forgot to talk about Thor's alternate personalities. Early on, Thor had to spend a good portion of his time as Donald Blake, which was referenced in the Thor movie, but the original concept was Donald Blake as a doctor with a bad leg whose cane turned into Thor's hammer. At another point, Thor had disappeared, and a mortal named Eric Masterson was given the powers of Thor in an attempt to find the thunder god.

Thor is a big hit and he has been for a long time. With the success of Thor and the Avengers, look for more and more people to get interested as well.