I’m reposting my picks for Thor reads prior to Ragnarok! Originally posted in July, 2016!
This week’s question of the week comes from an MCU fan looking for some anticipatory Thor comics before Thor returns to the big screen in 2017:
“Do you have what to read to prepare for the Thor Ragnarok movie reading order?”
As always, I’d refer new comics readers who love the Marvel Cinematic Universe to my Marvel Movie Timeline, which includes recommended comics for each movie franchise. To date, the Marvel Movie Timeline is purely for released films, so there’s nothing stopping me from speculating wildly about the plot of Thor: Ragnarok.
Fancy tidbit I learned while looking into Ragnarok: The genius who directed What We Do In the Shadows
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I’m anticipating approximately 74% more humor throughout Ragnarok (“Ragnarok had us in stiches!” ~ Vikings, probably). Some quirky heartfelt oddity could be exactly what Thor needs to rise to the level of mega-franchise achieved by Captain America, Iron Man, and Guardians.
Otherwise, here are the things I know about Thor: Ragnarok. It’s probably going to do a Ragnarok story (just a hunch) and somehow the Hulk flew straight from Age of Ultron to Asgard. Cool. On to recommended comics!
Planet Hulk
While fans have been clamoring for a live-action Planet Hulk movie since Ruffalo the Buffalo entered our lives, Marvel has (wisely) limited the Hulk intake of the MCU.
Thor: Ragnarok isn’t likely to deliver full on Planet Hulk, but it’s as good a time as any to see what the Hulk looks like off of Earth, surrounded by alien life. Planet Hulk is one of the finer Hulk concepts of the 2000’s, and the comic book storyline that would define Greg Pak’s excellent run on all things Hulk.
For Marvel Unlimited readers, Planet Hulk can be found in Incredible Hulk issues #92 to #105.
Walt Simonson’s Thor
: Ragnarok and Roll
If you find yourself reading a “What Thor comics should I read?” piece, and the writer doesn’t find a way to gush over Walt Simonson’s entire Thor run, something has gone terribly, terribly wrong.
I’d recommend you just read the whole shadoozy, starting with Thor #337 in 1983, but if you really just want to dive right in, Simonson’s first couple years on Thor build to an excellent Asgardian tale entitled: “Ragnarok and Roll.”
If we’re lucky, the MCU brain trust will be paying close attention to Ragnarok and Roll in their third effort to land a blockbuster Thor movie.
Read Issues: Thor #350 to Thor #353
Avengers Disassembled: Thor
The modern era of Marvel events begins with 2004’s Avengers Disassembled, and Thor is notably absent from that storyline. Thor’s Disassembled tie-in delivers the most Asgard-shattering Ragnarok the Marvel Universe has seen, one that would take literal years to recover from.
If you do jump in with this Thor story, I’d recommend you check out the concurrent Avengers Disassembled reading order guide, and also plan to continue with J. Michael Straczynski’s follow-up: Thor
Read Issues: Thor #80 to #85 (1998 to 2004)
Last Days of Asgard
… Loki stuff before Secret Wars
In 2015, Secret Wars brought about the Last Days of the Marvel Universe, and mighty Asgard was no exception. While you could jump straight into the Last Days of Asgard storyline, it’s not going to make a lick of sense unless you get up to speed with Al Ewing’s Loki: Agent of Asgard
Keep in mind that this version of Loki follows Kieron Gillen and Jamie McKelvie’s version of Kid Loki in Young Avengers
Really all you need to know heading into Loki: Agent of Asgard is that Loki’s a dapper teen trying to overcome his destiny of evil. Kinda. For the most part.
Read issues: Loki #12 to #17
Thor: The God Butcher
Jason Aaron and Esad Ribic’s Marvel NOW Thor run is a bit less Ragnarok focused, but it’s also just flat out my favorite Thor run of the 2000’s.
If you simply want some evidence that Thor is a lot more than luscious hair and a killer workout regimen, look no further.
Read Issues: Thor #1 to #11 (2012 series)
There you have it, your essential Thor reading prior to Thor: Ragnarok. If you need more Thor in your life, you can also check out the Comic Book Herald Thor Reading Order!
Do you have a fast track guide for ANAD and Marvel Now 2.0?
Sure do. You can find all Comic Book Herald guides here: https://www.comicbookherald.com/the-complete-marvel-reading-order-guide/
I’m a pretty big Thor fan. Beta Ray Bill is one of my favorite characters. I’ve only made it to 2009 in the marvel reading order but Thor Disassembled is so kickass. It serves as a final Ragnarok. I can see why it took marvel almost 3 years to start another Thor series.
I don’t see how they’re going to make the jump to a smarter Hulk. It might be a little jarring to general audiences. I just want to see him in his planet Hulk armor. Even if it wouldn’t make much sense, unless the Hulk is depowered like he is in Planet Hulk.
I’m trying to get my expectations too high. but how can i not get excited over a Thor/Hulk movie with Karl Urban as Skurge. Hopefully they find a way to put Skurge’s iconic scene in the movie.
Oh man, if they do Skurge justice standing alone, I’ll be pretending not to tear up so hard.
Under the Ragnarok and Roll section, you say to read Thor #346 to #345. Is that a typo? Are you suggesting we read those two issues in reverse order?
Haha yes, big typo! Although now I’m fascinated about reading those issues backwards. Should actually be thor #350 to #353!!
I have ALL the Thor’s in CBR-files…if u want ’em , shoot me an email at ((tamtra111@yahoo.com)) … just list what issues U want & i’ll get em to ya ^ ^