The Marvel Universe has caused quite the stir in the comic-nerd world this week.
If that last sentence made any sense to you, then you’re probably already well aware of the big news. For the rest of you, Marvel announced this week that Thor is going to be a woman.
Yes, that’s the same Thor portrayed by Chris Hemsworth in the Thor and Avengers films, and no, he’s not literally becoming a woman.
However his hammer, Mjölnir (yes, the hammer has a name), will be changing ownership.
Without going into too much nerdy detail, whoever is worthy to wield Mjölnir is Thor.
There’s plenty of uproar from the masses, but I have to congratulate Marvel on their decision. Of course, I have to quickly follow up that congrats with — It’s about time!
Naysayers will (and have already) accuse Marvel of pandering to their female audience, or trying to win over a larger female audience. To that argument I say, have you seen Chris Hemsworth’s biceps?
For this reason, I can only assume that Marvel’s reasons for this change, are 95 percent for keeping the integrity of the story, and maybe about five percent publicity stunt.
While Marvel has a history of strong female characters, with the exception of Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) and Maria Hill (Cobie Smulders), none of them have made it into the Disney/Marvel Avengers film series. It will be interesting to see if Disney and Marvel decide to incorporate this storyline into the Avengers and Thor film series.
Another woman on the team would be a refreshing change. Plus, I’m sure they can find some way for old Thor to contribute. He could be the head of the Avengers cheer squad, or maybe they need some assistance in their costume department. Someone will have to drop off and pick up new Thor’s cape from the drycleaners, and I’m pretty sure that helmet doesn’t shine itself.
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More on the Story: Wired
…just for fun:
Perhaps a preview of what’s to come —
