Summary

• Marvel just introduced the Giant-Sized Thor - a humongous planet-killer closer to Galactus than the heroic god.
• This new form has ties to Thor's epic 'Ragnarok' story, when he ascended to his beyond-godlike Rune King form.
• Giant-Size Thor #1 is coming August 21 from Marvel Comics.

Marvel's Asgardian God of Thunder just took his ultimate form, as Galactus than the founding Avenger fans know. Marvel's Giant-Size comics have told crucial new stories for key heroes, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the publisher's iconic 1970s Giant-Size issues. Now, it's Thor's turn, with a story that takes the issue's title way more literally than anyone expected.

In a wild preview of Giant-Size Thor, fans visit an alien world that is under threat of total destruction. However, what initially appears to be a prayer for Thor's help is actually a call for his fellow god Hercules to save the alien civilization from his godly ally.

Readers don't know the origin of the terrifying weapon of cosmic destruction called the "Giant-Size Thor," but they do know that Hercules will indeed arrive to try and destroy it. However, with the power to obliterate a planet, he's going up against a cosmic force to match Galactus, not just a fellow god.

Thor Becomes a Planet-Killer as the Giant-Size Thor

Thor's Ragnarok Transformation Returns with Shocking Consequences

The most fascinating detail from this preview is a flashback to Thor #83, with Thor sacrificing his eyes to achieve his final Rune King form. Michael Avon Oeming, Daniel Berman and Andrea DiVito's comic followed the final cycle of Ragnarok for the Asgardian Gods, as the apocalyptic vision of the fall of the gods and monsters of Norse mythology came true. Thor gave his all in this story to achieve ultimate power, and ended it by confronting Those Who Sit Above in Shadow - Elder Gods who had caused the cycle of Ragnarok so they could feed on the deaths of the Asgardian pantheon. Thor's Rune King form allowed him to destroy these shadowy antagonists, burning out his creator god-level abilities and ending the repeating cycle of Ragnarok forever.

Referencing the 'Ragnarok' arc suggests the new Giant-Size Thor has some connection to this epic story, in which the Norse pantheon were almost ended for good. In many ways, the 'Ragnarok' arc - part of the larger Avengers Disassembled event - acted as a definitive ending for Thor's story up until that point. While he technically survived, it was in a new status quo, with all the gods and even Asgard itself reborn in new forms. Ewing's Immortal Thor run has engaged with some of the biggest moments of Thor's comic career, and now it appears that the loose ends of 'Ragnarok' will form the Thunder God's latest challenge. It's possible that the modern day Thor will somehow be facing the remnants of the 'Rune King' he became to change the fate of his people.

Thankfully, Thor will at least have Hercules by his side as he takes on the "Giant-Size Thor" and investigates its origin and powers. However, if the Giant-Size Thor is an echo of Thor's ascension to becoming the Rune King, even the combined might of two gods may not be enough to stop it.

Giant-Size Thor #1 is coming August 21 from Marvel Comics.