Random coincidences led this pair of authors to recreate Thor.
In the year It was 1987, and at Marvel, an unexpected twist was about to write a new page in Thor’s history. Walter Simonson, whose pen and brush gave life to the God of Thunder since issue #337, left a huge void after his departure in #382. They wanted a writer, not an artist, to continue the saga. This is where Tom DeFalco comes into the picture, but his path to Thor wasn’t as straightforward as you might think.
An unexpected turn
Sal Buscema, who initially took over as Simonson’s art director, had no intention of leaving the series. Marvel needed a writer, and DeFalco was one. However, what happened next was something no one expected.
Jim Shooter, then Marvel’s executive producer, was impressed with DeFalco and Ron Frenz’s “Secret Wars” filler issue. Although Frenz initially rejected the idea of replacing Buscema, fate had other plans. When Buscema was offered a new project on “Spectacular Spider-Man,” the door opened for Frenz to take on the role of artist on Thor. That’s how the DeFalco-Frenz era officially began with Thor issue #386.
A dynamic duality in creation
This creative couple not only did the joke but did it in a unique style. DeFalco and Frenz, known for their previous collaborations on “The Amazing Spider-Man” and the introduction of Spider-Man’s symbiote suit, brought freshness and dynamism to Thor. His biggest contribution was the introduction of Erik Masterson, who not only befriended Thor, but eventually replaced him and took up the mantle of Thunderstrike.
After more than five years, these two men left their mark on Thor, ending their run in issue #459. They celebrated important occasions and changed the narrative of the God of Thunder, proving that sometimes unexpected twists of fate can lead to some of them. Unforgettable stories in the world of comedy.
From the pages of Simonson to the vision of DeFalco and Frenz
One of DeFalco and Frenz’s most notable contributions was the creation of Eric Masterson, the character that inspired the Thor series. Masterson was not just a temporary replacement for the God of Thunder, but a complex figure with his own narrative and development. His transformation into Thunderstrike gave a new dimension to the Thor universe, exploring themes of identity and heroism from a human perspective. This story arc not only enriches Thor’s mythology, but also showcases DeFalco and Frenz’s ability to create within an established legacy, balancing the homages of previous stories with their own creative touches.
Comparing Walter Simonson’s era to DeFalco’s and Frenz’s is to delve into two different visions of Thor. While Simonson is remembered for his dramatic presentation and introduction of strong mythological elements, DeFalco and Frenz opted for an approach that focused on character and personal evolution. This transition marked a significant change in the series, showing the diversity and adaptability of Thor’s character over the years. Each creative team brought their own essence to enriching Thor’s story and legacy in the Marvel Universe.
The story behind the story
Beyond the pages of Thor, this episode highlights how behind-the-scenes decisions can have a huge impact on the direction of the series. From Frenz’s tribute to Buscema to the shooter’s decision to bring DeFalco and Frenz together, this behind-the-scenes plot is a fascinating look at the complex and unpredictable world of the comic book.