Some of the most iconicThormovie scenes were lifted directly from the pages ofMarvel Comics. Thor has long been one of Marvel’s most mythologically rich and visually powerful characters, drawing from both Norse legend and decades of epic comic storytelling. So it’s no surprise that many scenes fromthe MCU timelinewere taken fromThorcomics.
The MCU has often paid direct homage to classic panels and story arcs. These moments don’t just thrill longtime readers, they help cement the character’s legacy by bringing pivotal comic book imagery to life in a cinematic context. Whether it’s dramatic sacrifices, godlike battles, or epic transformations, the MCU often mirrors its source material with surprising faithfulness.
8Odin Banishes Thor To Earth
Thor & Thor #159
One of the defining moments in Thor’s origin story is when Odin, the All-Father, strips his son of his powers and banishes him to Earth aspunishment for his arrogance. This storyline is faithfully recreated in the MCU’s firstThorfilm. The proud god is cast down to Earth and made to live among mortals without his hammer, Mjolnir.
This narrative mirrorsThor#159. The issue explains that Odin banished Thor to Earth, placing him in the body of Dr Donald Blake. One panel in particular depicts Odin and Thor hovering over Earth,discussing Thor’s initial Earth-based adventures.
In both versions, Thor must prove himself worthy to reclaim his godhood,learning humility through hardship. It’s a pivotal moment that defines the character and serves as a perfect bridge between the divine and the human. While not a panel-for-panel recreation, both show Thor’s origin as an expelled, reckless god.
7Ragnarok Threatens Asgard
Thor: Ragnarok & Thor #80–85 (2004)
The destruction of Asgard, known as Ragnarok, is one of the most cataclysmic events in Thor’s comic book history. The 2004 storyline fromThor#80–85, written by Michael Avon Oeming and illustrated by Andrea Di Vito, presents a dark and mythologically rich visionof the Norse gods’ end times. Much of this was adapted intoThor: Ragnarok(2017).
While more comedic in tone,Thor: Ragnarokfeatures key story beats taken directly from this arc. The ultimate destruction of Asgard is perhaps the most important moment. Yet Thor’s quest for understanding, and his confrontation withthe cyclical nature of Asgardian doom, also echo this storyline.
In both the comic and the film, Thor realizes that saving his peoplemeans letting go of the place they call home. As Asgard falls, the people live on and establish New Asgard. The MCU’s take may be more colorful, but its core message and imagery are rooted in the powerful pages of this comic event.
6Loki Takes The Asgardian Throne
Thor: The Dark World & Loki #1 (2004)
Loki seizing the throne of Asgard is a recurring storyline in Marvel Comics, but one of the most cinematic inspirations comes fromLoki#1 (2004). In this introspective issue,Loki achieves what he’s always wanted: ruling Asgard. Yet he finds little satisfaction in victory.
This mirrors a moment inThor: The Dark World, where Loki fakes his death and secretly impersonates Odin, sitting on the throne in triumph. The visual of Loki in regal Asgardian robesclosely resembles the cover and toneofLoki#1. It astutely captured the character’s eternal conflict between ambition and emptiness.
Earlier comics likeThor#175–177 also show Loki ruling Asgard. However, it’s the 2004 series thathumanizes his perspectivein a way the MCU mirrors effectively. Loki’s mischievous triumphs, bittersweet victories, and identity struggles are all taken straight from the source, with Marvel Studios giving him the complex portrayal he deserves.
5Thor Vs Hulk
Thor: Ragnarok & The Incredible Hulk #300
Thor and Hulk have fought many times in Marvel Comics, but their brutal showdown inThor: Ragnarokdraws fromsome of the most intense battles ever printed. One major inspiration comes fromThe Defenders#10 (1973). Here the two titans clash in a spectacular test of strength.
Another notable source isThe Incredible Hulk#300, whichpits a mindless Hulk against the Marvel Universe, including Thor. The MCU borrows heavily from these moments. The biggest example being in the arena battle scene where Thor is pitted against his"friend from work."
The sheer impact of their blows, the way Thor tries to reach Hulk’s humanity, and the visual spectacle all feelripped from classic panels. In both the comics and the film, the battle isn’t just about power, it’s about understanding the monstrous side of each hero. The MCU captures this dynamic with reverence and explosive energy.
Thor: Love And Thunder & Thor: God of Thunder #3 (2013)
InThor: Love and Thunder, there’s a haunting moment where Thor and Korg come across the corpse of a massive deity, Falligar the Behemoth. This scene isa direct recreationof a panel fromThor: God of Thunder#3 (2013) by Jason Aaron and Esad Ribić. In both, Thor stands atop a rock, looking at the giant beast.
In the comic, the image of Falligar’s lifeless, towering body sprawled across a barren landscape is one of the most striking visuals in modern Thor storytelling. The MCU recreates this panel withstunning accuracy. The angle, the color scheme, and design of the dead god are all identical.
It’s a powerful moment that underscores the threat of Gorr the God Butcher and sets the tone for a more cosmic, mythic narrative. The scene also showcases the series' shift toward the gods questioning their purpose and vulnerability. This isa key theme from Aaron’s influential runthat the film adapts with visual and emotional precision.
3Skurge The Executioner’s Final Stand
Thor: Ragnarok & The Mighty Thor #360–362
Skurge’s last stand inThor: Ragnarokis one of the most unexpectedly faithful comic book adaptations in the MCU. In the film, Skurge sacrifices himself to protect the fleeing Asgardians from Hela’s undead army, wielding twin M16s ina blaze of redemption. This moment is lifted directly fromThe Mighty Thor#362 by Walt Simonson.
In the comic, Skurge similarly holds off a horde of enemies at Gjallerbru, allowing others to escape. The comic panel of Skurge firing two rifles, back-to-back against overwhelming odds, is iconic, and the moviereplicates it nearly shot-for-shot.Simonson’s version portrays Skurge as a tragic figure who finally finds honor in death, and the MCU echoes that emotional weight.
By the end of both stories, Skurge is remembered not for his failures, but for his heroism. It’sa strikingly compelling redemption storyin both mediums. The movie rendition is perfect example of the MCU elevating a minor character by staying true to his comic book legacy.
2Jane Foster Becomes The Mighty Thor
Thor: Love And Thunder & What If? #10 (1977), Thor (2014) #1
Jane Foster’s transformation into the Mighty Thor inThor: Love and Thunderfinds its roots inboth speculative and canonical Marvel stories. The earliest version appeared inWhat If?#10 (1977), where Jane, instead of Donald Blake, discovers Mjolnir and becomes “Thordis.” Though initially a multiversal one-shot, it laid the groundwork for a future story.
That came inThor(2014) #1, where Jane, struggling with cancer, secretly becomes the new Thor after the original becomes unworthy post-“Original Sin”. The movie adapts both the spirit and some plot elements of these comics. Jane’s heroism,her conflicted transformation, and the mystery surrounding the new Thor’s identity are all faithfully drawn from Jason Aaron’s run.
Her dual struggle, fighting gods while battling a terminal illness before her eventual death, adds profound depth. The MCU version captures both her physical empowerment and emotional vulnerability. Ithonored the groundbreaking shift in the Thor mythoswith reverence and inspiration.
1Odin Enters The Odinsleep
Thor & Journey Into Mystery (Vol 1) #118
The Odinsleep is a period of deep slumber where Odin must recharge his godly power. It has becomea crucial element of Thor lore, appearing in both comics and films. InJourney Into Mystery#118, readers are introduced to this vital Asgardian ritual, where Odin becomes completely vulnerable while he restores his divine strength.
This concept was translated directly into the firstThormovie, where Odin falls into the Odinsleep, leaving Asgard leaderless and vulnerable to Loki’s manipulations. In both versions, the Odinsleep serves as a plot catalyst, shaking up the power dynamics in Asgard and forcing others to rise in Odin’s absence. The film visually interprets the slumber withgolden, ethereal imagery.
However, the idea of gods requiring rest to maintain cosmic balance remainsconsistent with the source material.It’s another example of how the MCU incorporates classic, sometimes obscure lore to build its mythological world with authentic Marvel roots. Though not a direct adaptation in theThormovie, its comic book parallels are evident.
Thor
Cast
Thor, released in 2011, introduces Chris Hemsworth as the titular Norse god. Banished to Earth by his father Odin, portrayed by Anthony Hopkins, Thor must live among humans and learn humility. As he adapts to his new circumstances, a threat from Asgard, led by his brother Loki, endangers Earth.
Thor: The Dark World
Thor: The Dark World, the second installment in Marvel’s Thor series, follows the titular hero as he faces Malekith and the vengeful Dark Elves. With the universe threatened, Thor joins forces with allies, including Jane Foster, to thwart the cosmic peril and restore balance to the realms.
Thor: Ragnarok
Thor: Ragnarok, released on July 06, 2025, is part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It features Chris Hemsworth as Thor, who is imprisoned on the other side of the universe, racing against time to return to Asgard to prevent Ragnarok and confront the formidable Hela.
Thor: Love and Thunder
In Thor: Love and Thunder, the Norse god teams up with King Valkyrie, Korg, and the Mighty Thor, Jane Foster, to thwart Gorr the God Butcher’s quest to eradicate the gods. This cosmic adventure sees Thor confront new challenges as he navigates his return from retirement.
