As the Asgardian God of Thunder, Thor is one of the strongest characters in Marvel Comics. However, when the multiverse doors open, being able to control lightning isn’t enough. So, to match the powers of other cosmic beings, Thor has seen many different versions, each stronger than the last.
While most of these versions are enhanced iterations of the Norse God, some are different characters worthy enough to wield Mjölnir. And, with the hammer’s power, they became a force to be reckoned with. Controlling the skies, altering realities, and killing Gods are just a glimpse of the feats of these alternate variants. That said, here are the strongest versions of Thor throughout the Marvel Multiverse.
7 Thor-El
The Man of Steel Merged With Thor
- ​​First Appearance: Unlimited access #4, 1998
In the realm of Marvel’s strongest versions of Thor, Thor-El stands out as a unique and powerful fusion. Born from the Marvel and DC crossover event, this alternate version of Thor merges the Asgardian God of Thunder with the Man of Steel. The result is a Kryptonian God possessing an unprecedented level of strength and abilities.
Thor-El represents the idea of creativity, showing what can happen when two of the most iconic heroes combine powers. This powerful version of Thor uses the powers of both Mjölnir and that of Krypton, creating a powerhouse. While his appearance was short-lived, Thor-El secured his spot as one of the strongest iterations of the Asgardian God of Thunder.
6 Ultimate Thor
Thor as an Anarchist
- First Appearance: Ultimates #1 (March 2002)
Ultimate Thor, also known as Golmen, was introduced as a fresh take on the God of Thunder in the Ultimate Comics universe. However, this variation of Thor combined Norse mythology with modern sensibilities. The Ultimate Universe depicts Thor as an anarchist who discovers his true identity as a reincarnated Norse god.
This storyline weaves multiple plot threads together in a refreshing way, reimagining the strongest versions of Thor. Combining human vulnerabilities with God-like abilities, Ultimate Thor is the perfect blend of power. His journey from man to God involves an identity crisis. However, even when struggling with his beliefs, Ultimate Thor is a powerful Norse warrior.
5 Jane Foster
What if Jane Foster Picked up Mjölnir?
- First Appearance as Thor: Thor Vol. 4 #1 (October 2014)
Jane Foster’s transformation from a civilian to the Goddess of Thunder is one of the most iconic feats in the Marvel Multiverse. Originally introduced as a civilian character in Journey into Mystery #84 (1962), Foster’s journey to becoming the Goddess of Thunder began when she was deemed worthy of wielding Mjölnir. Since then, she has become a fan-favorite alternate version of Thor.
As the Mighty Thor, Jane Foster boasts magnificent strength, flight, and the ability to control lightning. On top of that, her character embodies the concept of sacrifice and sheer will. During her fight with Mangog, she sacrifices Mjölnir and her life for Asgard’s salvation. This heroic deed sets her status among the most heroic versions of Thor in the Marvel universe.
4 Beta-Ray Bill
A Strong Alien Warrior
- First Appearance: Thor #337 (November 1983)
The alien warrior from the Korbinite, Beta Ray Bill, is a strong entity within the Marvel universe. Worthy of wielding Mjölnir, Bill displayed that his strength was on par with the Asgardian God of thunder. So, to compliment his valor, Odin commissioned Eitri the dwarf-smith to forge the Stormbreaker, a weapon equal in power to Mjölnir.
Bill becomes potent as an alternative Thor, assisting the original Thor against the cosmic entity known as the Stranger. With the power of Mjölnir, he allowed his people to be set free from this mysterious villain, showing his strength and character. That, along with the power of Stormbreaker, makes Beta-Ray Bill one of the strongest alternate versions of Thor.
3 Old King Thor
An Alternate Future Version of Thor
- First Appearance: Thor: God of Thunder #1
Ruling Asgard in the Far Future, Old King Thor is the most experienced version of Thor within Marvel Comics. This ancient Allfather broods alone in the ruins of Asgard. His frayed appearance hides a monumental amount of cosmic power acquired from ages of fighting. And even in his isolation, Old King Thor remains a formidable force in the universe.
In this dark timeline, Old King Thor witnesses the destruction of Asgard and outlives all the other divine entities. Going against the likes of Galactus to protect Midgard, this version of Thor embodies an indomitable will and cosmic strength. With his limits tested time and time again, Old King Thor becomes one of the most potent versions of the God of Thunder.
2 Necro King Thor
Thor With Dark Powers
- First Appearance: Thor: God of Thunder #6, March 2013
With the power of the Necro Sword, Necro King Thor becomes a creature of darkness. Forged by Knull, The God of symbiotes, this weapon is bathed in cosmic energies. That said, the Necro Sword possesses dark properties that make it terrifyingly powerful, and easily cements its place as one of Thor’s strongest weapons.
Initially wielded by Gorr the God Butcher, the Necro Sword is more than capable of slaying Gods. And, when combined with the power of Thor, it becomes even more deadly. Using his newly acquired powers, Necro King Thor was able to defeat Galactus, a cosmic entity, without breaking a sweat. Wielding one of the darkest weapons ever forged, Necro King Thor is a truly menacing character.
1 Rune King Thor
A Reality-Altering Creature
- First Appearance: Thor (1998) #85
Arguably, the most powerful version of Thor in the Marvel Multiverse first appeared in 1998. This version of the Thunder God has managed to transcend his already formidable abilities, reaching a near state of omniscience and omnipresence. By mastering ancient runes and harnessing the full might of the Odinforce, Rune King Thor achieves cosmic power on a reality-bending scale.
Besides his regular Thor with Odinforce-enhanced abilities, Rune King Thor possesses the power of fate destruction and reality manipulation. This powerful version of Thor can reshape the very fabric of existence, making him one of the most formidable entities in the Marvel universe. During the battle with the powerful cosmic entities, Those Who Sit Above The Shadow, Rune King Thor displays all his might and defeats them without breaking a sweat.
