Thor

As a lifelong fan of science fiction and fantasy media I’ve grown used to seeing female characters in skimpy clothing and impractical armor. In fact I’ve grown so used to seeing women’s bodies on display that it rarely even registers until it reaches Starfire levels of ridiculous. Fan service aimed at pleasing the male gaze is such an ingrained part of the genre that female fans are expected to just deal with it. After all, sex sells. That’s why, as a woman, I find the Thor franchise to be such a breath of fresh air.

Thor: The Dark World opens in America this weekend, bringing attention back to the Asgardian corner of the Marvel Universe. Thor is one of my favorite Marvel characters so I’m very excited to see the movie—excited enough that I’ve had my tickets for a month. It’s a very good time to be a Thor fan between his presence in the theater and the excellent work being done by Jason Aaron in Thor: God of Thunder. Thor: God of Thunder was one of the new titles launched as a part of the Marvel NOW last year and I’m not exaggerating at all when I say that it’s the reason that I’m currently as immersed in Marvel comics as I am. The Marvel Cinematic Universe reignited my interest in comics and when I saw that Thor was getting a new title I went out and bought issue one. The next thing I knew I had a pull list at my local comic shop full of titles.