Some of the most iconic Thor movie scenes were lifted directly from the pages of Marvel 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 from the MCU timeline were taken from Thor comics.

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.

8

Odin 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 as punishment for his arrogance. This storyline is faithfully recreated in the MCU’s first Thor film. The proud god is cast down to Earth and made to live among mortals without his hammer, Mjolnir.

This narrative mirrors Thor #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.

7

Ragnarok 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 from Thor #80–85, written by Michael Avon Oeming and illustrated by Andrea Di Vito, presents a dark and mythologically rich vision of the Norse gods’ end times. Much of this was adapted into Thor: Ragnarok (2017).

While more comedic in tone, Thor: Ragnarok features 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 with the cyclical nature of Asgardian doom, also echo this storyline.

In both the comic and the film, Thor realizes that saving his people means 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.

6

Loki 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 from Loki #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 in Thor: 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 robes closely resembles the cover and tone of Loki #1. It astutely captured the character’s eternal conflict between ambition and emptiness.

Earlier comics like Thor #175–177 also show Loki ruling Asgard. However, it’s the 2004 series that humanizes his perspective in a way the MCU mirrors effectively. Loki’s mischievous triumphs, bittersweet victories, and idenтιтy struggles are all taken straight from the source, with Marvel Studios giving him the complex portrayal he deserves.

5

Thor Vs Hulk

Thor: Ragnarok & The Incredible Hulk #300

Thor and Hulk have fought many times in Marvel Comics, but their brutal showdown in Thor: Ragnarok draws from some of the most intense battles ever printed. One major inspiration comes from The Defenders #10 (1973). Here the two тιтans clash in a spectacular test of strength.

Another notable source is The Incredible Hulk #300, which pits 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 feel ripped 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.

4

Thor And Korg Marvel At A ᴅᴇᴀᴅ God

Thor: Love And Thunder & Thor: God of Thunder #3 (2013)

In Thor: Love and Thunder, there’s a haunting moment where Thor and Korg come across the corpse of a mᴀssive deity, Falligar the Behemoth. This scene is a direct recreation of a panel from Thor: 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 with stunning accuracy. The angle, the color scheme, and design of the ᴅᴇᴀᴅ 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 is a key theme from Aaron’s influential run that the film adapts with visual and emotional precision.

3

Skurge The Executioner’s Final Stand

Thor: Ragnarok & The Mighty Thor #360–362

Skurge’s last stand in Thor: Ragnarok is 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 unᴅᴇᴀᴅ army, wielding twin M16s in a blaze of redemption. This moment is lifted directly from The 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 movie replicates it nearly sH๏τ-for-sH๏τ. 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’s a strikingly compelling redemption story in both mediums. The movie rendition is perfect example of the MCU elevating a minor character by staying true to his comic book legacy.

2

Jane Foster Becomes The Mighty Thor

Thor: Love And Thunder & What If? #10 (1977), Thor (2014) #1

Jane Foster’s transformation into the Mighty Thor in Thor: Love and Thunder finds its roots in both speculative and canonical Marvel stories. The earliest version appeared in What If? #10 (1977), where Jane, instead of Donald Blake, discovers Mjolnir and becomes “Thordis.” Though initially a multiversal one-sH๏τ, it laid the groundwork for a future story.

That came in Thor (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 idenтιтy 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. It honored the groundbreaking shift in the Thor mythos with reverence and inspiration.

1

Odin 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 become a crucial element of Thor lore, appearing in both comics and films. In Journey 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 first Thor movie, 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 with golden, ethereal imagery.

However, the idea of gods requiring rest to maintain cosmic balance remains consistent 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 the Thor movie, its comic book parallels are evident.