Was Thor's Marvel Look Inspired by French Comic Strip Character Asterix?

The Marvel character Thor, one of the most iconic superheroes, has had a long and storied history. From his creation by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby to his recent cinematic adventures, Thor has captured the imagination of fans worldwide. However, one popular question among comic enthusiasts is whether Thor's Marvel look might have been inspired by the French comic strip character Asterix. Let's delve into the origins of Thor's character and explore this intriguing hypothesis.

The Origins of Thor

Thor, the Norse god of thunder, has had a significant presence in various iterations of popular culture. In the Marvel universe, he was created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, with the first appearance being in Amazing Fantasy #15 in 1962. Jack Kirby, known for his boundless imagination, had been working on a character called Thor since 1951. Each iteration brought new upgrades and refinements to the character.

Jack Kirby's Influence on Thor Design

Jack Kirby's costume designs for Thor were undoubtedly based on his earlier works and the characters he had previously created. His process of refining and adapting designs to fit different storylines is well-documented. When creating Thor in the 1960s, Kirby most likely drew inspiration from his past works, rather than from the Asterix character.

The Asterix Comparison

One common argument is that Thor's appearance bears a resemblance to the French comic strip character Asterix. However, the similarities are likely coincidental, given Kirby's expansive portfolio and the diverse range of characters he designed.

Asterix, created in 1959 by René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo, is a single-panel comic strip and later evolved into a graphic novel series. The character Asterix is a Gaulois warrior and is famous for his distinctive look, including his war helmet and iconic green tunic. While both Thor and Asterix have a similar visage, with Thor's striking musculature and beard, the differences are significant.

Thor's costume includes elements that are rooted in Norse mythology, such as his hammer Mjolnir and his armor. These elements are distinct from the garb of Asterix and other Gaulish characters. When Kirby designed Thor, he would have been more likely to draw inspiration from Norse mythology and the character's place within that context.

Did Jack Kirby Influence Uderzo?

There is a fun suggestion that Jack Kirby might have influenced Albert Uderzo, the creator of Asterix. However, this is a joke and not based on any significant evidence. Kirby and Uderzo operated in different cultural and artistic contexts, with Kirby primarily working in American comics and Uderzo more involved in European comic strips and graphic novels.

It's important to remember that artists operate within their own frameworks and draw inspiration from their respective cultures and mythologies. Kirby's work was heavily influenced by Norse mythology, while Uderzo’s creative inspiration came from Roman Gaul and its culture.

Conclusion

While it's an intriguing idea to imagine Jack Kirby possibly having influenced Asterix's creators, the evidence suggests that Thor's Marvel look is more likely to be a product of Kirby's deep dive into Norse mythology and his own creative process. The similarities between Thor and Asterix are probably coincidental, and Kirby's use of his extensive experience and imagination are what shaped the character we know and love.

For more insight into the world of comic book characters and their origins, keep exploring the rich tapestry of comic history!