Walter Simonson is an American comic book writer and artist, best known for a run on Marvel Comics' Thor from 1983 to 1987, during which he created the character Beta Ray Bill. He is also known for the creator-owned work Star Slammers, which he inaugurated in 1972 as a Rhode Island School of Design thesis. He has also worked on other Marvel titles such as X-Factor and Fantastic Four, on DC Comics books including Detective Comics, Manhunter, Metal Men and Orion, and on licensed properties such as Star Wars, Alien, Battlestar Galactica and Robocop vs. Terminator.
Simonson at the Big Apple Summer Sizzler, June 13, 2009
Star Slammers graphic novel (1983)
Simonson with a Thor cosplayer at the 2012 New York Comic Con
Thor Odinson is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by artist Jack Kirby, writer Stan Lee, and scripter Larry Lieber, the character first appeared in Journey into Mystery #83 (1962) and first received his own title with Thor #126 (1966). Thor is an adaptation of the deity of the same name from Norse mythology, and many aspects of Thor's character are based on Norse myth. Comic books featuring Thor have been published across several volumes since the character's introduction.
Walt Simonson wrote a celebrated run of Thor in the 1980s.
Jason Aaron was an influential writer for Thor in the 2010s.
Journey into Mystery #83 (Aug. 1962), the debut of Thor. Cover art by Jack Kirby and Joe Sinnott.
Cover of Thor vol. 6, #1 (January 2020), showing Thor's updated costume with visible Thurisaz rune. Art by Olivier Coipel.