MARVEL MASTERWORKS: THE MIGHTY THOR VOL. 23

Legendary writer/artist Walter Simonson begins his character-redefining THOR run, still considered by many to be one of the greatest in comic book history!

“DOOM!” With that iconic effect, Walter Simonson shattered all expectations. As both writer and artist, his THOR was nothing short of a revelation, one that has been held up next to Stan Lee and Jack Kirby’s as the greatest of all time. Simonson’s stories instantly establish cosmic stakes and a mastery of the series’ characters. As his epic unfolds, he introduces Beta Ray Bill — a hero so bold and true that he can lift Mjolnir — and Malekith, a villain so cunning that he could unleash the Casket of Ancient Winters…and worse! And so, the Marvel Masterworks are very proud to begin their presentation of Walter Simonson’s MIGHTY THOR, painstakingly restored from his original art and matching the coloring of the original comics!

COLLECTING: Thor (1966) 337-348, Thor Annual (1966) 12, material from Marvel Fanfare (1982) 13

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs