Thor, Vol. 1 #379 (Marvel Comics 1987) Direct Edition

Thor, Vol. 1 #379 (Marvel Comics 1987) Direct Edition

Cover by Walt Simonson. This classic early-Simonson era Thor issue pairs iconic art with a mythic, high-stakes battle across realms. Script by Walter Simonson and interior art by Sal Buscema deliver a dynamic clash that fans still talk about. The story, titled There Were Giants In Those Days (Or, A Discourse Between Heroes and Villains), pits a sleeping Asgard against a calculated ruse as Frost Giants seek to awaken the Midgard Serpent to do Thor’s bidding.

In a surprising turn, the dragon that rises to challenge Thor isn’t the real threat—Fin Fang Foom steps into the spotlight, only to reveal a deeper duplicity and propel Thor into a confrontation with Jormungand. Expect bravado, clever twists, and mythic scale as Thor faces down the serpents of the cosmos with appearances by Loki, Kurse, and Balder. A brief cameo by Iceman (of X-Factor) adds a playful crossover moment, while a Cap'n Crunch ad featuring Spider-Man anchors the 1980s Marvel experience.

This 36-page, full-color Direct Edition offers a compact, high-impact Thor tale that showcases the era’s bold storytelling and art direction. A must-have for collectors seeking a pivotal chapter in the Thor mythos and a standout example of Walt Simonson’s influence on the character’s visual and narrative identity.

• Edition: Direct Edition (Marvel, 1987)
• Pages: 36
• Color: Full color
• Creative team: Cover by Walt Simonson; script by Walter Simonson; interior art by Sal Buscema
• Story depth: There Were Giants In Those Days (Or, A Discourse Between Heroes and Villains)
• Key appearances: Thor; Loki; Balder; Kurse; brief Iceman (X-Factor) cameo
• Plot highlights: Asgard sleeps; Frost Giants awaken the Midgard Serpent; Fin Fang Foom as a decoy; Thor versus Jormungand
• Notable extras: Cap'n Crunch ad featuring Spider-Man
• Price: $0.75