Debuting Thor #600

[goldenfist]

J. Michael Straczynski's Asgardian series is about to become much, much older. Starting this January, replacing what would normally be issue #13, the title will jump to the number 600, reflecting the total number of Thor-centric books (between Journey into Mystery and Thor/Mighty Thor) Marvel Comics has published since the character's creation in 1962. The series will continue on with this new numbering for the foreseeable future (#601 and so on). Issue #11 of the series is currently scheduled to release on October 29, 2008. Issue #12 is slated to hit stores on November 19, 2008.

The God of Thunder will celebrate his landmark achievement with a double-sized issue, which will see Straczynski continue his storyline with artist Olivier Coipel. Not content to let the occasion go without celebration, Marvel is bringing Stan Lee back with a special, unannounced artist for an all-new story. Fans will also be treated to a Mini Marvels comic by Chris Giarrusso.

Though Coipel will be doing a special wraparound cover of his own, cover artist Marko Djurdjevic is supplying a variant, which IGN is debuting tonight. It's certainly a cover worthy of the occasion.

Stay tuned to IGN for the latest information regarding the Thor series and its various one-shots and mini-series. And be sure to check back as Thor's anniversary issue approaches - we'll be pestering Marvel for as much preview art as we can get from the 64-page, $4.99 special.

media.comics.ign.com/media/888/888539/img_6071736.html

[scottharris]

I appreciate this very much. However, my wallet doesn't, because it means I will now have to track down the entire 85 issue run of vol. 2 in order to complete my Thor collection. I was planning to get these at some point, but with the numbering, it now messes up my collection not to have it.

I'm also curious about the Journey Into Mystery issues that were published after Thor ended; apparently these don't count towards the numbering? It kinda seems like they should. I think they published Journey Into Mystery #503-519 after Thor vol. 1 was canceled, which would put the series already past 600. But, whatever.

[woodside]

Some of the JiM issues started off dealing the post-Onslaught Asgard. I think a few issues towards the end there because a sort of "Marvel Comics Presents" sorta thing before they canned. Could be they're only counting the post-Onslaught issues.