In the male dominated world of comics it is no mystery that women are underrepresented when it comes to heroic comic figures. This is something that has bothered many women before, and an issue that lately has sparked more conversation than ever. This past Tuesday, the hosts of “The View” made the big announcement that coming in October, a woman will become the new Thor.

Marvel calls the new change “one of the most shocking and exciting changes ever to shake one of Marvel’s “big three” (which include the all male super hero’s, Captain America, Iron Man, and Thor). Russell Dauterman will do the artwork for the new comic. He comments that this new Thor is not just a temporary female substitute, but she will now become “ the one and only Thor.“

Stan Lee, Larry Lieber, and Jack Kirby created Thor in 1962. He was sent to Earth by his father Odin to learn the meaning of humility, he then lost his memories and took on the identity of Dr. Donald Blake, an ordinary human being. But after holding Mjolnir, (the hammer), for the first time, his powers return. The character would later become one of the founding members of the Avengers, along side the likes of Iron man, and Captain America. In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Thor is played by actor Chris Hemsworth.

The inscription on Thor’s hammer reads ‘Whosoever holds this hammer, if HE be worthy, shall possess the power of Thor.’ Well it’s time to update that inscription,” says Marvel editor Wil Moss. “The new Thor continues Marvel’s proud tradition of strong female characters like Captain Marvel, Storm, Black Widow and more.
According to Comics Beat, 47% of comic fans are female, and women make up around 62% of the Facebook fans of female comic characters.

During an interview with Time Magazine and Marvel, Axel Alonso, Marvel’s Editor-in-Chief, explains that making Thor a woman fits in exactly where the story goes. He was not able to give away any specific details, but ensured comic book fans that they will understand once they are able to know that information. He says that one of the women in Thor’s life picks up the hammer, when he is unable to do so, and by being able to do so she proves that she in fact is worthy, and becomes Thor. Alonso also adds “we see fans of all shapes and sizes and genders in comic stores and at conventions. And we perceived there to be a real thirst for characters that reflect what we see in the mirror. From Miles Morales, the African-American Spider-Man, to the new female Thor, our goal is to make our characters reflect the outside world.”