I dropped off the book before Thor returned and Thunderstrike started–basically about the time I stopped collecting regularly. But some of those moments DeFalco and Frenz concocted were classic, emotion-stirring, powerful stories. Those pages Bill posted above are just the cream of a very good crop.

And I have a soft spot for Frenz–I’ll take his Kirby/Buscema mesh style any day over the Anime-influenced modern style of most of today’s comics. Plus, he is a super nice and humble guy. DeFalco’s pretty swell too. I met them both at an in-store back during that period, and I have a ton of those Thor issues signed by DeFalco (and Frenz), each reading “Hammers High!”

This was for the fake-out, though; there was a secret villain who was close to Eric, and all the hints (especially his temper) led you to believe it was the new husband/football player, but it wasn’t. It was, um, somebody else (I don’t remember who). The husband was, I believe, taking steroids.

I don’t know if you’re aware, but Tom DeFalco created Darkhawk.

Just the way it is.

Yikes, I really didn’t realize that he did show up so many places. I’m curious as to whether that was more or less often than other characters from the same basic time period (War Machine, USAgent, Darkhawk, et al.)that weren’t created or written by DeFalco.

I was in my mid-20′s when Thunderstrike came out, so my interest at least is not motivated by reading the book when I was a kid.

And I’ve gotta say that I think almost any reason to love comics is a good reason, even if it may not be my reason.

I did hate the scenes where Eric’s ex-wife’s new husband would push him around verbally, just because he was an ex-football player. I think he was based on former NFL player Mark Gastineau.

He LOOKED like a Norse god.”

NO HE DIDN’T. He looked like a biker gang member.
Pony tail, jacket with ripped off sleeves, leather boots…
Just missing the Harley Davidson.

NOW, Walter Simonson’s THOR, after he gave him a beard (he came up with the idea first you know) and gave him a viking armor…
Simonson = Norse Thor.
DeFalco/Frenz = 90′s Biker Thor.

Bill, I think you sometimes give too much credit on the 90′s comic books, one of the lamest period for the medium, especially the late 90′s. I can understand your personnal affection for them since you told us that you grew up on 90′s comics, these were the foundations on which you built your obvious love for comic books. But you should consider the big picture.

I don’t think THUNDERSTRIKE is lame beyond belief as you put it at the beginning of your entry, but he is hardly a reason to love comics. Ron Frenz isn’t either. He is a competant artist but is just a copycat with no style of his own. Tom DeFalco is not a great writer but I think he was the one who started the MARVEL MASTERWORKS program, so if this is right, he should get his entry for that reason only.

There is some good stuff that came out in the 90′s of course. But, so far, a lot of stuff you have selected from this period is not what most would call the good stuff. But again, THUNDERSTRIKE is not the worst, neither is among the best stuff. Pretty much forgetable outside his tiny era of “impact”. Althought, I will give this to him, he seemed to have been the major visual influence of the Ultimate Thor… Which is not saying much coming from me since I’m not into Ultimates at all.

PLease don’t tell me the SECRET DEFENDERS are next?

Still, a lot of the charm still makes it through to the book itself, which also had a pretty great supporting cast, if I remember correctly.

Part of that is getting a lot of those Thor issues with him having JUST taken over the mantle (and a lot of mysteries flying around) off a NEWSTAND of all things as a kid. Probably the first monthly series I seriously was able to follow.

But for the rest, it’s the same reason I like Doug Ramsey or Quasar.

The guy is just so human. There’s nothing cool about him at all except for the fact he’s a really normal guy, a dork, really, who is put in a situation where he’s got the powers and he chooses to do the right thing.

He’s one of the best P.O.V. characters in the history of comics. Look at how he was used in Operation: Galactic Storm.

His series was on the rare bright spots in early 90s
Marvel.

I would love to see an Essential Thunderstrike or
something, collecting all his appearances (they would
fit in just one volume…).

Best,
Hunter (Pedro Bouça)

Although I will admit the theme of the measure of a man vs. a God did appear in it and it seems was a recurring theme for him according to this, which was one of the highlights of it.

He LOOKED like a Norse god.

I should have clarified this better. The only EIC/Writer I am familiar with is Stan and he didn’t really have pet characters he just had characters (having co-created pretty much all of them).
As for the others, there isn’t much I can say. Maybe I am a little harsh on DeFalco for his other efforts, but I think Thunderstrike illustrates these problems well.