Thor: Ragnarok

Front Row at the Movies by Shirrel Rhoades

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Back when I was publisher of Marvel Comics, the ongoing argument between fanboys hanging out at comic book shops was “Could Thor beat up Superman?”

The answer often took lines of loyalty, Marvel Zombies versus DC aficionados.

But the best reasoning (I always thought) was: “Of course, Thor could win the battle — because he was a god!”

Although my ol’ pal Stan Lee is credited with creating the comic book character (along with help from his brother Larry Lieber and legendary artist Jack Kirby), the truth is he stole him from Norse mythology.

Thor Odinson has been a cornerstone of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. “Thor: Ragnarok” is Marvel Studios third superhero blockbuster based on The Mighty Thor.

In “Thor: Ragnarok” we find Thor held captive on the planet Sakaar without his hammer, forced to do battle with his old friend The Hulk.

Now that provides a new debate for comic book fanboys who haven’t seen the movie yet: “Could Thor beat up The Hulk?”

“Thor: Ragnarok” is currently entertaining superhero fans at Tropic Cinema.

Chris Hemsworth returns in the role of Thor … minus his golden locks. And Mark Ruffalo does a guest turn as The Hulk.

Tom Hiddleston is back as Thor’s adoptive brother Loki, his constant nemesis. Idris Elba returns as the all-seeing, all-hearing Asgardian sentry of the Bifröst Bridge. Jeff Goldblum is here as one of the Elders of the Universe. And Cate Blanchett is cast as Thor’s sister Hela, the goddess of death (loosely based on the Norse deity Hel).

An interesting pairing, Idris Elba and Tom Hiddleston in the same movie again. They have both been talked up as possible candidates to play James Bond when Daniel Craig steps down from the 007 role.

Now that’s something new for fanboys to debate: “Could Idris Elba beat up Tom Hiddleston?”

Email Shirrel: srhoades@aol.com