r/Thor • u/_Divine_Comedy_ • 1d ago
Discussion Jane Foster's best versions
I know a lot of people love the era when Jane became the new Thor and later Valkyrie in the comics, but I’ve always preferred her as a regular human and a sort of anchor for Thor on Earth. Her version in The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes is my absolute favorite, precisely because she’s portrayed as just a brave paramedic, completely grounded, someone who’s seen it all and isn't even fazed by gods with hammers anymore. Her chemistry with Thor in that show was incredible, and it honestly broke my heart that their storyline was left unfinished.
Jane's version in the Avengers Assemble animated series also caught my attention because of her human side. Most of the time, she was shown not just as Thor's girlfriend, but as a brilliant scientist who had achieved great success. And even when she lifts Mjolnir at one point, you truly believe she is worthy because you see her insecurity and how she doubts herself despite all her accomplishments.
It’s this amazing combination of human strength and vulnerability that makes these versions of Jane Foster the absolute best in my eyes.
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u/magus-night #1 Jane Foster Enjoyer 1d ago
YESS I love emh Jane! maybe because I highly prefer her as a civilian, plus as a nurse, but I thought making her an EMT was such a fun choice! I didn't like how the MCU had to like. mcuify her by making her a super scientist, because I felt like her being a nurse/medical personnel was just so integral to her character. plus the pixie cut is soooo cute.
I haven't watched AA so I can't really form an opinion, but this reminds me that I feel like a lot of comics don't have civilian supporting characters anymore, everyone has to have powers or be a part of the 'fam' (thanks dc) Jane being that sort of gateway to the moral world made her very interesting. and that's why I prefer her time as being powered up to be temporary, something she did out of desperation (and mild suicidal ideation). but now that she's Valkyrie (?) it feels like she's somehow become less interesting? not sure what the future holds but we'll see.
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u/BalladOfBetaRayBill 1d ago
Jane was better in her 5 cumulative minutes in EMH than in the entire MCU
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u/Valuable-Owl9985 1d ago
I never understood the insane anger towards the mighty Thor, especially since considering king Thor existing we knew he was gonna get the hammer back. It’s small nice self contained arc.
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u/_Divine_Comedy_ 1d ago
Because Jason Aaron doesn't understand Thor. The whole arc of Unworthy Thor just didn't make sense. Worthiness isn't about belief, it's about who you are. A King who questions the the validity and virtue of the system he receives his authority from is literally the definition of worthy.
Look how he responds when he sees a new "Thor" is chosen. He doesn't throw a fit or demand she relinquish the hammer to him, he sees her worthiness and gives her his name. EVERYTHING he does within that comic exemplifies worthiness.
Aaron's unworthiness starts with "Gorr was right." What was Gorr "right" about? The gods are petty and selfish. They don't care for those that worship them and they use these people to further their own ends. Stopping and realizing there's truth to that, and then questioning whether or not you are a part of the problem isn't unworthy, and it is crazy to say otherwise.
Aaron's entire story is built on a shit premise, and it tainted the story he tried to tell. I hope he never writes Thor again.
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u/Skaiser_Wilhelm 1d ago
Aside from one or two examples, I really dislike this misguided approach that by giving a hero's love interests more important jobs or superpowers makes them more special and important.
What makes them special is their an escape from the superpowered world. I've always preferred Jane Foster being just a nurse. No special parentage, no superpowers, just a nurse.
It's why her relationship with Thor is so compelling. Why would a ancient, powerful Norse god, destined to inherit the Nine Realms choose a regular mortal woman? There's so much more storytelling potential with that concept than just another scientist girlfriend or superpowered girlfriend.