Thunderstrike (Eric Masterson)

Thunderstrike
Thunderstrike #1, art by Ron Frenz
Publication information
Publisher	Marvel Comics
First appearance	Thor vol.1 #391 (May, 1988)
Created by	Tom DeFalco (writer) Ron Frenz (artist)
In-story information
Alter ego	Eric Kevin Masterson
Team affiliations	Asgard Avengers Secret Defenders "Thor Corps" Legion of the Unliving
Notable aliases	Thor
Abilities	Formidable hand to hand combatant Highly skilled architect Superhuman strength, speed, agility, durability, reflexes and endurance Via Thunderstrike: Flight Dimensional travel Energy blasts

Eric Masterson is a fictional character in the Marvel Comics Universe, a superhero that has appeared as Thor and later Thunderstrike. The character was introduced as a supporting character in the Thor title, but continued in several other comic books, including the self-titled series Thunderstrike in 1993. Later interpretations of Thunderstrike would appear in both the MC2 and Heroic Age Marvel Comics storylines, featuring the character's son, Kevin Masterson, as the hero.

Eric Masterson first appeared in Thor #391, as a supporting character. Thor #408 featured the merging of the character Eric Masterson with Thor, Masterson being utilized as the God of Thunder's alter ego until issue #432.Thor #432 featured the character assuming the role of Thor, and appearing as the title character until Thor #459.

Following Thor #459, Masterson was introduced as "Thunderstrike" in the eponymous series starting in June 1993. The series lasted approximately two years. Thunderstrike ran for 24 issues, the series canceled in September 1995. Creator Tom DeFalco has often claimed that the book outsold Thor and The Avengers combined at the time of its cancellation; although this has been shown to be extremely unlikely. Masterson also appeared in the mini-series Thor Corps as Thunderstrike, and appeared as a guest star in the Thor series.

The character was featured in the Avengers from issue #343 until issue #374, and crossover series Operation: Galactic Storm. Masterson also appeared in the mini-series Infinity Gauntlet and Infinity War. Outside the many appearances in Thor and Avengers, Thunderstrike was used to launch an ongoing series Blackwulf, and a limited series. Code: B.L.U.E.