Thunderstrike (Kevin Masterson)

Thunderstrike
Thunderstrike during the Heroic Age. Art by Ron Frenz.
Publication information
Publisher	Marvel Comics
First appearance	Thor vol. 1 #392 (June 1988)
Created by	Tom DeFalco Ron Frenz
In-story information
Alter ego	Kevin "The" Masterson
Team affiliations	(MC2) A-Next (Earth-616) Avengers Academy
Abilities	(MC2) Superhuman strength and durability Great leaping Sonic blasts Ability to shatter objects by touching them (Earth-616) Superhuman strength, speed, agility, durability, reflexes and endurance Via Thunderstrike: Flight Dimensional travel

Kevin Masterson is a fictional character that appeared in Marvel Comics. The character was first introduced as a supporting character in Thor and appeared again in the spin-off series Thunderstrike, as the son of Eric Masterson, the featured character of both series. Kevin Masterson was later re-introduced in the MC2 series A-Next, as the superhero Thunderstrike, a theme which would be revisited in the Heroic Age of Marvel Comics in the eponymous limited series.

Kevin Masterson was created by Tom DeFalco and Ron Frenz, first appearing in Thor vol. 1 #392 in June 1988 as the son of the original hero known as Thunderstrike, Eric Masterson. He would continue to appear in a supporting role in Thor and spin-off series Thunderstrike.

The character would be re-imagined in What If vol. 2 #105, appearing for the first time as a new version of Thunderstrike. An origin for Kevin Masterson as Thunderstrike would appear in the follow-up MC2 series A-Next #1, where he would continue to be featured, as part of the ensemble cast of characters. He would also appear in the MC2 series Last Hero Standing and sequel Last Planet Standing; as well as, the follow-up series Avengers Next.

The use of Kevin Masterson as a legacy version of Thunderstrike was a theme revisited during the Heroic Age. It was announced that the character would return in a new five-issue miniseries by co-creators Tom DeFalco and Ron Frenz in November 2010. Promotionals leading into the event began in August depicting the mace stating "One will rise..." and "The World Still Needs Heroes." The first issues received generally positive reviews, lauding the premise, characterization and plotting. By series end the book was praised for plotting, diaglogue, and characterization, with the contemporization of a classic character into timeless.