Marvel published an article announcing a new, shocking twist to the vastly popular Avenger Thor July 16. In “A New God of Thunder Debuts in Thor This October,” Brett White said that for the first time in Thor’s five decades of publication, the hammer of Thor will be turned over to a woman.

Continuing comic book writer Jason Aaron and new artist Russell Dauterman said in the article they are thrilled about the new twist. However, since the announcement was made, many readers have questioned exactly how Marvel intends to re-characterize a hero notorious for his masculine mannerisms. Is it really just a matter of finding a new character worthy of Mjolnir, Thor’s hammer?

Senior Trevor Glenn said the new twist is a comic equivalent of a publicity stunt and writers lack the creativity to form a continuous storyline with concrete characters and therefore have to change characters to hold an audience. Junior Tanner Cromeens said the comic books are based on Norse legend, in which Thor is a man. He said he has no interest in reading a comic book about a woman Thor.

Females already have Wonder Woman, Catwoman, Batwoman, Black Widow, Storm, Rogue and so many others from both DC Comics and Marvel. Jane Foster and Sif are excellent examples of female empowerment in Thor. Changing the most masculine hero known to man into a woman is unnecessary, because people who don’t care for comic books most likely won’t gain interest from a gender change, and people who do probably don’t see a need for it.