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{{Short description|Comic book character}}
{{Other uses|Destroyer (comics)}}
{{Infobox comics elements
{{Infobox comics elements
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|image = TheDestroyer.jpg
|image = TheDestroyer.jpg
|imagesize = <!-- default 250 -->
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|caption = The Destroyer.
|caption = The Destroyer armor as featured in a panel from '' Thor'' (Vol. 03) #5. Art by [[Olivier Coipel]]
|alt =
|alt =
|publisher = [[Marvel Comics]]
|publisher = [[Marvel Comics]]
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|debutmo = July
|debutmo = July
|debutyr = 1965
|debutyr = 1965
|creators = [[Stan Lee]]<br>[[Jack Kirby]]
|creators = [[Stan Lee]] (writer)<br>[[Jack Kirby]] (artist)
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|type =
|weapon = y
|weapon = y
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|subcat = Marvel Comics
|subcat = Marvel Comics
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|sortkey = {{PAGENAME}}
|sortkey = Destroyer (Thor)
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}}
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The '''Destroyer''' is a fictional magical character appearing in [[American comic book]]s published by [[Marvel Comics]]. Usually depicted as an opponent of the Thunder God and hero [[Thor (Marvel Comics)|Thor]], it is a suit of [[Asgard (comics)|Asgard]]ian armor created and animated by magic. The character first appeared in ''[[Journey into Mystery]]'' #118 (July 1965) and was created by [[Stan Lee]] and [[Jack Kirby]].<ref>{{cite book |last1=DeFalco |first1=Tom |last2=Sanderson |first2=Peter |last3=Brevoort |first3=Tom |last4=Teitelbaum |first4=Michael |last5=Wallace |first5=Daniel |last6=Darling |first6=Andrew |last7=Forbeck |first7=Matt |last8=Cowsill |first8=Alan |last9=Bray |first9=Adam |title=The Marvel Encyclopedia |date=2019 |publisher=DK Publishing |isbn=978-1-4654-7890-0 |page=109}}</ref>


⚫
Debuting in the [[Silver Age of Comic Books]], the Destroyer is featured in over four decades of Marvel continuity and other Marvel-endorsed products such as [[:Category:Marvel Comics animation|animated television series]], live-action films, [[video game]]s, and merchandise such as [[action figure]]s and [[trading card]]s.
'''The Destroyer''' is a fictional object that appears in [[comic books]] published by [[Marvel Comics]]. The object first appears in ''[[Journey into Mystery]]'' #118 (Jul. 1965) and was created by [[Stan Lee]] and [[Jack Kirby]].

⚫
Debuting in the [[Silver Age of Comic Books]], the Destroyer is featured in over four decades of Marvel continuity and other Marvel-endorsed products such as [[:category:Marvel Comics animation|animated television series]]; [[video game]]s, and merchandise such as [[action figure]]s and [[trading card]]s. Due to trademark issues, at least one toy version of this character is marketed as '''Marvel's Destroyer'''.<ref>[http://www.hasbro.com/shop/details.cfm?guid=110361AF-5056-900B-10EC-FA48F6E05468&product_id=28228&src=endeca Hasbro.com - Inferno Marvel's Destroyer]</ref>


==Fictional history==
==Fictional history==
The Destroyer is an enchanted suit of armor forged by [[Odin (Marvel Comics)|Odin]], and when it first appeared it was hinted that the Destroyer had been created as a weapon to face some dark menace from the stars. It is first seen residing in the Temple of Darkness in Asia. The Destroyer is used by Thor's arch-foe [[Loki (comics)|Loki]] on several occasions, and each time has actually come close to killing Thor. First, it was used by a hunter whom Loki had lured to the temple using his mental powers. At one point Thor was imprisoned in the ground, but Loki saved him by making him intangible briefly before the Destroyer could strike him with an elemental transmution beam. Thor forced the hunter to return by using his body as a shield before it could fire at him, then burying the Destroyer under thousands of tons of rock when the hunter tried to return to it.<ref name="jim118119">''Journey into Mystery'' #118-119 (Jul. - Aug. 1965)</ref><ref name="thora2">''Thor'' Annual #2 (Sept. 1966)</ref> It is next salvaged by [[Karnilla]] and animated by [[Sif (Marvel Comics)|Sif]], who attempted to use it to battle the [[Wrecker (comics)|Wrecker]] when Thor was temporarily deprived of his godhood and all his powers but his strength by Odin as a lesson, only for the Destroyer to proceed to attack Thor before Sif broke her connection with it.<ref name="thor150152">''Thor'' #150-152 (Mar. - May 1968)</ref> At one stage Thor offers the armor to the World Devourer [[Galactus]], in exchange for the release of Galactus' current Herald, [[Firelord (comics)|Firelord]].<ref name="thor224225">''Thor'' #224-225 (June - July 1974)</ref><ref name="thor228">''Thor'' #228 (Oct. 1974)</ref> Galactus accepts, and the Destroyer acts as his Herald, detecting [[Counter-Earth (comics)|Counter-Earth]] for him and going on to battle the [[Fantastic Four]]<ref name="ff172174">''Fantastic Four'' #172-174 (Jul. - Sept. 1976)</ref> until finally recaptured for reuse by Loki.<ref name="thor264266">''Thor'' #264-266 (Oct. - Dec. 1977)</ref>
The Destroyer is an enchanted suit of armor forged by the King of the [[Norse gods]], [[Odin (Marvel Comics)|Odin]]. When it first appeared it was hinted that the Destroyer had been created as a weapon to face some dark menace from the stars. First seen in the Temple of Darkness in Asia, the Destroyer is used by Thor's arch-foe [[Loki (Marvel Comics)|Loki]] against him. Animated by a nearby lifeforce, it battles Thor to a standstill, Loki is forced to intervene and stop the Destroyer using lethal force when Odin threatens to kill him. Thor then buries the armor under a mountain slide.<ref name="jim118119">''Journey into Mystery'' #118-119 (Jul.-Aug. 1965). Marvel Comics.</ref><ref name=autogenerated1>''Thor'' Annual #2 (Sept. 1966). Marvel Comics.</ref>


The armor is briefly used again by Loki in a failed bid to kill Odin,<ref name=autogenerated1/> before being salvaged by [[Karnilla]], Queen of the Norns, and animated by Thor's companion [[Sif (comics)|Sif]], who attempted to use it to battle the villain the [[Wrecker (comics)|Wrecker]] when Thor was temporarily deprived of his godhood and powers. The Destroyer, however, attacks Thor, with the battle ending when Sif breaks her connection with it.<ref name="thor150152">''Thor'' #150-152 (Mar.-May 1968). Marvel Comics.</ref>
Years later the menace from the stars is revealed to be the [[Celestial (comics)|Celestials]], with the Skyfather gods (e.g., Odin; [[Zeus (Marvel Comics)|Zeus]] etc.) having pooled their resources a millennium before to create a weapon to stop the arrival of the so-called Fourth Host of Celestials. At the penultimate moment, Odin enters the Destroyer armor and then absorbs the life essences of all present in Asgard (with the exception of absent [[Thor (Marvel Comics)|Thor]]), growing to a height of {{convert|2000|ft|m}}. The Destroyer then draws the Odinsword, and with the [[Uni-Mind]] confronts the Fourth Host, who dissipate the Uni-Mind and melt the Destroyer armor into slag, scattering the life-forces of the Asgardians.<ref name="thor300">''Thor'' #300 (Oct. 1980)</ref> The Asgardians were later revived by Thor gathering power from the other Skyfathers.<ref name="thor301">''Thor'' #301 (Nov. 1980)</ref> The armor, however, is not completely ruined and several years later Loki reforms the armor in a bid to destroy a severely weakened Thor, who has been reduced to pulp after killing the [[Midgard Serpent (Marvel Comics)|Midgard Serpent]] due to a curse by Hela which made his bones brittle and made him incapable of healing or dying.<ref name="thor380">''Thor'' #380 (Jun. 1987)</ref> Thor, however, wrests control of the armor from the host - an enthralled [[Giants (Marvel Comics)|Frost Giant]] named Siggorth - through sheer force of will and goes on to defeat Loki. The Destroyer tries to take control of him but fails. Then the death goddess [[Hela (comics)|Hela]] is defeated by the Destroyer attacking her realm, forcing her to restore Thor to his true form and undo the curse that left him in such a dire condition.<ref name="thor381">''Thor'' #381 (Jul. 1987)</ref><ref name="thor382">''Thor'' #382 (Aug. 1987)</ref> The Destroyer is left in a crystal in Hela's realm, and is eventually animated by the goddess [[Lorelei (Asgardian)|Lorelei]]. Lorelei battles several Asgardians and becomes trapped in the dimension of the [[Great Beasts]].<ref name="thor437441">''Thor'' #437-441 (Oct. - Dec. 1991)</ref>


Thor later offers the armor to the World Devourer [[Galactus]], in exchange for releasing his current Herald, [[Firelord (comics)|Firelord]].<ref name="thor224225">''Thor'' #224-225 (June–July 1974). Marvel Comics.</ref><ref name="thor228">''Thor'' #228 (Oct. 1974). Marvel Comics.</ref> Galactus accepts, and the Destroyer acts as his Herald, detecting [[Counter-Earth (comics)|Counter-Earth]] for the entity before going on to battle the [[Fantastic Four]].<ref name="ff172174">''Fantastic Four'' #172-174 (Jul.-Sept. 1976). Marvel Comics.</ref> The Destroyer is finally recaptured for reuse by Loki.<ref name="thor264266">''Thor'' #264-266 (Oct.-Dec. 1977). Marvel Comics.</ref>
⚫
The Destroyer is later deployed by trolls, who empower it with the spirit of the [[Maestro (comics)|Maestro]], an evil version of the [[Hulk (comics)|Hulk]]. Although the Hulk fails to defeat the Destroyer in combat, he is able to enter the Destroyer because he and the Maestro are the same spirit, allowing him to fight the Maestro for control and defeat it from within.<ref name="ihulk461">''Incredible Hulk'' #461 (Feb. 1998)</ref> Thor has two more encounters with the Destroyer, with the armor almost killing him on the first occasion and breaking his jaw on the second.<ref name="thorv212">''Thor'' vol. 2, #1-2 (Jul. - Aug. 1998)</ref><ref name="thorv236">''Thor'' vol. 2, #36 (June 2001)</ref> The armor is eventually retrieved by Loki and occupied by the entity [[Desak]], although Thor - equipped with the Odinpower - decapitates it with one throw of [[Mjolnir (comics)|Mjolnir]].<ref name="thorv279">''Thor'' vol. 2, #79 (Jul. 2004)</ref>


When the menace from the stars is revealed to be the [[Celestial (comics)|Celestials]], Thor learns the Skyfather gods (Odin, [[Zeus (Marvel Comics)|Zeus]], etc.) pooled their resources a millennium before to create the Destroyer as a weapon to stop the arrival of the so-called Fourth Host of Celestials. At the penultimate moment, Odin enters the Destroyer armor and then absorbs the life essences of all present in Asgard (with the exception of the absent Thor), growing to a height of {{convert|2000|ft|m}}. The Destroyer then draws the Odinsword, and together with the [[Uni-Mind]] confronts the Fourth Host. The Celestials, however, dissipate the Uni-Mind and melt the Destroyer armor into slag, scattering the life-forces of the Asgardians.<ref name="thor300">''Thor'' #300 (Oct. 1980). Marvel Comics.</ref> The initiative of the Skymother goddesses pacifies the Celestials, and Thor revives his people via Odin by using a fraction of the gathered power of the other Skyfathers.<ref name="thor301">''Thor'' #301 (Nov. 1980). Marvel Comics.</ref>
The armor was later under the control of the god [[Balder (Marvel Comics)|Balder]] when Thor was on a quest to locate his missing brethren, the Asgardians.<ref name="thorv35">''Thor'' vol. 3, #5 (Jan. 2008)</ref> Doctor Doom takes possession of the Destroyer armor and uses a copy to attack the Asgardians.<ref name="thor605">''Thor'' #605 (Jan. 2010)</ref>

Loki eventually finds the remains of the Destroyer and reforms it in a bid to destroy Thor, who has been reduced to pulp after a triumphant but destructive battle against the [[Midgard Serpent (Marvel Comics)|Midgard Serpent]]. The Destroyer, however, cannot kill Thor due to a curse induced by the Norse Queen of the dead, [[Hela (Marvel Comics)|Hela]] which made his bones brittle and incapable of healing or dying.<ref name="thor380">''Thor'' #380 (Jun. 1987). Marvel Comics.</ref> Thor wrests control of the armor from the host—an enthralled [[Giants (Marvel Comics)|Frost Giant]] named Siggorth—through sheer force of will and goes on to defeat Loki. The Destroyer - depicted as thinking and speaking for the first time - tries to take back control from Thor but fails. Wearing Thor's raiment and wielding his hammer [[Mjolnir (comics)|Mjolnir]], the Destroyer confronts Hela and forces her to restore Thor to human form.<ref name="thor381">''Thor'' #381 (Jul. 1987)</ref><ref name="thor382">''Thor'' #382 (Aug. 1987). Marvel Comics.</ref> The Destroyer is left in a crystal in Hela's realm, and is eventually animated by the goddess [[Lorelei (Asgardian)|Lorelei]]. Lorelei battles several Asgardians and subsequently becomes trapped in the dimension of the [[Great Beasts]].<ref name="thor437441">''Thor'' #437-441 (Oct.-Dec. 1991). Marvel Comics.</ref>

⚫
The Destroyer is later deployed by trolls, who empower it with the spirit of the villain [[Maestro (character)|Maestro]], an evil future version of the [[Hulk]]. Unable to physically stop the Destroyer, the Hulk enters the armor on the mental plane- exploiting the fact that the Maestro is still technically him and hence 'tricking' the Destroyer into absorbing his soul as well- and banishes the Maestro back to his weakened original body.<ref name="ihulk461">''The Incredible Hulk'' vol. 2 #461 (Feb. 1998). Marvel Comics.</ref> Thor has two more encounters with the Destroyer, with the armor almost killing him on the first occasion and breaking his jaw on the second.<ref name="thorv212">''Thor'' vol. 2 #1-2 (Jul.-Aug. 1998)</ref><ref name="thorv236">''Thor'' vol. 2 #36 (June 2001). Marvel Comics.</ref> The armor is eventually retrieved by Loki and occupied by the entity [[Desak]], although Thor—equipped with the Odinpower—decapitates it with one throw of [[Mjolnir (comics)|Mjolnir]].<ref name="thorv279">''Thor'' vol. 2, #79 (Jul. 2004). Marvel Comics.</ref>

The Asgardian god [[Balder (comics)|Balder]] takes control of the armor when Thor was on a quest to locate his missing people.<ref name="thorv35">''Thor'' vol. 3 #5 (Jan. 2008). Marvel Comics.</ref>

During the "[[Dark Reign (comics)|Dark Reign]]" storyline, [[Quasimodo (comics)|Quasimodo]] researched the Destroyer armor for [[Norman Osborn]]. He gave Osborn two pieces of advice if he was to obtain the Destroyer armor: keep it from falling into the hands of his enemies and to be hesitant in employing it personally or through his followers although there is no telling where its loyalty is when one of his followers dons it.<ref>''Dark Reign Files'' #1. Marvel Comics.</ref>

During the "[[Siege (comics)|Siege]]" storyline, [[Doctor Doom]] later using a copy of the Destroyer armor to attack the Asgardians.<ref name="thor605">''Thor'' #605 (Jan. 2010). Marvel Comics.</ref>

After Thor loses the ability to wield Mjolnir following the "[[Original Sin (comics)|Original Sin]]" storyline,<ref>''Original Sin'' #7 (Aug. 2014). Marvel Comics.</ref> and the hammer is claimed by [[Jane Foster (comics)|an unknown woman]],<ref>''Thor'' vol. 4 #1 (Dec. 2014). Marvel Comics.</ref> Odin dispatches the Destroyer - animated by his brother Cull the [[Serpent (comics)|Serpent]] - to reclaim it.<ref>''Thor'' vol. 4 #7 (June 2015). Marvel Comics.</ref> Queen of the gods [[Frigga (comics)|Frigga]] forces Odin to withdraw the Destroyer when she confronts him with the knowledge that he has essentially become the villain with his unprovoked attack.<ref>''Thor'' vol. 4 #8 (July 2015). Marvel Comics.</ref>


==Powers and abilities==
==Powers and abilities==
The Destroyer is forged from an unknown and enchanted metal. The Destroyer armor possesses superhuman strength, stamina and is practically invulnerable. It is capable of energy projection, matter manipulation and when lowered the armor's visor can fire a disintegrating beam.
The Destroyer is lifeless on its own - although it can act independently for short periods<ref name="thor381"/> - until animated by the life-force of a sapient living being. Even when so animated, the Destroyer retains a rudimentary base personality that will eventually subvert the host unless a strong-willed individual is in control, such as Thor or Loki.<ref name="thora2"/><ref name="thor381"/> Odin is also able to cast a spell that can force the animating persona from the armor and deactivate it.<ref name="thora2"/> Once animated, the Destroyer possesses the strength to exceed beings such as Thor and so far in its history appears to be completely impervious to damage, withstanding even a million tons being thrown onto it without even falling over. The automaton also has the ability to project blasts of energy/heat/concussive force, emit a disintegration beam activated via its visor, manipulate electro-magnetism and molecules allowing it to turn solid stone to lava (for example) and achieve flight.

Although the Destroyer can act independently for brief periods,<ref name="thor381"/> the construct is typically lifeless until animated by the life-force of a sentient living being. Once animated, the Destroyer retains a rudimentary base personality that will eventually subvert the host unless the latter is a particularly strong-willed individual.<ref name="thor381"/> Odin is also capable of casting a spell that can force the animating persona from the armor and deactivate it.

==Other versions==
An alternate universe variant of the Destroyer from the [[Maestro (character)|Maestro]]'s future appears in ''[[Secret Wars (2015 comic book)|Secret Wars]]''.<ref>''Future Imperfect'' 4-5. Marvel Comics.</ref>


==In other media==
==In other media==
===Television===
===Television===
* The Destroyer appears in ''The Mighty Thor'' segment of the [[animated]] [[television series]] ''[[The Marvel Super Heroes]]''.
* The Destroyer appears in the "Mighty Thor" segment of ''[[The Marvel Super Heroes]]''.
* The Destroyer appears in ''[[The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes]]'' episode "Powerless".
* The Destroyer appears in the ''[[Ultimate Spider-Man (TV series)|Ultimate Spider-Man]]'' episode "Itsy Bitsy Spider-Man".
* The Destroyer appears in ''[[Avengers Assemble (TV series)|Avengers Assemble]]'', voiced by [[Maurice LaMarche]] in "The Doomstroyer" (when possessed by Doctor Doom)<ref>{{cite episode|title=The Doomstroyer|series=Avengers Assemble|network=Disney XD|season=1|number=10|airdate=September 22, 2013}}</ref> and by [[Jim Meskimen]] in "A Friend in Need" (when possessed by Ultron).<ref>{{cite episode|title=A Friend in Need|series=Avengers Assemble|network=Disney XD|season=3|number=15|airdate=September 11, 2016}}</ref>
* The Destroyer appears in ''[[Guardians of the Galaxy (TV series)|Guardians of the Galaxy]]''.{{citation needed|date=March 2016}}
* The Destroyer appears in ''[[Marvel Disk Wars: The Avengers]]''.{{citation needed|date=March 2023}}


===Film===
===Film===
The Destroyer appears in ''[[Thor (film)|Thor]]''.<ref name="destroyerfilm">{{cite web |last=Chavez |first=Kellvin |date=April 28, 2010 |title=Exclusive: First Look At The Destroyer From THOR! |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100501030514/http://www.latinoreview.com/news/exclusive-first-look-at-the-destroyer-from-thor-9852 |access-date=July 24, 2010 |website=Latino Review}}</ref>
* The Destroyer appears in the live-action film ''[[Thor (film)|Thor]]''.<ref name="destroyerfilm">{{cite web|url=http://www.latinoreview.com/news/exclusive-first-look-at-the-destroyer-from-thor-9852|title=Exclusive: First Look At The Destroyer From THOR!|accessdate=2010-07-24}}</ref> In this continuity the Destroyer is an automatous golem that obeys the direct command of the king of Asgard. When Loki takes the throne while Odin sleeps the Odinsleep, he attempts to kill the now-mortal Thor by sending the Destroyer after him. Thor's willingness to allow the Destroyer to kill him to save Sif, the [[Warriors Three]] and the innocent mortals in the town where the battle took place proves his worth and restores his ability to wield [[Mjolnir (comics)|Mjolnir]]. Thor subsequently defeats the Destroyer by throwing Mjolnir through its head as it charges up its beam weapon.


===Video games===
===Video games===
* The Destroyer appears as a boss in ''[[Marvel: Ultimate Alliance]]''.{{citation needed|date=June 2016}}
* The Destroyer appears in ''[[Marvel: Ultimate Alliance]]''. [[Loki (comics)|Loki]]'s mind inhabits the armor after tricking the superheroes into releasing it. In addition to possessing great strength and power, The Destroyer armor is invunerable to all attacks. Only by having the Destroyer fire a concussive blast at the crystal containing Loki's body can both it and Loki be defeated.
* The Destroyer armor is an unlockable costume for Thor in ''[[Thor: God of Thunder]]''.{{citation needed|date=June 2016}}
* The Destroyer appears as a boss and unlockable character in ''[[Marvel: Avengers Alliance]]''.{{citation needed|date=January 2018}}
* The Destroyer appears as a boss and unlockable character in ''[[Lego Marvel Super Heroes]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.gametrailers.com/videos/jpdqdo/lego-marvel-super-heroes-e3-2013--character-walkthrough--cam-|title = GameTrailers - YouTube}}</ref>
* The Destroyer appears as a playable character in ''[[Marvel: Future Fight]]''.{{citation needed|date=June 2016}}
* The Destroyer appears as a playable character in ''[[Lego Avengers]]''.{{citation needed|date=June 2016}}
* The Destroyer appears as a boss in ''[[Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order]]'', voiced by [[Liam O'Brien]].<ref>{{cite web |title=MARVEL ULTIMATE ALLIANCE 3: THE BLACK ORDER |url=https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/video-games/Marvel-Ultimate-Alliance-3-The-Black-Order/ |website=behindthevoiceactors.com}}</ref>


===Toys===
===Merchandise===
* The Destroyer was included as a chase variant in the 15th wave of [[Toy Biz]]'s 6" ''[[Marvel Legends]]'' action figure line.
* The Destroyer was included as a chase variant in the 15th wave of [[Toy Biz]]'s 6" ''[[Marvel Legends]]'' action figure line.{{citation needed|date=August 2015}}
* A figure of Destroyer was released in wave 39 of the ''Marvel [[Minimates]]'' line.
* A figure of the Destroyer was released in wave 39 of the ''Marvel [[Minimates]]'' line.{{citation needed|date=August 2015}}
* Destroyer was released in the ''Battle for Asgard's Vault'' 3-pack from the ''[[Marvel Super Hero Squad]]'' line, packaged with figures of Thor and Loki.
* A figure of the Destroyer was released in the ''Battle for Asgard's Vault'' 3-pack from the ''[[Marvel Super Hero Squad]]'' line, packaged with figures of Thor and Loki.{{citation needed|date=August 2015}}
* 2 figures of the Destroyer were released in [[Hasbro]]'s 3.75" ''[[Thor: The Mighty Avenger (toy line)|Thor: The Mighty Avenger]]'' movie tie-in line. Additionally, an 8" figure was released in that same line.
* Two figures of the Destroyer were released in [[Hasbro]]'s 3.75" ''[[Thor: The Mighty Avenger (toy line)|Thor: The Mighty Avenger]]'' line. Additionally, an 8" figure was released in that same line.{{citation needed|date=August 2015}} Due to trademark issues, at least one figure is marketed as '''Marvel's Destroyer'''.<ref>[http://www.hasbro.com/shop/details.cfm?guid=110361AF-5056-900B-10EC-FA48F6E05468&product_id=28228&src=endeca Hasbro.com - Inferno Marvel's Destroyer]{{Dead link|date=October 2022 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
* The popular strategy miniatures game [[HeroClix]], by Wizkids Games, has featured the Destroyer in two of its sets, '''Hammer of Thor''' and the '''Avengers Movie''' set.{{citation needed|date=August 2015}}
* [[Funko]] released a [[bobblehead]] for the Destroyer based on its appearance in the ''Thor'' film. It was only available in certain [[Bethany Beach, Delaware]] stores unboxed in mint condition.{{citation needed|date=August 2012}}


==References==
==References==
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{{Thor}}
{{Thor}}
{{Stan Lee}}
{{Jack Kirby}}


[[Category:Fictional weapons]]
[[Category:Fantasy weapons]]
[[Category:Film characters]]
[[Category:Fictional armour]]
[[Category:Marvel Comics characters with superhuman strength]]
[[Category:Marvel Comics magical objects]]
[[Category:Marvel Comics magical objects]]
[[Category:Thor (Marvel Comics)]]
[[Category:Thor (Marvel Comics)]]

[[es:Destructor (cómic)]]
[[fr:Destroyer (Marvel Comics)]]
[[it:Distruttore (Marvel Comics)]]
[[fi:Tuhoaja]]
[[tl:Destroyer (karakter ng Thor)]]

Latest revision as of 05:37, 5 January 2025

Destroyer
The Destroyer armor as featured in a panel from Thor (Vol. 03) #5. Art by Olivier Coipel
Publication information
PublisherMarvel Comics
First appearanceJourney into Mystery #118 (July 1965)
Created byStan Lee (writer)
Jack Kirby (artist)
In story information
TypeWeapon
Element of stories featuringAsgard

The Destroyer is a fictional magical character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Usually depicted as an opponent of the Thunder God and hero Thor, it is a suit of Asgardian armor created and animated by magic. The character first appeared in Journey into Mystery #118 (July 1965) and was created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby.[1]

Debuting in the Silver Age of Comic Books, the Destroyer is featured in over four decades of Marvel continuity and other Marvel-endorsed products such as animated television series, live-action films, video games, and merchandise such as action figures and trading cards.

Fictional history

[edit]

The Destroyer is an enchanted suit of armor forged by the King of the Norse gods, Odin. When it first appeared it was hinted that the Destroyer had been created as a weapon to face some dark menace from the stars. First seen in the Temple of Darkness in Asia, the Destroyer is used by Thor's arch-foe Loki against him. Animated by a nearby lifeforce, it battles Thor to a standstill, Loki is forced to intervene and stop the Destroyer using lethal force when Odin threatens to kill him. Thor then buries the armor under a mountain slide.[2][3]

The armor is briefly used again by Loki in a failed bid to kill Odin,[3] before being salvaged by Karnilla, Queen of the Norns, and animated by Thor's companion Sif, who attempted to use it to battle the villain the Wrecker when Thor was temporarily deprived of his godhood and powers. The Destroyer, however, attacks Thor, with the battle ending when Sif breaks her connection with it.[4]

Thor later offers the armor to the World Devourer Galactus, in exchange for releasing his current Herald, Firelord.[5][6] Galactus accepts, and the Destroyer acts as his Herald, detecting Counter-Earth for the entity before going on to battle the Fantastic Four.[7] The Destroyer is finally recaptured for reuse by Loki.[8]

When the menace from the stars is revealed to be the Celestials, Thor learns the Skyfather gods (Odin, Zeus, etc.) pooled their resources a millennium before to create the Destroyer as a weapon to stop the arrival of the so-called Fourth Host of Celestials. At the penultimate moment, Odin enters the Destroyer armor and then absorbs the life essences of all present in Asgard (with the exception of the absent Thor), growing to a height of 2,000 feet (610 m). The Destroyer then draws the Odinsword, and together with the Uni-Mind confronts the Fourth Host. The Celestials, however, dissipate the Uni-Mind and melt the Destroyer armor into slag, scattering the life-forces of the Asgardians.[9] The initiative of the Skymother goddesses pacifies the Celestials, and Thor revives his people via Odin by using a fraction of the gathered power of the other Skyfathers.[10]

Loki eventually finds the remains of the Destroyer and reforms it in a bid to destroy Thor, who has been reduced to pulp after a triumphant but destructive battle against the Midgard Serpent. The Destroyer, however, cannot kill Thor due to a curse induced by the Norse Queen of the dead, Hela which made his bones brittle and incapable of healing or dying.[11] Thor wrests control of the armor from the host—an enthralled Frost Giant named Siggorth—through sheer force of will and goes on to defeat Loki. The Destroyer - depicted as thinking and speaking for the first time - tries to take back control from Thor but fails. Wearing Thor's raiment and wielding his hammer Mjolnir, the Destroyer confronts Hela and forces her to restore Thor to human form.[12][13] The Destroyer is left in a crystal in Hela's realm, and is eventually animated by the goddess Lorelei. Lorelei battles several Asgardians and subsequently becomes trapped in the dimension of the Great Beasts.[14]

The Destroyer is later deployed by trolls, who empower it with the spirit of the villain Maestro, an evil future version of the Hulk. Unable to physically stop the Destroyer, the Hulk enters the armor on the mental plane- exploiting the fact that the Maestro is still technically him and hence 'tricking' the Destroyer into absorbing his soul as well- and banishes the Maestro back to his weakened original body.[15] Thor has two more encounters with the Destroyer, with the armor almost killing him on the first occasion and breaking his jaw on the second.[16][17] The armor is eventually retrieved by Loki and occupied by the entity Desak, although Thor—equipped with the Odinpower—decapitates it with one throw of Mjolnir.[18]

The Asgardian god Balder takes control of the armor when Thor was on a quest to locate his missing people.[19]

During the "Dark Reign" storyline, Quasimodo researched the Destroyer armor for Norman Osborn. He gave Osborn two pieces of advice if he was to obtain the Destroyer armor: keep it from falling into the hands of his enemies and to be hesitant in employing it personally or through his followers although there is no telling where its loyalty is when one of his followers dons it.[20]

During the "Siege" storyline, Doctor Doom later using a copy of the Destroyer armor to attack the Asgardians.[21]

After Thor loses the ability to wield Mjolnir following the "Original Sin" storyline,[22] and the hammer is claimed by an unknown woman,[23] Odin dispatches the Destroyer - animated by his brother Cull the Serpent - to reclaim it.[24] Queen of the gods Frigga forces Odin to withdraw the Destroyer when she confronts him with the knowledge that he has essentially become the villain with his unprovoked attack.[25]

Powers and abilities

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The Destroyer is forged from an unknown and enchanted metal. The Destroyer armor possesses superhuman strength, stamina and is practically invulnerable. It is capable of energy projection, matter manipulation and when lowered the armor's visor can fire a disintegrating beam.

Although the Destroyer can act independently for brief periods,[12] the construct is typically lifeless until animated by the life-force of a sentient living being. Once animated, the Destroyer retains a rudimentary base personality that will eventually subvert the host unless the latter is a particularly strong-willed individual.[12] Odin is also capable of casting a spell that can force the animating persona from the armor and deactivate it.

Other versions

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An alternate universe variant of the Destroyer from the Maestro's future appears in Secret Wars.[26]

In other media

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Television

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Film

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The Destroyer appears in Thor.[29]

Video games

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Merchandise

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References

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  1. ^ DeFalco, Tom; Sanderson, Peter; Brevoort, Tom; Teitelbaum, Michael; Wallace, Daniel; Darling, Andrew; Forbeck, Matt; Cowsill, Alan; Bray, Adam (2019). The Marvel Encyclopedia. DK Publishing. p. 109. ISBN 978-1-4654-7890-0.
  2. ^ Journey into Mystery #118-119 (Jul.-Aug. 1965). Marvel Comics.
  3. ^ a b Thor Annual #2 (Sept. 1966). Marvel Comics.
  4. ^ Thor #150-152 (Mar.-May 1968). Marvel Comics.
  5. ^ Thor #224-225 (June–July 1974). Marvel Comics.
  6. ^ Thor #228 (Oct. 1974). Marvel Comics.
  7. ^ Fantastic Four #172-174 (Jul.-Sept. 1976). Marvel Comics.
  8. ^ Thor #264-266 (Oct.-Dec. 1977). Marvel Comics.
  9. ^ Thor #300 (Oct. 1980). Marvel Comics.
  10. ^ Thor #301 (Nov. 1980). Marvel Comics.
  11. ^ Thor #380 (Jun. 1987). Marvel Comics.
  12. ^ a b c Thor #381 (Jul. 1987)
  13. ^ Thor #382 (Aug. 1987). Marvel Comics.
  14. ^ Thor #437-441 (Oct.-Dec. 1991). Marvel Comics.
  15. ^ The Incredible Hulk vol. 2 #461 (Feb. 1998). Marvel Comics.
  16. ^ Thor vol. 2 #1-2 (Jul.-Aug. 1998)
  17. ^ Thor vol. 2 #36 (June 2001). Marvel Comics.
  18. ^ Thor vol. 2, #79 (Jul. 2004). Marvel Comics.
  19. ^ Thor vol. 3 #5 (Jan. 2008). Marvel Comics.
  20. ^ Dark Reign Files #1. Marvel Comics.
  21. ^ Thor #605 (Jan. 2010). Marvel Comics.
  22. ^ Original Sin #7 (Aug. 2014). Marvel Comics.
  23. ^ Thor vol. 4 #1 (Dec. 2014). Marvel Comics.
  24. ^ Thor vol. 4 #7 (June 2015). Marvel Comics.
  25. ^ Thor vol. 4 #8 (July 2015). Marvel Comics.
  26. ^ Future Imperfect 4-5. Marvel Comics.
  27. ^ "The Doomstroyer". Avengers Assemble. Season 1. Episode 10. September 22, 2013. Disney XD.
  28. ^ "A Friend in Need". Avengers Assemble. Season 3. Episode 15. September 11, 2016. Disney XD.
  29. ^ Chavez, Kellvin (April 28, 2010). "Exclusive: First Look At The Destroyer From THOR!". Latino Review. Retrieved July 24, 2010.
  30. ^ "GameTrailers - YouTube".
  31. ^ "MARVEL ULTIMATE ALLIANCE 3: THE BLACK ORDER". behindthevoiceactors.com.
  32. ^ Hasbro.com - Inferno Marvel's Destroyer[permanent dead link‍]
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