Iron Man's suit. Normally, it would seem impossible for Stark's tech to challenge the God of Thunder's power, but Tony's ingenuity has proven that even Mjolnir is not invincible.

In Iron Man #64, written by Mike Grell and illustrated by Alan Davis, Tony Stark unveiled his Thorbuster armor designed to counter the deity; powered by an Asgardian crystal gifted from Thor himself, the Thorbuster armor gives Tony a unique edge over the thunder god.

The armor channels Asgardian magic, enabling Iron Man to stop Mjolnir mid-flight and even cast it aside. While Stark is famous for starting feuds among friends, this moment stands out as one of the few times the tech genius has been able to overpower the mighty god of thunder.

The Creation Of The Thorbuster Armor Featured Thor And Iron Man At Their Lowest Point

Iron Man #64; Written By Mike Grell; Art Bt Alan Davis; Released In 2003

The Thorbuster armor was born out of necessity when Thor’s new power, enhanced by the Odinforce, threw Earth into chaos. The U.S. government called upon Tony Stark to intervene, knowing Thor’s godlike abilities far sured the capabilities of Iron Man’s standard suit. Tony, recognizing the severity of the situation, turned to an Asgardian crystal Thor had gifted him; Thor believed it could serve as an energy source, but he never imagined that Tony would use it to power a weapon against him.

With the Thorbuster armor complete, Tony Stark faced Thor in an intense showdown, utilizing the suit's ability to absorb and redirect Mjolnir’s energy against its wielder. The armor, powered by the Odinforce, allowed Stark to match Thor’s strength and even stop Mjolnir mid-flight. This gave Iron Man a critical advantage, enabling him to stand toe-to-toe with the Asgardian god. Like the Hulkbuster suit before it, the Thorbuster suit showcased Stark's unique ability to adapt against foes well outside his weight class.

The confrontation between Iron Man and Thor ultimately reached a resolution when both sides, exhausted and devastated, were forced to cease fighting. Captain America’s intervention played a pivotal role in halting the destruction, though the effects of the battle lingered. However, the results of this fight were very different from Thor and Stark’s typical confrontations. In most situations, the Asgardian easily bests the billionaire. Without the magical enhancements provided by the Thorbuster, Stark's tech typically doesn't stand a chance against the might of the thunder god.

Iron Man vs. Thor: A Breakdown Of The Iconic Avengers Face-To-Face

Without Enhancements, Stark Doesn't Stand A Chance

Iron Man’s battle with Thor is not limited to the Thorbuster armor. Over the years, Stark has faced Thor multiple times, each encounter showing the notable difference in their abilities without enhancements. One of the most memorable moments came during Marvel’s Civil War event, where Tony’s betrayal of Thor led to an explosive confrontation. Without the Thorbuster armor or any enhancements, Tony’s regular Iron Man suit couldn’t withstand Thor’s power. In fact, Thor humiliated Tony in their fight, demonstrating the vast gulf between a mortal in a suit of armor and a god wielding Mjolnir.

During their fight, Thor swatted Iron Man away with ease, rendering Stark’s repulsor blasts completely ineffective. One thunderous blow from Mjolnir left Stark’s armor damaged well beyond repair, and Thor further demonstrated his superiority by shutting down Iron Man’s systems with an electromagnetic pulse. Tony’s suit couldn’t even handle the electromagnetic interference, and Thor’s sheer power made it clear that a simple suit of armor could not compete with the God of Thunder. This moment of humility for Tony was a reminder of the power that Mjolnir holds over even the most advanced technology.

Their initial confrontation in the MCU’s Avengers film also serves as a key example of how Thor can easily best Tony Stark when he catches him off guard. When Thor first arrives on Earth, the Avengers are still trying to assemble, and Tony is ready to face him head-on. However, even before Tony can fully engage, Thor proves his power by effortlessly holding his own. The moment is a reminder of Thor’s strength and how, even in an early encounter, his power can easily overwhelm Stark's tech.

Mjolnir’s Vulnerabilities Are More Significant Than Most Marvel Fans Realize

Not So Worthy Now

While Mjolnir is an incredible weapon, it is far from indestructible. Over the years, the hammer has faced numerous threats, and in some instances, it has been shattered. While Thor remains a formidable threat without the hammer, losing it is still one of his biggest weaknesses. One of the most significant moments was when Mjolnir faced off against the powerful Destroyer armor, which managed to crack the hammer in Journey Into Mystery #118. This event revealed that even Thor’s mighty weapon could be defeated by another force of equal or greater power, setting a precedent for Stark's anti-Asgardian tech.

Another major moment came in Thor #388, when the Celestial Exitar the Exterminator broke Mjolnir during a battle with Thor. Thor had to use all his might, channeling his life force, to break through Exitar’s armor, but in doing so, Mjolnir shattered. Thor was left without his greatest weapon, forced to rely on his own strength. Even though Mjolnir was reforged after these events, the hammer was shown to have its flaws, and can become overloaded by its own power. This redirection of Mjolnir's own energy against itself is something that the Thorbuster suit takes full advantage of as well.

Tony Stark’s Inventiveness Shines When He Has To Confront Thor-Level Opponents

But Mjolnir Remains A Threat

The Thorbuster armor’s design showcases Tony Stark’s unmatched inventiveness and how vicious he really is. His ability to design an armor that could challenge Mjolnir itself is nothing short of brilliant. Despite his technological marvel, it’s crucial not to dismiss the true power of Thor’s hammer. While Tony’s armor can counter Mjolnir’s energy and redirect its power, Mjolnir remains a potent weapon in Thor’s hands. Tony’s victory was more about his ability to adapt and innovate than a true superiority over Thor or his hammer.

No matter how advanced Tony’s tech becomes, he can’t replicate the true power of Mjolnir

In the end, the Thorbuster armor is a testament to Stark’s genius, but it doesn’t change the fact that Thor is a god, and Mjolnir remains one of the most formidable weapons in the universe. No matter how advanced Tony’s tech becomes, he can’t replicate the true power of Mjolnir. While Tony may have found a way to stop the hammer temporarily, Thor’s might will always be a force to be reckoned with, no matter how many suits Iron Man designs.

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  Iron Man

  Created by

  Kevin Feige, Jon Favreau

  First Film

  Iron Man

  Latest Film

  Iron Man 3

  Cast

  Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle, Jeff Bridges, Mickey Rourke, Ben Kingsley, Guy Pearce

  Movie(s)

  Iron Man, Iron Man 2, Iron Man 3

  Character(s)

  Iron Man, Pepper Potts, War Machine, Iron Monger, Whiplash, Aldrich Killian

  The Iron Man franchise is a cornerstone of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), marking the beginning of the interconnected superhero films that have become a global phenomenon. The franchise follows Tony Stark, a billionaire industrialist and genius inventor, who creates a suit of armor to become Iron Man. His journey from a self-centered playboy to a self-sacrificing hero plays a pivotal role throughout the MCU's Infinity Saga.

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• 

  Thor

  Created by

  Kevin Feige

  First Film

  Thor

  Latest Film

  Thor: Love and Thunder

  Cast

  Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston, Anthony Hopkins, Tessa Thompson, Idris Elba, Rene Russo, Kat Dennings, Stellan Skarsgård, Taika Waititi

  Movie(s)

  Thor, Thor: The Dark World, Thor: Ragnarok, Thor: Love and Thunder

  Character(s)

  Thor, Loki, Jane Foster, Valkyrie, Odin, Heimdall

  The Thor franchise is a key component of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), focusing on the Asgardian god of thunder, Thor Odinson. The series explores Thor’s journey from a headstrong prince to a wise and powerful hero who plays a central role in the Avengers and the broader MCU narrative. The franchise is known for its blend of epic fantasy, Norse mythology, and humor, particularly in the later films directed by Taika Waititi.

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