[Update: The second Thor trailer has also been released!]

Marvel Comics' version of the Norse God of Thunder, Thor, made his first appearance in 1962 thanks to the creativity of comic book legends Stan Lee, Jack Kirby and Larry Lieber. Fast forward almost five decades and we're now getting our first official look at the live-action version of the Asgardian Avenger in the just-released Thor trailer!

The new Thor poster was released yesterday, but it only gave us another look at star Chris Hemsworth in costume, wielding Thor's mighty hammer, Mjolnir. The trailer gives us insight into Thor's character, how he gets to Earth and who his allies and friends are.

We got a fleeting official look at director Kenneth Branagh's adaptation of Thor back in July, via leaked footage that debuted at Comic Con this past summer. However, this latest trailer is our first real measure of what the finished, polished product is going to look like, including the visual effects, costumes, sets, and performances of leads Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston (Loki), Anthony Hopkins (Odin) and Natalie Portman (Jane Foster).

As usual, opinion over the big-screen rendition of a revered comic book character is sure to be split, but as far as we're concerned, the film is looking to be in good shape.

Check out the Thor trailer by clicking the link below:

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We'll soon update this post with some still images from the trailer so be sure to check back.

The intro of the trailer, leading up to the logos and first shots of Asgard, is identical to the footage shown at Comic-Con. The structure of the trailer is also the same with the one game-changing difference being that the effects shots are now complete and they've finished coloring and polishing most of the scenes.

This is a vast improvement over what we've seen up until now and the newly added lightning effects and action sequences simply put, look very cool. The costumes, which had many up in arms before any footage was released, look good in context as well which should win back some of the early doubters. It'll be interesting to gauge the reaction to the Thor trailer versus the rather underwhelming response to the Green Lantern trailer and that film's CGI costume.

Here's the big problem we have with the trailer: "In 3D... and 2D in select theaters." Why only in select theaters is it available in standard (less expensive) format and why is this even part of the trailer? It's a questionable marketing decision, to say the least.

If you're psyched about Thor, visit Game Rant for the Thor tie-in video game trailer which debuts tomorrow night at the Spike Video Game Awards and follow us on Twitter @rob_keyes, @screenrant and @gamerant.

Thor opens in North America May 6, 2011 and  in U.S. theaters and on April 29, 2011 for the UK.

Source: Yahoo