Thor: Love And Thunder will see the return of Valkyrie, who is now the leader of New Asgard. As her MCU story continues to develop, it's worth exploring the best Marvel Comics featuring the classic character. Valkyrie's many highs and lows in the comics could hint at where her story is going on screen, both in her romantic life and her role as a member of some potential MCU teams.
There have been many versions of Valkyrie in the comics, and some of them could appear in the upcoming movie if the Valkyior are restored. The MCU Valkyrie herself has had an immediate impact on the comics, with a new version of the character appearing in recent issues. The story of Runa could in turn influence the MCU once again, possibly pointing to how the character will continue to grow and evolve.
Avengers #83
Valkyrie has appeared in many forms in Marvel Comics, and her first appearance was as a manifestation of the power of The Enchantress in Avengers #83. This issue establishes the look and power of the character, making it a key issue to read before the movie.
Comic book fans know The Enchantress is a powerful sorceress, and as part of one of her many schemes to take down the Avengers, she impersonated Valkyrie and manipulated the female Avengers into fighting their male teammates in an unusual gambit.
Defenders #4
Valkyrie makes her true first appearance in Defenders #4. Her backstory is established here, making the issue a good one to read before Thor 4. The issue reveals Valkyrie is reincarnated in the human body of Barbara Norris, similar to how Thor lived in Dr. Donald Blake.
The tension between Valkyrie the warrior and Barbara's otherwise normal life would define her for years to come. Valkyrie becomes one of the most powerful members of the Defenders in this issue and would remain so for the majority of the original run.
Defenders #12
Defenders #12 is a key early issue in Valkyrie's history that could have some bearing on the MCU. In this issue, Doctor Strange gifts her Dragonfang, her indestructible sword, after she returns the Ebony Blade to Dane Whitman in the previous issue.
Comic book fans know Dane Whitman is the Black Knight. With his recent appearance in the MCU, there could be a connection between Valkyrie and Dane, especially as he gave her Aragorn, her winged horse, in the comics.
Thor #82
The MCU established that Valkyrie was the only survivor of the massacre of her order at the hands of Hela. She actually dies in the Marvel Comics version of Ragnarok in Thor #82, bringing her comics story seemingly to a close.
Her tragic death makes it a key issue to read before the movie, especially as she passes her power and station to Lady Sif. Given Sif will be in the upcoming movie, it's a possible but unlikely development in the MCU.
Valkyrie #1
There is reason to think that Valkyrie could transfer her power or her order could be restored in the MCU. Valkyrie #1 introduces a new version of the character in the comics in Jane Foster, making it a must-read before Thor: Love and Thunder which will feature both women.
Jane Foster died after becoming one of the most powerful variants of Thor, but is resurrected by Odin into a new Valkyrie. This could be her ultimate MCU fate, either joining the current Valkyrie in a new order or potentially taking over her role.
King in Black: Return of the Valkyries #1
The MCU Valkyrie has had an enormous influence on Marvel Comics since her exciting debut in Thor: Ragnarok. A new Valkyrie based on her is introduced in King in Black: Return of the Valkyries #1, making it a must-read before the new movie.
Runa's backstory is very similar to her MCU counterpart. She loses her lover and fellow Valkyries in a cataclysmic battle. She is pulled out of her grief figuratively and literally by Jane Foster in the modern-day, bringing her into the Marvel Universe proper.
King in Black: Return of the Valkyries #4
King in Black: Return of the Valkyries #4 concludes the 2021 miniseries and also potentially hints at Valkyrie's arc in the upcoming movie. In this issue, she reunites with the spirit of her lover Alta, but comes to terms with her death and lets her go to Valhalla.
This could point to Valkyrie's story in the MCU. If she's still holding on to the memory of her partner, that may be obstructing her from moving forward with her life and a new romance, who could be one of a number of MCU heroines.
What If..? #12
If the MCU introduces a new order of Valkyries, Dani Moonstar could potentially be one of them. That makes What If..? #12 a great issue to read before the movie. In this story from the Marvel multiverse, Dani stays in Asgard to become a Valkyrion.
Dani Moonstar is a mutant and a founding member of the New Mutants, but her time in Asgard is one of the most interesting chapters in her comic book history and could be an unexpected way for the MCU to introduce the character.
Fearless Defenders #1
The original Valkyrie, Brunhilde, returned in the comics after her death and formed a new team, Fearless Defenders. Fearless Defenders #1 is a good issue to read ahead of the movie, as it may point toward the MCU Valkyrie's live-action future.
Valkyrie joins forces with Misty Knight and Dani Moonstar to form a new all-female super team. Given Valkyrie's long history with the Defenders in the comics, she could potentially be a part of the MCU version of the team as well.
Fearless Defenders #7
One of the most unique - if complicated - romances in Marvel Comics is realized in Fearless Defenders #7. Valkyrie falls in love with Dr. Annabelle Riggs, an archeologist and member of the Fearless Defenders who could potentially appear in the MCU.
The relationship is complicated by the fact the two share the same body, a dilemma similar to Brunhilde's early connection to Barbara Norris. Though the relationship is complex and doesn't last long, it could hint at things to come for Valkyrie.