Today in Comics History, October 3: Happy birthday, Tessa Thompson!

Born on this day: actor Tessa Thompson (Dear White People, Selma, Creed II, Men in Black: International and more), known to us fans best as Valkyrie from the Marvel Cinematic Universe!





Didja know, tho', that Thompson's Asgardian performances In Thor: Ragnarok and Infinity War/Endgame inspired a new brand-new Valkyrie in the comics, a character v. similar to her MCU portrayal?


cover of Exiles (2018 series) #2 (Marvel, June 2018), pencils and inks by David Marquez, colors by Matthew Wilson
This new Valkyrie is an alt-universe version of the 616's usual blonde Nordic Brunhilde Valkyrie, bringing a splash of color (yes, I mean that both ways) to the long-running Defenders/Thor character.


from Exiles (2018 series) #1 (Marvel, May 2018), art by Javier Rodriguez
The 2018 Exiles series is a great short run (12 issues) with bombastic artwork and a fun universe-hopping storyline. (Plus, cartoon Wolverine is in this!)



from (top) Exiles #2; script by Saladin Ahmed, pencils by Javier Rodriguez, inks by Álvaro López, colors by Chris O'Halloran, letters by Joe Caramagna;
(bottom) Exiles #12 (Marvel, March 2019), same credits as #2 except colors by Muntsa Vicente
This portrayal pops up again in the Jane Foster series Mighty Valkyries, although this version is definitely from Earth-616's reality. Here's she's Rūna, "the Forgotten Valkyrie."


variant cover of Mighty Valkyries #3/17 (Marvel, August 2021); art by Mattia De Iulis
Believe me: we're not gonna forget her after all this!




from (top to bottom) Mighty Valkyries #1/15, 2/16, 5/19 (Marvel, June, July, and November 2021), script by Jason Aaron and Torunn Grønbekk; pencils, inks, and colors by Mattia De Iulis, letters by Joe Sabino
Let's all wish Tessa Thompson a very happy birthday, and don't forget, Tessa: today means pie for all!


from Exiles #2