So far, theMCUhas done a pretty stellar job at adapting Marvel Comics characters on the big screen, including and especially the main members of the Avengers, likeThorandHulk. However, that doesn’t mean the MCU is perfect when it comes to comic book adaptations. Some characters are changed drastically from their comic book counterparts, and that includes one massively powerful villain who was totally overlooked by the MCU despite beingstrong enough to take down Thorand Hulk.
InThor#347 by Walt Simonson, fans are introduced to Algrim the Strong aka Kurse. Originating as a Thor villain who worked with the Dark Elf, Malekith, Algrim was seemingly killed during his first conflict with Thor after Malekith cast both Algrim and Thor into a lava pit. Thor was able to fly out of the pit unscathed, but Algrim was trapped in the lava. His Elf armor kept him alive, but just barely, and he wouldn’t become a threat to Thor and the rest of Marvel’s heroes until the events ofSecret Wars II.
InSecret Wars II#4 by Jim Shooter and Al Milgrom, the Beyonder uses his omniscience to locate Algrim underneath Earth’s surface, rotting in the lava pit. Curious as to what this villain would do if restored, the Beyonder freed Algrim from his hellish tomb, and even gave him some massive upgrades as well. Forever changed by his experience in the lava, Algrim changed his name to Kurse, and he used his newfoundgod-tier strength gifted to him by the Beyonderto be just that to Thor - a curse.
The Beyonder Made Kurse Way Stronger than Thor, & the MCU Totally Wasted Him
Kurse Made His MCU Debut inThor: The Dark World
Not only was Algrim the Strong a Dark Elf known for his strength and fighting skills upon his introduction, but he became infinitely more powerful when the Beyonder imbued him with a fraction of his own power - an upgrade that was actually permanent. While Kurse made a number of appearances afterSecret Wars II, one of the best examples of his power was shown inThor#486, where Kurse throws Thor around like a rag doll, defeating him in one-on-one combat like it was nothing, indicating that Kurse would also easily be able togo toe-to-toe with the Hulk.
Given Kurse’s link to the Beyonder, his sound victory over Thor inThor#486 (and Beta Ray Bill inSecret Wars II), and his overall insane power level, it’s clear that thischaracter was utterly wasted in the MCU. Kurse was barely a secondary villain inThor: The Dark World, and arguably stands as the least memorable bad guy in the entire cinematic universe. Honestly, Kurse was barely his own character in the MCU, as he could have been a nameless minion of Malekith and no one would know the difference.
The MCU Wasted Kurse, but Marvel Comics Doesn’t Have To
Marvel Comics Should Reintroduce Kurse as a God-Tier Threat
It’s clear that the MCU wasted Kurse, but that doesn’t mean Marvel Comics has to in regard to upcoming storylines. Kurse was last seen in 2017’sThe Mighty ThorVol. 3 #14, locked in the Nastrond Prison. That means he’s literally just sitting around, waiting to be brought back for a future story. Based on his past, it’s fair to say that this god-tier powerhouse has waited long enough, and should be able to come back and flex his cosmic-level strength while battling anyone who dares challenge him - whether that be Thor, Hulk, or anyone else.
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While Kurse is primed for a major Marvel Comics comeback, no such return has been teased or even hinted at, meaning he’ll have to remain in both his meta and literal prison cell for the time being. But, even though fans don’t know what will become of Kurse in Marvel Comics, there’s one thing about the character that fans know for sure: he was utterly wasted in theMCU, despite hisThorandHulk-level strength.
Thor
Associated with the mythical realm of Asgard, Thor is a Marvel Comics hero who channels the power of thunder to slay their foes. Though the name is chiefly tied to Thor Odinson, several other characters also take on the role of God of Thunder, including Odinson’s love interest, Jane Foster. Odin is portrayed as a physically imposing hero with incredible strength and typically wields the dwarven forged hammer, Mjolnir.
