I think an introduction of a new character as Thunderstrike could only be a positive thing.

This is a perfect example of why Marvel filed for bankruptcy in 1997-8 because of over expanding without any game plan or good writing. While Disney will not let their cash cow go down the drain (yet) thanks to movies, I can already tell you for $4 an issue that this is not a title fans will be stretch their budget for.

What if Rictor picked up the hammer?

Based on the speech patterns this could actually be Eric Masterson. Considering that his soul even without being into the Valhalla was till linked to Thor's and that in recent years Thor and Don Blake turned out to be two separated beings it could be that a new character found the mace only to be turned into the host of Eric's soul... as far as comic logic goes it isn't even that much of a stretch.

I would like a new character to become Thunderstrike. No to a Shazam-like situation.

Easy... a dude who's role model is Thor... I think...

it think its good marketing thors very popular and so is ares and herculas plus thunderstrike could be a good part in chaos war

I wouldnt mind seeing a Kid-Thor type character, I thought Thors daughter was kind of cool in Next Avengers.

"This is a perfect example of why Marvel filed for bankruptcy in 1997-8 because of over expanding without any game plan or good writing. While Disney will not let their cash cow go down the drain (yet) thanks to movies, I can already tell you for $4 an issue that this is not a title fans will be stretch their budget for. "

I think the shazam thing could be a positive thing here

Thunderstrike is one of those characters, like Beta Ray Bill, that I just don't understand why we need to have. And I started reading comics in the era when Thunderstrike came about. It seems like a lot of these ripoff, duplicate types were made so popular characters that were busy with one story could appear in another story without having to explain how the stories fit together into a larger, universe-wide, continuity.  
...That and EXTREMENESS! Which was all the rage in the early 90s. (I mean he's got a ponytail AND lightning bolt earring. How radical is THAT?!)

Sure Masterson was cool but i don't think he should come back,, Marvel shouldn't go back to their past they need to keep moving forward and keep introducing new characters whenever the opportunity presents itself, so hope they decide to go with new person.

When I saw the picture without knowing what it's about I thought it was Amadeus Cho, doubtful though :P

"What if Rictor picked up the hammer? "

I'm so NOT going to buy this, gimme a break with this overpriced limited series about characters not so well known to the mainstream.

I swear they've already confirmed it's his son :/

"I'm so NOT going to buy this, gimme a break with this overpriced limited series about characters not so well known to the mainstream. "

Kevin Masterson should be as old as Stature.  She was appearing in FF around the same time and was about the same age as he was, maybe a year or two older at most.  I think the new Thunderstrike will be the son though, makes more sense.

well I like the CONCEPT of Thunderstrike.  But I never liked Masterson or much of his arch in Thor comics themselves.
 
But Thor's a god...he (should at least) has bigger things to fry...so the idea of someone native to "midgard" being worthy and bestowed lower-powered powers of the God of Thunder is cool (to me.)
 
But I hope it's a new guy all-together...like I said, I don't like Masterson much...even if I did like Thunderstrike's concept.

I find it weird they'd just be bringing back the character without having another main-line story arc to hint at the return.
I'm fairly indifferent to this mini-series.  I always liked the idea of other characters possessing similar powers to Thor, but Thunderstrike always seemed kinda lame.

Its like every marvel character is multiplying.
 
Iron Man:  War machine, Petty Pott's Iron armor.
 
Hulk:  Red Hulk, She Hulk, Samson, A-Bomb, Red She-Hulk, Thundra She Hulk, and I think theres more.
 
Spider-Man:   Arana, Spider-Woman, Venom, Anti-Venom
 
Captain America:  Bucky
 
Thor:  Beta Ray Bill, Thunderstrike, Valkyrie,

I think it'd be more interesting if the new Thunderstrike was not so heroic. Ask the moral dilemma inherent to godhood: What god has ever actually been omnibenevolent? Every one I can think of including those still worshiped today are more than a little self serving, even when considered 'merciful'.

I want him to look better.  Thunderstrike looks so 90s.

It's Eric Masterson's son from Avengers Next clearly.

" I'm so NOT going to buy this, gimme a break with this overpriced limited series about characters not so well known to the mainstream. "

If it was Amadeus, it'd be like he was cheating on Hercules.

Jake Olsen maybe. Then we could see more Thor-Girl too.

Is there still a Donald Blake?  Whats he up to lately?
Does Thor stay Thor all the time now?
If so, maybe Donald Blake becomes the new Thunderstrike.

It is DAKEN!  No question about it.  xD

The blacked out guy's hair kinda reminds me of Daken, boy wouldn't that be a plot twist? 
 
@WhoDunnit101: 
You beat me to it. :P

I expect it will turn out to be Kevin, which would be a good choice. It does look, though, from the previews for January, like TStrike has a new mohawk with Executioner-style lightning bolt tattoos look. I wonder if that means he's retaining some semblance of the Bloodaxe powers.

"Its like every marvel character is multiplying.
 
Iron Man:  War machine, Petty Pott's Iron armor.
 
Hulk:  Red Hulk, She Hulk, Samson, A-Bomb, Red She-Hulk, Thundra She Hulk, and I think theres more.
 
Spider-Man:   Arana, Spider-Woman, Venom, Anti-Venom
 
Captain America:  Bucky
 
Thor:  Beta Ray Bill, Thunderstrike, Valkyrie, "

Looks like a Captain Marvel-thing going on....
That's a kid, behind that mace, in the teaser!

" You guys are all stupid. This is obviously going to be a new Wolverine title. "