10 Insanely Detailed Comic Book Worlds That Blew Fans' Minds

4. The Ten Realms - Marvel

If Jack Kirby had a key hand in developing Marvel's New York, then he was instrumental in laying the foundations of the Ten Realms.

Kirby, Larry Lieber and Stan Lee co-created Thor in 1962 and kickstarted one of the most compelling worlds in the entire comic book medium. First there was Asgard, then Jotunheim and Nidavellir, and then countless others. The likes of Roy Thomas, John Buscema, Steve Englehart and Walt Simonson would all leave their mark by adding more realms to Marvel's version of the Norse Aesir, with the comic's ability to marry sci-fi with fantasy a key pillar behind its success.

Thor combines the worlds of science and magic to impart something truly special, that transcends just ordinary myth and legend. Yes, Marvel have Norse mythology to thank for this particular world, but the way it's been realised over the last five decades has been nothing short of spectacular, with each realm retaining its own unique look, flavour and tone.

It scarcely ever looks boring, and with Thor and his supporting characters being as compelling as they are, it's little wonder that Marvel's Old Gods have persisted for as long as they have.