Marvel Comics is introducing a new hero for the next generation of comic book fans: A female incarnation of Thor.

"This new Thor isn't a temporary female substitute - she's now the one and only Thor, and she is worthy!" reads the official statement on the Marvel website.

Unworthy Thor

The old Thor, imagined here by artist Esad Ribic, is no longer worth of the mighty hammer. (Esad Ribic/Marvel Comics)

The publisher admits the move is a direct play for more female readers. But the series' writer insists there's nothing girly about the new God of Thunder.

"This is not She-Thor. This is not Lady Thor. This is not Thorita. This is THOR" writes Jason Aaron.

It's not clear what the old Thor did to lose the mighty Mjölnir – the mythical hammer of the Thunder God – but Marvel released an image of the former hero looking dejected without his trusty tool.

Comic book fans will have to wait to get a better look at the new superhero.

The new comic book series Thor is due out in October.