Barbara Thorson

Origin

Barbera Thorson is a young girl who attends Birch Elementary school in Long Island. She has an older brother and sister, she is a bit strange and geeky, and very intelligent. Despite her intelligence she often gets in trouble at school and is often sent to the principals office. She is incredibly good at Dungeons & Dragons. Barbara appears to have an overactive imagination to others, and that combined with other factors lends to her being somewhat of an outcast. Barbara claims to be an expert on giants and at killing Giants. Her best friend is Sophia. Barbara also comes to befriend Mrs Molles her high school psychologist.

Creation

Barbara Thorson was created by writer Joe Kelly and artist JM Ken Niimura for the Image published mini series I Kill Giants released in 2008. Writer Joe Kelly describing the character “It’s a story about a girl who’s a bit of an outsider – she’s funny, but totally in our geekland: she’s obsessed with Dungeons & Dragons, she doesn’t have a lot of friends, she’s a bit of a social misfit. She’s taken her fantasy life a little far, and really only talks about giants to people. She’s convinced that giants are real and giants are coming, and it’s her responsibility to stop them when they show up.” Barbara Thorson’s first appearance is in I Kill Giants #1.

Character Evolution

Barbara appears as a protagonist in a mini series, her evolution is limited to those issues, yet her role as the protagonist promises much depth and development over that short period. Artistically the character stands out as protagonist with her unusual and large bunny ears.

Major Story Arcs

I Kill Giants

Barbara must overcome school bullies, family problems and ominous signs that Giants will be coming.

Powers and Abilities

Barbara has a fifth grade level education, and is an expert Dungeons and Dragons player. She may be small but she is a tenacious and determined fighter prone to berserker like fury allowing her to take down foes much larger than herself.