Marvel’s “Phase 2” got off to an interesting start with Iron Man 3, and next up on the docket is Thor: Dark World; news that will undoubtedly give all the Chris Hemsworth-loving ladies the vapors, and with good reason: the new posters do look really good. Granted, these character posters are about what you would expect from Marvel Studios, a company that has no compunction about sticking with a working formula. Within that particular niche, Marvel’s marketing department once again succeeds. Their latest offering, courtesy of the Thor Facebook page, focuses on the two central characters of the Thor storyline, Odinson himself, and his half-brother/nemesis, Loki.

The results are a fine demonstration of effective graphic design:

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As the posters indicate, Thor: Dark World hits the theaters on November 8, 2013; which will also signify the (unofficial) launch of the holiday movie season. The second trailer gives us good reason to be hopeful the second installment of the Thor storyline (and Marvel’s “Phase 2” arc) delivers the goods:

The official synopsis reveals a few more details:

Marvel’s Thor: The Dark World continues the big-screen adventures of Thor, the Mighty Avenger, as he battles to save Earth and all the Nine Realms from a shadowy enemy that predates the universe itself. In the aftermath of Marvel’s Thor and Marvel’s The Avengers, Thor fights to restore order across the cosmos…but an ancient race led by the vengeful Malekith returns to plunge the universe back into darkness. Faced with an enemy that even Odin and Asgard cannot withstand, Thor must embark on his most perilous and personal journey yet, one that will reunite him with Jane Foster and force him to sacrifice everything to save us all.

[Lead image via SuperHeroHype.com]