Have to disagree on a lot of this: How is that hybrid mix of Kirby's futuristic designs with Norse mythology not creative? If anything going all LOTR with Thor would be a mistake. That would be called unoriginal and derivative (and it would be too). Remember Marvel's Thor is based on the myth, but it is not the myth, that's part of what makes it so special. This point seems to be forgotten at times.
And comparing with Batman is not really apt at all. The character for starters is completely human. No powers, just skill, smarts, and gadgets to get by. And Nolan's Batman exists within his own little universe too, where the style and tone has been tailor made solely to suit Nolan's vision, and as great as that may be, could you imagine Brandon Routh's Superman (or any Superman) fitting in well at all with Nolan's Batman?
For me DC have not yet imagined a 'movieverse' where their biggest guns can combine well at all. Marvel have been aiming for just this since Iron-Man. If they pull it off well in Avengers, then (as a comics fan first) that will be the best Superhero movie ever made (imo).
This movie still has the potential to take that title, though lacking the recognition of Batman I cant see it coming close at all to the Box office TDK received. Only time will tell on that one, but TDK has set a B/O target an critical acclaim standard that will be damned hard for anyone to beat.