Journey into Mystery Annual #1: Review

Jul 1965
Stan Lee, Jack Kirby

Story Name:

When Titans Clash!

Review & Comments

Rating:
3.5 stars

Journey into Mystery Annual #1 Review by (October 1, 2012)
Review: A Marvel milestone! The introduction of a beloved character and future Avenger (not to mention one of the Champions!) the incredible Hercules! There really isn’t much to the story beyond a massive slugging match which we know will end in a tie. Herc can be a jerk but the surprise is that so can Thor; now we know why he had to be sent to Earth to learn humility.

Comments: First appearance of Marvel’s Hercules. Issue includes a two-page map of Asgard by Jack Kirby.




 

Synopsis / Summary / Plot

Journey into Mystery Annual #1 Synopsis by Arcturus Jackson
Thor rides into the forbidden land of Jotunheim to seek new glory for Asgard, accompanied by a nervous Loki. They come upon a pair of Storm Giants digging at a hole in the ground; this is the lost passage to Olympus from which the Giants were hurled ages ago. Thor sees it as his duty to prevent them from returning. The Thunder God is successful in driving them off but he causes an earthquake which drops him through the hidden entrance and through a dimensional barrier to a pastoral paradise—Olympus. Exploring the land, he comes to a bridge at the same time as Hercules; neither will allow the other to pass first and battle is joined! Thus follows seven pages of Kirby-drawn action as the two mighty gods pummel each other, with neither gaining the upper hand. Zeus appears and calls a halt to the combat, pronouncing each an honorable warrior. He makes Thor and Hercules shake hands and pledge friendship to one another. Zeus then sends Thor back through the tunnel and seals it up behind him. Despite a mountain now blocking his path, Thor has the feeling that he will again meet…Hercules!


Story #2

Reprinted material

Writer: Stan Lee. Penciler: Jack Kirby.

Synopsis / Summary / Plot

The following stories are reprinted from earlier issues:

"The Mysterious Radio-active Man!" from JOURNEY INTO MYSTERY #93

"The Demon Duplicators" from JOURNEY INTO MYSTERY #95

"The Lava Man" from JOURNEY INTO MYSTERY #97




Jack Kirby
Vince Colletta
Stan Goldberg
Jack Kirby (Cover Penciler)
Sol Brodsky (Cover Inker)
Stan Goldberg (Cover Colorist)


Characters

Listed in Alphabetical Order.

Loki
Loki

(Loki Laufeyson)
Thor
Thor

(Odinson)



> Journey into Mystery Annual: Book info and issue index

Share This Page


Elektra