Journey Into Mystery (1952) #85-86 Explained

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Journey Into Mystery #85: Trapped by Loki, The God of Mischief! (1952)

Cover copyright Marvel.com

Overview:

Journey Into Mystery #85 was published by Marvel Comics in October 1962. This issue is notable for introducing Loki, the God of Mischief, and expanding the Thor mythos by featuring Asgard and other key characters from Norse mythology.

Plot Summary:

The story begins with Loki, who has been imprisoned in Asgard, managing to escape his confinement. Driven by his desire for revenge against his half-brother Thor, Loki travels to Earth. Using his mystical link to Thor’s hammer, Mjolnir, Loki tracks Thor to New York City.

Upon arriving on Earth, Loki takes on a mortal guise and heads to the hospital where Dr. Donald Blake (Thor’s alter ego) is performing a show for sick children. However, Loki finds that Thor has just left the hospital. Determined to draw Thor out, Loki uses his powers to create chaos in the city, including animating a series of wax figures to attack the populace.

Thor, sensing the disturbance, transforms from Dr. Blake into his godly form and confronts Loki. The trickster god uses his powers to hypnotize Thor, forcing him to cause mischief. However, Thor’s transformation back into Dr. Blake breaks the hypnosis, allowing him to regain control.

In the ensuing battle, Thor uses his strength and Mjolnir to counter Loki’s tricks and illusions. Ultimately, Thor defeats Loki and returns him to Asgard, ensuring that the God of Mischief is once again imprisoned.

Significance:

This issue is significant for several reasons:
  • Introduction of Loki: Loki, who becomes one of Thor’s most iconic and recurring adversaries, makes his first appearance. His character adds depth and complexity to Thor’s storyline.
  • Expansion of Thor’s Mythos: The issue introduces Asgard and other key characters from Norse mythology, such as Heimdall, Odin, and Balder, enriching the Marvel Universe with mythological elements.
  • Character Development: The story further develops Thor’s character, showcasing his heroism, strength, and the challenges he faces in dealing with powerful foes like Loki.
  • Foundation for Future Stories: The introduction of Loki and the mythological elements set the stage for many future adventures and conflicts between Thor and his brother.

Journey Into Mystery #86: On the Trail of the Tomorrow Man! (1952)

Cover copyright Marvel.com

Overview:

Journey Into Mystery #86 was published by Marvel Comics in November 1962. This issue is notable for introducing Zarrko, the Tomorrow Man, and incorporating a science fiction element into Thor’s adventures by featuring time travel and futuristic technology.

Plot Summary:

The story begins with Zarrko, a brilliant but malevolent scientist from the 23rd century, who has devised a plan to travel back in time to the 20th century. His objective is to steal a powerful cobalt bomb, which he believes will enable him to conquer the future. Zarrko successfully travels back in time and manages to steal the bomb, causing panic and chaos.

Thor, the Norse God of Thunder, learns about the theft and the potential threat it poses to both the present and the future. Determined to stop Zarrko, Thor embarks on a mission to retrieve the stolen bomb and bring Zarrko to justice. The story follows Thor as he tracks down Zarrko, leading to a series of intense confrontations.

Thor’s journey takes him through various challenges, including battling Zarrko’s advanced technology and overcoming traps set by the Tomorrow Man. Despite these obstacles, Thor’s strength, courage, and determination prevail. In a climactic battle, Thor manages to defeat Zarrko and recover the cobalt bomb, ensuring the safety of both his time and the future.

Significance:

  • Introduction of Zarrko: This issue marks the first appearance of Zarrko, the Tomorrow Man, adding a new and intriguing villain to Thor’s list of adversaries. Zarrko’s character brings a unique blend of science fiction and villainy to the series.
  • Time Travel Element: The inclusion of time travel introduces a fascinating science fiction aspect to Thor’s adventures. It expands the narrative possibilities, allowing for stories that transcend the boundaries of time and explore futuristic themes.
  • Character Development: Thor’s heroism and sense of duty are prominently showcased in this issue. His willingness to confront a threat that spans across time highlights his commitment to protecting humanity and maintaining justice.
  • Foundation for Future Stories: The introduction of Zarrko and the concept of time travel set the stage for future storylines involving temporal conflicts and futuristic adversaries. This issue lays the groundwork for more complex and engaging plots in Thor’s ongoing adventures.

Editor's Note:

The next part Journey Into Mystery #87-88 is now released, visit here. If you have a favorite comic that you'd like us to explain in detail, feel free to leave a comment! You can also reach out to us on InstagramDiscord, or email us at comicexplainedofficial@gmail.com. Don’t forget to follow our page for more comic explanations and updates!

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