Note - If you want to read full comic please visit Marvel
Cover copyright Marvel.com
Cover copyright Marvel.com
Cover copyright Marvel.com
Journey Into Mystery #95: The Demon Duplicators! (1952)
Overview:
Journey Into Mystery #95, published in August 1963, is a comic book issue written by Stan Lee and Robert Bernstein, with artwork by Joe Sinnott. This issue features Thor facing a unique challenge involving a duplicating machine and an evil duplicate of himself.
Plot Summary:
The story begins with Dr. Donald Blake, Thor’s human guise, being forced by an evil scientist named Professor Zaxton to assist with a duplicating machine. Zaxton kidnaps Jane Foster to ensure Blake’s cooperation. Using the machine, Zaxton creates a duplicate of Thor, but the duplicate lacks the true power of Thor’s enchanted hammer, Mjolnir.
As the duplicate Thor wreaks havoc, the real Thor must find a way to stop him. The battle between Thor and his duplicate is intense, with the duplicate using his strength and abilities to challenge Thor. However, the duplicate’s lack of Mjolnir’s true power becomes his downfall.
In the climax, Professor Zaxton accidentally duplicates himself and falls to his death, leaving his good duplicate to take his place. Thor defeats the duplicate Thor and rescues Jane, restoring peace.
Significance:
This issue is significant for several reasons:
- Introduction of Duplicate Thor: The story introduces the concept of a duplicate Thor, adding a new layer of complexity to Thor’s character and his battles.
- Thor’s Resourcefulness: The issue emphasizes Thor’s intelligence and strategic thinking, as he must outsmart his duplicate and rescue Jane.
- Character Development: The dynamic between Thor and Jane Foster is further developed, showcasing their relationship and the lengths Thor will go to protect her.
Journey Into Mystery #96: Defying the Magic of Mad Merlin! (1952)
Overview:
Journey Into Mystery #96, published in September 1963, is a comic book issue written by Stan Lee and Robert Bernstein, with artwork by Joe Sinnott. This issue features Thor facing the ancient and powerful sorcerer, Mad Merlin.
Plot Summary:
The story begins with Dr. Donald Blake, Thor’s human guise, attending to his medical duties. Meanwhile, in England, the crypt of the legendary Merlin is discovered and opened. To everyone’s surprise, Merlin awakens from a magical sleep and begins to terrorize America.
Merlin, now calling himself Mad Merlin, uses his vast magical powers to create chaos. Thor learns about Merlin’s activities from Loki, who, for once, tells the truth. Thor confronts Mad Merlin, but the sorcerer’s magic proves to be a formidable challenge.
The battle between Thor and Mad Merlin is intense, with Merlin using his ancient spells to counter Thor’s strength and abilities. Despite the sorcerer’s power, Thor’s determination and might eventually prevail. Thor manages to defeat Mad Merlin and restore peace.
Significance:
This issue is significant for several reasons:
- Introduction of Mad Merlin: The story introduces Mad Merlin, adding a new and powerful adversary to Thor’s rogues’ gallery.
- Thor’s Challenges: The issue emphasizes Thor’s ability to face and overcome magical threats, showcasing his versatility as a hero.
- Historical and Mythical Elements: The inclusion of Merlin ties Thor’s adventures to broader historical and mythical narratives, enriching the Marvel Universe’s lore.
Journey Into Mystery #97: The Lava Man (1952)
Overview:
Journey Into Mystery #97, published in October 1963, is a comic book issue written by Stan Lee, with artwork by Jack Kirby and Don Heck. This issue features Thor battling a new adversary, Molto, the Lava Man, who is unleashed by Loki.
Plot Summary:
The story begins with Thor, in his human guise as Dr. Donald Blake, saving a jet pilot in distress. After returning to his office, Blake struggles with his feelings for his nurse, Jane Foster. He wishes to confess his love but is aware that he cannot do so without revealing his identity as Thor. Seeking permission from Odin to reveal his secret, Blake is denied.
Meanwhile, Loki, watching from Asgard, releases Molto, the Lava Man, to create chaos on Earth. As news of the approaching Lava Man spreads, Jane informs Blake that she is leaving her job to work elsewhere, feeling rejected by his lack of reciprocation. Forbidden by Odin, Blake is unable to stop her.
The Lava Man reaches the city and claims it for his tribe. Thor confronts him, but the Lava Man proves to be a formidable opponent, using his volcanic powers to create geyser eruptions and encase Thor in lava. However, Thor manages to break free by summoning a lightning blast from his hammer, Mjolnir. The battle continues, with Thor eventually using a whirlwind to sweep the Lava Man into a distant volcano, sealing it to imprison him.
Back at his office, Blake finds Jane with her new employer, Dr. Bruce Andrews. Jane is angry that Blake did not check on her safety during the Lava Man’s attack. She leaves with Dr. Andrews, leaving Blake to lament that Thor must live out his days alone.
Significance:
This issue is significant for several reasons:
- Introduction of Molto, the Lava Man: The story introduces Molto, adding a new and unique adversary to Thor’s rogues’ gallery.
- Thor’s Emotional Struggles: The issue highlights Thor’s internal conflict between his duties as a hero and his personal desires, showcasing his vulnerability.
- Loki’s Schemes: Loki’s role in unleashing the Lava Man emphasizes his continuous efforts to thwart Thor, reinforcing their sibling rivalry.
- Mythical and Elemental Themes: The inclusion of a creature like the Lava Man ties Thor’s adventures to broader mythical and elemental narratives, enriching the Marvel Universe’s lore.
Editor's Note:
The next part Journey Into Mystery (1952) #98-101 is scheduled to release on Wednesday, 4 September, 12:00 PM IST. 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 Instagram, Discord, or email us at comicexplainedofficial@gmail.com. Don’t forget to follow our page for more comic explanations and updates!
Comments
Post a Comment