Although only briefly seen in this tale, we get the origin of Loki in this issue. The story takes place upon a great battle between Odin and Laufey. The battle rages on between the two until the Giants’ army decides to join the fray with the destruction of its leaders’ weapon. Story But the centerpiece…

In this tale, we see Loki again attempt to get at Thor through manipulation instead of direct assault. We see how well Loki can plan, read people and push things his way as he gets Thor and Balder to join him on a shortcut through Sigurd’s forest, knowing that he can get the God of…

So for those who have been following the past few months after my return, you might have expected to see something different after last week—perhaps, at a minimum, the first story from this issue instead of my jumping right to the second. Well, the first story is part one of two, and in a desire…

Today we start by finding Thor, who in this story is not yet 20, being banished from Asgard for daring to fight a Duel against Odin’s wishes. In a similar fashion to Journey Into Mystery #107, Odin’s mind seems set, and he is unwilling to heed the advice of his subjects to reconsider. But perhaps,…

this month we follow who is at first an unknown asgardian into the kindom of the dewarfs where he is captured and given to the Trolls as a slave. This however quickly proves to be a ruse and a plan to free the slaves from the Trolls. It also serves as a message ending with…

If there is one thing Loki cannot stand, it is anyone being held in Odin’s favor, at least more than him. Jealousy for Balder is the source of the conflict in this issue, and despite the title suggesting it features Balder, in my opinion the protagonist (even if a villous one) is Loki. In this…

For this “Tales Of Asgard” story, we have Balder the Brave, who appears before Odin is questioned about why he deserted the fight. It is quickly revealed it was to save a bird that fell from the nest. This this Odin sentences him to the test of Mortal death! Even with the begging and petitioning…

While the previous story in the Tales of Asgard series was anticlimactic, this one, from the moment you read the title “When Heimdall Failed” offers promise and suspense. This story is true to the title; it is of the hero failing and the consequences he and Asgard face for that failure. Perhaps as importantly, it…

In this issue, we get the origin of Heimdall as the guardian of the rainbow bridge. But is this story dramatic and everything we would hope for it to be, or is it a biography that, while having value, falls short of what is promised on the introductory page? Story The story starts with Heimdall…

As I wrote my review for the Tales of Asgard backup in Journey Into Mystery #103, I decided to start with praise and a warning. First, I will praise this tale from the start; it proves to be an enjoyable read that I will get to below. The reason for this high praise in the…

This tale, like the last two, features the “boyhood of Thor” although he is now “at the age of eighteen” per the opening page. In this adventure, Thor learns from the fates that he must meet death to win Odin’s enchanted hammer. But we must continue reading this fateful tale to know what that means.…

In this five-page story, we have the Gods of Asgard preparing for an invasion by the “forces of Evil” Thor, however being a kid is sent off by Heimdall. However Loki informs his brother Thor that he knows of a secret hole in Asgard’s defenses that needs protecting. Story We learn that Loki is the…

We started with Buri and glanced over Borr before moving to two stories that feature Odin. Now, we have moved on to the featurette staring a young Thor. In this tale, we follow him on his mission to accomplish deeds of valor so that he may one day inherit Odin’s enchanted battle hammer. Story More…

This time, the adventures of Odin continue, but where last time he battled against Ice this time he is up against the firey Surtur. Story One thing hat does stand out, is the style is more in line with the first then the second, Telling the story without dialogue bubbles The story is starting to…

For the second installment of the Tales of Asgard, we find ourselves joining Odin as he battles against Ymir and the ice giants. Story The story this month is more focused than the first issue. We follow Odin into battle, and the action takes place more in a traditional comic book style with dialogue bubbles.…

The five-page short that starts out the “Tales of Asgard” series acts a bit like a genesis for the Norse mythos at least as it pertains to the Marvel comics universe. I cannot claim to be well versed in actual notes mythology that serves as the bases for this story, but even if I was…