For this comic book review I read Journey Into Mystery #104, and the tale titled “Giants Walk The Earth!” and while the title makes it sound like it might be one of the many monster stories that predated the marvel superhero’s this one is a Tale featuring Thor, Odin, Loki and more.

In fact, this tale seems to be continued right where the last left off, and with Loki still scheming his ongoing plan to get vengeance on Thor, although in this volume we seem to see a second motive show up for the first time, one of ruling Asgard.  But can the Evil Loki succeed in this, or will Thor be able to stop his step-brother again?

Artwork

In this issue, Jack Kirby’s artwork felt like it fit the story perfectly, perhaps another tale where the marvel method worked well.  Each frame seemed so entwined with the story, and seemed to work with just where it was going.

Jack Kirby also shows us, just how much he can tell us in a single panel with poster and slight expression as we see Loki sitting on the throne of Asgard for the first time.  While his Text reverberates what we seen, the picture itself truly is worth a thousand words.

Characters & Development

From Loki’s plot, to some father  and son bonding between Thor and Odin, this story offers us a lot,  yet it ends with little change in the ongoing story that has defined Journey Into Mystery for the last few months of issues.  Jane Foster still serves as a barrier between Thor and Odin, and one that Loki will likely continue to try to exploit.

Odin’s Mistake

This leads us to the source of the drama of this issue,  Why on earth did Odin, leave Loki in charge in his absence? knowing what evil he is capable of?  While it made a great story, this simple fact has the story build on a large flaw.

Originality & Continuity

While I feel this issue offers great continuity for the last few, due to the mistake mentioned above, it can not be seen as having strong continuity back to early Loki Stories, as Odin would have known better.

Story

This is the kind of comic book story, that I would  have loved to read in  a longer form; it easily could have made a great multi part epic,  or even a movie.  Once your past the one, big Flaw, the story just falls together as one would hope.