his issue brings us The Trial of the Gods, a high-stakes test where Thor and Loki are sent to Skornheim. Their task? Fight their way back to Asgard. The first one to return will be declared the victor. The twist? Both are required to go unarmed. Thor, ever the rule follower, leaves his hammer with his father before embarking on this valiant trial.

Loki cheats—no surprises there, right? He sneaks in a set of Norn Stones, which give him a hefty edge. These magical stones allow Loki to enrage Thor and breeze through each challenge, gaining a massive early lead. Thor, however, struggles mightily but eventually discovers a shortcut that Loki, in his arrogance, overlooked.

Meanwhile, back on Earth, we check in with Jane Foster. Loki, not content with just bending the rules, sends the Enchantress and the Executioner to menace her. Balder steps in, convincing Odin to let him protect Jane, ensuring she isn’t used as a pawn to sway the trial’s outcome.

Now, about that shortcut of Thor’s… It almost gets him back to Asgard ahead of Loki. Almost. Yep, Loki actually wins this one! But we’re left dangling on a cliffhanger, as the consequences of Loki’s victory won’t be revealed until the next, fateful issue.

Story

The story is engaging, even if the stakes feel a bit hollow due to the now-established rule that immortal Asgardians aren’t allowed to harm mortals. (Though, honestly, do we ever really feel a sense of danger in Silver Age comics?) That said, it’s fun to flip through and see the next challenge unfold: Loki’s underhanded tricks followed by Thor’s creative problem-solving to overcome them.

Artwork

Jack Kirby’s pencils once again prove why he’s considered “The King” of comics. His dynamic storytelling and bold visuals shine in this issue. Thor’s dramatic face-off with Loki in The Trial of the Gods feels monumental, thanks to Kirby’s commanding compositions. The perilous landscapes of Skornheim are brimming with danger, pulling readers into this otherworldly realm.

Kirby also excels at character work. Odin and Loki are rendered with striking detail—Odin radiates regal authority, while Loki embodies scheming mischief. The intricate designs of their costumes, from Loki’s ornate headpiece to Odin’s imposing armor, reflect Kirby’s mastery of blending mythology with grandiose fantasy.

Kirby’s panel layouts deserve special praise. Whether it’s a close-up of Loki’s smug expressions or a sweeping vista of Skornheim’s treacherous terrain, Kirby knows exactly how to guide the reader’s eye. This issue is a testament to his creative peak, balancing dynamic action, visual symbolism, and immersive storytelling like no one else.

Characters & Development

Character development isn’t the highlight here. Jane Foster once again plays the damsel in distress, while Thor and Loki stay firmly in their established roles—Thor the noble hero and Loki the conniving trickster. The biggest character twist? Loki actually wins (or so it seems) by the issue’s end. That’s a rare outcome worth noting!

Originality & Continuity

This story fits neatly into the ongoing Thor narrative, building on the arcs established in previous issues. It mirrors what Marvel did with the Hulk by creating a more cohesive storyline for Thor’s solo adventures. However, there are some hiccups in continuity.

Let’s backtrack to Avengers #16, where the original team disbanded to allow for longer, standalone stories in their respective books. Thor’s trial is referenced there, explaining his absence during the Avengers’ transition to a new lineup. However, this issue features a subplot involving the Teen Brigade, which feels less like essential storytelling and more like an excuse to check in on the Avengers—and promote Daredevil #7 and Fantastic Four #38.

The inconsistency lies in how the Avengers are depicted here. The team shown in this issue doesn’t align with how they’re presented in Avengers #16 (how and who at any point in the timeframe of that issue). It’s a small detail, but it stands out when you’re paying attention to continuity.

Another thing to note, the Frightful Four, after their win against the Fantastic Four this story gives us the insight as to why they are not at the hero’s HQ doing much of what Doctor Doom does in the following issue. Creative way to develop the story and show the shared universe

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Journey Into Mystery #116 is a thrilling ride that showcases the high drama and mythological grandeur Marvel fans have come to love. While the story delivers excitement and Kirby’s art is, as always, a masterpiece, the continuity hiccups between this issue and Avengers #16 are hard to ignore. Still, Thor’s perseverance, Loki’s mischief, and the jaw-dropping landscapes of Skornheim make this issue a must-read for fans of the Odinson’s Silver Age exploits.

What about you? Did you catch the continuity flaws, or do you think they’re minor enough to overlook? Share your thoughts on this issue, its story, and how it fits into the larger Marvel tapestry in the comments below. Let’s chat about what worked, what didn’t, and how Journey Into Mystery continues to build the legacy of the God of Thunder!