Just three issues after the Hammer of Thor finds its way into the hands of  Dr. Don Blake we get our first taste of another god.  In this issue, we are introduced to Loki, but much more is at play and is hinted at then is understood at this time.

In this issue, we have the first battle of god’s, and what a better backdrop for that then New York City!  What better a setting could there be.  so this issue has it all, from Times Square to Asgard.  but is exotic location’s and the first written bout of gods enough to make this issue great?

Story

the story start’s off with an imprisoned Loki, whom though cleverness has finely found a way to escape. after his escape he seeks out revenge on Thor, the god responsible for his capture. using his potent magic he locates Thor, by locating his hammer in a hospital on earth, and goes there.

once on earth unable to easily find Thor and not wanting to reveal himself, he uses magic on some victims to make them ‘negatives’.  by luck our hero is near by and easily helps the people.  It is then that Loki reveals himself.

The gods battle with a mixture of Thor acting like he knew Loki well, and other moments more like the Don Blake finder of the stick we know.

This issue, while introducing Loki also introduces other Asgard gods, although just in passing. Heimdall, Odin, Balder, And Tyr are all seen and mentioned by name in this issue.

The story does seem a little weak, and it did make me feel like I missed something between Journey Into Mystery #84 and #85.  However I do feel it is a story that will grow stronger when from the viewpoint of retrospect as events continue to unfold.

Art

Journey Into Mystery #84, set a new standard for art, and #85 lived up quite well , This issue of Thor was drawn quite well,  with a lot of attention not only given to the characters, but the surroundings.  This issue is by far a great piece of artwork.

I feel there was great attention to detail in the artwork, and it just does not let me down all issue. I don’t belive I have said this before, but this time, the cover does not do the internal artwork justice.

The greatest shame of the artwork is that with a couple more pages and a little work on the story; the rest of the book could have lived up to it.

Originality & Continuity

From the moment that we had Thor, was there any doubt that he would come to battle other god’s?  Be it from his pantheon or another? Loki is a good fit for the Thor character, and a natural starting point, and old enemy.

this story does feel a bit out of continuity, a bit like the wagon came before the horse to me,  and it is not horrible original as battles go. it is almost an expected story as I already said.  A few more issues and I may have ranked this story higher,  if I felt it was ready to fit, but at this point, it just does not fit the existing continuity in my opinion.

Characters & Development

I feel that the development of this issue was weak, in theory it had a lot, but it was under-explained. Given that Dr. Blake found an artifact that makes him Thor, he does not have the memories of Thor;  There is a lot that I am sure will be explained soon, but as of issue 85 it was not. I already said this, but this issue I feel just came to soon for it to really help us develop the character’s.

Much more of this issue was also focused away from the perspective of Thor/Dr. Blake this time,  while it could have been a great building up of the Loki Character, the issue does not do him or the conflict between him and Thor justice.