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Marvel Masterworks: The Mighty Thor #2
Marvel Masterworks: The Mighty Thor, Vol. 2
Whosoever holds this hammer, if he be worthy, shall possess the power of Thor! Featuring the introduction of the Enchantress and the Executioner! Thor vs. Magneto! The Cobra and Mister Hyde strike! Giants walk the Earth! And the Tomorrow Man traps Thor in the world of the future! Collects JOURNEY INTO MYSTERY #101-110
218 pages, Hardcover
Published January 1, 1993
37 people are currently reading
140 people want to read
About the author
Stan Lee
7,565 books2,335 followersStan Lee (born Stanley Martin Lieber) was an American writer, editor, creator of comic book superheroes, and the former president and chairman of Marvel Comics.
With several artist co-creators, most notably Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko, he co-created Spider-Man, the Fantastic Four, Thor as a superhero, the X-Men, Iron Man, the Hulk, Daredevil, the Silver Surfer, Dr. Strange, Ant-Man and the Wasp, Scarlet Witch, The Inhumans, and many other characters, introducing complex, naturalistic characters and a thoroughly shared universe into superhero comic books. He subsequently led the expansion of Marvel Comics from a small division of a publishing house to a large multimedia corporation.
With several artist co-creators, most notably Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko, he co-created Spider-Man, the Fantastic Four, Thor as a superhero, the X-Men, Iron Man, the Hulk, Daredevil, the Silver Surfer, Dr. Strange, Ant-Man and the Wasp, Scarlet Witch, The Inhumans, and many other characters, introducing complex, naturalistic characters and a thoroughly shared universe into superhero comic books. He subsequently led the expansion of Marvel Comics from a small division of a publishing house to a large multimedia corporation.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
December 29, 2020
It is strange that the famous character of Thor had such a slow start early on. The first 10 or so issues are pretty unremarkable, with stories that had little to do with Thor. You could replace him with really any marvel hero of the time and it would essentially be the same.
However, once Jack Kirby started doing all the art for Thor, it definitely took a massive step up in quality. This volume features great art and a real ongoing drama of romantic intrigue between thor and jane. Odin becomes very involved and makes the stories far more interesting, even if the reader is left to wonder why the all wise odin repeatedly takes the advice and suggestions of Loki.
Although this collection doesn't hold the storytelling heights yet to come in this epic and legendary run, it is still very good. I was stunned to find myself engaged in Thor's battles with the unforgettable (sarcasm) villains of cobra and Mr hyde. This is truly a testament to the art and pacing that this story was a success
However, once Jack Kirby started doing all the art for Thor, it definitely took a massive step up in quality. This volume features great art and a real ongoing drama of romantic intrigue between thor and jane. Odin becomes very involved and makes the stories far more interesting, even if the reader is left to wonder why the all wise odin repeatedly takes the advice and suggestions of Loki.
Although this collection doesn't hold the storytelling heights yet to come in this epic and legendary run, it is still very good. I was stunned to find myself engaged in Thor's battles with the unforgettable (sarcasm) villains of cobra and Mr hyde. This is truly a testament to the art and pacing that this story was a success
November 13, 2024
Containing 10 early Thor comics this collection goes from 101-110 with Thor facing off against such classic Marvel villains such as The Enchantress, The Executioner, The Cobra, Mr. Hyde, The Grey Gargoyle, and even Magneto of all menaces. Loki is naturally scheming throughout these stories and always his main threat.
Mug favorite story was probably #109 when Goldilocks faces Magneto. A very rare duel. Honorable mention to the two parter versus Cobra and Hyde in issues 105-106.
Mug favorite story was probably #109 when Goldilocks faces Magneto. A very rare duel. Honorable mention to the two parter versus Cobra and Hyde in issues 105-106.
December 17, 2023
Look for: Odin’s “robe of conquest” (#108); the Hall of Heroes pavilion at the New York World’s Fair (#109); a contrast to the Sokovia Accords, as the Avengers “have top federal priority” (#107); Thor swinging Mjölnir to stop the flow of time (?) (#110); first appearances for the Enchantress and the Executioner (#103); and lots of the Cobra and Mr. Hyde.
November 23, 2018
BRING ON THE BAD GUYS: This collection leans a lot less heavily on Loki as the main bad guy, though he does of course slink around in the background and put certain events in motion. Cobra and Mr. Hyde return and team up, then return again. Zarrko is also back--less said about him, the better. The Asgardian menaces Amora and Skurj--the Enchantress and the Executioner--make their debuts, a little out of sequence with the Avengers issues they appeared in already in this read. Magneto and the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants make an unexpected appearance. But most exciting for me is the debut of the Grey Gargoyle--I've always had a soft spot for this hunched, hulking Frenchman with his unhealthy (and dangerous) complexion. His scalloped, ribbed cape is delightful--good design, Jack! Also, the fire-demon Surtur makes a strangely muted first appearance.
LADYWATCH: I continue to be unimpressed with Jane Foster, though she does provoke this collection's most endearing, human moment--a thrilled, love-drunk Thor flies around New York, shouting his happiness from above the rooftops, because he caught a hint that Jane had feelings for his alter-ego. It was a genuinely sweet, cute moment, and may actually exceed any other single moment in this read so far for actual human relatability. Also appearing: the aforementioned Enchantress, who uses sex as a weapon, and the Scarlet Witch, briefly.
HOSTS OF HOGGOTH: Dr. Strange guest stars! Stan must really have been pushing him for a bit there. He used his magical abilities to assist Thor in a duel with Loki, and I remain confused as to how public Strange's identity and activities are. Loki, the Enchantress, the Executioner, and Odin also continue to display the particular Asgardian brand of magic.
SUPERHERO TEAMUP: In an odd cameo, the X-Men "appear" during Thor's battle with Magneto, but always just off-panel or only as shadows. The overall effect is very much more mysterious and somewhat sinister than is normal for this era. I think Stan was trying to push his merry mutants in this era, too.
CONTINUITY NOTES: The Avengers make a brief appearance, though no direct references are made to events in their title. During the X-Men's appearance, there is no reference to their meeting with the Avengers in X-MEN #10, nor was there reference to that incident in this issue, leaving it unclear as to what sequence the events occur in; put this brief meeting in the same category as Iron Man's encounter with Angel as being of dubious canonicity--odd considering Stan was writing and editing all these books.
LADYWATCH: I continue to be unimpressed with Jane Foster, though she does provoke this collection's most endearing, human moment--a thrilled, love-drunk Thor flies around New York, shouting his happiness from above the rooftops, because he caught a hint that Jane had feelings for his alter-ego. It was a genuinely sweet, cute moment, and may actually exceed any other single moment in this read so far for actual human relatability. Also appearing: the aforementioned Enchantress, who uses sex as a weapon, and the Scarlet Witch, briefly.
HOSTS OF HOGGOTH: Dr. Strange guest stars! Stan must really have been pushing him for a bit there. He used his magical abilities to assist Thor in a duel with Loki, and I remain confused as to how public Strange's identity and activities are. Loki, the Enchantress, the Executioner, and Odin also continue to display the particular Asgardian brand of magic.
SUPERHERO TEAMUP: In an odd cameo, the X-Men "appear" during Thor's battle with Magneto, but always just off-panel or only as shadows. The overall effect is very much more mysterious and somewhat sinister than is normal for this era. I think Stan was trying to push his merry mutants in this era, too.
CONTINUITY NOTES: The Avengers make a brief appearance, though no direct references are made to events in their title. During the X-Men's appearance, there is no reference to their meeting with the Avengers in X-MEN #10, nor was there reference to that incident in this issue, leaving it unclear as to what sequence the events occur in; put this brief meeting in the same category as Iron Man's encounter with Angel as being of dubious canonicity--odd considering Stan was writing and editing all these books.
April 5, 2018
Well, the lead stories were not as good as either Fantastic Four or Amazing Spider-Man. Dr. Donald Blake is simply not very interesting, and his relationship with Jane Foster is a snooze. That whole aspect of the book is hackneyed formuala.
However, the Tales of Asgard backups, already collected in a hardcover in my collection, are excellent, and as good as anything from the classic Marvel era. The early Thor stories are essentially second-rate Superman tales (and the Superman stories of that era were pretty second-rate on their own!), but once Lee takes over scripting (Larry Lieber and Robert Bernstein handle most of the early scripts) and Jack's full-time on art (Joe Sinnott and Don Heck among those who handle an issue in the early going), the series definitely kicks up a notch. Still not quite great, but the more the Norse mythology takes over, the more memorable the series becomes.
However, the Tales of Asgard backups, already collected in a hardcover in my collection, are excellent, and as good as anything from the classic Marvel era. The early Thor stories are essentially second-rate Superman tales (and the Superman stories of that era were pretty second-rate on their own!), but once Lee takes over scripting (Larry Lieber and Robert Bernstein handle most of the early scripts) and Jack's full-time on art (Joe Sinnott and Don Heck among those who handle an issue in the early going), the series definitely kicks up a notch. Still not quite great, but the more the Norse mythology takes over, the more memorable the series becomes.
January 12, 2021
As the Thor series progressed, Lee improved the formula and deepened the backstory of the Thunder God by exploring his boyhood in Asgard and explaining why Loki was so evil and had such a hatred for Thor. He achieved a modicum of dramatic tension by Odin refusing to allow Thor to reveal to his mortal love, Jane, that he was actually Thor as well as Don Blake, and that would be the main conflict (aside from the revolving door of villains per issue) through this next group of ten issues.
February 26, 2022
After a somewhat "meh" first volume Lee and Kirby take over from other creators and Thor gets energized. More drama. More angst over his love life. Stories of Asgard as the backup feature and more Asgard in the lead feature.
Kirby loved myths and it shows in his art here. The plots aren't as impressive. The love story annoys as often as it works and Odin is a real jerk as a father. Still, this is some impressive entertainment.
Kirby loved myths and it shows in his art here. The plots aren't as impressive. The love story annoys as often as it works and Odin is a real jerk as a father. Still, this is some impressive entertainment.
July 27, 2022
Me re olvide de marcar esto como leido, así de irrelevante es.
Los comics de Thor me parecen un embole, hasta ahora los más aburridos de Marvel. Encima que gran parte del problema del prota es que Odin no lo deja casarse con Jane es re ¿?¿? No se, el tipo es un dios, debería tener cosas más importantes de las que preocuparse en vez de prohibirle al hijo con quien salir
Los comics de Thor me parecen un embole, hasta ahora los más aburridos de Marvel. Encima que gran parte del problema del prota es que Odin no lo deja casarse con Jane es re ¿?¿? No se, el tipo es un dios, debería tener cosas más importantes de las que preocuparse en vez de prohibirle al hijo con quien salir
September 14, 2017
There's a marked improvement in both story and art in this second volume, although far too many plots have Jane in danger and Thor separated from his hammer. Kirby really starts to shine, parrticularly in the scenes set in Asgard. But the best is yet to come.
September 28, 2018
In this collection, Thor mainly battles The Cobra and Mr. Hyde, two rather forgettable villains. But at least Don Blake's relationship with Jane Foster evolves some. To pad things out we also get some Tales Of Asgard, giving us backstories to Heimdall, Balder, and young Thor.
November 1, 2019
Calificiación: 6
January 12, 2021
Excelsior!
I never imagined how interesting the stories of Thor could be. They are as captivating as Spiderman or the Fantastic Four.
I never imagined how interesting the stories of Thor could be. They are as captivating as Spiderman or the Fantastic Four.
May 4, 2023
After Lee and Kirby create the series, the foundation starts to settle. 3.5/5
May 5, 2023
Journey into Mystery came into its own with the tales from Asgard backup stories, but a lot of time is wasted with thor fighting boring villains on earth
September 17, 2023
Journey Into Mystery #101-110.
December 4, 2014
This book collects Journey Into Mystery #101-110 containing the further adventures of Thor.
The positives of this collection include its solid line of guest villains and heroes. There are a couple of Avengers cameos, plus guest a guest appearance by Doctor Strange. In addition, the rogue's gallery includes appearances by the Enchantress and Executioner, Mr. Hyde and Corba, plus Magneto, and of course Loki remains that very unique comic book archfoe who is in almost every issue.
The Tales of Asgard feature remains interesting and includes looks at Balder the Brave, Heimdall, and more. They're short but fun reads.
The biggest downside of the book is that it overfocuses on Thor's relationship with Jane Foster which was forbidden by Odin. The relationship was similar to the Spider-man-Betty Brant and Daredevil-Karen Page relationships at the same time only Thor is far more petulent about it. His rampage through the city in Journey Into Mystery #101 makes Daredevil's decision to battle Captain America at Madison Square Garden look sane by comparison.
Also, Odin becomes a somewhat annoying character. His decision to deny Jane Foster immortality in the last collection made a lot of sense, but he's far too gullible in this one as well as just way too petty and prone to amazingly dumb decisions. Conversely, this isn't what Odin's like in Tales of Asgard. I can't help but wonder if this was how Kirby and Lee viewed God in general, which would explain why neither were/are religious.
The final insult is that the book ends on a cliffhanger. Really, would it have been that much trouble to include Issue 111?
Still, despite the problems, this book's positives outweigh its negatives. There are some great battles and the book does begin to get better towards the end and Thor storming the gates of Asgard in Issue 110 is an amazing story drawn in typical Jack Kirby style.
The positives of this collection include its solid line of guest villains and heroes. There are a couple of Avengers cameos, plus guest a guest appearance by Doctor Strange. In addition, the rogue's gallery includes appearances by the Enchantress and Executioner, Mr. Hyde and Corba, plus Magneto, and of course Loki remains that very unique comic book archfoe who is in almost every issue.
The Tales of Asgard feature remains interesting and includes looks at Balder the Brave, Heimdall, and more. They're short but fun reads.
The biggest downside of the book is that it overfocuses on Thor's relationship with Jane Foster which was forbidden by Odin. The relationship was similar to the Spider-man-Betty Brant and Daredevil-Karen Page relationships at the same time only Thor is far more petulent about it. His rampage through the city in Journey Into Mystery #101 makes Daredevil's decision to battle Captain America at Madison Square Garden look sane by comparison.
Also, Odin becomes a somewhat annoying character. His decision to deny Jane Foster immortality in the last collection made a lot of sense, but he's far too gullible in this one as well as just way too petty and prone to amazingly dumb decisions. Conversely, this isn't what Odin's like in Tales of Asgard. I can't help but wonder if this was how Kirby and Lee viewed God in general, which would explain why neither were/are religious.
The final insult is that the book ends on a cliffhanger. Really, would it have been that much trouble to include Issue 111?
Still, despite the problems, this book's positives outweigh its negatives. There are some great battles and the book does begin to get better towards the end and Thor storming the gates of Asgard in Issue 110 is an amazing story drawn in typical Jack Kirby style.
December 11, 2013
Rollicking good fun.
An enjoyable mix of Stan the Man's hyperbolic exuberance and King Kirby's bombastic artwork. Behold the many, never-before-seen (and mostly never to be seen again) powers of Thor's hammer (or mallet, as Stan likes to call it)! Wonder upon the varied wardrobe of Odin, King of Asgard (including an incredibly pimping "Midgardian's guise")! Marvel at the senses-shattering debut of some of the most malevolent members of the Odinson's rogues gallery: The beautiful-but-deadly Enchantress! The rough-and-ready Executioner! The not-yet-ready-for-the-primetime fire demon Surtur! That blundering idiot, The Grey Gargoyle (uhh...)! Quiver at the majestic return of ZARRKO THE TOMORROW MAN! HAIL ZARRKO, GREATEST OF THOR FOES! Pull your hair out in frustration at the incredible inanity of Don Blake and Jane Foster's unspeakably timid relationship.
The only misstep in this collection of cool is its abrupt ending with the first part of a two-part story featuring Loki, Mister Hyde and The Cobra; which leaves the first-time reader hanging (Boo! Hiss!).
An enjoyable mix of Stan the Man's hyperbolic exuberance and King Kirby's bombastic artwork. Behold the many, never-before-seen (and mostly never to be seen again) powers of Thor's hammer (or mallet, as Stan likes to call it)! Wonder upon the varied wardrobe of Odin, King of Asgard (including an incredibly pimping "Midgardian's guise")! Marvel at the senses-shattering debut of some of the most malevolent members of the Odinson's rogues gallery: The beautiful-but-deadly Enchantress! The rough-and-ready Executioner! The not-yet-ready-for-the-primetime fire demon Surtur! That blundering idiot, The Grey Gargoyle (uhh...)! Quiver at the majestic return of ZARRKO THE TOMORROW MAN! HAIL ZARRKO, GREATEST OF THOR FOES! Pull your hair out in frustration at the incredible inanity of Don Blake and Jane Foster's unspeakably timid relationship.
The only misstep in this collection of cool is its abrupt ending with the first part of a two-part story featuring Loki, Mister Hyde and The Cobra; which leaves the first-time reader hanging (Boo! Hiss!).
January 30, 2014
Not a book I had intended to buy or review, but I got a copy by accident from an Amazon seller. Still, hard to go wrong with old school Jack Kirby artwork. I remember buying this one when it first came out, but ended up selling it about a decade ago, so it was a nice li'l gift to myself.
This volume reprints Journey into Mystery #101-110 and features the first appearance of the Grey Gargoyle, and features Mr. Hyde and the Cobra, Magneto, Dr. Strange, and numerous scuffles between the Thunder God and his half-brother Loki, as well as a bunch of Tales of Asgard stories.
The only downer of the book is that #110 is a story continued into the next issue, which, of course, is in the next volume. Other than that, this is a generally fun read - something Marvel Comics doesn't quite know how to do anymore.
This volume reprints Journey into Mystery #101-110 and features the first appearance of the Grey Gargoyle, and features Mr. Hyde and the Cobra, Magneto, Dr. Strange, and numerous scuffles between the Thunder God and his half-brother Loki, as well as a bunch of Tales of Asgard stories.
The only downer of the book is that #110 is a story continued into the next issue, which, of course, is in the next volume. Other than that, this is a generally fun read - something Marvel Comics doesn't quite know how to do anymore.
May 28, 2024
The upswing.
Tales of Asgard fleshes out Kirby’s mythology while Thor’s Rogues Gallery begins to get traction. A few supporting cast members get some panels too.
But Jane Foster’s still bad. And the 60 second hammer limit is wearisome. Kirby’s resurrecting the book, but there’s a ways still to climb.
First appearances:
Enchantress
(The real) Executioner
Balder (a favorite)
Sif (minimal in a Tales of Asgard story)
Grey Gargoyle
You also get plenty of Loki, more Zarrko, a lot of Mr. Hyde and the Cobra, a Magneto showing, a present day fight with Surtur. That last one actually is the stand out of the collection—#104.
Tales of Asgard fleshes out Kirby’s mythology while Thor’s Rogues Gallery begins to get traction. A few supporting cast members get some panels too.
But Jane Foster’s still bad. And the 60 second hammer limit is wearisome. Kirby’s resurrecting the book, but there’s a ways still to climb.
First appearances:
Enchantress
(The real) Executioner
Balder (a favorite)
Sif (minimal in a Tales of Asgard story)
Grey Gargoyle
You also get plenty of Loki, more Zarrko, a lot of Mr. Hyde and the Cobra, a Magneto showing, a present day fight with Surtur. That last one actually is the stand out of the collection—#104.
September 25, 2014
In the first volume of Thor stories we have Dr. Donald Blake finding Mjolnir, being worthy to lift it, and thus he is transformed into Thor; however, he still thinks and acts a lot like Blake. In this volume, you'll see that gradually Thor thinks and acts more like Thor, talks like Thor, makes decisions like a god, etc. It's as if it took Lee and Kirby several months to figure the character out. By the midway point, Thor is recognizable in his (more or less) current form. That's where the fun part starts for me!
December 10, 2017
Thor starts to get really good
This is where Thor begins to take off. While the endless soap opera with Jane gets tiresome, the array of villains, Loki, Mr. Hyde, the grey gargoyle all keep things interesting. And as always, Jack Kirbys art gets better and better.
This is where Thor begins to take off. While the endless soap opera with Jane gets tiresome, the array of villains, Loki, Mr. Hyde, the grey gargoyle all keep things interesting. And as always, Jack Kirbys art gets better and better.
August 7, 2015
There are some pretty unmemorable villains in these ten issues of Journey Into Mystery, most of them just B-grade villains from other series, but fans of Thor might be interested in reading more from his early days.
February 5, 2016
The Marvel Masterworks volumes are fantastic reprints of the early years of Marvel comics. A fantastic resource to allow these hard to find issues to be read by everyone. Very recommended to everyone and Highly recommended to any comic fan.
October 24, 2011
I hate when they end on a cliffhanger!
July 8, 2012
This second volume was a little better than the first, mostly because by this time Kirby was handling all of the art. I still don't care about Thor, though. This might be the last of these I read.
May 17, 2015
Journey into Mystery #101-110, 1964.
Some minor glitches in the mythology (Odin's horse only has four legs) but pretty good stories for the time.
Some minor glitches in the mythology (Odin's horse only has four legs) but pretty good stories for the time.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews