Featuring: Tales of Asgard Release: March 4, 1965 Cover: May 1965 12 cents Story: Stan Lee Pencilling: Jack Kirby Inking: Vince Colletta Lettering: Artie Simek 5 pages
Another early scheme of Loki. While Thor flirts with Princess Rinda, Loki schemes with King Hymir. Hymir issues two challenges Thor is honor-bound to accept. Those who fail Hymir’s challenges become his slaves.
Featuring: Thor Release: March 4, 1965 Cover: May 1965 12 cents Written by imperial Stan Lee Illustrated by impregnable Jack Kirby Inked by implacable Vince Colletta Lettered by impossible Artie Simek 16 pages
Colletta graduates from inking the backup stories to the main Thor feature. He will be the Thor artist for a very long time to come. For better or worse. In fact, he will ink the next 52 consecutive Thor stories, and a good many of the next 50 after that over the course of an 8-year run.
We’ll reserve commentary on the his style for now. Let’s spend a few issues taking in this new art style before we try to see how we think Colletta compares to Chic Stone.
Another compelling Thor title. “The Trial of the Gods!”
We’ve known the phrase since we read Avengers #16, which was actually published a week after this, but took place earlier. At least, Thor’s appearance in the story took place before this issue.
Kirby seemed to use the same concept for cover and first page.
I’ve never really understood Odin and never will. Everybody seems to agree he is wise, but his wisdom must be too much for my mortal intelligence to grasp. Thor claims Loki kidnapped Jane to Asgard; Loki claims Thor brought Jane to Asgard because he loves her. Who is lying? The God of Thunder or the God of Lies?
Only one way to find out, says Odin. The Trial of the Gods!
Featuring: Tales of Asgard Release: February 4, 1965 Cover: April 1965 12 cents Writer: Stan Lee Illustrator: Jack Kirby Delineator: Vince Colletta Letterer: Artie Simek 5 pages
This is the third Loki-centric story. Not really sure why this is a significant chapter in his life. I guess it’s an early example of him being evil. They seem to make a big deal that this is his first time forming an evil alliance.
Featuring: Tales of Asgard Release: January 5, 1965 Cover: March 1965 12 cents By: Stan Lee + Jack Kirby Inking: Vince Coletta [sic] Lettering: Artie Simek 5 pages
Featuring: X-Men Release: May 4, 1965 Cover: July 1965 12 cents Stupifying story by: Stan Lee Spectacular layouts by: Jack Kirby Slam-bang pencilling by: Alex Toth Sensational inking by: Vince Colletta The usual lettering by: Sam Rosen Kibitzing by: the whole blamed bullpen! 20 pages
Happy Labor Day. Thanks to all the workers, past and present, for all they have done to shape this nation by the fruits of their labors.
We just read X-Men #11. And by just, I mean over 2 weeks ago. Sorry, life stuff got in the way of my comic reading priorities. That issue ended with alarms warning the X-Men of what Xavier called the most deadly danger they had ever faced approaching. Seeming to ignore the fact that they’d just faced a godlike alien being.
I’ve left us hanging with that cliffhanger for 2 weeks now. But it’s better than kids in the 60s had it. They had to wait 2 months to meet this new menace, and then perhaps be disappointed to learn we don’t actually glimpse him until the very final panel.
Before we get to the story, we must ask questions about the credits: Why are there so many artists? And who is this Alex Toth? What’s this bullpen?
This is the second time Stan has referred to the “bullpen” in the credits, and the second time he has credited them with kibitzing.
Since Roussos left, this title is having trouble finding a consistent inker for Ayers. We had Giacoia last issue and Ditko the issue before. This issue, Vince Colletta finds time between issues of Thor to lend his inks. Colletta had been a sergeant in the Air Force, so he fits the credits scheme of noting the military service of this series’ contributors.
We pick up where last issue left off, with the Commandos still in the Sahara desert. They are ready to return home, but are instead given a new assignment.
Featuring: Tales of Asgard Release: December 3, 1964 Cover: February 1965 12 cents A Stan Lee and Jack Kirby fabulous featurette! Inked by: Vince Colletta Lettered by: Artie Simek 5 pages
The story is credited to Stan and Jack without any breakdown of who did what.
Stan refers to this as the “biographies-in-depth” series. There’s not that much depth. This is the second chapter of Loki’s “biography” and the third character spotlighted after Heimdall and Balder.
Featuring: Tales of Asgard Release: November 3, 1963 Cover: January 1964 12 cents Majestically written by: Stan Lee Magnificently drawn by: Jack Kirby Masterfully inked by: Vince Colletta Magnanimously lettered by: Artie Simek 5 pages
We see this story described as the start of a new biography in-depth. There won’t be that much depth. What’s meant is that we have had sequences of this series devoted to Heimdall and Balder respectively. It’s now Loki’s turn to take the spotlight for the next few issues.
This story is set when Thor is a young child, and the universe as well is young. Odin is solidifying his rule and Asgard is at war with Jotunheim. Jotunheim is a land of giants and Laufey is their king. Odin seeks to end Laufey’s rule.
We have before met Frost Giants, Storm Giants, Rime Giants, and Mountain Giants. The inhabitants of Jotunheim are here just referred to as giants. Later comic stories will suggest Laufey is actually a Frost Giant, but he looks nothing like Ymir.
Odin is wielding what appears to be the uru hammer he would later give to Thor.
Featuring: Tales of Asgard Release: October 1, 1964 Cover: December 1964 12 cents Superbly written by: Stan Lee Supremely drawn by: Jack Kirby Savagely inked by: Vince Colletta Sagatiously lettered by: Artie Simek 5 page
The theme of many of these early Thor stories is that Loki is still considered a friend and ally by Thor, yet Loki is always secretly trying to get Thor killed, usually in pretty non-subtle ways. This has been going on since they were children.
Loki has recommended a short cut through a forbidden forest, then goads Sigurd and Thor into battle. Balder is suspicious.
Featuring: Tales of Asgard Release: September 1, 1964 Cover: November 1964 12 cents Writer: Stan Lee Illustrator: Jack Kirby Delineator: Vince Colletta Letterer: Art Simek 5 pages
King Rampok is dead. The meek Prince Rivvak must now lead their forces against Asgard. Armies gather, and not for tea.
During the battle, Odin repeatedly employs questionable tactics and does not seem to bring his full power to bear. Ultimately, the Asgardians retreat in defeat.
