Writers: Stan Lee and Larry Lieber
Artist: Jack Kirby
"The Mighty Thor vs. the Executioner"
The third comic from the month of September 1962. A good month for the pre-Avengers, with issues starring the Might Thor, the Astonishing Ant-Man and the Incredible Hulk.
I should also mention that for some of these titles (Tales to Astonish and Journey Into Mystery, soon to be joined by Tales of Suspense), I am only discussing the main feature. Y'know, the story that features future Avengers characters.
In this issue of Journey Into Mystery, we are introduced to one of Thor's longest/best/most-loved supporting characters: Jane Foster. Jane is introduced as Dr. Donald Blake's nurse at his medical practice in "The City". (note that it isn't made clear in what city they are) The unrequited love storyline between Blake and Foster begins in this issue as well. Blake secretly pines for Foster, but is afraid that she could never love a "lame man". I think I neglected to mention in the break-down of the previous issue that Dr. Blake has a lame leg and walks with a cane (it's very fortunate that Mjolnir takes the form of a cane when it's not a hammer). Jane also secretly cares deeply for Blake; however, he has never shown her affection or any hint of romance. She believes that he would never love her. And so forth.
The adventure of this issue begins when Blake and Foster travel to a war-torn country to help with the medical effort. The ship is attacked on the way. Thor appears to repel the enemy jet fighters (communists, of course), which he does in spectacular fashion. After the ship makes landfall, Blake decides that he would have a more pronounced effect on the war as Thor than as a doctor. Thor makes quick work of the communist army. Blake and Foster help clean up the aftermath.
Overall, a fun story. I know that that is a common comment from me on these early 1960s comics from Marvel. There is something about Jack's dynamic art that just makes these stories fun to read. Even when the peril isn't great nor the villains overly engaging.
Make Mine Kirby.
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