Journey Into Mystery #90

March 1963
Writers: Stan Lee and Larry Lieber
Artist: Al Hartley

"Trapped by the Carbon-Copy Man"

The art for this story from Al Hartley.  I'll just say up front that there is only one Jack Kirby, and this guy is not him.  I need also mention that this begins a stretch in this book without art from Kirby and there is a slip in quality in my opinion.  When Kirby makes his return, he does so with backup tales of a young Thor; those stories are gold.

The story in this issue begins on the far off world of Xarta, as the war lord and his son plan to wage war on the planet Earth.  Meanwhile, Dr. Donald Blake finally decides to share his secret with the beautiful Jane Foster.  However, just as he tries to do so, Allfather Odin appears to him and tells him that he must not do so. He is forbidden.  Blake slinks off, leaving Jane to believe that the timid doctor is actually afraid of Thor.

Out on the street, Blake is confronted by a series of bizarre new laws that have been enacted in the city: cars must drive on sidewalks, bridges are painted with polka dots, and it's "trust people week" where house doors cannot be locked (for example).  Sensing that something is amiss, Thor confronts the mayor and quickly realizes that some of the people in the city have been replaced by impostors. 

Thor flies about the city and the outskirts; he discovers a poorly concealed spaceships.  Upon landing, he is quickly attacked, loses his hammer, and turns back into the lame Dr. Blake.  The aliens reveal a number of things to the doctor: their plans to conquer Earth, their shape-changing abilities, and the fact that they have the lovely Jane Foster captured, as well.  Blake manages to trick the aliens into thinking that Thor is attacking. They turn their backs, Blake grabs the hammer and (poof!) Thor emerges!

Thor battles the alien warriors, who transform into a variety of creatures, ranging from crystal-skinned (as seen on the cover) to invisible.  Eventually, Thor vanquishes the foes (for example, he unleashes rain upon the invisible to make visible to make with the punching).  Our hero drives the warriors off and they flee the planet, save for three who are left behind. Thor hypnotizes the three and has them turn themselves into trees.

We are led to believe that they will remain as trees forever.  Cold, Thor.  Cold.

I don't have much more to say about this issue.  Fun diversion.  Nothing too substantial.

Next issue: the return of Loki!

Tales of Suspense #39

March 1963
Writers: Stan Lee and Larry Lieber
Artist: Don Heck

Lo... we have an iron man.  Just as Stan and Jack wrap up their Incredible Hulk series, Stan creates a brand new character (along with Don Heck) in the pages of Tales of Suspense: Anthony Stark, the Iron Man. 

The origin story in this issue is one that near everyone knows by know (as it was popularized in a little movie that came out a few years ago).  Obviously, the movie version was a bit updated, but the overall story is much the same.

Wealthy industrialist and genius scientist Tony Stark has developed technology for the US government that they would like his help employing in the ongoing battle in Vietnam.  The basis of the majority of his inventions are miniaturized transistors, by the way (which Stan seems to think can do ANYTHING).  While in Vietnam, Stark is captured by the Wong-Chu the tyrant.  During the attack shrapnel is lodged near Stark's heart and he has only week to live.  Wong-Chu promises he will help Stark if Stark designs him a weapon.  Stark agrees and the tyrant provides help in the form of Professor Yinsen.

The two of them work diligently together, not on a weapon for Wong-Chu, but on a suit of armor, naturally.  Stark dons the suit, which also keeps his heart beating.  Yinsen is dragged away by the guards and killed, but the new Iron Man is able to fight his way to freedom, freeing the other prisoners and destroying the Vietnamese base in the process. Stark walks off into the night, knowing that he owes his life to Yinsen and the armor - the armor which he must charge frequently to keep his heart beating.

Don Heck and Stan Lee introduce us to a great new character in Anthony Stark, a character that they imbue with a weakness in that fantastic Marvel Manner.  In the issues to come, we'll explore the evolution of the Iron Man armor and we'll be introduced to a wonderful supporting cast.

Next issue: an armor change, already?

Tales to Astonish #41

March 1963
Writers: Stan Lee and Larry Lieber
Artist: Don Heck

"Prisoner of the Slave World"

This issue features the first non-Jack Kirby artwork in this pre-Avengers read through.  As a result, I found myself even less connected to this story than I had the previous issues.

Here we go.

Our story begins with Hank visiting a fellow scientist.  Hank discovers that the scientist is missing.  The next day, a strange window washer pays our hero a visit.  Hank turns his back and the window washer drenches him with a bucket of paralyzing liquid.  He is whisked away to another dimension where he finds the other missing scientists.  Apparently an alien named Kulla has been coercing the scientists into building a death ray.

Pym refuses to go along with this and he is locked up away from the rest, which is exactly what he wanted.  Once alone, he changes into his ant-man garb and shrinks.  However, he didn't count on one thing: alien insects which don't obey his command!  This doesn't stop our hero for long, though.  He soon learns how to control the alien insects, as well.

With the help of the insects and eventually the help of the captured scientists, Pym defeats the aliens and they all return home to planet Earth.

Next issue: more Don Heck and an interesting villain!

Incredible Hulk #6

March 1963
Writer: Stan Lee
Artist: Steve Ditko

"The Incredible Hulk vs. the Metal Master"

With this final issue of the original Hulk series, the artistic chores switch over to Steve Ditko.  He's no slouch, but if I'm honest, I preferred Kirby.  We also have a feature-length story this issue.

As the title of the story might suggest, the villain of our tale is a man who controls metal (no not that guy, a different one).  Our story begins with the testing of a new weapon by the US government; unfortunately, Dr. Bruce Banner is missing.  General Ross stomps about in anger, while Betty worries and Rick wonders what the Hulk is up to.  Meanwhile, the Hulk finally returns to his cave, wherein he uses his awesome ray machine to change back into Banner.

However, the changing process has become more problematic of late. This time, upon changing, Banner retains the strength of the Hulk (but only briefly, after which it fades).  Bruce looks upon a monitor and sees that the testing of the new weapon has gone awry; the mysterious Metal Master has melted the whole thing.  Metal Master declares that he is an alien and can control all forms of metal.  He also declares that the planet Earth is now his.

The alien shows off his mastery, while back in his cave, Banner again steps in front of his ray.  In another bizarre turn, Banner changes into the Hulk yet retains the face of Banner.  Thinking quickly, he dons a Hulk mask that was laying about and springs into action. 

Hulk confronts the Metal Master!  And is soundly defeated.  The alien flies off.  Seeing a grand opportunity, a couple US troops sneak up on the unconscious Hulk and rip off his mask... only to find the Hulk's face.  The Hulk is then captured and imprisoned. 

Rick is troubled by his inability to help the Hulk this time.  In an effort to accomplish something, he forms the Teen Brigade! - a group of teenagers across the country who communicate by way of ham radios.  At about the same time, the Hulk manages to bust free of his prison and return to his cave, where he changes back to Banner (feeling weaker all the time).

Rick finds our hero and tells him of his Teen Brigade.  They hatch a plan and the teenage army begins to gather supplies.  Once everything is in place, the Hulk confronts the Metal Master, wielding a massive gun.  Undaunted, the alien attacks, attempting to destroy the weapon.  But it's not working!  He tries harder and harder, with no success!  The Hulk manages to grab a hold of the would-be despot and bring him to justice.  Turns out the weapon was plastic!

In our story (and series) epilogue, the Hulk tries to change back to Banner without success.  He is stuck once again as a monster.

Wait.  What's this?  Oh, he does change back to Banner.  It was nothing more than a delayed reaction.  Bruce and Betty re-unite and all appears well - excepting the general, who still doesn't trust the scientist.  The final moments of the issue center around the uncertainty of the ray machine (yet with still the understanding that Banner will use it again).

And that's that for this short-lived series.  Some good stuff, some slogs.  Great art. 

Next up for the Hulk, Rick Jones, and the Teen Brigade?  Avenger #1, of course!

Journey Into Mystery #89

February 1963
Writers: Stan Lee and Larry Lieber
Artist: Jack Kirby

"The Thunder God and the Thug"

Our story begins with Jane Foster and Donald Blake at their practice, each secretly pining over the other.  Each believes that they love the other and that the other has no romantic feelings whatsoever.  Outside the practice, the mob leader Thug Thatcher (the octopus of crime) is being transported to prison when his cronies bust him out of the armored car.  The conflict with the police results in the mob boss getting shot.  As luck would have it, his goons notice a medical practice and proceed to burst into Blake's office and demand medical help.

The mobsters kidnap Blake and force him to save their boss.  After he does so, Thug Thatcher orders the execution of our good doctor.  Fearing for his life, Blake prays to the allfather Odin. Odin grants his prayer and electrocutes the executioner.  In the confusion, Blake grabs his cane and the thunder god Thor emerges!  Thor makes quick work of the mobsters, but Thatcher escapes.

Thor returns to Blake's office, but discovers that Thug Thatcher has taken Jane hostage.  Thatcher has heard that Thor's power resides in his hammer and he demands that Thor drop it.  Thor complies, but proceeds to then trick Thatcher by throwing his voice and pretending that the police have arrived.  Thatcher flees!  Thor gives chase and the battle ends on the construction site of a steel high rise.  The mob boss nearly dies, but Thor saves him at the last moment and Thatcher returns to police custody.

Even though this story didn't feature a true super-villain and it was fairly straightforward, there is still some sort of magic in this series.  Stan and Jack continue to deliver fun, great Thor stories.

Next issue: The Carbon Copy Man!

Tales to Astonish #40

February 1963
Writers: Stan Lee and Larry Lieber
Artist: Jack Kirby

"The Day That Ant-Man Failed"

Another well drawn forgettable Ant-Man story.  These tales continue to be a nice diversion, fun to read, great to look at, but forgettable.  I may keep some of these TTA overviews a bit light from here on out.  At least until Wasp makes her debut (#44 for those taking note).

In this issue, Ant-Man battles the Hijacker, a man who continues to (you guessed it) hijack armored cars.  The ants around the city decide that Ant-Man is the man for the job.  Hank goes to meet with the owner of the trucking company that has been hit the hardest (note that Hank is still using piles of ants to catch his fall after he rockets out of his base).  The trucking owner asks Ant-Man to help and the Ant-Man agrees.

The next day, Ant-Man tags along with some police who are watching an armored truck shipment.  Unfortunately, Hank falls ill and stays behind.  The Hijacker hits the truck.  What's this?  Ant-Man to the rescue! He was faking sickness!

Ant-Man saves the day and the Hijacker is revealed to be the owner of the trucking company.

Next issue: Hank is kidnapped!

Journey Into Mystery #88

January 1963
Writers: Stan Lee and Larry Lieber
Artist: Jack Kirby

"The Vengeance of Loki"

As the title might indicate, this issue features the return of Loki.  Our story begins in Asgard with a brooding mischief maker bemoaning his lot.  Loki conjures a spell that allows him to spy upon the mighty Thor.  He watches our hero change into the lame Dr. Donald Blake.  He learns that he hammer is the source of the power.  And so, a new plan is hatched.

Loki manages to sneak out of Asgard by turning into a snake and slithering between the legs of Heimdall and down the rainbow bridge.  Once on Earth, Loki takes the form of an old man and enters the office of Dr. Blake.  He tricks Jane Foster into letting him in to see the doctor.  Once inside, he reveals himself to Blake, who promptly changes into Thor.  Loki demands battle and they agree to meet in one hour at central park.  Little does Thor know that Loki has hypnotically commanded Jane to go to the park, as well.

At the park, the battle begins! Loki turns a tree into a tiger which attacks first Thor and second the wandering Jane Foster.  Thor saves Jane but becomes separated from his hammer by more than a minute, after which Loki entraps the hammer and Blake is powerless to do anything about it.  In triumph, Loki soars off in the form of a bird and vows to wreak havoc upon the defenseless planet. 

After a series of attacks both large and small around the world, Loki is issued a challenge by Thor.  But how can this be?  With the hammer trapped, there can be no Thor!  Curious and mildly enraged, Loki goes to confront this challenge at the same park where the hammer is still trapped.  Blake tricks Loki into releasing the hammer using a wax Thor dummy (really).  Back in his immortal form, Thor makes quick work of the god of mischief and he banishes him back to Asgard.

Another fun issue from Stan and Jack.  Whenever the Asgardians show up, I'm in.