Avengers #1 (September 1963) Part Two

In case I've left you in suspense about the whereabouts of the Hulk, let me now dive into the second half of the first issue of The Avengers!

The Hulk: be very afraid.

Avengers #1 (September 1963) Part One

To mark the release of Marvel's Avengers in theaters this past weekend, I've decided to delve into the monumental first issue in which the saga began. Page two calls it a "Book-Length Super Epic", which is entirely true. While it may be only 22 pages, the story is crammed with so many plot points, action, useless dialogue, and characters, that it feels like a 100-page Annual. I was a little hesitant to follow through with this, but after the 3 days it took me to read the entire thing, here we go!

Journey Into Mystery #85 (October 1962)

Right off the bat, it might just be the cover, but there's already a lot of reading.

I've begun to realize that the Thor stories are always a lot of fun, the Fantastic Four are hit-and-miss, Ant Man is just weird, the Hulk is never good but has promise, and I still hate the Human Torch. Here is yet another fun Thor story.

Journey Into Mystery #84 (September 1962)

Dr. Don Blake's story is, like Bruce Banner's, is one of living a double life. Sometimes you just have to keep your true identity a secret. Bruce Banner HAS to hide because he turns into a monster at night. If he didn't keep his identity a secret, he would be hunted down during the day when he transforms back into your average Joe (this situation becomes a plot element in future Hulk stories once people start figuring out who he is). As for Donald Blake, I can understand why someone would go to great lengths to keep his power a secret. My only gripe is with the scenario depicted on the cover. If I were to find myself in a life or death situation, surely at first I might try and think of a way to escape WITHOUT making my secret known. However, in the worst case scenario where all hope is lost, a man has to do whatever it takes to live another day and continue to save the world. Right? So my problem with the predicament on the cover is that Donald Blake is shown saying, "It's hopeless! Even Thor can't save me know!" All he has to do is tap his cane on the ground!

Journey Into Mystery #83 (August 1962)

Here we have the very first introduction of Thor, God of Thunder. "THE MOST EXCITING SUPER-HERO OF ALL TIME!!" graces the cover, so we already have some pretty high expectations - thanks again Stan Lee!!!!! The cover is actually my favorite so far, and slowly, the art direction is continuing to become more and more dynamic.