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#117
Journey into Mystery, #116

Published: May 1965

Cover

Journey into Mystery #116

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Issue Contents:
The Trial of the Gods!
1 page fantasy; superhero
Characters
Credits
Story 1 1 page

"Exclusive fun products by mail"

Story Notes

Inside front cover. Ad for a variety of novelty items.

The Trial of the Gods!
Story 2 16 pages fantasy; superhero

"At last, Thor and his evil arch-enemy Loki, are about to undergo the most dangerous test of all time, to determine which of them has lied to regal Odin, immortal monarch of Asgard!"

Storyline

Odin sends Thor and Loki to Skornheim to endure the Trial of the Gods, which will show which one of his sons is lying to him. Against Odin's decree, Loki uses magic to escape the traps of the enchanted land, while Thor has to rely on brawn and sheer will. Meanwhile, the Enchantress and the Executioner set about tormenting Jane Foster in a bid to influence the outcome of the trial. Odin sends Balder to deal with them.

Characters
Credits
Story Notes

This story takes place at the same time as Daredevil #7 and Fantastic Four #38. First appearance of the land of Skornheim. Nick Caputo suspects that Carl Hubbell provided alterations on the figures of the Executioner, the Enchantress and Daredevil on pages 11-13, per his blog: http://nick-caputo.blogspot.com/2014/06/the-unknown-art-of-carl-hubbell.html

Story 3 1 page

"Are you proud of your paycheck?"

Story Notes

Ad for the Commercial Trades Institute, between pages 5 and 6 of previous story sequence.

Treasure Chest of Fun
Story 4 1 page

"Throw your voice"

Story Notes

Ad for various novelty items starting with "Throw Your Voice". Between pages 9 and 10nof previous story sequence.

4 More Marvel Masterpieces!
Story 5 1 page superhero; war
Characters
Credits
Story Notes

House ad for Avengers (Marvel, 1963 series) #16, Tales to Astonish (Marvel, 1959 series) #68, Sgt. Fury (Marvel, 1963 series) #18, and Amazing Spider-Man (Marvel, 1963 series) #25 with black & white covers depicted and advertised as “on sale now.” Between pages 13 and 14 of previous story sequence.

U.S. Gov't Surplus
Story 6 1 page

"Hundreds of items for as little as 2¢ and 3¢ on the dollar direct by mail!"

Story Notes

Ad for government surplus items: parachutes, boats, tents, machetes, etc. Between pages 13 and 14 of previous story sequence on top half of page.

Story 7 1 page

"Start your own business!"

Story Notes

Send for electronic appliance repair training information from Christy Trades School, Inc. On lower half of page between pages 13 and 14 of previous story sequence.

Story 8 1 page

"225 stamps for only 10¢"

Storyline

Thumbnail ads for a range of products.

Story Notes

On top half of page.

Story 9 1 page

"Look! Boys wanted to sell Grit"

Storyline

Ad soliciting sellers of Grit newspaper.

Story Notes

On lower half of page.

Story 10 1 page

"Aim for the space team"

Story Notes

Thumbnail ads for a range of products.

More Triumphs for Marvel..!
Story 11 1 page superhero; war
Characters
Credits
Story Notes

House ad for Fantastic Four (Marvel, 1961 series) #16, Tales of Suspense (Marvel, 1959 series) #68, and X-Men (Marvel, 1963 series) #25 with covers depicted and advertised as “on sale now.”

The Challenge!
Story 12 5 pages fantasy; superhero

"In Thor #63, we saw how Loki won himself an ally in preparation for his eventual battle with the thunder god! (see notes)"

Storyline

On a diplomatic mission, Loki convinces King Hymir to put Thor to a deadly test, where failure means slavery to the evil king. Thor, of course, passes the test, much to the annoyance of Hymir who strikes Loki and accuses him of betrayal.

Characters
Credits
Story Notes

First appearance of Princess Rinda and King Hymir. The "first line" sequence mentions Thor #63, but it is likely meant to refer to Journey Into Mystery #115 when Loki made an alliance with Ghan, the storm giant.

Story 13 1 page

"Hatch and grow live sea-monkeys"

Story Notes

Ad for sea-circus aquarium and brine shrimp (sea-monkeys) for only $1. Located on the top half of the page between pages 3 and 4 of previous story sequence.

Story 14 1 page

"Grow 2 living monsters in your own room"

Story Notes

Ad for "hair-raising" monsters. The ad is located on the lower half of the page between pages 3 and 4 of previous story sequence.

Featuring The Merry Marvel Marching Society

Story 15 1 page

"Big news for all you merry Marvel marchers — and all of your who are about to join!"

Characters
Credits
Story Notes

Ad for the MMMS includes an illo of Thor possibly drawn by Carl Hubbell. Info per Nick Caputo, May 2014.

Story 16 1 page

"So! Thor never loses, eh?"

Credits
Story Notes

Letters from John Ellsworth, Gordon Fitzgerald, Judy Pope, and Terry Levin; includes The Mighty Marvel Checklist.

Featuring Mr. Victor Mason

Story 17 1 page

"Make $5.00 to $20.00 a week extra operating this "Saturday morning shoe store""

Story Notes

Ad to earn money by selling shoes.

Story 18 1 page

"Boys! Men! I'll help you master Yubiwaza"

Characters
  • N.J. Fleming (photo)
  • Yoshie Imanami (photo)
Story Notes

Inside back cover. Ad for the Yubiwaza system of martial arts.

Story 19 1 page

"He's looking for people who like to draw"

Characters
  • Albert Dorne
Story Notes

Back cover. Ad for the Famous Artists Schools.