Super Serious 616 Presents: WHAT IF... Marvel was real
What If Marvel was Real?
Episode 16: Geopolitics and Branding Gods (Journey Into Mystery #84) -- September 1962
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Episode 16: Geopolitics and Branding Gods (Journey Into Mystery #84) -- September 1962

In this episode:

Mike and Ed discuss the latest super powered individual to appear: The Mighty Thor! The duo debate whether he is tied to Norse mythology or whether the name is just a gimmick. Also: is Thor working with the US government to prevent Communist intrusions into western countries?

Journey Into Mystery (1952) #84

In this issue:

This is Thor’s second appearance. He first appeared in Journey into Mystery #83, which for background, was a tale about aliens made of rock landing in Norway intent on taking the Earth over. We are introduced to Dr. Donald Blake in this issue, who was vacationing in Norway at the time. Dr. Blake stumbled across a cave and found a nailed wooden stick that, when struck on the ground transformed the stick into a war hammer (which we come to know as Mjolnir) and Dr. Blake into the legendary God of Thunder, Thor. Blake/Thor learned that he transforms from Thor back to Blake if he is away from his hammer for more than 60 seconds. Thor defeats the aliens and, returned to the form of Dr. Donald Blake, returns to America.

Assumed before the next issue:

People are wondering if Thor is truly the Norse god of myth, or just a bleached blond musclebound self-promoter with a fancy hammer.

This episode takes place:

After the events in the issue, including Thor’s appearance and the regime change in San Diablo, have been reported.

Discussion about this podcast

Super Serious 616 Presents: WHAT IF... Marvel was real
What If Marvel was Real?
What if... the Marvel Universe was real?
In 1961 the Fantastic Four revealed themselves to the world and everything changed. Mike and Ed discuss the in-universe implications of super powers, aliens, monsters and more. From how Avenger Insurance will pay for Thor's property damage to why Spider-man needs a new PR agency, its comic books discussions in a whole new way.
Every issue covered in the Marvel Universe from the very beginning.
Full backstory on every episode with transcripts at www.SuperSerious616.com