In this episode:
Mike and Ed discuss the implications of the original Merlin from the 4th century coming back to life in the modern day. As more and more of the ancient legends appear to be true, can we say there is some sort of cycle where every 1,500 years of so magic comes back into the world? Also, was the Thor/Merlin battle some sort of turf war? A battle of the “gods”?
In this issue:
The sarcophagus of Merlin, “famed wizard of King Arthur’s Court”, is delivered to New York City. Inside, the body of Merlin remains remarkably preserved, to the amazement of all. It turns out that Merlin is alive and well - he was just in a form of suspended animation - and awakens, fully intent on taking advantage of his emergence into the modern world. It turns out that Merlin actually does have magical powers, and murderous intent. Merlin quickly decides that the best way to get the world’s attention is to cause an experimental rocket to misfire. Thor bursts into action to correct the misfire. Undeterred, Merlin travels to Washington D.C. to meet the President. Thor intercedes and battles the mad magician. They do battle across the city until Thor changes to his human alter ego Dr. Donald Blake and then convinces Merlin that his magic is ten times more powerful than that of Merlin. Stunned, Merlin surrenders to Tho, and agrees to return to his crypt. And so endeth the tale of Merlin and his criminal adventures in 1963.
Assumed before the next episode:
People are intrigued by the introduction of Merlin to the world, long thought a purely fictional character. Who else will come to life in the modern age?
This episode takes place:
After Merlin has been defeated.
Episode 72: Merlin, alive and well in the modern age? A god, a monster, a wizard? Whoever he with the Washington Monument? (Journey Into Mystery 96) -- August 1963