Thor #356 - "The Power and the Pride"
June 1985
Writer: Bob Harras
Artist: Jackson Guice
Inker: Bob Layton
Bob Harras wrote this fill-in issue while being an assistant editor and long before he graduated to being Marvel’s Editor-in-Chief (1995-2000). While this issue wasn’t part of any kind of Assistant Editor’s Month event (which occurred a few times through the 1980s), it definitely has that kind of fun, tongue-in-cheek feel to it.
The idea here is that after his 19-month run on Mighty Thor (writing as well as drawing), Walter Simonson took a month off and a fill-in was required. The cover sums it up quite succinctly.
Hercules and Jarvis meet up with a couple of kids arguing over who’s more powerful Thor or Hercules. Of course, Herc isn’t exactly humble and proceeds to proudly exclaim his superiority and tells him of a embellished battle with Thor that backs up his claim.
Jarvis points out to Herc that one of the kids is a big Thor fan and that Herc’s story has shattered his heroic image of Thor. Fortunately, Herc realizes his error and cleverly spins the tale back into the Thunder God’s favor.
Thor #356 is one of those fun comics that will always bring a smile to my face and remind me of why I loved the comics of the 1980s.
I didn't collect Simonson Thor when it first came out (I've since gotten all the back issues and enjoyed the run immensely) but I did pick this one up when it was fresh off the racks. The cover grabbed me. The story itself was fun and entertaining and heart-warming and reminds me of why I love comics, too.
ReplyDeleteThanks for featuring this comic.
You're more than welcome. Thanks for reading!
ReplyDeleteThis was one of my favorites, a great time to collect comics.......what happened?
ReplyDeletestarfoxxx
One of the best issues of Thor!
ReplyDelete