Robert Bernstein (1) (1919–1988)

The best thing about this collection is seeing the massive growth over the years of its creation. About the time the Tales From Asgard feature kicks in, the series becomes something special. There aren't many really bright highlights beyond Tales From Asgard (setting up the best feature of Thor - the background and embracing of mythology and an ensemble cast. The Superman knock-offedness is painful for most of the origin issues, a drinking game based on mentions of "lame" and completely show more uninteresting. Donald Blake and Jane Foster are terrible (IMO). But to start getting into the groove with the cool thing Thor would become (a bridge between Conan, Superman, and early attempts to delve into contrary world-building based on ancient and futuristic elements - improved in Wakanda and then New Genesis/Apokolips), you can't skip it and feel like you've made the journey. show less

This was a Christman gift from my son Ben, and I am actually quite touched by it. It shows a certain attentiveness to what I like to read, and it is quite likely that he checked my library to make sure I didn't already have it. That said, this is a collection of "Superman" comic book reprints from 1959 to 1963. This was probably the worst period of Superman's long history. The stories were outlandishly contrived, the writers had a rigidly defined concept of Superman's capabilities, but often show more had not a clue to using them in a believable way. The art was frequently stiff and boring, with different artists subscribing to a rigid concept also of Superman's appearance. And Superman has never been more of an old fogeyish type than portrayed here. It's as if Superman were channelling Ward Cleaver. However, I read these comics during a formative stage in my life, and they still have a strong tug on my psyche. I'm glad as heck that comics have grown up so much, but these older stories had a certain charm and naivity that I quite enjoy. show less

Disabled Dr. Donald Blake vacations in Norway and finds a walking stick in a cave, one that, once he handles it, turns into Mjölner and turns Blake into the Norse god of thunder, Thor. It's quite cheesy and the plots are super-hero-tastic, but it's really wonderfully enjoyable. I know being Swedish may have something to do with why I like Thor a little more than I ought to, but I don't care. Having Odin's big face appear in the sky with invaluable advice and having Loki come up with his show more loony schemes is just hilarious. For those who go for Kindle-versions, though, know that that edition contains 10 fewer issues than the equivalent paper-version. show less

pleasingly goofy and enjoyable. like reading comfort food. a few really silly ones here, my fav being Jimmy Olson wishing for superman to "mate" his parents