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Journey Into Mystery (2011) (Collected Editions)
Journey Into Mystery, Vol. 2: Fear Itself Fallout
Young Loki is at a severe disadvantage: everyone in Asgard remembers him from his previous life - but they're all strangers to him, and they fully intend to keep it that way. Desperate, Loki conjures up a mystical means of eavesdropping on their private thoughts, but what he learns doesn't make him happy. even worse, the lesson itself may just cost him his life! Then: there's a story bartenders tell about the devil. that at closing time, he chooses a bar and walks in the door. He'll want to talk about his day. If you listen and survive, he'll give you a tip. The story isn't true, but occasionally it amuses Mephisto to play along. And when he's spent the day spying on all the earthly gods and what exactly they're going to do about Fear Itself, you'll want to hear what he has to say. COLLECTING: Journey Into Mystery 626.1, 627-631
144 pages, Hardcover
First published March 28, 2012
42 people are currently reading
432 people want to read
About the author
Kieron Gillen
1,478 books1,915 followersKieron Gillen is a comic book writer and former media journalist.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
October 27, 2015
There was a lot of good stuff here -- almost too much. It felt like too much was packed in and not adequate explored. But that may be because I've got them out of order. Shit, who can keep the overwhelming deluge of overlapping, similarly-titled marvel lines straight? I can barely sort them out when I have the physical copies in front of me, much less trying to order them off the internet where half the time the entry information is incomplete or wrong. I'm pretty sure this isn't even the one I ordered, and now I feel like I've spoiled the earlier ones for myself...
The first page says:
Editor's Note: This issue takes place between panels 4 & 5 on page 21 of Journey into Mystery #622.
Uhhh, sure. That's kind of a neat thing to do, but it doesn't help me.
Anyway, the writing was good. Mostly clever, if at times a bit too purple.
The first page says:
Editor's Note: This issue takes place between panels 4 & 5 on page 21 of Journey into Mystery #622.
Uhhh, sure. That's kind of a neat thing to do, but it doesn't help me.
Anyway, the writing was good. Mostly clever, if at times a bit too purple.
October 22, 2013
A bit more disconnected than the previous volume, but still a good read. This one was more like a series of interconnected short stories built around the Fear Itself story. I like the Mephisto story (how often does he get to be the star instead of the antagonist) and the Volstagg story at the end was a good way to close out the Fear Itself storyline.
February 7, 2014
"Oh," I thought, when I was halfway through reading this one. "I'm sure enjoying this, but it's not, like, the most amazing thing I've ever read. I mean, it's not a Five-Stars Read like the last one was. How could it be? This is the epilogue of a tie-in book which had to dance around another writer's ideas. How much mileage could anybody, even Gillen, get out of that? And, I mean, it's okay. They can't all be five stars. It's still a good read. It's still fun. It'll be at least three stars, maybe even probably four --"
And then, *bam*. The bloody thing broke my heart. It made me cry not once, but _twice_ -- and for almost, but not quite, entirely different reasons.
Like most endings, it builds off the Story told in the previous volume -- but it's precisely the fact that it's building on a previously-told story that gives this ending its power. It paid off a set-up from the first book, and in the most plot-twisting, heart-rending way possible. It's full of despair and of hope, and of sacrifice and loss and darkness and redemption. It's got humor and heart, and engaging dialogue and well-drawn characters. A delightfully spine-chilling moment. A devastating spine-chilling moment. And a twist of bizarre optimism, right at the end. And I'm pretty sure, the next time I see a yellow apple, I'm going to tear up. In a good way.
... so. Five stars it is.
And then, *bam*. The bloody thing broke my heart. It made me cry not once, but _twice_ -- and for almost, but not quite, entirely different reasons.
Like most endings, it builds off the Story told in the previous volume -- but it's precisely the fact that it's building on a previously-told story that gives this ending its power. It paid off a set-up from the first book, and in the most plot-twisting, heart-rending way possible. It's full of despair and of hope, and of sacrifice and loss and darkness and redemption. It's got humor and heart, and engaging dialogue and well-drawn characters. A delightfully spine-chilling moment. A devastating spine-chilling moment. And a twist of bizarre optimism, right at the end. And I'm pretty sure, the next time I see a yellow apple, I'm going to tear up. In a good way.
... so. Five stars it is.
August 10, 2021
Wasn't as into this one and I mostly skipped the issues focusing on Mephisto and Volstag. I actually really wish Mephisto wasn't in it at all because all of his stuff just feels totally out of place to me and I would prefer to just focus on the Norse mythology stuff. It's still decent and there are some good moments but I definitely didn't like it as much as volume one.
August 27, 2013
Young Loki remains fantastic, but I think this volume, more than the first did, would benefit from the reader knowing more about what's going on in Marvel verse. I don't know what all this stuff with Mephisto is about and I'm not interested. Just gimme kid Loki!
March 2, 2016
Very much continuing to love Gillen's Loki storyline. This volume slows the plot down a bit to focus on a few one-off stories surrounding the events in the previous volume (and the Fear Itself event at large), but still goes to show that if a writer fully understands his characters, even "filler" can be highly entertaining. And I think Gillen may understand the Asgardians better than just about any other writer I've seen approach them.
He's particularly coming into his own in regards to his writing of Loki and Leah, two teenaged gods who perfectly embody the traits of both. Their back-and-forths are some of the best stuff in this book, as neither of them really seems to understand flirting or love despite both being ancient beyond all measure.
Additionally, Gillen's approach to Volstagg and his role in the Serpent War is both laugh-out-loud funny and heartwarming, a combination I really don't see that often in comics. A side story about Mephisto visiting a bar late one night also shines as a one-off that manages to fit into the Fear Itself event without relying on it too heavily. Overall, I'm becoming very impressed with Gillen's sheer entertainment value. Gonna keep an eye on him for sure.
He's particularly coming into his own in regards to his writing of Loki and Leah, two teenaged gods who perfectly embody the traits of both. Their back-and-forths are some of the best stuff in this book, as neither of them really seems to understand flirting or love despite both being ancient beyond all measure.
Additionally, Gillen's approach to Volstagg and his role in the Serpent War is both laugh-out-loud funny and heartwarming, a combination I really don't see that often in comics. A side story about Mephisto visiting a bar late one night also shines as a one-off that manages to fit into the Fear Itself event without relying on it too heavily. Overall, I'm becoming very impressed with Gillen's sheer entertainment value. Gonna keep an eye on him for sure.
May 24, 2013
Should have been called "Journey Into Boredom: Bleh Itself Fallout"
Heh heh, I made that up myself.
In truth I really really wanted to like this.
I read the first chapter of this and I thought "this is actually pretty good..." ~ the art was by P. Ferry, ...
then I noticed that one was written by Rob Rodi,
and once Gillen took over again I was like "ugghhhh! this sucks."
:)
It is just overly wordy and underly interesting, ...
i.e. Boring.
Heh heh, I made that up myself.
In truth I really really wanted to like this.
I read the first chapter of this and I thought "this is actually pretty good..." ~ the art was by P. Ferry, ...
then I noticed that one was written by Rob Rodi,
and once Gillen took over again I was like "ugghhhh! this sucks."
:)
It is just overly wordy and underly interesting, ...
i.e. Boring.
September 30, 2012
This volume starts off a little shaky with the .1 and Mephisto stories being the weakest in the lot. However, once we get back to Loki’s plot proper, things drop straight back into high gear. Even knowing the end of Fear Itself, I was excited to discover what *really* happened here. Changes in the status quo toward the end of the volume also suggest interesting plots going forward.
July 13, 2021
Everyone needs a friend, even gods
April 20, 2023
This didn't do too much for me. The Volstagg issue was great. Otherwise, I'd say it was forgettable. It didn't hook me.
March 3, 2016
The second installment in the teen-Loki-centric Journey into Mystery series.
When we last left Loki, he was preparing to confront The Serpent, or at least, help Thor (who was taking on said beastie/Odin sibling in what was fated to be a fight to the death). Loki had spent Volume One scurrying about the realms, making friends in all the wrong places, or at least, forging dangerous alliances with demons and former enemies. That he is able to get help at all is because The Serpent, Lord of Fear and all that, threatens to eff-up a lot more than Asgard, and powerful beings in high and low places are a mite put out by the notion.
Armed with The Destroyer, and some trickery, via the Disir (who have a kind of Candyman, "Say their name and they'll arrive," thing going on), Loki and the undead Tyr sneak into the Serpent's stronghold. Of course, because The Serpent is the ultimate bad-ass, Loki and his allies can't exactly take him on directly. (Even Mephisto isn't going to mess with this guy, preferring instead to await the outcome and leave a slightly unpleasant surprise for Loki, should Loki succeed.) So Loki uses a "pen is mightier than a sword" approach.
In the end, Loki manages to accomplish a sad goal (sad for teen Loki) that even his former, more malevolent, self never achieved (not for lack of trying, though).
This arc ends with a change in leadership in Asgard and with kid-Loki pretty much in the same place he was before--not trusted by anyone and unable to take credit for his success, because, like all Loki plans, victory comes with unpleasant side effects.
Stuff that doth amuse:
-Tyr, undead God of War is popular with the ladies, including Hela and one of the Disir.
-Loki telling an annoyed and slightly bewildered Leah that, "We're going to be B.F.F.s!"
-Volstagg's Disney-ish version of the story, as told to his children.
-Loki: "...the Asgardian mob will play the bloody, yet very popular pastime of Loki football?"
-Mephisto, because...Mephisto: "I have the most luxuriant sideburns in all creation."
-Oh, and the bit where one of the All-Mothers calls Loki out for sexist language.
On to Volume Three...
When we last left Loki, he was preparing to confront The Serpent, or at least, help Thor (who was taking on said beastie/Odin sibling in what was fated to be a fight to the death). Loki had spent Volume One scurrying about the realms, making friends in all the wrong places, or at least, forging dangerous alliances with demons and former enemies. That he is able to get help at all is because The Serpent, Lord of Fear and all that, threatens to eff-up a lot more than Asgard, and powerful beings in high and low places are a mite put out by the notion.
Armed with The Destroyer, and some trickery, via the Disir (who have a kind of Candyman, "Say their name and they'll arrive," thing going on), Loki and the undead Tyr sneak into the Serpent's stronghold. Of course, because The Serpent is the ultimate bad-ass, Loki and his allies can't exactly take him on directly. (Even Mephisto isn't going to mess with this guy, preferring instead to await the outcome and leave a slightly unpleasant surprise for Loki, should Loki succeed.) So Loki uses a "pen is mightier than a sword" approach.
In the end, Loki manages to accomplish a sad goal (sad for teen Loki) that even his former, more malevolent, self never achieved (not for lack of trying, though).
This arc ends with a change in leadership in Asgard and with kid-Loki pretty much in the same place he was before--not trusted by anyone and unable to take credit for his success, because, like all Loki plans, victory comes with unpleasant side effects.
Stuff that doth amuse:
-Tyr, undead God of War is popular with the ladies, including Hela and one of the Disir.
-Loki telling an annoyed and slightly bewildered Leah that, "We're going to be B.F.F.s!"
-Volstagg's Disney-ish version of the story, as told to his children.
-Loki: "...the Asgardian mob will play the bloody, yet very popular pastime of Loki football?"
-Mephisto, because...Mephisto: "I have the most luxuriant sideburns in all creation."
-Oh, and the bit where one of the All-Mothers calls Loki out for sexist language.
On to Volume Three...
June 11, 2013
My God, this series is fucking fantastic. Gillen deftly weaves the resolution of
Fear Itself
into his story by showing what Kid Loki was doing behind-the-scenes the whole time. It's goddamn brilliant the way he turns a massive crossover event with lots of punching and kicking into a redemption arc for a trickster god. His lyrical, witty narration ensures the reader is always aware of any important events in other books, but it's far more than just exposition: it sets the tone for the whole story. Kid Loki is a conflicted, fascinating character, and he's also really damn funny. Gillen also showcases Mephisto and Volstagg in a couple issues, and each issue made me love the character more. I'm in the hands of a gifted storyteller here, and I can't wait to see where the story goes.
June 28, 2020
This volume of Journey Into Mystery wraps up the Fear Itself plot in an astounding fashion and sets the pace for the rest of the series. Kieron Gillen manages to take the mess of Fear Itself and turn it into a heart-breaking fantasy epic all about the functions of mythology and the cruel prongs of fate. The first half of the volume is a bit slow, taking more time to establish exactly how the story happens and foreshadowing future plots, but as the volumes goes on it becomes a heart-breaking tale of how Loki (and his frenemies) do the worst things possible in an attempt to save everyone.
April 26, 2012
Now that I've read this in the proper order (that is, after Journey Into Mystery: Fear Itself, and yes, that's a mouthful of a title), I rather love this--Loki is such an irresistible protagonist: a bit too smart for his own good, impish, sly, and occasionally even a little uncertain. An excellent read if you like stories about stories; accessible even to those without an encyclopedic knowledge of Marvel's various Asgard stories.
November 13, 2014
convoluted for the sake of it?
March 7, 2013
It was a really good idea to wait for all the trades to come out before reading, because it's such a joy to read. Also uuugh kid!Loki noooo, I want to hug you.
November 15, 2022
Reprints Journey Into Mystery (4) #626.1-631 (October 2011-January 2012). The Serpent’s attack on Asgard is forcing Loki to make some tough decisions. While his brother Thor is fighting for the kingdom, Loki is fighting to keep honest as he works in Asgard’s best interest…but the best interest of Asgard might not be best for Thor. As Asgard reaches a crossing point, a new Asgard will rise, and Loki could be standing at the gates.
Written by Kieron Gillen and Rob Rodi, Journey Into Mystery Volume 2: Fear Itself Fallout is a Marvel Comics superhero comic book collection. Following Journey Into Mystery Volume 1: Fear Itself, the volume features art by Pasqual Ferry, Richard Elson, Whilce Portacio, and Doug Braithwaite. Issues in the volume were also collected as part of Journey Into Mystery by Kieron Gillen: The Complete Collection—Volume 1 and Loki: Journey Into Mystery by Kieron Gillen Omnibus.
I didn’t love the Fear Itself storyline and found it rather forgettable…which makes reading Journey Into Mystery 2: Fear Itself Fallout a bit of a challenge to read. Despite this, I like Gillen’s focus on the characters of Asgard and particularly Loki…I just wish it was more separated from the Thor books.
The volume does a decent job reminding and refreshing the readers of the events of Fear Itself and what is happening over in Thor. Largely, Loki plays into the events and is playing his own game to help save Asgard, but he doesn’t always play fair…and people pay as a result. Overall Loki is doing what he’s doing for the good of Asgard, but the question throughout this run is if Loki is still the God of Mischief he’s always been or if he’s turned over a new leaf.
It appears since it is told from Loki’s perspective, that he really isn’t trying to be evil…but sometimes it just turns out that way. That is the clever part of this series. The stories of the gods are cyclical (especially as demonstrated by the Ragnarok storyline which “reset” the Thor mythos). Despite the cycle being broken, Loki and the other still seem to fall into the patters that have been destine for them. It isn’t necessarily fair for Loki but there is predestination meets free will.
The story also contains Journey Into Mystery #626.1 which is meant to during the events of Journey Into Mystery #622. The point one issues have always been problematic to me. They originally were conceived to be jump on points for new readers, but often they are both dull for new readers and unnecessary for those following the series. I like the idea of this issue and it does fit in with the overall theme of Loki’s redemption, but it also feels out of place in this collection.
Journey Into Mystery has been a fun title. I love supporting characters and this series gives the rich Asgardian cast a bit more opportunity to bloom. I wish the whole series had been about Asgard in general instead of being Loki-centric, but I enjoy the Loki stories as well. Journey Into Mystery 2: Fear Itself Fallout is followed by Journey Into Mystery 3: The Terrorism Myth.
Written by Kieron Gillen and Rob Rodi, Journey Into Mystery Volume 2: Fear Itself Fallout is a Marvel Comics superhero comic book collection. Following Journey Into Mystery Volume 1: Fear Itself, the volume features art by Pasqual Ferry, Richard Elson, Whilce Portacio, and Doug Braithwaite. Issues in the volume were also collected as part of Journey Into Mystery by Kieron Gillen: The Complete Collection—Volume 1 and Loki: Journey Into Mystery by Kieron Gillen Omnibus.
I didn’t love the Fear Itself storyline and found it rather forgettable…which makes reading Journey Into Mystery 2: Fear Itself Fallout a bit of a challenge to read. Despite this, I like Gillen’s focus on the characters of Asgard and particularly Loki…I just wish it was more separated from the Thor books.
The volume does a decent job reminding and refreshing the readers of the events of Fear Itself and what is happening over in Thor. Largely, Loki plays into the events and is playing his own game to help save Asgard, but he doesn’t always play fair…and people pay as a result. Overall Loki is doing what he’s doing for the good of Asgard, but the question throughout this run is if Loki is still the God of Mischief he’s always been or if he’s turned over a new leaf.
It appears since it is told from Loki’s perspective, that he really isn’t trying to be evil…but sometimes it just turns out that way. That is the clever part of this series. The stories of the gods are cyclical (especially as demonstrated by the Ragnarok storyline which “reset” the Thor mythos). Despite the cycle being broken, Loki and the other still seem to fall into the patters that have been destine for them. It isn’t necessarily fair for Loki but there is predestination meets free will.
The story also contains Journey Into Mystery #626.1 which is meant to during the events of Journey Into Mystery #622. The point one issues have always been problematic to me. They originally were conceived to be jump on points for new readers, but often they are both dull for new readers and unnecessary for those following the series. I like the idea of this issue and it does fit in with the overall theme of Loki’s redemption, but it also feels out of place in this collection.
Journey Into Mystery has been a fun title. I love supporting characters and this series gives the rich Asgardian cast a bit more opportunity to bloom. I wish the whole series had been about Asgard in general instead of being Loki-centric, but I enjoy the Loki stories as well. Journey Into Mystery 2: Fear Itself Fallout is followed by Journey Into Mystery 3: The Terrorism Myth.
July 3, 2021
(Actually the non-Kindle ebook edition, but I don't have the energy to add it so w/e)
Just rereading Gillen's run of Young Avengers recently apparently wasn't enough to sate my need for more Loki content, so here we are on a JIM reread! It was a little disorienting to jump right into an event tie-in--maybe it would be less so if I'd been able to find a copy of the first volume outside of Amazon services and physical copies, who knows--but the poetic mysticism and promises of future espionage still hit right.
Just rereading Gillen's run of Young Avengers recently apparently wasn't enough to sate my need for more Loki content, so here we are on a JIM reread! It was a little disorienting to jump right into an event tie-in--maybe it would be less so if I'd been able to find a copy of the first volume outside of Amazon services and physical copies, who knows--but the poetic mysticism and promises of future espionage still hit right.
January 12, 2019
More of a collection of stories than really a volume as such, but makes for an enjoyable read. Kid!Loki is just such an amazing character, but I also like that this volume explores Volstagg, who has been one of the secret main protagonists of this whole arc. He's really grown on me, I'm quite surprised by this :') Sadly, the art and lettering continues to not be my kind of thing... except for these gorgeous Stephanie Hans covers! (Just let her do the whole book, Marvel!)
December 13, 2022
The serpent is dead.
Well, the serpent is dead thanks to Loki and his group of dead and monsters. Volstagg the large warrior telling his many children the tale of how "he" killed the serpent, bless that man's heart that entire scene of him with his wife and children made me cry. Loki of course is doing what he does best and he's reporting to a series of all-mothers I think. Thor's does in this, like that wasn't going to happen either way.
Well, the serpent is dead thanks to Loki and his group of dead and monsters. Volstagg the large warrior telling his many children the tale of how "he" killed the serpent, bless that man's heart that entire scene of him with his wife and children made me cry. Loki of course is doing what he does best and he's reporting to a series of all-mothers I think. Thor's does in this, like that wasn't going to happen either way.
June 29, 2021
I didn’t enjoy this quite as much as volume 1. Perhaps if I’d read Fear Itself, but I really don’t want to. Anyway, I still love what Gillen is doing with Kid Loki. I just wish there had been more of that in this volume. This certainly wasn’t bad - nothing Gillen writes really is - and I liked the art. It just didn’t hold my attention the way I’d hoped.
July 24, 2019
Very interesting take on Loki, and a series that takes its fantasy setting seriously. Note that this book is the second half of the story that began in the previous volume, and is in no way self-contained.
July 1, 2021
5/5
Honestly, I binge-read most of ‘Journey into Mystery’ and I can’t remember where one volume ends and the other begins. But nevertheless I absolutely loved all things kid Loki!! (Note to self: look at review for JiM Vol. 1 for more detailed thoughts on the series).
Honestly, I binge-read most of ‘Journey into Mystery’ and I can’t remember where one volume ends and the other begins. But nevertheless I absolutely loved all things kid Loki!! (Note to self: look at review for JiM Vol. 1 for more detailed thoughts on the series).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 29, 2025
These Fear Itself issues aren't as compelling stories as the normal Kid Loki stuff. Mephisto and Volstagg each get issues devoted to them and I want Kid Loki all day, all the time. These work better when read in conjunction with Fear Itself.
June 27, 2017
Gillen's writing continues to be the best. Kid Loki's voice is such a perfect mixture of teen and old timey asgardian. Greatness.
December 8, 2017
Stále velmi dobré.
March 4, 2018
2018 is beginning the way I left off 2017: still trapped in a revolving door of sad/tragic canons haha
June 23, 2021
Really enjoyed seeing how this continued with the consequences of Loki's actions!
July 15, 2021
Lots of action in this volume and at times it could. Get hard to follow but it was an citing story overall.
May 29, 2022
This was really good and an excellent lesson on how we can't run from our own true nature.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews