![](https://66.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_me9k6pDQG81ruyouho1_500.jpg)
#96 has the first appearance of Merlin the Magician.
Actually, it doesn’t. This is “Mad Merlin” who will later take the name Mahi Yogi.
![](https://earthsmightiestblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/1st-mahi-yogi.jpg)
But he does emerge from Merlin’s tomb, so it’s confusing. Unless you know this is a comic and that his later appearances as Mahi Yogi are a retcon so Marvel can use the Merlin character as part of a larger “King Arthur” type tie in, in later stories.
![](https://earthsmightiestblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/jfk-in-journey-into-mystery-96.jpg)
Also, the President makes an appearance.
![](https://earthsmightiestblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/image-1.jpeg)
And the 1st appearance of Surtur. Who throws the Washington Monument at him.
![](https://66.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_me9kg803de1ruyouho1_500.jpg)
Thor is also a giant in this issue.
![](https://64.media.tumblr.com/efac99ebe1450294be6368c79c1ce06d/tumblr_oyb17wAmMm1w8ienuo1_540.png)
OK, it’s just perspective.
Then in #97 he fights the Lava Man…
![](https://66.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_meaz9wM4al1ruyouho1_500.jpg)
…And tells daddy he’s into Jane Foster.
![](https://66.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_meaz7ocJzg1ruyouho1_500.jpg)