With the Loki series coming to Disney+ in just over a week, there has never been a better time to take a look back at the Asgardian god's misadventures throughout his comic book history. As a character who has been around since the Golden Age, the God of Mischief has been part of an extraordinary number of adventures.
Here is a look at six of the most essential stories featuring the Asgardian god and brother of Thor that provide a good basis for the character prior to his new MCU series.
Loki vs. Earth's Mightiest Heroes
The Marvel Universe as we know it has been around for a long time, but it hasn't always had the Avengers around to defend it. While it should come as no surprise that it took an incredible evil to bring together Earth's Mightiest Heroes, newer fans might not realize that it was Loki who played that role all the way back in 1963's Avengers #1 by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby.
Though he had recently been imprisoned by Thor, Loki was able to use his incredible powers to send the Hulk into a rampage. This was all part of his convoluted plot to get revenge on his adoptive brother, though interference by the other heroes ultimately thwarted his plot. While it might not be considered a particularly good story compared to those of the modern era, it does set the stage for everything that comprises Loki, from his deceptive, conspiratorial nature to his many eclectic powers.
Blood Brothers
The 2011 motion comic miniseries Thor & Loki: Blood Brothers starring David Blair, Daniel Thorn, and Elizabeth Diennet portrays Loki playing a role that he has rarely if ever truly grown accustomed to in the comics, specifically, that of the victor.
Over the course of four parts, Loki overthrows the gods of Asgard and ascends to the throne of his own volition as opposed to any natural line of succession. This not only gives Loki a chance to fulfill what had long been his ultimate desire, but it gives fans a unique insight into how Loki thinks and regards those around him. It also showcases a softer side of the character that is rarely seen in a final twist that is the only natural conclusion to this thrilling tale.
Thor: Frog of Thunder
This fan-favorite story from Walter Simonson ran through three issues beginning with 1986's Thor #364 and gave birth to one of the most surprisingly beloved characters in all of Marvel History - Throg.
While the gods of Asgard wonder where Thor has disappeared to, Loki offers to claim his place in the nominations for the appointed office of Law-Giver. Meanwhile on Earth, the God of Thunder is battling common rats and snapping alligators in defense of his frog brethren after having been transformed to a frog by his mischievous brother. Thankfully, the God of Mischief's machinations are delayed by Thor's allies in Asgard long enough for Thor to hold Mjolnir aloft in his now diminutive frame and become the Frog of Thunder.
The Trials of Loki
The 2011 Loki miniseries from Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, Sebastian Fiumara, and Al Barrionuevo brings readers all the way back to Loki's beginnings, and it is unlike anything that anyone expected. Loki was always a conniving god, even as a child, but the story of how he came to be the villain that he is now had never been told previously.
With a deep dive into Loki's personal and family history, it might just be the most definitive breakdown of the character that has ever been published. From Loki's earliest and most traumatic childhood memories to his very first murder all the way to his eventual imprisonment and exile from Asgard, The Trials of Loki is one of the character's most powerful stories.
Journey Into Mystery: Fear Itself
One of the most intriguing chapters to the world shaking crossover event, 2011's Journey Into Mystery: Fear Itself from Kieron Gillen and Doug Braithwaite was a near overnight success for how it not only highlighted the recently reincarnated Kid Loki's attempts to reintegrate into Asgardian society after his many crimes, but also tried to come to terms with his past as well.
After having brought Asgard to the ground both literally and figuratively, no Asgardian is willing to trust the reborn Trickster God, although his brother Thor is at least willing to give him a chance to do better this time around. Not only were Thor and Kid Loki both hoping for greater things for the God of Mischief, but after meeting with an echo of his former self it becomes apparent that even the last incarnation of the God of Mischief wanted a chance at redemption.
Loki: Agent of Asgard
2014's Loki: Agent of Asgard by Al Ewing and Lee Garbett continued the titular character's more heroic streak, though not necessarily in a heroic fashion. Working on the behest of the All-Mothers of Asgard, Gaea, Freyja, and Idunn, Loki is tasked with completing various missions on behalf of his adoptive homeland, and for each that he completes one of his many sins will be stricken from the records of Asgard.
If ever there were a series that encapsulated just what the upcoming Disney+ series looks to be all about, this is it. This amazing series features one shocking event after another, all carried out in the pursuit of something better than what Loki is used to. While the story has plenty of wild twists and turns playing out in the background, the fun, frenetic upfront action is well worth the price of admission. It might not be getting a direct translation to the television series, but it is a far better distillation of the modern Loki than arguably anything else.