The first five founding members of the Avengers banded together when Loki, the Asgardian God of Mischief, attempted to discredit the monstrous Hulk (David Banner) in order to draw his half-brother, the thunder god Thor (Eric Masterson), into battle. Loki was trapped in Asgard due to his brother's actions but still able to manipulate Midgard (Earth). Loki tricked the Hulk into destroying a railway line. The Hulk's friend Rick Jones radioed the Fantastic Four for help, but Loki instead relayed the information to Thor to draw him out in the open.