Love of Asgard
From my first exposure to Jack Kirby’s Mighty Thor run, I was enamored with the denizens of Asgard. From the All Father Odin, Loki, Thor, the Frost Giants, Heimdall, and more. I couldn’t get enough of them. Even if they spoke at that time like players in a Shakespeare company. So, from that moment forward, Asgard and its stories spoke to me. Thus, when I caught wind that writer Doug Wagner and the talented Tim Odland would be exploring part of that world. I was intrigued. Which leads us to Beware the Eye of Odin,
The Eye of Odin
In Asgardian Lore, Odin sacrificed one of his eyes to Mímir to drink from his well and gain greater insight. It was this eye that Wagner and Odland based their story on. Actually, it is the return of the eye and the curse involved if not returned that sets the stage. A quest that will not only return the eye but also bring vindication to the trio who take on the journey.
Helgi and Stigr
Young Helgi, whose job it is to return the eye to the Frost Giant Mímir. If he fails, not only will he die a horrible death of boils and decay, but he will also verify the common conception that he himself was cursed. At his side is Stigr, the one armed “former warrior.” It is the “former” title that irritates Stigr to no end. But if he helps Helgi to complete this mission, he will show once and for all that he is STILL a warrior.
Kadlin the Valkyrie
And then there is Kadlin. She who believes she is a member of the famed female warriors known as Valkyries. To Kadlin way of thinking, there is no way for Helgi to complete his task without her. Helgi, however, believes Kadlin is crazy. Not only that, but it is also her misguided belief that she IS a Valkrie that is preventing her from finding a husband. She should stay home and work on that. Fortunately for Helgi, Valkyries are also apparently hard of hearing. Because she would prove to be an asset. If you look past her eccentricities. Or the fact that trouble seems to follow her…and them.
Thoughts
This first issue lays out the story’s premise and the host of characters extremely well. Writer Doug Wagner sets the premise and dangers involved right from the start. While at the same time, introducing the players in a manner that immediately leads the reader to take a liking to them. Part of that involves using motivations that are easily relatable. The need to prove oneself is a universally understood theme. Throw in a smidgen of crazy and it becomes even easier. When combined with possible impending doom and danger lurking at every turn, Wagner sets the stage for an enjoyable adventure.
But none of that would matter if the art couldn’t keep up with the narrative. No problem on that front as artist Tim Odland has a firm grip on the reins. Starting out with a thunderous boom, that was no doubt the frost giant’s head landing on the floor by the second page.
From there, Odland continues his masterful work with both character and dramatic focus. Whether it be Kadlin and her quirkiness or the Hundrafolk who are at first cute, then vicious at the same time. Not to mention the power of Stigir or the attack of Battle Swine. Did I mention the trolls? When combined with Michelle Madsen’s color work, and Wagner’s prose, Beware the Eye of Odin does a great job of pulling you in…and we have three more issues to go.
Image Comics Beware the Eye of Odin, Issue 1 by Doug Wagner, Tim Odland, and Michelle Madsen is available now where great comics are sold.
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Senior Writer at GeekVibesNation – I am a 50 something child of the 70’s who admits to being a Star Trek/Star Wars/Comic Book junkie who once dove head first over a cliff (Ok, it was a small hill) to try to rescue his Fantastic Four comic from a watery grave. I am married to a lovely woman who is as crazy as I am and the proud parent of a 18 year old boy with autism. My wife and son are my real heroes.