Thor: The Trials of Loki

If you write a graphic novel that makes you sympathetic for Loki, the Norse god of Mischief, I think you've got a problem. He's basically the Devil. So to finish this story and feel sorry for him either means that the author was a master in their writing or we've fallen as a society to the point that we take the side of the fallen angels. Or maybe both...

Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa pens a Marvel miniseries that is very much set in the Earth-616 universe without being about superheroes. Blending Norse myth and Marvel Comics tweaks to the characters of Odin, Thor and the rest, you learn about the complicated character of Loki. The trickster is a god without a mythical realm. His Frost Giant father Laufey rejected him. His adopted father Odin prefers sons Thor and Balder over Loki. So it's no wonder that he unleashes trouble and deception upon everyone. Often with malicious intent.

It doesn't help that Loki is also foretold to usher forth Ragnarok; the end of all things.

So the ultimate question about Loki is such: does Loki intend to be evil or is it something beyond his control? This whole concept of the predestination of Loki's role in the fall of Asgard is a debate that any old school Calvinists would relish. Can Loki be to blame for the mischief he makes if he lacks free will?

The artwork is a varied mix of styles. Some pages look illustrated in the Marvel way. Others appear like they were ripped from ancient cave paintings and medieval texts. Some of that variety is due to this series being crafted by a quarter of artists and inkers. Sebastián Fiumara was the primary illustrator with Michael Lacombe the main inker. Al Barrionuevo and Álvaro López bringing the fourth and final segment to life.

This hard cover edition from 2011 is titled Thor: The Trials of Loki. However, if you own the 4-issue miniseries Loki from 2010-2011, you won't need to buy the hard cover collection. Why does Marvel repackage so many of their titles and series under different names? It's maddening! No wonder I get confused sometimes when I update my wish list or my collection database. I'm sure DC is guilty of this as well. I just don't notice their renaming issues as much.

I love the story. Really engaging. Norse mythology has always been my favorite of the ancient lores of the world. This is a very myth heavy story that makes you think. But as much of a fan of this work, I'm going trade it in for something else that I would much rather have as a part of my permanent collection, taking up a part of my limited shelf space.

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.

Neil Gaiman's Norse Mythology III #6 (2022 Comic Book and Graphic Novel Reading Challenge)

The epic collection of ancient Norse tales by acclaimed writer Neil Gaiman comes to a close. Mischievous Loki has raised an army in revenge against Highfather Odin. Allied with Fenrir the wolf, the demonic Surtr and the Midgard Serpent, Ragnarok has begun!

This is the third comic miniseries based on Norse myth by Neil Gaiman (Sandman). The Dark Horse Comics trio of minis were inspired by Gaiman's 2017 prose collection of Scandinavian folklore in his aptly titled Norse Mythology. Published by W.W. Norton & Company, Gaiman's novel covers the genesis of the nine realms, the evolution of giants, elves and other ancient races, dives into Loki's animosity against Odin and his son Thor and ultimately Ragnarok: the final war of the gods!

In 2020, Dark Horse Comics issued forth the first miniseries based on Gaiman's collection of Norse tales. Volume I focused on the creation of Asgard and the Nine Realms. Volume II chronicles many of the most beloved accounts of bravery and deceit starring Thor, Loki, Balder and many other popular names that grace the halls of Valhalla. Folk tales about the creation of art, poetry and Northern European animals are also included. Book III is all about Ragnarok: the lead up to war, the bloody conflict and the promise of a new race: mankind!

The artist for these three miniseries is P. Craig Russell (Night Music). Russell's artwork evokes a timeless whimsy. I'm no art expert. But if I had to describe P. Craig Russell's style I would say 1920s Art Deco mixed with the posters of French commercial artist Rodolphe Salis (La Chat Noir).

It's interesting to read this account of Ragnarok and the world that arrives afterwards. I'm amazed by how similar this 'pagan' tale is to the final battle of Armageddon as foretold in the Book of Revelations. One of my favorite classes as a kid was on world mythology. Thus, I've read how Thor will slay the Midgard Serpent and how Odin will die on the field of battle.. But I didn't know that in that epic the world would be reborn along with a new version of Asgard on in the wings.

I'm always last to the party with things. I got on the Deadpool train like 10 years ago. I didn't start reading The Walking Dead until it became a TV series. And I pick up the latest issue of Neil Gaiman's Norse Mythology which is the 18th and final overall issue. But you can be sure I'll be adding those remaining 17 books to my wish list!

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

Completing this review completes Task #31 (Story of Ancient Mythology) of the 2022 Comic Book and Graphic Novel Reading Challenge.