Rhymes With Geek

Ragnarök #1
Writer and Artist Walter Simonson
Colorist Laura Martin
Letter John Workman
Editor Scott Dunbier
Production Chris Mowry
Publisher IDW
Release Date July 23, 2014
Cover Price $3.99
Reviewer Mark William Pawziuk

Ragnarök  is celebrated writer and artist Walter Simonson’s first creator-owned series in two decades.  He leaves no doubt that the Norse mythology genre is his territory.

Story: Simonson opens the tale by recounting an epic battle.  Gods are cut down, including Thor (not the Marvel universe’s Son of Odin, but the one of the original mythic world).  Then the main story unfolds.  Two married assassins, Regn & Brynja, covet a bounty that will allow them to retire with their daughter, Drifa.  It’s refreshing that it’s the mother, Brynja, who sets off into adventure without a fuss.  Regn, the father, stays home to look after Drifa.  On the way to her target, Brynja demonstrates her skill with a sword and her wits.  She will need them, since her employer has dramatically raised the stakes.  Her courage and abilities are as strong as steel, leaving the reader to wonder what great force could challenge her.  As the issue concludes, though, it is clear that her task will not be easy.  Ragnarök  #1 is a bold, exciting first chapter.  Story score: 8 out of 10.

Art: Ragnarök is a gorgeous comic, with Simonson sparing no effort to render this legendary world in sumptuous detail.  The multiple covers he produced as well as the interiors are all terrific, richly expressive illustrations.  The colorist, Laura Martin, enhances the visuals and contrasts the bright opening scene with the dark tone of the main story.  The lettering by John Workman also contributes to the mythic character of Ragnarök.  At no point do the larger-than-life characters and their world, though, obscure the clarity of the action.  As Brynja charges across the dark land on her steed, the art carries the reader through the story effortlessly.  Art score: 10 out of 10.

Overall: Ragnarök  is a fast-paced, beautifully illustrated book.  Open it up and let Simonson and his collaborators carry you into a mythic land of adventure!  Overall score: 9 out of 10.

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