Review: Norse Mythology III #1
[Editor’s Note: This review may contain spoilers]
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
Story and Words: Neil Gaiman
Script and Layouts: P. Craig Russell
Art and Colors: David Rubín
Letters: Galen Showman
Reviewed by: Seth Singleton
Summary
Norse Mythology III #1 invites the reader to discover the vast realm of the Aesir and Norse gods. It turns out there are many beings and places waiting to be explored.
Positives — Quest For A Cauldron
To begin, there is a giant of the seas at the edge of the oceans. His name is Aegir. He has a great hall and one day Thor and his companions arrive. They appear as guests and they are welcomed. However, their host does not have enough beer to share with them. Instead, Aegir asks them to bring him a cauldron big enough to brew enough beer for all of them.
This leads to Thor and Tyr embarking on a mission. Tyr has a stepfather named Hymir. Tyr and Thor take Thor’s chariot to visit Tyr’s mother and Hymir to ask to borrow his stepfather‘s cauldron. Thor and Tyr are greeted by Hymir’s mother who has many faces, and then they greet Ty’rs mother. Then she tells them to hide because her husband will be home soon. They must wait while she soothers her husband‘s anger. Once he is calm, she shows Hymir where Tyr and his friend are hiding.
Thor is introduced as a Veor by Tyr. This is because Thor is known for killing giants, and as a giant, Hymir does not take kindly to this. Neil Gaiman continues to bring lighthearted mirth to the stories of the Norse gods. And his hand stays stayed Chronicles would be a tad roll. Likewise, the art is wonderfully drawn, colored, and eight. The words are vibrant thanks to lettering that makes them come to life and gives them a voice.
Positives — Thor’s Hijinks
Thor loves his hijinks. Hymir loves his cattle. He calls them his babies. Then his mother skins them and cooks them. Thor eats two by himself and Hymir is beside himself. Then Thor agrees to go fishing with Hymir even though Thor does not know how to fish.
Maybe that is why Thor appears to “misunderstand” when Hymir tells him to get some bait where the cattle graze. Instead of choosing worms from the dung on the ground, Thor beheads a cow and then has to swim to catch up to Hymir’s boat. But it doesn’t stop there.
Thor proceeds to hook the Midgard Serpent. Hymir begs Thor to release the line. But stubborn Thor refuses to let go. Of course, what happens next is a secret until you read the issue.
Negatives
Not in this review.
Verdict
Neil Gaiman’s brilliant and reverent retelling of the vast collection of timeless Norse stories continues unabated. P. Craig Russell’s scripting lays out the stories with thoughtful craftsmanship. David Rubín and Colleen Doran’s art and colors are bold and vibrant and Galen Showman’s letters showcase the layered mirth of the narrator and the dialogue of the characters.
There simply is no better way to experience the foundation of Norse Mythology. Put them on a shelf and they will be a wonderful memory. Read them often and they will take on a second life in your imagination.
