Loki: Agent Of Asgard

Al Ewing - Writer
Lee Garbett - Artist
Nolan Woodard - Color Artist
VC's Clayton Cowles - Letter & Production
Jenny Frison - Cover Artist

Many Loki fans will be coming to this series straight from the movies in which the character is featured in, they will leave this first issue very happy. More importantly as a fan of Thor who has read nearly all of his solo appearances, this will also more than satisfy. There are so many wonderful nods to continuity in this book, yet is so effortlessly accessible in the ambitious nature it so wonderfully captures. Anybody who walks away from this experience not so completely charmed, needs to re-adjust expectations. Al Ewing so beautifully captures the voice of each different individual in this issue, along with capturing his own truly unique voice over along the way that makes him different from Lee, Simonson, Straczynski, or Gillen. The titular rogue who has been reborn in the wake of the most recent Young Avengers series, has just completed a quest to get the sword of the oldest Asgardian. Gram, the sword in question, is an artifact capable of many things as proven by this issue, and Loki uses it for his own selfish means. The opening pages show Thor with his back literally stabbed Loki, and the manner in which Ewing effortlessly weaves in and out of this story will leave fans with their jaws hanging on the floor.

 

The ultimate goal of the tale is also established in the complicated way that a book such as Loki would have to function. There is no simple motivation to kick things off, but the goal does make sense when readers give this first issue a solid read. A sufficient amount of twists also keep fans on their toes from cover to cover of this first issue. Of course, as a first installment this book has the very difficult task of re-introducing a concept, while still hooking long time readers into the dastardly adventures of the god of mischief. This tale is not written for someone who has no prior knowledge of Asgard, but for those who have seen the movies, or are intensely familiar with the source material in question.

 

The scribe of this story introduces a non-linear storytelling device that he has to go back and forth in order to catch up on. This creates a certain amount of tension, and also requires a large amount of attention for those interested to really invest in the narrative being told here. It is a bold storytelling technique that actually serves a distinct purpose instead of feeling tacked on.

 

Lee Garbett does some brilliant work in these pages. His linework is so incredibly precise, as the artist seems like he so intimately understands how to channel energy into his brush in a clear manner that will totally engross the reader. Simple details like a certain wound towards the end of the issue, is so clearly drawn and wonderfully captivating. Another stroke of genius by the artist is located in the post-credits sequence in which he invokes a scratchier style that serves the story in the best way possible. He also does a great job drawing a Thor that looks truly menacing, especially after most readers have the image of a virtuous modern Thor burned into their minds. The pencils are simply incredible.

Al Ewing states in the letters column that “art supremo ‘Lovely’ Lee Garbett” is someone who “clearly ‘gets’ Loki” but, what he is too humble to say is that both he and his artist clearly understand everything about this cast and tell a wonderful story in these pages. Loki: Agent Of Asgard has everything that it could ever possibly need with these two awe-inspiring creators at the helm of the book. This is a masterful first issue that is a great way to start off All-New Marvel NOW.