Valkyrie: Jane Foster #3
Marvel Comics
Writers: Jason Aaron and Al Ewing
Artists: Cafu, Cian Tormey, Ramon Perez, Frazer Irving
So, uhh, I don’t think anyone expected Valkyrie to go in this direction.
Heimdall is dead, killed by none other than Bullseye. He was bested by Jane, who is now left with a new task – escorting Heimdall to the Afterlife. However, Heimdall does not wish to go to Valhalla. Being the All-seeing God, he has had the chance to witness all the possible places a God might go when he dies. What he truly wishes to see is what lies beyond. So the two heroes set on a journey to lands never before seen. A Journey Into Mystery.
The issue can be summed up as a long and perilous road trip. Jane and Heimdall go through different versions of the afterlife, ones you wouldn’t expect to see in a Norse-themed series, in an attempt to reach beyond. It’s a fun ‘little’ ride, full of crazy encounters, as the duo is chased by the inhabitants of those said versions.
Two-spreads dominate the layout of the book. Smaller, yet really detailed, panels surround the big centerpieces of the spreads. This allows the book to flow neatly without it feeling rushed, but also giving the artists a chance to showcase their work. This is all accompanied by Jane’s narration, giving us some fantastic descriptors. Sure, the art looks fantastic, but the metaphors used to describe the sensation of actually being in those places elevate it to a new level.
And since we mentioned the artwork, let’s talk about it for a bit. In short – it’s awesome. The book has a couple of guest artists and they all bring their special flair to the table. Honestly, I have no idea which artist did what pages. The credits just don’t tell you and I’m not that familiar with their respective work. Suffice to say, they all do a fantastic job. I especially enjoyed the art of the third ‘guest segment’, done by Frazer Irving. It has this crazy psychedelic feel that I genuinely adore. Would really love to see a whole book done by him, honestly.
Also, Mister ‘Orse is the best.
So yeah, Valkyrie #3 was kinda weird, but in a great and awesome way. It went a bit deeper with the concept of death in the Marvel Universe and I hope the team will continue to do so. Heimdall’s death went from ordinary shock value material to a great plot device. It felt dignifying, worthy of an All-Seeing God of Asgard.
Valkyrie: Jane Foster #3
Heimdall's death went from ordinary shock value material, to a great plot device. It felt dignifying, worthy of an All-Seeing God of Asgard.
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