Comic Review: Norse Mythology II #6

Norse Mythology II #6

Dark Horse

Writers: Neil Gaiman, P. Craig Russell

Artists: Gabriel Hernández Walta, Sandy Jarrell

Warning – Nothing to do with Marvel’s Asgardian characters. Any familiarity is merely a reflection of what hasn’t been overwritten in our collective psyche or what Disney’s legal team hasn’t been able to copyright…yet.

The foibles of gods and their families are a mainstay of Neil Gaiman’s work, and this title is a continuation of his Norse Mythology stories featuring our favorite Asgardian family. Norse Mythology II #6 is the 6th in a series of six books. This is the 2nd collection of Norse Mythology penned by the team of Neil Gaiman and P. Craig Russell. The art team has varied between each of the books. This book in particular sees the talents of Gabriel Hernández Walta, and Sandy Jarrell.

While I have read many of Neil Gaiman’s works, I cannot claim to be one true fanboy. I have experience with his comics, books, and many other forms of entertainment. I listened to the American Gods audiobook, which was spectacular, and it introduced me to Mr. Gaiman’s interest in Norse Mythology. I have not followed everything else of his that may be related though. I missed out on his book, Norse Mythology, which as the name strongly implies is connected to this series. Goodreads gives that a 4.08 out of 5.

I don’t think it is 100% necessary to have read everything Gaiman Norseverse related to get an understanding of what’s going on in this issue. You get two short tales, one six pages long and the other 14 pages on hot takes of less famous myths. I will say that if you read some of the other books in this series you will get longer stories that are a little more satisfying. This one feels like the creative energy was expended to finish up a contractual requirement. Not calling it bad, just a way to get the other interesting stories told.

The stories, and the way they are rendered, are only dissatisfying in their length. They give you a few glimpses into exciting exploits of the gods we are familiar with, and maybe not so familiar with. The tales are distinct, and the storytelling is tight. P. Craig Russell is listed as creating the Cover along with the Script and Layouts. A quick review of that name brings up a multiple Harvey and Eisner Award winner. That’s why the pacing feels good. This feels like two artists are given a nice tight package to work with and they did a fine job of it.

Norse Mythology II #6 is a good part of an anthology of short tales revolving around Gaiman’s interpretation of the Norse mythos. It is not what I would call a must-have as an individual issue, but once it is part of a TPB then I wouldn’t mind picking it up if collected with the initial series. I will not be rushing out to buy this, but I know Gaiman completionists will want it in their collection. Good on ya. I celebrate everyone who leaves their minds open to the master of dreams.