LOKI #1
Writer: Daniel Kibblesmith
Artist: Oscar Bazaldua
Colorist: David Curiel
Letterer: Clayton Cowles
Publisher: Marvel
Rating: 8/10
If you're anything like me, then you're yearning for anything Thor related after the Asgardian sized hole left after the conclusion to WOTR. Well I have terrific news for you, Loki now has his own series, again. After dying, he returned and brutally killed his father Laufey, King of the Frost Giants, and heroically helped to save Midgard. Now he's the ruler of Jotunheim, a man among giants, so obviously humor is a big part of the book. Who better to chronicle these hilarious adventures than comedic writer Daniel Kibblemith. These series hits the ground running and is sure to have you laughing by issues end.
This hilarious tale of the new King of Jotunheim, is a fresh take on this decades old charcter. We have a Loki who's actually trying to be good??? Loki has always wanted to be King and now he finally has his kingdom, although it's not necessarily the one he wanted. The story mostly deals with Thor telling Loki that he has to take his newfound responsibilities seriously. Of course that's easier said then done for the fabled God of Mischief. When tasked with finding an assistant to help rule, he simply creates one. A snowman named Frosti, it's moments like this that make Kibblemsith's story a truly enjoyable read. This is a welcome escape from the more serious books in Marvel's line. It's clear that Kibblesmith has a great handle on the character.
The art by Bazaldua is both full of energy and very expressive. It compliments the story seemlessly. The battle between Loki and Armadillo is where he really shocked me. He made an otherwise laughable villain seem intimidating, no easy feat. Curiel's colors are both moody and atmospheric. He contrast the cold world of Jotunheim perfectly with brightness of Midgard. The look of Loki's throne room is a pefect example of his exquiste skills.
The future of the book seems both intriguing and exciting. Towards the end of the issue Thor gives Loki the "Books of Loki". What this massive tomb contains is anyone's guess, but I'm sure we can expect it to play out over the course of this run. One thing I hope continues to be a staple is “Loki’s Trickster Tips.” I thought this was a great little addition to the story that gives us further insight into the twisted mind of this villain turned hero. The relationship between Thor and Loki is one thing I hope stays a central part of this run as well. It will be interesting to see how this new dynamic of Loki being "good" effects their relationship.
Overall, while the story didn't really have that great of an antagonist in Nightmare(the fight was kind of anticimactic), I think this was a solid first issue and is definitely worth picking up. It has exactly what you would want in a Loki book, humor, mischief and a story of redemption.