Return of the Valkyries #1 is published by Marvel Comics, written by Jason Aaron and Torunn Grøndekk, art Nina Vakueva, colors by Tamra Bonvillain and letters by Joe Sabino. Having been slain by Null, The Sentry’s soul is visited by Valkyrie to be ushered off to Valhalla. But as the two travelers pass between realms they come across an unlikely foe, and something once lost, may be found.
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What happens when we die? It is one of the great questions people wrestle with all their lives. Some believe another life awaits, others say we simply cease to be. Only the dead truly know what lies beyond the great veil. Unfortunately, they have chosen to remain silent on the matter. But, for Robert Reynolds, aka The Sentry, it involves a ride with a Valkyrie, as the journey to Valhalla. While I doubt Return of the Valkyries #1 is intended to be a deep look at the nature of death, it nonetheless presents an interesting depiction of existence after meeting the end. The Sentry’s state of peace serves as a comforting thought. That, even if one’s end is violent and brutal, there may be some sense of peace awaiting. And a ride on a super cool flying horse.
And while The Sentry’s journey to the other side, and his reflections on his time among the living, make up a large portion of this book, there is also plenty of time given to another character. A different Valkyrie, thought dead, but perhaps not so dead. At least not yet.
As we meet this Valkyrie, she seems to be trapped in some sort of temporal loop. Reliving moments she seems aware is no longer real, but going through the motions anyway. How she came to this imprisonment, or for what purpose remains to be seen. But, it serves as an excellent way to introduce the character swiftly to readers. As she bounces from one moment to the next, various aspects of her character are instantly highlighted, giving readers a three-dimensional image of her in record time.
The art of Return of the Valkyries #1 delivers its story nicely. From the confused memories of our time-trapped mystery character to the peaceful exchange of the golden soul of the Sentry and Jane Foster, as they float harmoniously above the domed globe of Earth, the art delivers on the story’s variety and depth. The colors throughout this issue also deliver in a beautiful way. A lot of gorgeous contrasts give particular elements of this book an extra shine that dazzle on the page. This is especially true when Jane wields Undrjarn, the All-Weapon. This was my first time seeing this piece of mystical Norse weaponry in action, and largely due to the vibrant colors employed in it, I won’t soon forget it. Lastly, we have the letter work. While the dialogue itself is fairly standard, I like the extra character given to the various internal monologues that run throughout the book. This extra effort keeps who is thinking what perfectly clear.
When all is said and done Return of the Valkyries #1 starts this two-sided story off with both a strong narrative, as well as good emotional depth.
Return of the Valkyries #1 is available January 6th wherever comics are sold
Return of the Valkyries #1
TL;DR
When all is said and done Return of the Valkyries #1 starts this two-sided story off with both a strong narrative, as well as good emotional depth.
