Review: BRIDES OF HELHEIM #1

STK651670BRIDES OF HELHEIM #1
Written by Cullen Bunn
Art by Joëlle Jones
Published by Oni Press
Release Date: October 1, 2014

Bunn & Jones bring the heavy metal dead viking back to comics with the kickoff of Brides of Helheim #1 from Oni Press.

Cullen Bunn does a great job of giving readers an easy jump on point with Brides of Helheim #1. Through the narrative there are hints as to what has come about prior to this series, but there is no critical information left out if you are a new reader. Bunn manages to do this in a way that will not completely bore old readers either, a fine line that is difficult to walk. Bunn also delivers a fun storyline with an air of adventure and good ol’ fashioned monster huntin’…with a monster doing most of the hunting. While Rikard himself is an intriguing character due to his sheer power, the cast of characters around him is what gives this book a lot of life. These are the characters that will keep you coming back for more and their quick wit and scheming balances the intense action Rikard unleashes very well.

Joëlle Jones takes the solid script and makes it soar with brilliant artwork from start to finish. Her style lends itself to intense action and slower moments of magical scheming very well, and there is not a single point in this comic where she falters. The action sequences with Rikard are powerful and full of energy and her facial work with the entire cast of characters is top notch. The colours by Nick Filardi tie everything up with a bow, giving readers strong, cohesive artwork from the first page to the last. This book is easy on the eyes despite the landscape and subject matter, and I’m firmly in the “Joëlle Jones can draw the hell out of anything” camp.

Brides of Helheim #1 is a rock solid comic. Strong storytelling, fantastic art and an undead hero taking on one heck of a foe in a battle royale. This comic is like power metal that has been given visuals, and I mean that in the most complimentary way possible. As Bunn has done so well with The Sixth Gun, he blends the fantastical with viking lore and some undead mayhem for a unique book that has a lot to enjoy in it.

The Verdict: 8.5/10

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