LOKI: RAGNAROK AND ROLL #1
Written by Eric M. Esquivel
Art by Jerry Gaylord
Published by BOOM! Studios
Release Date: February 19, 2014
Crank up the volume and throw up the horns! Loki has come down from Asgard to rock your weak mortal face off! Loki: Ragnarok and Roll is Eric Esquivel’s follow up to Thor: Unkillable Thunder Christ, and the book proves why Loki is the most interesting of Odin’s offspring.
This is the story of how Loki screws up a mission for the All-Father (it’s actually kind of Thor’s fault) and gets banished to Earth. Once among us, he meets the dreaded Scene Kids of Los Angeles and decides he can be a god among men by fronting a metal band. Sounds legit, right? As a premise, I can’t think of anything more perfect for the subject matter. Esquivel’s story is 100% fun, with added treats for the mythology junkie in your life (me). There’s a scene that looks like Neil Gaiman on acid: Anansi, Cthulhu, a dead unicorn, the Flying Spaghetti Monster and many more are combined into what is possibly my favorite splash page ever.
Speaking of splash pages and art, Jerry Gaylord brings this entire story to life with the same vigor and vim as he did in Fanboys Vs. Zombies. His characters look like they escaped from a high quality animated show, with sharp features and expressive faces. His backgrounds are also packed with detail, in a way that is rewarding rather than distracting (especially if you know what you’re seeing). The flavor of West Coast Goth Club feels as authentic as the banquet hall of Asgard. The art is highlighted by Penelope Gaylord’s inks, which strengthen the presentation. Most importantly, Loki looks gorgeous. Hooray for tasteful eye candy!
The only weakness of this issue is the pacing. It takes four pages for things to move, and 12 before Loki comes to Earth. Maybe I’m just too anxious to see Loki hit the stage. You can’t really blame me – the music recommendations at the front of the book were clearly made by an individual who knows how to rock out. (Side Note: MASTADON!!!)
This mini-series is going to be a treat for fans of rock music, the Norse god of mischief, put-upon smarter siblings and laughter. If you hate this book I can only assume you hate fun and good times.
The Verdict: 9.0/10
