Loki #1
- Writer:
- Dan Watters
- Artist:
- Germán Peralta
- Letterer:
- VC's Travis Lanham
- Cover Artist:
- Dustin Nguyen
- Publisher:
- Marvel
- Price:
- $4.99
- Release Date:
- 2023-06-07
- Colorist:
- Mike Spicer
Loki, the Norse god of Mischief, has always been an outcast in the Marvel realm of Asgard. He has been relegated as the god of Stories and ruler of the icy world of Jotunheim, the realm of the Frost Giants. However, Loki isn't taking his new role very seriously, and his past may be returning to haunt him.
Written by Dan Watters, with art by Germán Peralta, colors by Mike Spicer, and letters by VC's Travis Lanham, Loki #1 sends the former god of Mischief on a mad chase after his ship, the apocalyptic vessel Naglfar, is stolen and scattered across the universe.
Loki #1 is told from the perspective of Loki's baleful ship, Naglfar. Watters uses an omniscient first-person plural voice, similar to a classical Greek chorus. It adds to the dramatic, mythical tone of this issue with its formal, epic language and speech, which contrasts nicely with the main cast's more informal slang, sarcasm, and deadpan delivery. Every character's dialogue is distinct and instantly recognizable. Loki's blasé glibness provides good friction with Thor's flowery dialogue and the broken speech of the giants, especially the rebel brothers Rut and Glut. The characters' unique dialogue and the classical narration style make the dramatic story of Loki #1 feel like an epic for modern times.
The poetic tone of Loki #1 isn't too heavy-handed. While there is a level of self-awareness to the writing, it isn't self-conscious and doesn't take itself or the narrative too seriously, despite the high stakes. Watters leaves room for the dramatic sequences and the humorous moments to breathe. Loki's distinct, dry humor stands out, from his condescending smart-aleck remarks to his brother, the casual way he threatens the giants, and the hilarious way he makes his presence as the god of mischief known in Florida. That said, there is an undercurrent of tragedy and horror throughout this issue, with Naglfar's sad and disturbing origin. Much like the character, Loki #1 treads a fine line between sarcastic Marvel humor and philosophy.
The balance between the mundane, vulgar, mythical, and celestial extends to the visuals, thanks to the combination of Germán Paralta's elegantly rendered line art and Mike Spicer's cosmic color palette. There's a subtle softness to Paralta's lines, almost resembling fine charcoal or chalk. Hair, fabric, landscapes, and fantastical voids are rendered with an impressively light touch. Lanham's lettering leads the reader's eye across the page at the perfect pace. Spicer's palette adds to the epic tone of this issue, favoring cool, majestic jewel tones. Even mundane locations are presented with the same amount of care and reverence as the more outlandish and fantastical settings.
Equal parts dramatic, humorous, and poignant, Loki #1 is a promising start to an adventure starring one of Marvel's most complex and complicated characters and a sentient ship that may prove to be just as deep a character and antagonist as any in the growing Marvel roster.