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heyjaycee's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
A funny sort-of piecemeal volume, this, dealing with the final moments of the final battle with the Serpent, Asgardian god of fear, and the aftermath thereof. Nonetheless interesting and page-turner-y. It mops up all the loose ends that Loki set up in his plan to defeat the Serpent, and it feels like a moment to breathe before the next shit drops.
ishmael's review
2.0
Accidentally read this first. It made very little sense since I had no background for Fear Itself. But the Volstagg chapter was charming. Worth a re-read once I get the first one.
will_sargent's review
4.0
If someone told me I'd be reading about Thor and Loki a year ago I would have laughed myself silly.
However... Kieron Gillen is that wonderful mix of nerd and storyteller that can pick up a set of characters, blow off the dust and make them work again.
So. Old Loki is dead, new Loki is a kid. Why does this work? Why is this funny?
It works because Kid Loki has no magic, and no power other than his wits. He doesn't even have the ossified hatred and habits that his old self does, and he's free to work out his own relationships as a result (although his complaints about being held responsible for the acts of his previous incarnation are both hilarious and sad -- the first assassination attempt happens a few pages in). His family is able to take him under their wing, and Loki is able to see them as friends, mentors and even role models.
So it's not a story about men in tights beating each other up. It's a story of the prodigal son returned. The reformed addict trying to make good. Everyone involved is keenly aware of Loki's past evil, and Loki's in the horrible position of having his strengths be his weaknesses -- the more he uses his innate genius and trickster ways to save his friends and family, the more his friends and family worry about him falling into bad habits.
And of course he's a horribly conceited little snot. Nothing quite as annoying as a smart ass kid. Recommended.
However... Kieron Gillen is that wonderful mix of nerd and storyteller that can pick up a set of characters, blow off the dust and make them work again.
So. Old Loki is dead, new Loki is a kid. Why does this work? Why is this funny?
It works because Kid Loki has no magic, and no power other than his wits. He doesn't even have the ossified hatred and habits that his old self does, and he's free to work out his own relationships as a result (although his complaints about being held responsible for the acts of his previous incarnation are both hilarious and sad -- the first assassination attempt happens a few pages in). His family is able to take him under their wing, and Loki is able to see them as friends, mentors and even role models.
So it's not a story about men in tights beating each other up. It's a story of the prodigal son returned. The reformed addict trying to make good. Everyone involved is keenly aware of Loki's past evil, and Loki's in the horrible position of having his strengths be his weaknesses -- the more he uses his innate genius and trickster ways to save his friends and family, the more his friends and family worry about him falling into bad habits.
And of course he's a horribly conceited little snot. Nothing quite as annoying as a smart ass kid. Recommended.
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