A Lesson On Letting Go in Valkyrie #2
The tale of Jane Foster as Valkyrie continues here. For fans who have not been following along, this series directly results from what happened during the War of the Realms. It’s also been built up for some time in the Thor series.
This is only the second issue of Jane Foster’s run as Valkyrie, yet the series is already proving to be just as intense as her time as the Mighty Thor. Valkyrie #2 did not pull punches – and we shouldn’t have expected them to do so.
It’s clear that Jane Foster is perfect for The Last Valkyrie, yet she also still has a lot to learn about the job. Oddly enough, the job may help her deal with issues she’s been fighting to avoid. So, in the long run, Valkyrie may be perfect for Jane.
Writing
Jason Aaron and Al Ewing made Valkyrie #2 an even more intense and emotional read than the first. This is an impressive feat, by all means. This series is already proving to be exactly the follow-up we needed for our Jane.
When the antagonist of this plot was introduced, it was easy to be surprised. But these writers have managed to turn him into a true threat to Valkyrie. Putting a weapon like that into the hands of somebody like that…well, let’s just say that Jane was in for one heck of a fight here.
This issue ended up being shockingly emotional, all things considered. We knew there would be an adjustment period here as Jane learned how to deal with her new powers and tasks. But what many had forgotten to consider (Jane included) is what the job would require of her.
Valkyrie is already shaping up to be a series worth reading. And there’s still a lot left in her story. The real question is: how far will the writers push it?
Art
Valkyrie #2 has some of the best artwork I’ve seen this year. Second, perhaps only to the first issue of this series. The design for the new Valkyrie outfit Jane wears is quite stunning for various reasons.
There are a few elements in particular that really stood out in this issue. For example, Valkyrie’s iconic golden wings. They were shown on the cover of the first issue, but this issue really made use of them within the pages.
The portrayal of Jane’s new weapon is another highlight. This weapon is unique, even in the Marvel universe. And I adore how they designed the weapon’s transitions from one object to the next. It was sleek and elegant, exactly what it needed to be shown as.
Cafu is the artist behind this series’ lines, and we sincerely hope they stay on the project. Meanwhile, Jesus Aburtov provided the stunning colors, and Joe Sabino rounded out the tale with his lettering.
Conclusion
Jane Foster’s tale has never shied away from storytelling’s emotional and dramatic side. Yet Valkyrie #2 is surprising in the amount of emotional depth and loss portrayed within the pages. It is not an issue fans will want to miss.
This was a strong first plot and antagonist for the new Valkyrie to face off against. And, of course, it’s left fans eager for more. What will Jane be facing next time?
This review was originally written for Word of the Nerd, but has been ported over to Quirky Cat’s Fat Stacks now that the site has shut down.
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