A Sickness is Growing in Valkyrie #8
Valkyrie #8 is the start of a brand-new plot for Jane Foster. ‘At the End of All Things‘ is a plot guaranteed to pull in at least one other fan-favorite character, as you can probably guess from the cover of this issue.
Jane Foster has finally found her footing with the new mantle of Valkyrie. So naturally, it’s time to throw something bigger at her. In this case, the new threat has caught the attention of several other heroes.
This is a team-up many fans have been looking forward to. After all, these are two characters with so much history. But it’s also more than that since Valkyrie is a mantle and job from the same origin as Thor. It’s fitting.
One quick note before I dive into this review. As with many events involving other characters, this issue’s timing is fairly important. The events about to occur occur before Thor (2020) #1.
Writing
Valkyrie #8 is the dramatic beginning of a new plot arc, and it is not afraid to dive right into the thick of things. However, the issue starts with a more human element, showing us Jane Foster having a rare moment to relax.
So you know that means things are about to get bad. After all, Jane has not mastered the whole work/life thing yet. She’s new to being a superhero, so we know she’ll get there. But until then, it will provide a few moments of comic relief – something I have a feeling we’ll need.
Jason Aaron and Torunn Gronbekk were the authors behind this issue, and while they started off with an amusing tone, they were willing to dig into something much heavier with very little warning.
This is an issue with tension and gravity, all while pulling in several fan favorites (one of which is fairly obvious). The humor in these introductions perfectly balances the threat and cost that has already been implied.
The new threat is an intriguing one. It’s certainly different but also very fitting for the task of the last Valkyrie. I’ve got to admit, this series has done an excellent job of coming up with risks that would actually concern one such as her.
Art
Valkyrie #8 features a lot of dynamic and beautiful artwork. That’s about par for the course with this series, but it’s always nice to see. The fighting in this issue is different from what we’ve seen in the series thus far, with the count being numerous and plenty of humans nearby and at risk.
Valkyrie’s and other characters’ powers and abilities were a highlight. They were vibrant spots, as well as opportunities for some dramatic panels. The creatures were carefully crafted, intentionally dark, yet distinctly dangerous despite their lack of tone and definition.
Cafu was the lead artist for this issue, working alongside Jesus Aburtov for colors and VC’s Joe Sabino for lettering. They went above and beyond for this issue, providing us with a threat worthy of Valkyrie (and everyone else).
Conclusion
Valkyrie #8 was an intriguing start to a brand-new plot arc. This new threat is different, yet it fits perfectly with Valkyrie’s wheelhouse. The fact that it has pulled other characters into the fray is a bonus in my book. And I personally can’t wait to see where it’ll lead.
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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