Viking Issue 1

Writer: Ivan Brandon
Illustrator and Colourist: Nic Klein
Publisher: Image Comics

A few months back I picked up the first trade paperback collection of Northlanders from DC/Vertigo comics. Northlanders is essentially about vikings and the Norse people. Whilst I mostly enjoy the book, I felt no desire too get the next trade as the books conclusion was lacking in my opinion. So when it was announced that Image comics were releasing their own similar viking themed(called Viking)comic in 2009, I thought I would give it a go as well.

Viking Issue 1's story revolves around 2 viking brothers who slaughter a band of men in order to make a name for them selves by stealing from those who are wealthy. As the story progresses we get to see more of the 2 brothers lives and how they are very different from one another. Egil is the more aggressive brother who would happily kill any and all who get in his path, whilst his brother Finn is a lot more wiser and thoughtful,his over confidence could be his undoing. Other characters who appear in the book are King Bram, who appears to be powerful, confident and willing to defend what is rightfully his and the character I would like to see more of Princess Annikki who seems to have a warriors spirit and willing to put others above her own protection.
Whilst at the moment I'm not sure how these characters stories will tie together , I can only guess.The final part of the first issue ends with a conflict, which could be possible to changing certain characters paths in the future.

In my opinion I really enjoyed this comic and really want to know more about all the characters with in. Whilst reading Northlanders there was only 1 real character I wanted to know about and by the end of the book I found out his fate, so for that reason I don't feel the need to read more. With 4 characters that I am interested in though I could see my enjoyment for this book carrying on for a while. I don't think for a second that all of the characters will be there by the time the story ends but I'm hopeful that more characters will be introduced that are just as interesting.

I thought the comic was well written although it did take me twice to read it and fully understand it. This is not a negative point, it just warranted two reads in order for my dyslexia to fully process every thing that was going on. What I also liked was the way the characters talked, I liked the fact that they swore in the comic but only when need and only by certain characters. Also whilst reading the comic, i felt that each character had their own unique voice and what I found especially moving was when Princess Annikki was confronted by the bear, I felt I could hear the tremble in her voice and although she was scared she did not one the bear to be executed for its natural curiosity. The artwork in the book is truly amazing and I love the fact that Image had made the comic over sized in order for the read to fully appreciate Nic Klein fabulous artwork. I honestly cant tell how he has produced the artwork, it looks to me like he has used a mixture of media in order to create the book. At times I can see parts Andy Kubert styled artwork mixed in with a bit of Jack Kirby and Roy Lichtenstein. I honestly feel that the artwork is an infusion of all three and yet it really is it's own style at the same time.

I really enjoyed Viking's and I will pick up the future issues. I think this comic will be a challenge with my dyslexia but its going to be worth it as I'm hoping the best is yet to come and its going to be enjoyable getting there.