Norse mythology is often a vein that writers and artists enjoy expressing themselves through and the audience for adventures based in those myths is only increasing as time goes on. Although it may not be the strongest reflection, a popular reference point for this can be made with Disney and Marvel's
Thor franchise and the comics on which the movies have been based upon that date back for decades.
Insight's
Vei franchise is a refreshing entry to the genre not only for those who are looking for another dive into a thrilling Norse tale but also for anyone who is interested in learning more about the mythology in general. It is very easy to follow and even those with minimal knowledge of the source material will recognize references to places such as Midgard, Asgard, and Jotunheim while characters like Loki, Thor, Freyja, and Odin are known by most everyone.
Since
Vei Vol. 2 just released this month, we have decided to dig into the first volume so that we are able to review both of them for you one by one. Since the first volume was released back in 2019, we feel safe giving spoilers for this one while looking ahead at the newly released volume - which we will also be reviewing in the coming days.
Not only was Insight Comics nice enough to send over a copy for us to review for you guys, but they also provided images for us so we could include them in this review that way you can enjoy the beautiful art by Karl Johnsson
(Mara from Ulthong) as we go along. The story is written by Sara B. Elfgren
(The Circle) who seamlessly paints a picture of a Norse tale that is somehow unlike what we've seen yet also true to the source. Let's take a look.
Starting with the cover, a simple glance gets the viewer caught up in the art. This is the type of cover that serves as a promise that the artwork between the bindings of the book it prefaces will shine just as brilliantly as it does itself. The titular character is front and center wielding a weapon beside the magpie later revealed to be Loki.
Vei and Loki sit perched atop a crescent-moon shaped wooden stump against a backdrop of beautiful scenery which includes mountains and trees. A rainbow can also be seen above her which will soon be revealed to be the rainbow bridge that Odin leads his people across.
Our heroine begins her journey devoid of hope as she floats alone amongst the waves, clinging to what remaining life force she still contains. If her physical situation wasn't enough to break her, getting ousted by her actual God and thrown away into the water certainly did the trick. In addition, our poor Vei, as stong as she is physically is left with quite the complex after being discarded.
Vei is from Jotunheim and her people carry giant's blood in their veins. Her Gods are the Jotun and she serves Veidar - the God who chose her as her Ran, his favorite and his most capable fighter. Only the Ran is permitted to climb onto the giant blue Jotun, who are the size of Frost Giants from
Thor since that's exactly what they are. Having always been the favorite she isn't able to handle being cast out, especially as she was given no warning or reason.
Not long after floating Vei is discovered and recovered by a Viking ship. As these men worship Odin and the people of Asgard - aka the Aesir - they immediately panic once they discover the difference in our heroine's eyes. Giving away the fact that she doesn't hail from Midgard, the men jump to calling her a witch and have her tied to a stake - with the prince ordering that she be hung.
Luckily for Vei, one man named Dal decides to cut her free since his prince had broken a promise to Odin. After doing so, the two head out together and it isn't long before they are captured by Jotun and taken to Thunder Mountain. Finally understanding why Veidar decided to dispose of her, Vei learns that it is time for the Meistarileikir - an arena battle between the Jotun and the Aesir - or at least between their best warriors.
The roll call includes Idun, Thor, Freyja, Skadi, Loki, and Odin as the Aesir arrive, and of this line-up it is actually Loki who proves to be an unlikely ally to our main character.
Vei's version of the God of mischief is a gender-bent idea of the character which works wonderfully with her deceitful nature and shrewd tactics. Guiding Vei through the battles in the Meistarileikir one by one, Loki slithers her way in and out of Vei's quarters when she least suspects it - leaving suspense as to the long game this character is clearly playing towards.
Vei Vol. 1 includes five chapters and not a single one of them knows how to leave readers wanting. Delivering on every level, this masterpiece finds the perfect apex of action, interesting mythology, intriguing storytelling, and captivating art that will certainly have readers diving into Vei Vol. 2 shortly after.
Elfgren and Johnsson have made their storytelling mark on the world of Norse mythology in a big way, and it is refreshing to view Odin and his people as something other than the heroes of the story. The protagonist is strong and smart without being overly confident and despite being a favorite of the Gods, her flaws still shine which truly makes this a character that readers can root for.
- Five out of Five
She trained her whole life to become the strongest warrior of Jotunheim, to become the beloved champion of her gods. But when the time came to finally prove her strength, Vei was cast into the sea by the very god she fought for.
Rescued by a Viking ship, Vei returns to Jotunheim, home of the legendary giants. There she finds herself caught in the Meistarileikir, a bloody game between the humans, the giants, and the gods of Asgard that will determine who will have the right to rule the land of Midgard. Having lost the confidence of her own god, Vei must take her place in the Meistarileikir and fight not only for the control of Midgard, but for her very life, in this epic battle against daring warriors, fearsome monsters, and even the gods themselves.
A bestseller in Sweden, Vei Vol. 1 weaves together an incredible tale that pits man against God and God against God in an outstanding Hunger Games meets Norse mythology graphic novel.
Vei Vol. 1 is currently available to purchase at a retailer near you, or if you prefer to pick it up online you can do so here for a ticket price of $24.99.