It is very easy to understand why popular culture’s current obsession with Vikings is so viral. The show, Vikings, has a massive following and has introduced the world to more than a handful of Viking heroes not named Erik. Thor, in and his place in the MCU, has been more cemented as they have delved into Norse mythology. It has even inspired Neil Gaiman, who recently wrote his version of what he liked about the Nordic gods.

In American Gods, Mr. Wednesday plays a huge part in the show and the book, better known as Odin. In what is probably my favorite version of the Nordic gods, The Almighty Johnsons, they bring an updated version of these deities in a modern setting. The best stories when it comes this mythology, is those of normal beings mixing it up with ominous figures. This the tale that is being told, in Heathen Volume 1, which tells the story of Aydis.

The reader meets her as she wanders the countryside looking for food, as she is a Viking warrior who is an outcast because of her sexuality, when she meets an old friend and love interest, Liv, until she is interrupted, a god, Ruadan. She embarks on an odyssey to prove her bravery until a goddess, Frigga, the current commander of the Valkyries, tricks her into leading another goddess, Brynhilde, who used to command the Valkyries into the mortal world. She gets kidnapped by the Frigga, coincidentally is the goddess of love, who wants to recruit to the Valkyries but not before exacting her revenge on Odin. By book’s end, Brynhilde, is searching for Aydis with the help of an old friend as she starts her path to Odin.

Overall, an exciting and different story in a well-traveled subgenre intermingled with modern sensibilities. The story by Natasha Alterici is action packed, full of heart and wraps the reader with its prose. The art by Alterici is gorgeous. Altogether, a story we have not seen quite enough in fantasy epics that need to be told more often.

Story: Natasha Alterici Art: Natasha Alterici
Story: 10 Art: 10 Overall: 10 Recommendation: Buy