Robert gave up being Roberto to fit in with his Nazi punk friends. Now those same friends have dragged him to the frozen forests of Norway to summon a “god.” And he may have to give up much, much more before they’re through with him… Odin #2 continues a surface level discussion of modern white supremacy that continues to feel too much like Blair Witch 2.
Written by Marguerite Bennett and James Tynion IV, Odin #2 is an interesting issue that has the group gathering their thoughts and figuring out a plan after the shocking conclusion of the debut issue. They’re lost, cold, and cannibals, and the options as to what to do next aren’t many or clear.
The issue has some interesting aspects, like going into the history of the Swastika and some of the Norse gods, but overall, it’s a horror story that’s about survival.
That focus extends beyond the here and now for the group. We get the backstory of one of the members, Robert, whose real name is Roberto, and it’s hinted his joining a hate group was his way to survive. We’re given a reason, and some sympathy as to his plight. And that’s part of the issue with the series so far. These are individuals who we should have no sympathy for. They are reprehensible with garbage beliefs, but the comic feels like it dances around those, teasing them instead of spelling it out. We should be cheering on their torture instead of feeling for their plight.
What stands out is the art by Letizia Cadonici with color by Jordie Bellaire and lettering by Tom Napolitano. It evokes the nightmare the individuals are experiencing with a dreamlike style about it. It goes from grounded moments to ones of visual hallucinations that might be actual visions. While the story itself doesn’t make the individuals out to be as sinister as it should, the art paints them in a way that feels like vampires, hunting their prey, a danger to all those around them.
Odin #2‘s issue is that it makes you feel some sympathy for these people. That might be the point, but with a washing of their bigoted beliefs mixed in, it feels like a story that mainstreams their ideology as if it’s just any other political/cultural/religious belief. And, while it touches upon Norse religion and beliefs, it comes off as new-age bullshit spouted off by individuals selling crystals, Goop, and whatever garbage being sold to gullible white individuals. It’s a surface level take on what is a deeply troubling reality. It misses the mark of delivering depth and a warning about a little known corner of the white supremacy movement.
Story: Marguerite Bennett, James Tynion IV Art: Letizia Cadonici
Color: Jordie Bellaire Letterer: Tom Napolitano
Story: 7.0 Art: 8.0 Overall: 7.0 Recommendation: Read
Image Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle
