07/30/08
Text: Nik Mercer
What's immediately striking about Lauren Weinstein's The Goddess of War (PictureBox Inc.) is its endless tongue-in-cheek humor. Comics of this proportion (10" X 15") and artistry (she represents the sophisticated edge of Gary Panter merged with the goofy yet clean appeal of Justin Green) tend to drift towards psychological dramas, sympathetic memoirs, and depressing non-adventures rather than exuberant, vivid, bursting-at-the-seams fun.
That's not the say that the first volume of the ongoing tales is a gag strip or a book that uses one gimmick over and over. Indeed, Weinstein clearly did her research while preparing for this one! The 32-page story follows Valkyrie, the great-granddaughter of Thor, as she goes through the modern trials and tribulations of being a goddess. The historical back story of Valkyrie and all her god and goddess partners is reminiscent of a D'Aulaire Book of Greek Myths fable: it's colorful and enticing—not dry and dull like many myths tend to be—and far, far more accurate than other popular mythological characters' serials (Marvel Comics' Thor, anyone?)
Once you fully understand the premise—Valkyrie is disillusioned and jaded by her goddess status and is perpetually bored by the modern world—you can't stop laughing throughout the read. Depressed, she boozes on gin and recalls the better times; restless and tired she calls Nebulon, an intergalactic amoeba eater of stars who always has to deliver pep talks to his underling; finally back on track, she hooks up with Cochise, an Indian she healed; enraged, she rides the Groundworm into outer-space. The bizarre twists and turns never cease and continue to entertain. Anthem highly recommends this one and can't wait to read the second part when it's out!
Buy The Goddess of War, Vol. 1 from PictureBox Inc.
