He is known by many names, including Grimnir, the Gallows God, the All-Father, and Chooser of the Slain. His thirst for knowledge led him through the mystic realms of Norse cosmology. Donning his signature cloak, hat, and walking staff, he is the Traveler. He is regarded as the one-eyed god of Asgard, chief ruler of the Aesir. As a companion to the Olympians series, New York Times bestselling graphic novelist and mythology enthusiast George O’Connor turns the spotlight onto the Norse pantheon beginning with Odin, highest and eldest of them all.
The opening scene launches on a war-torn battlefield where skies have darkened with ashen smoke rising to the heavens as corpses lay strewn on the ground, stray crows feeding on them. Within moments, the rapid galloping of hooves thunder through the air as armed battle maidens mounted on horses retrieve departed souls, spiriting them skyward to a grand celestial palace whose doors open into a majestic hall packed with fellow warriors feasting together. Thus begins the introduction to this inaugural volume of the Norse gods, an epic mythic world brimming with ill-fated destinies, cryptic prophesies, self-sacrifice, and persistent quests for knowledge.
O’Connor employs a second-person narrative voice that speaks directly to readers, conjuring forth an enchanting storytelling style that permeates a series of fragmented stories and lore, immersing readers in a world of myth, magic, and mystery. Tales of creation and war abound from the early ages of Ginnungagap—a vast primordial void floating between the fiery land of Muspell and the misty world of Niflheim—to a feudal war between the bloodthirsty tribes of the Aesir and mysterious seers of Vanir. The ice giant Ymir awakens and gives life to humans, monsters, gods, and every creature in between. This world-building premise transports readers into a world where everyone and practically every sacred object has a name and origin, setting up details that will presumably resurface in future volumes. This debut volume highlights the chief leader Odin himself: how he hung himself on a tree for nine days and nine nights to gain secret knowledge of runes, struck a blood pact with the insidious trickster Loki to become his blood brother, and traded his eye in exchange for wisdom.
Meticulously rendered dialogue characterizes each significant character, capturing a unique persona all of their own. Full page panels and double spreads highlight the imperial palace of Valhalla, home of slain noble warriors, and Yggdrasil, the colossal world tree around which the nine realms of Norse cosmology revolve. Back matter content features an extensive glossary, key character portraits and spotlights, and “Norse Code” notes revealing O’Connor’s enriching insights to corresponding panels in the book. Although the stories may seem scattered and fragmented, this is indicative of the lack of primary source material now lost, forgotten, or buried. Anticipated volumes will most likely fill in gaps with other characters and mystifying adventures as the series unfolds. Asgardians: Odin will complement graphic novel collections for young readers eager for mythic sagas, supporting the trending appeal of works of fantasy inspired by the folklore of world mythologies.
Asgardians: Odin
By George O’Connor
Macmillan First Second, 2024
ISBN: 9781250760777
Publisher Age Rating: 9-14
NFNT Age Recommendation: Tween (10-13)
