Queen in Black: Hela #1 (Marvel Comics)
Hello there! Padawan J here, the resident Star Wars expert from the ODPH! This week I'm going to be reviewing the FIRST issue of Queen In Black: Hela from Marvel Comics!
Hela is a hot commodity these days with everything going on in the Queen In Black storyline and everything that’s lead up to it. But just what exactly lead to this moment? Let’s jump into it!
Credit: Marvel Comics // Queen In Black: Hela #1 by Al Ewing (Writer), Carlos Magno (Artist), Espen Grundetjern (Color Artist), VC’s Joe Sabino (Letterer), Pasqual Ferry & Matt Milla (Cover Artists)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
The Story
I should note that this issue isn’t directly tied into what happens in the Queen In Black #1 or Queen In Black Defenders of Light and Dark #1. However it does serve as a bit of backstory for some unanswered questions for just what Hela was up to back BEFORE she took over Knull’s powers.
The issue is a solid one and definitely helped fill in some questions readers might’ve had about Hela’s whereabouts in the time leading up to present day. Reading the issue felt like a flashback episode from a television show you’re watching after the show did a time jump at the start of a new season. I really enjoyed reading it and hitting certain points that made me go, “OH! Okay!” when I read them. It also felt like reading a tale from Norse mythology that has been newly discovered, and it didn’t really feel like your typical story set in the Asguardian mythos.
Overall the issue is a solid one, but doesn’t really hit any home runs that make you go “WOW! Oh my gosh”. The story is definitely worth a read if you’ve been following since Venom 250 for sure, but by no means is it required reading.
The Artwork
Carlos Magno, Espen Grundetjern & Pasqual Ferry are in charge of the artwork for the issue and they really did an incredible job with the artwork. The artwork in the issue looks different than I think anything I’ve ever read when it comes to the Thor mythos. It still has a familiar look to it that fans will be used to, but just the way it’s presented in a near lifelike style really helps it jump off the page.
Overall Grade: 7/10
A solid issue that fills in the gaps for readers that have been keeping up with the exploits of Hela. A decent story from Ewing, together with stunning artwork make this an issue that is worth the read for readers keeping up with the story but isn’t required for casual readers.
