Heathen #1 Preview

Writer: Natasha Alterici / Artists: Natasha Alterici, Rachel Deering / Cover: Tess Fowler, Tamra Bonvillain / Vault Comics I found something new that you just might like! Heathen is a new comic series from Vault by Natasha Alterici (she’s both writer and lead artist). She’s got Rachel Deering on letters and Tess Fowler and Tamra Bonvillian on the cover, which I knew without looking at the names, as this cover is 100% characteristic of their style. Together, they produce an original story that is reminiscent of other Viking-themed comics like the famous Northlanders by Brian Wood (Wood is currently tearing it up in Briggs Land), but also 100% original. The story opens simply. A woman sits alone, watching the sunrise over the ocean, telling a mythical tale to a scrawny horse. The tale is about the Valkyries, and the most famous Valkyrie of all is Brynhild, the Valkyrie who disobeyed Odin. For her crime Brynhild sits alone in a circle of fire, waiting for a warrior brave enough to break through the flames and marry her.

It quickly becomes apparent that the woman, Aydis, intends to be that warrior. She’s been exiled from her home for an unforgivable crime: being attracted to another woman. A crime she refuses to regret.

This is a perfect example of what makes this comic work. The images are sparse line-work on a tinted background. It evokes a sense of loneliness and emptiness while also allowing the slender figures to pop. There are many panels with no words at all, further emp…