Jane Foster: Valkyrie #5
Recap
Jane Foster must battle the Grim Reaper for the soul of Doctor Strange. Also, on the line is her job as Valkyrie as the race to bring a dead hero into the afterlife. The conclusion of this first arc will show if Jane has what it takes to follow in the footsteps of the original Valkyrie.
Review
Al Ewing and Jason Aaron continue to write an engaging story with compelling characters. Jane and Annabelle Riggs go head to head when Valkryie prioritizes saving Strange’s trapped soul over hunting down the purple-tinted escaped villains from the last issue. Ewing and Aaron construct tight emotionally packed dialogue between the women of the issue, showing the distinct strength, compassion, and personality of each of them. From Annabelle’s cutting words in defense of her dead friend, the former Valkyrie, to Lisa revealing the origin of her friendship with Jane.
CAFU’s art is amazing as always, while Jesus Aburtov does an incredible job of matching colors to the tone of the art and story (I’ve lost track of how many times I did a double-take with the difference from Arbutov’s other current work). I don’t need to look further than The Horse (or Mr. Horse if we are being formal) as proof of the fantastic art in this book. I should hate him; his battle cry was, “Does tha like Apples?” But CAFU and Abutrov do such a beautiful job I can’t help look forward to each appearance or feel bad for the poor demon horse that is at the receiving end of The Horse’s apples.
Final Thoughts
Jane Foster: Valkyrie #5 (Ewing, Aaron, CAFU, Aburtov) is filled with stunning visuals that make a satisfying conclusion to the first arc of Jane’s turn as Valkyrie. Jane Foster is finding her own role as Valkyrie, not relying on the heroes that have come before. Her innovation and realization that the Grim Reaper is a hero in his own head allow for interesting ramifications, as does the pain he was able to cause the All-Weapon. Not to mention my personal fondness (obsession?) with Lisa getting gratification in her charging into battle on the repoed steed of Black Knight and a flashback acknowledging her ex America Chavez.
Jane Foster: Valkyrie #5: How About Them Apples
- Writing - 9/109/10
- Storyline - 9/109/10
- Art - 10/1010/10
- Color - 10/1010/10
- Cover Art - 9/109/10