A fierce concept and story of this girl. I appreciated her story being told and hope it gives people courage to be themselves whatever it may be.
I would have liked a little different illustration style but it was still cool.
Why is the girl wearing a bikini like outfit when she lives in cold environment?
I liked very much that it also had a nordic background

I liked the art stlye for this but the story was a little weak overall and did not deliver everything i wanted from this. This is a good series opener but not amazing.

I did not care for the artwork on this comic.
While interesting, it was more stylized than I expected and this made reading the content more difficult.

Viking adventure? Check. Gay protagonist? Check. Gods, monsters, myths, and magic? Quadruple check.

Why hello, gorgeous.

As I was reading this trade, I just kept thinking: oh I like this, I really, really like this. In short, this story is just FUN. Sweeping, ambitious, and well grounded by a down-to-earth protagonist, who has a firmly rooted sense of identity, this isn’t a story about things happening to a girl, or being done to her, or her reacting in response to men’s stories – this is a story about a girl DOING. Period. Full stop, bar none. And that made for a delightful read.

Plus, the art! It’s striking, bold, the hues gorgeously rich – and it must be said, as someone who never really outgrew her childhood obsession with all things equine – the HORSES. Oh, the horses are gorgeous. Really, this book had me from the first horse.

I did find, however, towards the later end of the trade – when the story split off the protagonists so as to give them separate adventures – for me, a bit of impetus was lost. Now narratively speaking, I understand why the writer did that – in terms of broadening the scope of a world and mythology, it’s much easier to do when you have people riding off in different directions. But for me, we were just getting somewhere delightfully interesting, with Aydis and Brunhild joining forces, and with the reveal of the magic of Aydis’ horse, and then to suddenly have them be torn apart and shot off on completely different trajectories – for me, the story lost something. And then going forward, I found my interest split in a lopsided way – as Brunhild’s travails on her own were of decidedly less interest to me than Aydis’ adventures – and frankly, much as I enjoy watching Aydis adventuring and throwing down like a boss, I do think she would have been better served with a foil, or companion, for her journey. A Gabrielle to her Xena. Because without that, and without the chance to really see all our characters bond and form a unit (which would then allow us to vitally care about them all – and about them all getting back together), I think overall some emotional investment was squandered. But really, with art this gorgeous and mythology this fun, that’s just a quibble – because I am firmly on board for the long haul with this one.

Honestly, who can resist a tale of a girl, her magic horse, a forbidden kiss, and a god in need of rescue? And why on earth would you want to? Heathen, Vol 1 collects this first four issues, and makes for a very solid beginning to what promises to be a downright epic adventure story. Definitely pick this one up.

A fierce viking woman who refuses to accept a society that doesn't let her be who she is (queer!) and live as she wants. Valkyries and a slightly mischievous goddess of love.

I mean, what's not to love. I'm looking forward to read more of this.

I loved it! I really did, the art is great, the plot intriguing, the characters are well brought to life and very attaching, I enjoyed every page!
Highly recommended!

Totally not what I expected, a kick-ass lesbian viking fighting for the outcasts of Norse society. Plus, Brunhilde the Queen of the Valkyries struggling to end Odin's curse upon her. Sign me up please. The character interactions are marvelous. The art starts out a little rough but by the end I was really digging it. My only complaint is that it wasn't long enough. Hopefully we'll see a volume 2 soon.

Wonderful art, an energetic story, and a wonderful lead character. I felt the plot was interesting and contained Norse mythology. I wasn't sure what to expect from this but I chose to receive a copy on a whim. I'm glad I did. I found myself enjoying it. While it definitely has its flaws, I didn't feel like it took too much away from the overall story.

This fits the graphic genre perfectly, a fast paced energetic story that kept me hooked to the end.

First, let me say thank you to Vault Comics for sending me a galley of Heathen for review!

Heathen is a prime example of why it matters so much to me to review comics. Reviewing comics has been a focus for me over the last few years, because I want to bring attention to the places that it is due. The comic industry is thriving and full to the brim of brilliant, but fairly unknown, creators and stories. Hence, as I’ve said before, why I felt the need for The Friday Panels.

What I liked about it: Overall, the story is killer. You have a girl who is kicked out of her village for just trying to know who she is. She wants to be brave, to be a warrior, to not let men get to decide her fate or who she is. Then, you have the lore and mythology of the gods and the Valkyries in this story – which ALWAYS seems to make every story more interesting. Next, you have an animal sidekick with a formed bond to the main character (again, always makes a story better.) AND THEN, you have a romance – not really – romance (just go read it and it will make sense.)

What I didn’t like about it: Alright, to be honest, there was nudity in this comic that felt unnecessary. I understand it from a “let’s keep everything lore friendly” perspective, but also could still be lore friendly without the nudity.

Also, I wasn’t really a fan of the artwork of the story. However, the story is so strong by itself that this point is the very last thing I care about anymore, because now I just want to read more more more of it.

Seriously, I kept thinking about it hours after I finished it. I wish the next issue was ready to go right now.

Astonishing art and a very intriguing story. I will certainly look out for the next volumes!

This book... I wanted so bad to love it. I'm a big fan of Norse mythology, and I love the artwork. This story just wasn't for me. I wasn't a fan of the story overall, the plot seemed confused, and I didn't really enjoy any of the characters.

I'm a fan of the art and the potential of the story. I'm less a fan of the actual execution - the characters are thin, the whole thing is a bit contrived and lacked something unexpected. Towards the end of the book (this is for volume 1, implying a continuing story), I found I wasn't 100% sure what we were working towards. After the main character accomplishes the thing that book sets up as it's story, I thought the story was about to get on it's way and really begin. But then the characters are separated and more are introduced and the plot muddies more from there.

I enjoyed the art and the book is a quick and easy read, but I needed better writing to support it.

I AM IN LOVE WITH EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS

With beautiful artwork and a gripping take on Norse gods such as Freyja and Odin, Heathen tells the story of Aydis as she seeks redemption and tries to find a better meaning to her existence. It's a journey of self-reflection, coming of age, and it hits you hard with its emotional tones of what it means to truly love someone, regardless of the face affection wears.

The two stars are for the artwork and for putting LGBTQ+ characters in the story. Apart from that I did not really enjoy Heathen.

The plot, based on Norse mythology, was seemed pretty thin and the dialogue felt unnatural and forced. At no point did I feel I cared about any of the characters.

This graphic novel does have lots of great reviews and I keep asking myself whether we read the same novel or whether I just completely missed the point. I guess I must have done at both counts, but unfortunately I did not really get into the story at any point.

I really wanted to like this, but I guess it just was not for me.

On a quick side note, why do the women go around riding horses in bikinis?

Heathen V.1
Alterici, Natasha
Diamond Book Distributors/Vault Comics
I obtained Heathens V.1 for free from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I don't typically read too many comics or graphic novels. I do have some limited experience with both a very popular one and also one that only had a few issues and would be considered a less-appropriate comic for young adults. Ironically, I read it in middle school.

From my limited experiences with comics, the actual artwork is what drew me in to read Heathens. The title is a keyword that I always take an interest in, but when the artwork is shoddy or the description doesn't pull me in I usually gloss right over it. I do especially like mythology and heathenry and find the culture very interesting, so when the comic had a good story to tell and the artwork looked fantastic, I had to see what it was all about.

I was not disappointed! Immediately, the rich pictures that extended out from the scenes in each box helped narrate the story as much as the dialogue. The dialogue was well-thought out and intriguing. It didn't delve in too quickly, though it was brisk and to the point. There is a casual unraveling of the threads that entangle all of the characters, most notably how the main character, Aydis does or will connect with others.

The story lines intersect and are laid out carefully, showing just enough of their cards to make you want to know more. I wanted to know exactly what happened between Brynhild and one of her previous rescuers; about Freyja and her palace of love instead of war. I wanted to know, how are they all going to come together to break Brynhild's curse, masterfully crafted by Odin? How will they break Odin's oppressive rule over them? The seeds are planted in rows, making you want to follow down the garden and watch them grow into a ripe fruit.

I found the retelling or rather, author's take, on the Norse culture and mythology refreshing as well. Natasha Alterici did not stick to the tropes and personifications that are too typical of writing on them and was able to infuse her own thoughts and creativity in to really get a breathing story.




Without spoiling too much - the comic features heavy LGBT+ themes even in just this first volume - which I ultimately found added to the depth and breadth of the story. Few authors, writers, or entertainers in many venues dare tread too far off the beaten path so there is not as much in the way of LGBT+ literature and content available as many would like. The characters mention these aspects in relatable ways that deal with the consequences of being LGBT+ and what that means in their world for them. It mirrors common struggles of LGBT+ communities in the here and now, and as such will help anyone struggling with identity or having issues after coming out deal with what they could be facing with the solidarity a character can mirror. This was very well-thought and crafted with the sensitivity necessary in dealing with LGBT+ topics.

Finally, the end of the comic includes several pages of artistry that is relevant and inclusive to what happened in the comic. The larger pictures add detail as well as anticipation for the volumes that follow and are extremely beautiful.

Heathen Volume 1 is powerful and determined, furious and full of intent. It's the beginning of a mission, of an epic quest that will take Aydis all the way up to the king of the gods.

Aydis is focused, full of sorrow and rage. Sorrow that her village would cast her out and rage at the laws of the land. Laws that subjugate women, keep them in their homes, bind them to the wishes of first their fathers and then their husbands. But what about women like Aydis? Women who would rather hunt or lead? Women who would not marry a man, who would rather kiss and love another woman? And so begins Aydis' epic quest. To first rescue the trapped Valkyrie queen Brynhild, an immortal with her own past, her own secrets, and then to seek out the god-king Odin. To bring her grievances to him.

The artwork is amazing. Rough and sketchy at times, detailed and expressive at others. The different faces of Aydis, alternating between determination and worry, surprise and sorrow. The laughing faces of the wolves Skull and Hati as they debate over when they think the world will end. The stoic Saga. The fury and resolve of Brynhild. The allure and charm of Freyja. As much as I like Aydis as a character, her complications and her fury, I love Alterici's art style, the shapes of the characters and the at times muted winter colouring.

This is certainly a story I've been waiting for, something steeped in Norse mythology involving warriors and the Valkyrie but with a twist. With attempts at righting the historical wrongs of prejudice and sexism. It's the story of a young woman who wants more out of what her options are, who wants what she wants, wants to love who she loves without being cast out or aside, and how far she will go. I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for more, either in the collected volumes or in single issues.

Thanks to NetGalley and Vault Comics for the e-ARC in exchange for a review!

My only real complaint is that it's a quick read, and the next volume isn't out yet.

I love the characters (especially Aydis and Freya. Also, I am super pleased to see Sköll/Skull and Hati, because my weakness for the wolves of Ragnarok knows no bounds). I love where the plot seems to be going, and what has been covered so far. I love the representation of women and the focus on LGBTQ and women's issues. In a fantasy comic book! About Vikings!

I love that the story is two-fold: the epic quest to save a cursed Valkyrie, and the more personal story of Aydis's fight for acceptance in a society that condemns her. Both are off to a great start in these first four issues, and I can't wait to see where it goes from here.

I love the artwork and the color palette; it's not what I would call gorgeous but the style works beautifully for the story. Alterici has excellent pacing and flow, from her action scenes to her dialogue. And yes, there's some nudity but it's not rendered for the male gaze (no weird rubber spines or T&A poses here), and is so casually presented I didn't even realize it was there at first.

If you like Vikings, Viking mythology, awesome women being awesome, coming out stories, or cool comics, you should check out Heathen.

I really enjoyed this story about a queer viking warrior on a quest to prove herself and fight back against the gods and sexism in society. The sketchy art style took a while to get used to, but I liked it in the end. My only problem was that I didn't understand why the main character was wandering round in a bikini top when it's clearly snowing and everyone is wearing furs. I'm already looking forward to reading volume 2 and finding out what happens next though!