Initially when I started reading this comic, I wasn't overly sold on the art style. I'm used to bright colours and clean lines with other graphic novels, however as I continued reading, the art style really grew on me and I enjoyed the muted tones and the rougher, sketched art.
One of the main things I enjoyed about this comic was the fact that along with it being based on norse mythology, it was also a coming of age story and about finding out who you are regarding sexuality - this wasn't something I was expecting and added a little something extra to the story.
I loved the characters Skull, Hati and Saga - they added pops of unexpected humour and some of the artwork for the wolves were some of my favourite pages in the comic. I'd happily have the full page art as prints for my room.
The cover art gallery at the end had some really beautiful art too that I'd also happily have as prints.
I only wish this was a bit longer because once I finally got invested into the story it ended.

When I saw this I was like queer vikings? SIGN ME UP! And it definitely did not disappoint. Really the only reason this got 4 stars from me instead of 5 is because it's the first volume so a lot of it is introduction and I really think it could have benefited from stretched out into 5 issues instead of 4 because it was good but it did feel a little bit rushed. Still the art is absolutely gorgeous, I love Norse mythology, I love queer characters in a historical setting, and the entire thing was just really fun. I can't wait to see where it goes next!

I loved this graphic novel. Amazing art and story. I'll recommend this one to everyone.

Gorgeous artwork but the story lacked that sense of excitement for me.

This book had me at 'female Viking warrior', to be honest. When I started reading Heathen, I was happier to learn that it is basically a story about a lesbian Viking warrior named Aydiswho gives a finger to the patriarchy and Odin. Oh, and it also retells Brynhildr's story, with Aydis being the latest mortal to free her, in an attempt to prove to her clan (that cast her out for kissing a girl) that she is as brave as any male warrior. The main theme of the book is, you guessed it - fight the patriarchy. We also have appearances by Skull and Hati, who are the cutest wolfs to ever wolf, and can bring Ragnarok for all I care.

Aydis's story, while starting out as a result of her realizing her sexuality and the fact that she lives in a world where queerness is considered unnatural, develops into a story about a brave warrior who sees that is wrong for anyone, even the god-king to dictate how a woman should live out her life. She promises to free Brynhild from her curse of marrying mortals and living out in exile till the end of the world. Brynhild, too, sees her bravery and is reinvigorated to defy Odin and his curse. There are the Valkyries, who are being held by Freya (for the meanwhile), who thinks they should not be just in the business of war. The mood is mostly dire but there are a few comic scenes involving Saga, Aydis' horse.

The artwork looks rough-hewn and has frantic brush strokes, and usually I'm a fan of clean lines, but in this case, it lends a beautiful sense of dynamism to the storytelling, bringing out the action scenes in much more detail. The character design and costumes are also quite beautiful, and I loved the call out to the idea that Vikings have horned helmets.

As a whole, this is one feminist retelling I think a lot of people would like. Coupled with the interesting artwork and the brilliant story, I recommend this for fans of Norse mythology.