Marvel Thor: The Trials Of Loki

Didn't enjoy the artsyle of this one but the story was interesting

Tom Hiddleston, the actor who played Loki in the recent Marvel films, once said "every villain is a hero in his own mind" and this graphic novel explores that idea. In a way, it reminded me of Anne Rice's "Memnoch the Devil" as that was Lucifer's version of creation. So, while many of the tales within put Loki in a sympathetic light (most especially his statement to Frigga that he is "resigned to it [his fate]"), he's still the God of Mischief and Lies. And, even gods are not immune from lying to themselves.This graphic novel is more like a retelling of major Norse myths, rather than a "comic" as the setting is not modern and Earth is only referenced rather than being a central location. Most of the book is taken up with the death of Balder, and Loki's machinations to bring it (and his supposed ascension) about. Loki is a liar, but even the original Norse myths do not paint Odin as a particularly good or loving father. Loki's isolation and loneliness are palpable throughout the book, and provide strong motivation for his anger. What I found interesting is that Thor is not portrayed as the good and long-suffering brother. He's arrogant, dismissive, and somewhat cruel toward Loki. Not at all like I am accustomed to him in other comics (who loves his brother no matter how far he falls). How much of this is in Loki's own mind is difficult to tell, but the final scene of the comic gives us Loki chained beneath the snake's venom. This event did occur in the original tales, though it was Odin, and not Thor, who tortured Loki in this manner. Since that event is not a product of Loki's lies, how much more might also be true?Overall, this novel doesn't bring anything particularly new to the Thor mythos. What is does do is give Loki more depth, underscoring the fact that he is not simply a two-dimensional big bad, but a complex opponent worthy of a Mighty Hero. An excellent, albeit sad, tale for fans of the God of Mischief. Highly recommended.

Well written and generally complimented by the art. Stylized as a mythic tale that I suppose it is. Brings to mind the fable of the scorpion who stings the fox giving it a ride across the river dooming them both. Why did it do it? Because it’s it’s nature. This appears to be true of Loki as well.

My copy was lost in the mail (Mail's fault I think, looking back, not the seller . But I finally tracked down a copy at a local comic shop: its great; but understand that IT IS A STAND ALONE, SEPERATE BOOK AND NOT PART OF THE 616 UNIVERSE (aka the main marvel universe that their comics take place in as well as what the movies are based of off). The art is great and the writing is as well , blending the original mythology with the characters and the plot of the comic books. Its a great stand alone story, and I've read it twice, but just understand that it isn't accurate to the myths or to the main plot of the comics, but a mix of both

I have been a long-time fan of Classic Norse Mythology, and of Marvel Comics alike, so this was an obvious choice for me. The art style is different from most other Thor comics, much more dramatic, and the story mixes classic and comic seamlessly. I loved it, and am planning on keeping it in the plastic and re-reading it often.As an artist myself, the little extra bit in the back with the original sketches and various character designs really made my day. I highly recommend anyone, whether they are fans of the comics, of mythology, or just of the films, to get this.As for the story itself, it really touches on Loki's history, and the reasons behind his insanity. With so many of the film fans seeing him as this poor, kicked kitten, like he just needs a cookie and a hug, I truly believe this is a must-read as it sheds light on his true character that the films just couldn't.

It's a good attempt at reconciling the mythology with the comics. So much of the comic lore took the names and settings from Norse mythology and then created an entirely alternate universe with them. This certainly is not a source material for the myths, but its a great way of merging the two universes together.