Review by Frank Plowright

Nord is one of those projects blurring the lines between graphic novel and illustrated book, as it consists largely of full page illustrations with captions. However, creator Martin Simpson’s continuity progresses from page to page as the Eagle-Clawed King sets off on a mission.

This is prompted by the gods as he dies in battle. He was such a popular, wise and charismatic ruler that Odin’s concerned that the Eagle-Clawed King’s ascent to Valhalla will mean his position and authority will be challenged, but Loki has the solution. He appears before the Eagle-Clawed King as he dies and suggests that rather than taking the path to Valhalla he instead seeks out Death and conquers them, permitting his people to live without that fear in the future.

Simpson initiates Nord over five brief text chapters with illustrations over seven pages. This set-up is the most text used, and as the Eagle-Clawed King carries out his mission Simpson reverts to simpler phrases accompanying his phenomenal illustration. The construction of a myth requires appropriately forceful art, and the King is drawn as if scratched from copper, accompanied by the massive sword supplied by Odin, and with the arrows that killed him still embedded in his walking corpse. It’s immensely powerful. A similar sense of mightiness accompanies the King on every step of his journey, be it among giant fallen warriors or the spirits of the forest seen on the sample art.

Despite being a simple story, Nord resonates with high motivations. Simpson reclaims the Nordic gods from Marvel and supplies a more authentic personality for Loki. There’s nothing remotely likeable about this arrogant and malign being for whom might is the only relevance. Can the gods learn from a righteous king? Find out.