Review by Ian Keogh

One can only assume that the serialised comics gathered for The Trials of Loki weren’t bestsellers when issued under Loki’s name, as Thor’s name now occupies the top quarter of the cover.

He has a part, but in Robert Aguirre-Sacasa’s story Loki is the leading player, and he’s given a meaty role back in the days before he could be trusted. That’s a theme Aguirre-Sacasa applies to the spread of stories, reinforcing early that myths build and expand according to who’s doing the telling. A further theme explored is that of prophecy and fate. Does Loki act maliciously because it’s been foretold, or does the foretelling permit indulgence in his darker side?

The really distant past provides the setting, with references to the modern world entirely absent and Loki scheming and jealous of Balder’s popularity among the other Asgardians, while he remains shunned. What follows is told in mythical terms, as if actors are playing parts, and illustrated with a suitable dark fantasy tinge by Sebastián Fiumara in what’s a great artistic outing. A lot of thought has been put into the way characters reflect their personalities. Loki skulks in darkness; there’s an innocence to Balder and Thor stands upright and heroic. The assorted bit players are depicted with equal consideration, such as the differences between the three Norn witches. Process pages in the back of a slim graphic novel highlight Fiumara’s considerations. Al Barrioneuvo’s art for much of the final chapter is good, but nowhere near as empathic.

Loki is scheming and provocative, but sorrow isn’t on the agenda, and as this is long ago and far away Thor is removed from the heroic figure he later became. Barely anyone emerges with moral credit here, and it makes for a very good story.