Wednesday, February 6, 2008

New Comics Day

Wednesday is new comics day down at Oberlin's local comic shop, Matrix Games. I picked up and read the new issue of Brian Wood's Northlanders. You can go read about Brian Wood's work with DMZ here, here, or here.


Northlanders is a tale of a civilization on the brink of change. It follows Sven, the wronged and rightful heir to the throne in his small and isolated viking town. He has returned to collect payment from his uncle, the usurper. He has spent years abroad as a very successful mercenary. Upon his return he is struck by how bland and backward his people and home feel to him. This is only issue three, but already, Wood is starting to layer in the thematic tension. I don't know what it is, but I'm a sucker for doomed cultures fighting for survival. We already know that the Vikings eventually assimilate; this isn't in question. But, alas, which side will Sven fall on? Will he turn is back on his people's way of life and win, or will he fight the good fight but lose?


Tragedy, tragedy, tragedy.