Loki #1 (of 4)

AIPT

Loki #1 captures the modern essence of the title character while supplying an intriguing adventure for him to fix. Or is it to escape from? Watters clearly understands the character and his place in Marvel Comics today, and we’re all the better for it.

ComicBook.com

To be honest, the biggest downside of this new Loki miniseries is that it's only four issues. The tale that this first installment crafts is whimsical and surprising, but feels inherently true to the legend that Loki has developed within the Marvel universe. With a number of standout sequences, inventive but recognizable visuals, and a specific set of stakes, I am incredibly excited to see what future issues have in store.

Comic Watch

Dan Watters’ writing is often haunting, as readers of his other works may expect, but his Marvel debut is mixed with a great deal of humor. In this regard, Watters captures Loki as he exists within the Norse Eddas: part blood-curdling foe, part comic relief sidekick. And as with Norse mythology, the newest Loki miniseries follows its protagonist as he cleans up a mess that’s entirely his fault. (...) Artistically speaking, Loki #1 is a delight. Every panel of Germán Peralta’s artwork feels carefully crafted for the maximum emotional impact, whether the haunting construction of Naglfar or the visual comedy of a frost giant holding a tiny copy of Illustrated Norse Myths for Children. (The same can’t be said for Dustin Nguyen, whose digital cover art looks like a hasty, half-hearted sketch, especially compared to his typical watercolor work.) Peralta captures the immensity of gods and giants without sacrificing intimacy. His Loki is energetic, charming, and sometimes terrifying (which Peralta sometimes conveys in hands and body language alone). Colorist Mike Spicer adds great depth to Peralta’s already memorable but visually complex compositions with rich, vibrant colors and gritty watercolor textures. Every scene feels visually distinct, whether it’s a menacing cavern, the sunny streets of Florida, or the frosty blues of Jotunheim, but the comic has a clear visual identity that means none of these scenes changes ever feel more jarring than the narrative implies for them to be. Loki #1 effortlessly blends horror and comedy to capture the spirit of Norse mythology. If you can forgive queer erasure and a formulaic plot, spellbinding art and storytelling make it worth the read.