Review: Jane Foster: Valkyrie #1

One way to determine how well an event worked overall is by looking at the quality of stories it leads to. Does it open the door for even better stories or are creators left in corners that are impossible to write themselves out of no matter how hard they try? Now with The War of the Realms ending, we are entering into a new era. One of the biggest books to launch is here with the debut of Jane Foster: Valkyrie #1. With all all-star creative team behind it, this series looks to show Jane Foster“s story is just beginning.Â

With Jason Aaron and Al Ewing both co-writing this series is starting with quite the pedigree. Of course, that also brings with it a high level of expectations. This first issue“s main goal appears to be to demonstrate that this simply is not The Mighty Thor with a different outfit. Some of the conflicts may be different, however, the perspective has vastly changed. How Jane handles and processes that new perspective will be the key to her and possibly the world“s survival.Â

Both Ewing and Aaron have shown they enjoy the play the long game. Where threads are presented and weaved in and out of the narrative to strengthen the story as it goes. For a first issue Jane Foster: Valkyrie #1 is more functional than fantastic. By the end, you have a solid understanding of what this story is and what will be the point of emphasis moving forward. Never though does it force in a major event or moment for the sake of hallow entertainment. Constructing a solid foundation may not be the most exciting way to start a book off, but most often it leads to a better series overall.Â

Artist Cafu also brings a lot to this series. He draws with a very clean line and although the general action in this issue is limited when it does occur it is effective and well constructed. At times the facial designs can look a bit too much like photo references rendered for my personal taste. On the positive, it never gets to the point where you feel like you are looking at the replication of an actual person of note. Also when it comes to the Asgardian aesthetic he has it down well especially when it comes to characters like Heimdall. Joe Sabino’s letters are also vital in establishing this new Jane Foster role. Sabino uses these regal thought boxes to differentiate Valkyrie Jane from her everyday self. What is different here though is those thoughts remain with her even when she is not wielding her new persona. When she was Thor those personalities seemed more like two different people. Now that may no longer be the case.Â Â

Much of this issue is spent on Jane learning about her new role and new powers. She gets an early test as the Fast Five are looking to become internet famous and she is happy to oblige. It is a classic way to establish this new status quo and showcase all her new powers and tools. Jane also has a normal life to deal with as she is not giving up her day job. Like many heroes before her, she soon discovers the massive challenge of trying to lead a normal life while still being a superhero.Â

Still, the one thing that is clear with this issue is that it does not nearly have the same amount of weight as Jane“s run as Thor. There are threads being developed where it could potentially get there, however, it would be near impossible to capture such a well-constructed narrative of the plight of heroism against one own“s self-interest. Despite that issue what is clear is how dynamic of a character Jane Foster has become. Strong-willed but forever empathetic to those that need help the most.Â

She is learning that becoming Thor was taking a role where becoming a Valkyrie is taking responsibility. At first, that explanation can seem a bit off as the role of Thor had a great deal of responsibility behind it. What it is more referring to is the function of the Valkyrie where the weight that comes with the role is based on the knowledge it both blesses and curses you with. Where Jane“s major conflict as Mighty Thor was mainly internal as she fought the disease that was attempting to end her life, here it seems the conflict will be more of an external one. Where knowing the fate she will be attempting to prevent is not her own but others.Â

Final Thoughts:Â

Â Jane Foster: Valkyrie #1 does feel like a natural extension to Jason Aaron“s current epic Thor Run. As a character, Jane Foster has a lot of dimensions and this issue shows there is still plenty of story to tell even if she is not currently the holder of the mighty Mjolnir. This issue will most likely work better for those more familiar with the past run as you will be more comfortable with the general pace so for those stepping in fresh know past history shows things get better from here.Â

[yasr_overall_rating size=”large”]

Writer: Jason Aaron & Al Ewing
Artist: Cafu
Letterer & Production: VC;s Joe Sabino
Color Artist: Jesus Aburtov

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Daniel Clark

A fan of all things comics. Growing up on a healthy diet of 90's Batman and X-Men cartoon series ignited a love for the medium that remains strong today.