Odin #2 – Collective Delusion

Adela finds that going along is better than dying in Odin #2 from Image Comics.

CREATIVE TEAM:

• Writers: James Tynion IV & Marguerite Bennett
• Artist: Letizia Cadonici
• Colorist: Jordie Bellaire
• Letterer: Tom Napolitano

PREVIOUSLY

UNDERCOVER:

    Previously, we followed the story of a gonzo style journalist named Adela. Who had infiltrated a Neo-Nazi punk group for an exclusive inside story. However difficult it might’ve been for Adela to navigate the bigotry and the rampant racism inside the group, it was nothing in comparison to what she found in Norway. As part of a right of passage, these Neo-Nazis were on a pilgrimage of sorts to the frozen forests of Norway. 

SUMMONING THE GODS:

   However, unfortunately for Adela and everyone else participating in the ritual, things took a turn for the wicked. What started out as an exciting adventure with no stakes, became a life or death situation. Rather than a fun weekend where everyone would return home with some quasi-mythological bragging rights and a new status among neo-nazis. Instead, they’re stuck in a foreign land, alone and afraid. Whatever drugs they were under have faded away and they realized the truth of their dire situation. Finally the shoe dropped, and the group found themselves stranded, unable to navigate out of their location and one member short.

*SPOILERS FOR ISSUE #2*

SOLICITATION:

“Robert gave up being Roberto to fit in with his Nazi punk friends. Now those same friends have dragged him to the frozen forests of Norway to summon a “god.” And he may have to give up much, much more before they’re through with him…” (Image Comics)

MEET ROBERTO:

   As if things weren’t bizarre enough, Odin #2 introduces Robert’s backstory. Well, I should say Roberto’s background instead. The difference between Roberto and the rest is that he isn’t caucasian. In fact, Roberto is a white Hispanic man. Unfortunately, Roberto chose to use his privilege to join the same kind of group who would hate his guts. Just for existing, too. Such is life. Just trying to fit in as another follower within a group of mindless followers. The textbook example of the blind leading the blind, if you will.

PANIC SETTLES IN, FRED RISES

   While everyone started to panic, Fred gained control of the group. With the utmost confidence, Fred reeled in everyone still alive. Without realizing it, one by one, everyone followed his words. Spoken as gospel for the true believers. But in reality this strange newcomer knew exactly what he was doing. Inducing the group into collective delusion. In the end, Adela figured her survival required she go along with everyone’s delusion.

OVERALL GRADE: 8.5/10

HOW ABOUT THE ART?

There is a scene with Roberto in the midpoint of this issue that is described in very graphic detail. However, you are required to fill in the gaps. Because the art does not reach the gore and the intensity of the moment. Later, in another scene with Roberto, the art and coloring jumps out of the pages in a literal blaze of horror. You just don’t know where anything is going.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Once again we get to witness another out of body experience with or through the eyes of Adela. Obviously things escalated rather fast. But if you slow down, you notice this isn’t Fred’s first time in the wilderness. Nor his first time leading a group of malleable individuals. In the end, Adela became the fly in the proverbial wall to witness how desperate people fold under pressure.

LET US KNOW YOUR THOUGHTS ON ODIN #2 IN THE COMMENTS SECTION BELOW: