Queen in Black: Hela#1 – Some Will Surrender To Temptation

With Thor gone, and Asgard just a myth in the mind of the midguardians, Hela moves to improve her lot as more than the Queen of Hel. With Knull defeated and the Black Throne empty, Hela attempts to take the mantle and become the Queen in Black. Come along as Karnilla recounts the tale.

This review is brought to you by Nerd Initiative’s Shawn!

Creative Team

Writers: Al Ewing
Artist: Carlos Magno
Color Artist: Espen Grundetjern
Letterer: Joe Caramagna
Cover Artist: Pasqual Ferry

Writing

I have to say I think this is my favorite of the Queen in Black stories so far. I really love that Al Ewing gives us a recap of how Hela becomes the Queen in Black. Not only does he provide the necessary information, but he does so through an unique storytelling mechanism with Karnilla acting as a narrator to catch readers up to speed. The result is a story that sets the tone for the world to come with Hela on the Black Throne.

As the Queen in Black, Hela will make a formidable figure, but Ewing also provides the knowledge that many things may still come to pass. The story is intriguing and probably one of the best examples I’ve seen of a writer providing Queen in Black readers with the key points they need to be caught up and ready to read the event. Doing so in a manner that feels like enjoyment rather than work is a special talent that Ewing captures perfectly.

Art

Carlos Magno, Espen Grundetjern, and Joe Caramanga really set a solid tone right out of the gate on this first issue. The scenes in Hel are simply spectacular. The souls of anguish swirling in the world around Hela and the other characters felt both haunting and yet lifellike thanks to the incredible line work of Magno.

Grundetjern helps capture the vibe of this story perfectly through the colors. There is both dark and cosmic colors that drench the panels, creating a beautiful contrast. Gundetjern’s colors establish Hela as a worthy foe capable of respect and wielding immense power. Joe Caramagna helps the storytelling device used in this issue to work really well by helping the reader follow along with the story easily. Caramagna’s work is so smooth that at times you forget the panels you are reading are functioning as a story within a story.

Final Thoughts

This was an impeccable issue. This book, rather than Queen In Black #1, should serve as the jumping-off point for anyone wanting to get into the story arc. Ewing sets the tone right out of the gate, and using Karnilla as the storyteller works brilliantly. All comic writers should read this book as a great example of how to catch readers up on your event, enjoyably and refreshingly.

Overall Grade: 10/10

What did you think about this new series? Let me know in the comments