Review - Valhalla Cindermane #1 & 2

Stories of the children of god often follow a typical template. Said child is thrust into an impossible situation on Earth where they're forced to adapt to living as a human, despite being more powerful than them. If it ain't broke, then why fix it? That's the approach Enemy Transmission took with Valhalla Cindermane #1 & 2.

The first two issues are written by Michael Kuty, with pencils by Axel Gimenez, colors and inks by Daniel G.A. Goiz and letters by Kelly Ishikawa.

Valhalla Cindermane is a Valkyrie, tasked with bringing the dead to the Great Hall of the Slain. She currently resides in the present day world, trying to live as low profile a life as possible. That is, of course, difficult, what with her penchant for hustling at drinking games and saving lives in spectacular, high-pursuit fashion.

On the opposite end of the spectrum is Perilous, an alien from another world he doomed to oblivion. As penance, he was left behind by his race, forced to confront his decision and suffer its consequences, which involved being burned alive, flung through space and injected into humanity. Perilous and Valhalla are gearing up for a big confrontation, which should lead to even more zaniness than Earth probably wants to be a part of.

Kuty's story is--while somewhat formulaic--interesting as well. Valhalla's reason for existence on Earth isn't entirely clear, but it's made apparent that she will right wrongs when necessary. Perilous is a much different case, serving a lonely life on Earth as something of a purgatory. They're both outsiders to society, but for different reasons and with different motives.

The pencils by Gimenez are quite well done. Valhalla is very curvy, which is likely fitting of the Valkyrie myths. Perilous is very reminiscent of Dr. Manhattan from Watchmen, only he's primarily black with blue accents (instead of all blue). The scenes and action in the book are very well done and other characters are illustrated accordingly to show some scale against to the two main characters.

The first two issues of Valhalla Cindermane have some promise. The story is a little standard, but the potential of Valhalla and Perilous squaring off is rather tantalizing. If the series can continue to find a purpose for Valhalla, it could shape up to be a pretty interesting story.

Valhalla Cindermane #1 & 2 are both available now at the Enemy Transmission website.