Comic book reviews for Angela: Asgard’s Assassin #1, Angela: Asgard’s Assassin #2, and Angela: Asgard’s Assassin #3 by Kieron Gillen, Marguerite Bennett, Phil Jimenez, and Stephanie Hans
Average rating: 3.3/5 stars
Angela: Asgard’s Assassin #1 by Kieron Gillen and Marguerite Bennett
Art: Phil Jimenez and Stephanie Hans
For a book that basically jumped right into the action, it seemed a little slow to start. Or perhaps just a while to give us the full picture. I can’t help but wonder if we weren’t supposed to already know a lot about Angela as we’re all reading those other books, right? (Not.)
My biggest beef with this book is Angela’s costume. Which is barely a bikini and a giant seemingly useless belt. Giving the woman her own book should at least give her a wardrobe change. Or a little choice. I mean, clearly, she’s a very skilled warrior, but you’d think she’d want some protection from her clothing. I do like the random ticker tape tails; though they’re going to have to figure out where they come from.
The sidestory about Angela finding the baby, who would grow up to be king, and then killing him to repay his debt when he would not hand over Sera to her, was my favorite part of this book. As much as Jimenez is fun on any warrior woman book, Hans’ art took a lovely ethereal spin. Which helps remind the reader that Angela is an angel, even if Heven is just another dimension.
The reminders of Angela’s angel code were a little much. This could’ve been toned down a bit. I’m hoping they’ll fill us in more about this baby next issue.
Angela: Asgard’s Assassin #2 by Kieron Gillen and Marguerite Bennett
Art: Phil Jimenez and Stephanie Hans
Unfortunately, Angela is still rather two dimensional, and again, we were explained the Angel code. Somehow I don’t think that Angela’s going to care about coming back for that red ball. And with Sera telling Angela’s story — I guess I can be grateful that Sera’s a woman — we aren’t learning much about Sera either except that she’s dead and stolen from hell.
Also, the baby needs a name too.
I can be okay with Thor being shirtless in the fight. I mean, he could’ve ripped it at some point. However, Thor just hanging around shirtless, attending the celebration of the birth of his baby sister, is just silly.
We also still don’t know why Angela stole the baby, and if it was a deal with the Queen of Angels, what did she promise Angela in return?
Angela: Asgard’s Assassin #3 by Kieron Gillen and Marguerite Bennett
Art: Phil Jimenez and Stephanie Hans
Wasn’t sure that I was going to continue to read this book after the last issue. However, finally, we have some actual character development for both Angela and Sera. I hope that this means their close relationship is actually a romantic relationship, and not just some bullshit semi-lesbian relationship. (Of course, the signs are pointing to that when Angela says that Sera and the baby get Star Lord’s room.)
I did like the mythology bit, and Sera having vast amounts of knowledge about the Asgardian universe and the realms. Also finally nice not to have Angela walking around barely wearing nothing. Though the armored wings don’t look very mobile for sneaking around.
Not being one for Norse mythology and Thor’s world, I’m not sure how I feel about all the mythos coming after them. (Certain things can be explained and enhance the story — Heimdall’s bride’s wedding amor — and other things are assumptions made about Dark Elves and Hel.) Though I know Gillen is a big nerd for all of it.
I’ll probably give this book until #6.
Check out Angela’s mission yourself, buy Angela: Asgard’s Assassin Vol. 1: Priceless