Northlanders Vol. 01: Sven The Returned [Paperback]

I am one of those whiners that have been complaining about the lack of diversity from DC and Marvel Comics for years so when a different genre is published, I always make it my duty to purchase such a book. The premise of a story set over a thousand years ago during the Norse era immediately caught my interest since the entertainment media tends to focus more on Greek, Roman or Western period pieces. In the Marvel Comics universe, Norse Gods such as Thor speak in old Elizabethan English while their Viking worshipers are always portrayed as valiant and gallant warriors who are noble. You won't find any of that nonsense with these sons of es in Brian Wood and Davide Gianfelice's Northlanders!

The setting takes place in the Orkney Islands in the year 980 A.D. where the original settlers, The Picts, had seen its entire male population slaughtered by The Vikings during the end of the 8th century. A century of warfare ensued between these Vikings and their homeland of Norway which leads to the story of Sven. Although the protagonist has spent most of his life living amongst exotic women and epic combats around the Mediterranean, he leaves this lush life behind to claim his inheritance that is stolen by his ruthless Uncle Gorm. But while Sven should be the rightful ruler of his people, his experience and lessons from a land that is different in its religious beliefs and philosophical views has made Sven a true outsider.

True to what we have been subjected and taught about the Norse ways, these men live to fight because dying with a sword in their hands guarantees them eternal life after their passing. Brian Wood scripts a vast amount of bloody battles and violent scenes that is well illustrated by Gianfelice but it is the characterization and dialogue that brings a certain sense of authenticity to the story. I have no reason to disbelieve that these men would have a dialect that is filled with obscenity and cussing unlike that of the same scavengers who came to Deadwood in the late 19th century. I doubt the translation of their lingo style would resemble that of a Shakespeare drama. Harsh landscapes and a harsh life make for harsh men who speak a harsh language.

My initial reaction to Gianfelice's art was the same that I always have when I open a Vertigo title. After years of solely reading super-hero books, I never seem to be able to keep an open mind for other comic book art that is not rooted in a Jack Kirby or Neal Adams styling that is embellished with bright colors. However, as I kept on reading Northlanders, I found myself to be enrolled in Gianfelice's portrayal of the landscapes, the brutality of the weather conditions and the open seas of the Orkney Islands. His storytelling skills make Wood's script come to life in a cinematic fashion. Gianfelice's styling is subtle but filled with details.

There is no doubt that reading Northlanders in a monthly format has to be excruciatingly slow and at times, uneventful. However, as a complete story to be read in one sitting, I see no reason not to compare this book to Frank Miller's 300. Northlanders: Sven The Returned is a great epic about a man who is not altruistic and is not on a quest to redeem himself. Sven's only desire is to acquire the wealth that he inherited and go back to Europe. He cares not for the people he is supposed to rule and even less about their fate after his departure.

Review by Brian Grindrod