It all comes together in the penultimate issue. Amazons have united with Valkyries. Jotunheim have sought the Black Sword, held by the demonic Surtr, ruler of Muspell. And there could also be a new, unexpected player in the mix.

Issue #5 is nothing like the previous. Instead it builds on the grand, epic scale but in a different way. Rather than the wonder of Asgard, we are taken to the hell that is Muspell, to a battle not for entertainment, but for the preservation of all.

This is an epic adventure of sword, sorcery and mythology; a modern day Harryhausen kind of tale. I like it a lot, and for many reasons. It’s a complete departure from the comics that DC often publishes, that are beholden to mainstream DC continuity. This is not. Sure, it’s tied to the DCU in general, but it’s not bound by the restriction continuity often imposes. It draws from it, but becomes its own story, rather than a chapter in the overall DCU.

Another reason is it tells a story featuring strong, likeable characters. Not strong in a physical sense, but strong as in solid-from-the-ground-up. People may think it’s great that these are empowered women characters, but honestly, their gender doesn’t matter to me. Male or female, they have depth, and that’s far more important.

Rating: 9/9