
Heroic Publishing Inc 2014
Written by Dennis Mallonee
Illustrated by Keith Dotson
Coloured by Giuseppe Pica
This is a delightful tale of the origin of the Golden Warrior. I’m really happy however to see that she has her roots in Germany instead of what we normally see here in the United States proving that characters can indeed come from and are born out of all nations across the globe. I like the way Dennis tells how the first Valkyrie to be known as the Golden Warrior was depicted and how Brunnhilde, leader of the Valkyrior made a treacherous bargain with a scarred one-eyed man who with his arrow made of mistletoe shot her in the neck.
Moving forward in time to 1935 where Katrina Feran has the same dream over and over again of what happened on that battlefield not realizing its implications. Living with her lazy unemployable father who thinks Hitler does make vun proud and being treated like a servant than a daughter we watch her story unfold. The writing, characterization and her age all factor in to what makes this story so special and unique among those of the gods anyway.
The way the story is structured is really well done so hands off to Dennis here. Seeing Katrina’s day to day life from her overbearing father who can’t take care of himself to her school life to the meeting that will change her life forever we get a really good strong look at who she is. Part of it is kind of creepy as her father remarks on how fast she’s growing up and how the boys probably want her so that I thought something else was going to happen to Hilter’s rise to power as seen through her father’s eyes which is more history and an interesting look at everyday people in Germany hoping for a better future. Does all this cloud the way Katrina see the world, well more than likely but it’s good stuff.
At the museum where she works the Curator wishes to see her and in his office we learn more than a few things that come as something of a surprise. Eric, the Baron Von Schadel is waiting in the office as well and it’s here things play out in a most unexpected manner. We must remember she is still just a girl but the handsome man with his smooth words both intrigues and infuriates her. I have to say that while Schadel is doing his damndest to return to the sword Katrina owns to Germany so it may have it’s own Heroine he’s gone and done the one thing he didn’t want to do quite yet.
As far as origin stories go this had two elements to it, one familiar, tried and true the other was a nice touch of originality. This story does what Dennis intended it to do it gets the reader excited about the Golden Warrior and the prospect of her adventures and her lineage. Heroic is firmly laying it’s groundwork for bringing back a series of golden age stories and reminding us of a time when thing simpler and dare I say more fun. Plus the characterization here is strong, interesting and dynamic making Katrina someone to keep an eye on.
Keith’s interiors are adequate and at times his potential shines brightly and at others you see he has a ways to go but overall it’s enjoyable. Yes I’d like to see the interiors match the cover which to me is incredibly gorgeous but the emotion and passion is there and keeps the interest in the character going.
Keep your eyes on Heroic Publishing it’s the books you want to read if you’ve lost the joy in all the massive crossovers and constant restructuring of the “big two.”