Northlanders, Vol. 1: Sven The Returned (2008) - Plot & Excerpts
The Northlanders comic series has received a lot of praise - and since it is about Vikings, I simply had to get my hands on it. The story of the first collection, Sven the Returned, is relatively simple: a man returns home to claim his inheritance from his uncle who has usurped his father's seat. Sven cares more about the gold and silver than the seat itself, but there are people in the village who see him as their savior and future lord. Naturally, the uncle does not simply hand over the riches to Sven...Although the story is simple, I quite enjoyed it. Sven was perhaps not a readily likable hero, having a dark side and a violent past, but he is molded by his experiences in his childhood land by the people he meets and kills, or wishes to kill. He is perhaps a bit too modern in his values and attitudes - especially towards religion, but these are partly also explained by his past, so I was willing to forgive the authors in this case.Very much recommended if you are a fan of historical adventures. I thought this book was a bit ho hum to start with but it definitely got better and the character development and decisions made by the main character were the icing on the cake for me.The setting is a viking settlement in the Orkney Islands. The main character comes home from some very long-term viking in the south to claim what's due to him from his uncle who has usurped the title left him after his father's death. But Sven is no longer your normal viking, for one thing he's both an atheist (a novel twist for this type of setting) and a pragmatist.My only gripe about the story is that some of the bloodshed seems a little contrived for effect. For example, there is a character with a bow who in the beginning of the story is seen as more of a nuisance than a threat, but in the climactic battle is suddenly absolutely deadly against an enemy wearing armour.The style of the artwork I thought was very good, but I did think it was a bit too dark at times. However, as I imagine the Orkneys might be fairly bleak even in the summer months this is probably true to life.Better than I was expecting, but be warned the violence is very graphic.
What do You think about Northlanders, Vol. 1: Sven The Returned (2008)?
Great art! But I was not very enchanted with the story. Probably will not read anymore.
—Berzak
A quick read with nice artwork. The dialogue leaves much to be desired, however.
—Nida
A great beginning to a wonderful series. True to norse beliefs so far.
—kajarbinks
just an epic viking story and its amazing to read.
—diva
