ENCHANTED PART 1 After their adventures across the wilds of Asgard, it's back to school for Thor, Balder and Sif! But things take an interesting turn when Amora the Enchantress enters the picture.
While Thor and Sif spar on the training fields and their attraction for each other grows, Loki and Amora plot to keep them apart.
While I had my issues with the formulaic nature of the first arc, now this series seems to have degenerated into “Asgard 90210″ or something. I realize this was created to be a sort of “gateway” comic for younger readers, but this issue was nothing short of a romance book in fantasy trappings. I’m not opposed to a romantic storyline, quite the opposite really, but to have it be the ONLY storyline is a little disheartening.
I like the addition of Amora to the cast. She provides an ally for Loki (maybe “frenemy” is a better word) and a rival for Sif. She is devious, attractive, and skilled in the use of magic - a formidable combination for sure. She’ll add a nice flair to the book moving forward. The end of the issue also introduces Brunnhilda (aka Valkyrie) as another girl in the warrior school. She may also provide and interesting spark since it seems all the boys are already smitten with her.
My favorite part of the issue is the drastic improvement in the art. Greg Tocchini is now inking himself and it provides a softer, more defined element to the art that gives it a more natural feel. His people are much better defined and the expressions so much clearer. I also have to compliment the new coloring by Guru-eFX. It’s softer and more like colored pencils and certainly adds to the fantasy setting making it almost dreamlike. Much improved and I’m happy to see it!
While I didn’t hate the issue, I would like more than a teen romance book - especially with art this nice!
Frigga and Odin talk about wanting Thor to find a future wife, whom they know will be Sif as their attraction to one another is mutual. Sif is the only girl in warrior school and Loki is the only boy in sorcery school. Amora, Enchantress, wants Thor for herself and talks to Loki about teaming up to make her wishes a reality. Thor and Sif almost kiss before Amora interrupts them and insults Sif causing her to slap her. Thor breaks up the would-be battle. The next day a new warrior maiden is in the warrior school, a blonde bomb shell named Brunnhilda
This comicbook tackles an interesting questions of gendered school activities and how it can be hard to be different and made fun of. Also after previous issues focused just on friendship this one brings romance and parental feelings. Despite all that it somehow fails to be truly interesting and lacks action.
Woa OK Prince of asgard got rizz. Also Loki is evil its just hard to like him now BUT I'M JUST HOPING I WILL EVENTUALLY UGHHHH. For this to be printed in 2004/2005, I do like how it's not discriminatory against women, but also I find the plot to be a bit too convenient - as in the whole people wanting to partner with Loki thing
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This was a good issue. While it traces the development of love, it is also about how gender is divided in school. How gender discrimination can lead to lack of self confidence and really, it was a rather nice piece.
P.S. I have a feeling the new kid is Amora. Do you?