By Rosinski & Van Hamme
Publisher: Cinebook
ISBN: 978-1-84918-050-4
Poor, ol' Thorgal. He never seems to catch a break. This volume of the rather wonderful sword and sorcery epic opens with two old foes plotting for power at Thorgal's expense, albeit one of them reluctantly. Volsung of Nichor, last seen way back in volume 2, is co-opted by the dragon Nidhogg into stealing the belt belonging to the Guardian of the Keys, and to make it possible Nidhogg changes Volsung's appearance to that of Thorgal, a mortal the Guardian trusts. Volsung is successful in swapping the belt for a fake, and takes to wearing the real belt which protects him from harm. When he later takes Thorgal by surprise, and seriously wounds him to the point he considers him dead, it's hardly a fair fight. Volsung takes Thorgal's clothes and then infiltrates Thorgal's village, his home, and his life. He soon forgets he is supposed to return swiftly with the prize, instead relishing his new power and, inevitably, he takes matters too far.
Meanwhile Thorgal is snatched from Midgard by the Guardian of the Keys threatening retribution, but it soon becomes apparent that although the thief looked like Thorgal, it was someone else. She restores him to health and, with the aid of another old friend, Thorgal sets out to right the wrongs done to them both.
What I particularly like about the Thorgal books is Van Hamme's ability to weave in various fantastical, mythological and historical elements into the plot, and this one in particular has a strong fantasy theme throughout. It also helps to keep the series fresh, as the differing themes leave you guessing as to where the story will next. As always, Rosinski's artwork is superbly suited to the nature of the story, rising to the challenge of visualising the often curious world of Thorgal.
And if you liked that: The Sun Sword, volume 10, is available soon
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