BATTLE CODE: RAGNARÖK, yelly.studio on Kickstarter, sings a song of battle when the alien-displaced descendants of Vikings wage a new battle on a far-off moon.
The Details
- Written by: Adrian Liput
- Art by: Al Goyo
- Colors by: Al Goyo
- Letters by: Al Goyo
- Cover art by: Al Goyo
- Comic Rating: Teen+
- Cover price: $5.50
- Release date: September 2023 (estimated)
Is It Good?
BATTLE CODE: RAGNARÖK is the latest indie creation from yelly.studio designed to appeal to the Viking berserker in all of us… with a sci-fi twist. Adrian Liput and Al Goyo’s fanciful tale about tribes of Vikings carrying out their traditions very far from home is probably the most unique premise you’ll see this week.
Liput’s script centers on tribes of Vikings who keep their traditions after their ancestors were transplanted to Glimt by a race of aliens known as Jotuns. One day Torhild, the maiden warrior, challenges the King’s top fighter, Halvard, to a duel for the right to petition the King. Torhild’s request has more than a few surprises in store for Halvard and the King.
What’s great about this comic? The strength of this indie project lies in its central premise. Liput puts care and emphasis on Viking traditions to give the people an air of authenticity. However, placing that historical authenticity against a backdrop of alien worlds, spaceships, and laser rifles creates an alternate reality that imagines what it would be like if classical Viking life had persisted through the modern age and beyond. If nothing else, it’s a neat concept.
What’s not so great about this comic? There’s one major flaw and one minor flaw separating this comic from just okay to great. The minor flaw is in the dialog translation. Some of the phrasing and grammar don’t translate to English clearly, so you have a few spots where it was tough to tell what the characters were saying.
The larger flaw lies in the structure of the plot and the number of name references. Characters come in and out of the story without context or setup, so it takes a while to figure out who’s who, what they’re doing, and why. Generally, Liput tries to do too much all at once, so either the script needs simplifaction, or the story contained here needed to be stretched over two issues to deliver a fully-realized story.
How’s the art? As you can see from the preview images below, Goyo leans into a rough, lean, mean style that, admittedly, may be an acquired taste. Personally, we like the woodcutting vibe that evokes the feeling of Viking times to pair with the sci-fi setting. It’s weird, but it works somehow.
Keep scrolling for a closer look at the covers, or Click Here to jump right to the story description with some spoilers.
What’s It About?
[SPOILERS AHEAD – Click here if you just want the score without spoilers]
We begin with a brief explanation about Glimt and how the Vikings live out their lives in accordance with tradition, despite living in an alien world after their ancestors were taken from Earth by the Jotuns. Today, Torhild arrives with her sister and their army to confront the King and his men. Torhild challenges the King’s greatest warrior, Halvard, to single combat for the right to see the King.
After a fierce battle, Torhild wins and visits the King. The King isn’t threatened by Torhild’s presence because she’s his niece, and she’s come with a request and a warning. The Jotuns are returning, and she needs the King’s army to defeat them.
We conclude the issue with dire developments, laughter, and a gift.
Keep scrolling for a closer look at preview images of the internal pages, or Click Here to jump right to the score.
Final Thoughts
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BATTLE CODE: RAGNARÖK is a unique and surprisingly entrtaining Viking tale with a sci-fi twist. Adrian Liput’s sentral premise and plot are have a sharp wit to get you invested in the characters, and Goyo’s sylized art has an eclectic vibe. That said, the script tries to do too much all at once, and the art is an acquired atste.
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