Bowen, Carl, Michael Dahl, & Louise Simonson. Gods and Thunder: A Graphic Novel of Old Norse Myths

Bowen, Carl, Michael Dahl, & Louise Simonson.  Gods and Thunder: A Graphic Novel of Old Norse Myths   Capstone Publishers      2017  208p  $14.95  ISBN 978-1-62370-848-1      elem/ms  Graphic novel  VG

This fascinating book presents a retelling of the original Viking tales of Asgard, Thor, Loki, Odin, and Baldur in a graphic-novel format. The Old Norse myths come to life through the text and graphics. The legends are exciting and written in present-day language, ensuring full comprehension and engagement by the reader.

In addition to the great writing and retelling is the visual appeal of the book. Full-color, detailed graphics enhance the text and add suspense and excitement. Overall, illustrators use darker shading that reinforces the darker side of the myths. The facial expressions of the characters and the action pictures bring the stories to life.
                 

Summary: This is a retelling of the original Viking tales of Asgard, Thor, Loki, Odin, and Baldur in graphic-novel format.

Norse Mythology                                                   --Virginia McGarvey

Bowen, Carl, Michael Dahl, & Louise Simonson.  Gods and Thunder: A Graphic Novel of Old Norse Myths.  Capstone Publishers  2017  208p  $14.95  ISBN 978-1-62370-848-1      all ages    Graphic novel  VG-BN   

This graphic-novel retelling of the stories of Thor, Loki, Odin, and Baldur will engage fans and reluctant readers alike. The illustrations are vibrantly drawn and the dynamic penstrokes portray action to keep moving the story forward. It is a good starting point to introduce young readers to classic literature.  It includes a glossary of Norse mythology.            

Summary: Readers will experience legends of mighty Thor, cunning Loki, all-seeing Odin, beloved Baldur, and many others as their deeds spring to life in this gripping, full-color graphic novel.

Norse Mythology                                                   -- Linda McNeil

Dahl, Michael.  Twilight of the Gods.  Capstone Publishers  2017       56p  $20.49  ISBN 978-1-4965-3489-7  elem/ms  Series: Norse Myths  Graphic novel  VG-BN

The Norse gods of the heavenly realm of Asgard face their final battle when they have to fight their mortal enemies, the giants of Ragnarok. In this retelling of a story from Norse mythology, author Dahl has teamed up with a fabulous Mexican artist named Eduardo Garcia. The drawings are full of detail and fire, especially the ones showing battle scenes. The story is divided into chapters to help with plot organization, and there are discussion questions, writing prompts, a glossary, a note about the mythology, a listing of the gods and monsters, and notes about author and illustrator.
This one would be a great addition to graphic-novel collections for elementary and middle-school students.         

There are four books in this Norse Myths series.     

Summary: The Norse gods of the heavenly realm of Asgard face their final battle when they have to fight their mortal enemies, the giants of Ragnarok.

Norse mythology                                                                                                        --Carol Kennedy

Simonson, Louise. The Death of Baldur.

Simonson, Louise.  The Death of Baldur.  Capstone Publishers  2017  56p  $20.49      ISBN 978-1-4965-3488-0  elem/ms  Series: Norse Myths   Graphic novels  E-BNes

Students who enjoy the Marvel movies starring Thor and Loki will enjoy this graphic novel series. In this volume, readers find out how Loki kills his brother Baldur, an event that triggers a giant battle called Ragnarok, or Twilight of the Gods, and leads to the demise of Aesir. A glossary explains new terminology (“fate”, “evade”, “invulnerable”, “pyre”, and several Norse terms). The illustrations are full of action, but not too much violence to make this series inappropriate for upper-elementary students. The text is easy to understand and explains the events clearly for readers who may not have any prior knowledge of the original myths. Highly recommended for upper elementary and middle school collections.

                       

Summary: In this graphic novel Baldur, beloved son of Odin, is killed by his adopted brother, Loki, triggering the giant battle that results in the end of the Aesir. 

Norse mythology-Graphic novels, Adventure-Fiction                      --Stephanie Pennucci