Review: Nord by Martin Simpson
How about some Norse mythology-inspired storytelling in an art style of ethereal majesty that encapsulates the dancing imaginative imagery born in the flames of an open fire? Behold then Nord by Martin Simpson.
Borrowing from the convenient biography at the back of Nord, Martin "Simo" Simpson is an illustrator and comic creator based in the UK. He has illustrated for Apple, Scholastic, Templar Publishing, The House Of Books, The Chicken House Publishing and Puffin Books. His comics include a one-man anthology called Misc, graphic novella The Needleman as well as helping to create and contribute to SKRAWL Comix Magazine. While juggling these many projects, Martin somehow found the time to create the beautiful behemoth we're here to talk about - the four and a half years in the making, Soaring Penguin Pressed published, now Etsy available, Nord.
So, let's start with the art. Martin Simpson has created something phenomenal with Nord. The art is full of wonderful qualities. The art of the prologue hits like a lithograph enchanted by Odin's beard, blinding yet full of darkness and beautiful but menacing. It's without a doubt my favourite art of this year.
Martin Simpson makes unmistakably unique, unquestionably incomparable art, and this is before we get into the sequential stuff. Those first few images can be imagined perfectly placed, carved and gilded into the walls of the great beer hall of Valhalla.
This style continues to delight but takes on a different quality as it falls into the sequential art with an ethereal edge that invokes the sensation of an age of storytelling. An age of the old storyteller regaling their audience by the light of an open fire. As you stare into the flames, it's in them that dances the imagery. In this heightened state, the dualistic voice and imagery can transport the mind to a million places, and Martin has captured and bottled the essence of that.
I really felt this art evokes an otherworldly, poetic encapsulation of mythic storytelling, and I couldn't be more pleased to be introduced to it. My favourite panels are anything, including the flaming king and his star-forged sword.
Onto the story then, and it's one told with the majesty of oral history. Norse mythology is a subject that permeates through pop culture institutions in a kaleidoscopic nature that's full of imaginative licence. We all know what Vikings are; Neil Gaiman's American Gods and Marvel introduced many more to the likes of Loki and Odin. There's been the popular TV series from, of all people, the History Channel, which by all accounts made Vikings very trendy. Hell, there's even the long-established Viking metal music (see Bathory or Amon Amarth).
Nord, then, is a very authentic feeling foray into the genre. It reads like a classic tale on its subjects of death and legacy while flirting with the line of myth, oral history, illustrated novel and comic book. Nord is the story of a great king brought to the quest of his (after)life, a jealous Allfather, and a devious trickster that delivers a heartfelt moral worthy of modern and endless times. It's a concise story made a quicker first read by the art that compels you along, but that art will lead to re-reads to where admiration for efficient storytelling lives. Einvala, I believe, is the appropriate word.
For fans of Norse mythology, fantasy stories, arrow riddled fiery kings, acceptance of death through values of moralistic life, quests in the afterlife, starry swords and ethereal art of transportative quality, gather round the fire to witness in its flames Nord by Martin Simpson.
General sale is not until September 15th; however, a lucky few can get signed copies direct from Martin at his Etsy store SimoSells, where you can also find his gorgeous-looking art book and perhaps the last copy of SKRAWL. After that, go to martinsillustration.com for all the latest and his social media handles.
Review: 5++/5
