Are you willing to go the extra mile to make sure things get done right? This edition of Fresh Friday Features tests the grit of these characters to follow through, keep their promises, and go above and beyond the call of duty. Can you keep up with these forces to be reckoned with?
- Comic - Long Walk to Valhalla: But when a young girl named Sylvia shows up, claiming to be a Valkyrie sent by the Norse god Odin to deliver Rory to Valhalla, Rory will have to face the past he's tried to lock away.
- Graphic Novel - Kaya: After the destruction of their village, a young girl with a magic arm and a fighting spirit is tasked with delivering her little brother to a faraway safe haven
- Manga - Ye Olde Treehouse: In the chaotic world of Viso where opposing nations collide, an extraordinary band of a super-powered agents work together to defend their homeland from its determined rivals and a maniacal Ringmaster.
- Webcomic - Shaodwskulls: In the chaotic world of Viso where opposing nations collide, an extraordinary band of a super-powered agents work together to defend their homeland from its determined rivals and a maniacal Ringmaster.
Long Walk to Valhalla, 148 pages - Published by Archaia Entertainment, (cc/ @GCpartnerships)
There are many things that Rory would like to forget about his childhood growing up in rural Arkansas. Sometimes, he'd even like to forget about Joe, his mentally challenged older brother, both his closest friend and biggest problem. But when a young girl named Sylvia shows up, claiming to be a Valkyrie sent by the Norse god Odin to deliver Rory to Valhalla, he will have to face the past he's tried to lock away.
Story and Art by Adam Smith and Matthew Fox
A myusterious young girl, an allegory for death, and a tormented man meet up on the side of the road. I loved the parallel stories that evolved throughout the course of this comic. The limited color palette also lets the strong contrast, shape language, and stellar lettering really shine through. Having had a childhood that wasn't really ideal myself, I related a lot to Rory and could see why he'd try to bury his problems. How wonderful a little Valkyrie who can can see pretty things would bring him full circle.
Kaya, 326 pages - Published by Image Comics, (cc/ @GCpartnerships)
After the destruction of their village, a young girl with a magic arm and a fighting spirit is tasked with delivering her little brother to a faraway safe haven. There, he’s destined to discover the secret to overthrowing the all-powerful empire that destroyed their home. Starting out on their journey, they’ll face lizard-riders, monstrous beasts, and secrets that could tear brother and sister apart.
Story and Art by Wes Craig
I don't blame Kaya for her frustration and her younger brother, having lived the life she never was allowed to. He's inexperienced and entitled and demanding, and yet, she clearly still loves him and will do anything to fulfill her promise to her uncle. With much traveling, and much growth personally, spiritually, and emotionally, it's a first step of many thousands of miles. I Appreciated Jin's growth as a person after just the first few chapters, and I'm eager to read Volume 2!
Ye Olde Treehouse, 50 pages - Published by FifiMangaka, (cc/ @YeOldeFifi)
In the chaotic world of Viso where opposing nations collide, an extraordinary band of a super-powered agents work together to defend their homeland from its determined rivals and a maniacal Ringmaster. Little do they know, their powerful abilities hold a dark secret that threatens to consume them and sends them on a mad adventure to rid themselves of its curse.
Story and Art by FifiMangaka
With a Ringmaster who loves to play games, I could definitely empathize with these ladies. Fighting their hardest, willing to break the rules just to accomplish their goals, and it still not quite going to plan. Or maybe not going to plan at all. Felt a deep appreciation for the care into this manga to have dynamic paneling, deep perspectives, backgrounds, everything! A portal making tree was definitely a super creative choice, but that doesn't seem to be all that it can do, based on that last page!
Shadowskulls, 219 pages - Published by corvidaesgarden, (cc/ @corvidaesgarden)
Koda and his crew known as the Shadowskulls are unreasonably apprehended after using their forbidden umbral magic to survive against the dangerous creatures known as the Enraptured. Despite the ever-growing tension between humanity and these monsters, will the Shadowskulls ever convince others of their unorthodox methods? Or will the world retort back and send them into eternal imprisonment?
Story and Art by corvidaesgarden
Colorful pages, a unique magic system and some drama never hurt nobody. I'll admit the scarlet mage that interferes has me intrigued what their motives could possibly be. I also adored how each of how shadow-crew had an animal that influenced the forms and look of their magic. That was a great touch. I've read most of what's uploaded so far, so I wonder how the Shadow crew will work with their mysterious new "friends". I'll just have to keep reading!
That's all for now, but we'll have another set of Fresh Friday reading recommendations next week. You can also browse through our Featured Comics news section and add them to your Library for future reading!
Check out more amazing stuff from @ArtCrumbs below.
Did you get a chance to check out any of these fresh picks? If you enjoy any of these stories, don't forget to add them to your library, and share your thoughts in the comments below! You can also join our Discord server to talk with other readers and creators.