Balder the Brave: the mini-series part 1

[proteus_lives]

Greetings True Believers!

As most of you probably already know, I love Thor's supporting cast. Out of of all of them, my favorite is Balder the Brave, god of light and prophecy.

He's different then your average Asgardian or Aesir. He's gone through several phases in his life, including a pacficist phase.

Another important part of his life is Karnilla Queen of the Norns. She was a sometimes enemy of Asgard and ally of Loki. She's one of the most powerful magic-users in the nine worlds. She's also desperately in love with Balder.

This mini is set before and after Thor's death-ride into Hel to rescue some trapped mortal souls. (Where Skurge proved his awesomeness for all time.)

Thor is going into Hel and needs the one god who has defeated Hela's legions before. He needs the "Light of Asgard" he needs Balder.



Suggested Tags: char: balder the brave, char: karnilla, creator: walter simonson, creator: sal buscema, publisher: marvel comics



Some background: Karnilla is a sometimes enemy of Asgard who often teamed with Loki. But during one of her schemes, she fell into love with Balder but he spurned her. Despite that, she begun to ally herself with Asgard more often.

After Balder returned from the dead and turned away from the warrior's path, Karnilla kidnapped Balder and his beloved Nanna to force Balder to marry her. After that she battled for and against Asgard several times. But Balder asked to help Asgard in the battle against Surtur. Afterward, despite warnings from his fellow gods, Balder returned to Nornrealm as her consort.

Here, the story begins.

The mini opens with a story about the Sword of Frey. A ultra-powerful sword that Karnilla keeps hidden in her castle.





They are cute together. At the same time Thor is preparing for his voyage into Hel and sends Agnar, Balder's devoted Vanir vassal to tell him of Odin's death and the mission to Hel.

Karnilla knows of Angar's mission and has no intention of letting the message reach Balder. Her demons capture Agnar and she magically takes away his ablity to speak (kinda of a Tower of Babel spell) and throw him in her dungeon. He rots there while Balder and Karnilla romance each other.



Agnar's manlove for Balder is deep and pure. Taking a page from Balder's book, he makes friends with the rats and bats until one bat goes to Balder and leads him to Angar's cell.

The Bright One is pissed and frees him. He then forces Karnilla to restore his voice and learns of the fate of Odin and the mission of Thor.

Balder decides to return and Karnilla storms away. Agnar asks:

"My lord, forgive my impertinence but--that is--I mean, why do you--?"

Balder: "Stay with the Queen of the Norns, Agnar?"

"You do not know as I do. There is a great deal more to Karnilla then the thwarted queen."

Balder needs to get in shape while Karnilla fumes.



Balder know what he needs. What all warriors eventully need.

Training montage!

I love the dialogue between B/K.







Balder is one cool cat and Karnilla is so sweet with her sarcasm and vicious attacks against anyone who harms Balder.

I sense real OTPness between them. I like the role shift, usually it's the gentle woman coaxing the reluctant male warrior into a relationship/healthier life.

Stay tuned for part two!

Comments

[toby_wan_kenobi]

Images?

[proteus_lives]

Fixed!

[bwhahahabeck]

This is sweet and I would like to read more.

[wasabi.livejournal.com]

Oh, Karnilla...haven't you realized that Asgardian boys are all about going out in a blaze of glory when the opportunity presents itself? They all secretly want to be Skurge at Gjallerbru, not feeding silly birds.

Much love for Simonson-era Thor. I miss the Enchantresses' nutty sister Lorelei and her infatuation with Thor (and her swan-chariot), Thor's mysterious grandfather Tiwaz, even the scary witch Angrboda. He really did his research on the Norse pantheon and made each issue something to look forward to.

[arilou_skiff]

Ah. that's hilarious. Linguistics joke FTW!

[proteus_lives]

The Simonson run is legend!

I think it heavily influenced JMS's run.

[icon_uk]

Love the art of course, but I've never quite been able to take Balder seriously since I first saw him in his Mickey Mouse ears helmet.

[rordulum]

Not to mention his Prince Adam haircut, there.

There's far too much... stuff... going on with that costume. And not enough stuff going on with his current one. Oh, for a healthy balance to be struck.

He is a pretty awesome character, though. I actually like him more than Thor, who I've only ever enjoyed in his truly kickass 'god smiting those who would dare oppose him' moments.

[daningram.insanejournal.com]

As Girl Genius has taught us, the bigger the hat, the bigger the bad ass.

[cmdr_zoom]

Great story.

That was the perfect musical accompaniment, too. Thanks for the embed.

[calling-alice.livejournal.com]

I still have this mini and love it to pieces. I very rarely ship het pairings in comics but this is without a doubt my favorite in comics. They play off each other so well with their opposing personalities. The costume is a bit busy I admit but I still love it. If I remember correctly it's been given to him from Karnilla. After he *ahem* pledged his services. She's was very tenacious in her chasing him. I'll give her that, lol. They are a fun pair and were more interesting than Sif/Thor IMHO.

[proteus_lives]

They were more interesting for several factors. They both weren't warriors, Balder has a sense of humor and can fluster Karnilla and isn't afraid of her.

Oh, she loves the chase.

[brallaqueen.insanejournal.com]

Wow the bromance is strong in this comic :D :D

Can we have some more please, I think this take on Balder is fabulous!!