Valerio Schiti

The first volume of Sif’s JiM run didn’t really work for me. Sif is not strong enough as a character to headline a story that doesn’t include other familiar Marvel faces. As a result, V1 felt like one of those off-brand graphic novels that feature Thor from the myths. Happily, Volume 2 corrects that and brings back a fan favorite and Marvel original, Beta Ray Bill.

The book was excellent on two fronts: it had a good, Marvel-centric storyline that tied into recent events and it provided show more much-needed character development for Sif. Gaia, one of the three All Mothers of Asgardia, has fallen ill. Sif requests the help of Tony Stark to “quarantine” her to help determine what is wrong. He lends her the Avengers Deep Space Monitoring Station. Just after arriving, Beta Ray Bill crashes into the station, along with some alien life form that proceeds to take over Ti Asha Ra and Gaia. Sif and Bill have to battle their environment while trying to save the two women and prevent the creature from making it to Earth.

Besides being Thor’s fellow warrior and girlfriend, what makes Sif tick? By putting her into a crisis that she must solve, and where brute force is not going to cut it, readers get to see what’s beneath the surface of the warrior. Also, Sif and Bill’s relationship has always been interesting and it was fun seeing them fight side by side, and bicker, and ultimately support each other in a way only real friends can. It’s a shame that JiM was canceled, as this volume demonstrates how well she can headline a story.

Overall, this was a very enjoyable read that finally showcased Sif in a meaningful way. Highly recommended. show less

Okay, I don't think this is high art or anything but MAN, what an ending. I'm constantly enjoying how bonkers this stuff is getting, and I think Hickman actually manages to pull off just how monstrous the main cast has become.

I love Sif; she’s a great character. So, I was eager to see what they did with her when she took over JiM after Kid Loki moved to Young Avengers. Sadly, I now see why JiM was canceled after this run.

After yet another fall of Asgard, Sif feels like they aren’t doing their job to protect the golden realm. They pick up the pieces and survive and call that victory. Honestly, it was nice to see a character – an Aesir no less – vocalize this point. As a result, Sif searches out a sorceress show more to give her the power of a berserker to make her a “better warrior.” You know those graphic novels that have Thor that aren’t Marvel (because the original myth is not copyrighted)? This story felt like one of those. Thor can stand alone in a story with few or no other Marvel-based characters because their version of his character is iconic. Sif is not that strong a character and she needs those ties; she needed someone other than Heimdall to ground her in the comic universe.

Overall, this collection was worth reading but it left me wanting. show less

This is a tough one to rate for me. The main story was fine, but mostly a classic predictable crossover with the Avengers acting like they know better than everyone else in the universe and fucking things up beyond belief because of it.

But. But. The Hulkling and Wiccan stuff! So good! I love them both so much, and they're written perfectly here with their beautiful queer love saving the universe, She-Ra & the Princesses of Power style!

So, it averages out of 4 starts