COMIC BOOK REVIEW: Journey Into Mystery #646

Journey Into Mystery #646 (Marvel)
Kathryn Immonen (writer); Valerio Schiti (artist);  Jordie Bellaire (colorist)

I read good things about Kieran Gillen's run on Journey Into Mystery, which just ended. I never found a good jumping on point for it, but do plan to catch up digitally or via trades one day. However, with the focus switching from Loki to Sif, I figured it would be fine jumping on point to begin reading this. I like the idea that a comic like Journey Into Mystery is being published, exploring lesser-known characters from Aasgard. I've always been a fan of how god and myths are used, borrowed, contorted, and appropriated in the comics.

As for JiM 646, this is a fun issue. Kathryn Immonen begins an interesting quest for Sif, and though I'm not entirely clear on all facets of it as part of the impetus for the action is based on past events, I was able to gamely follow along and enjoy it all. The opening page is quite fun and irreverent and there's a great scene within the story with a dragon. The  conclusion is effectively creepy.

Throughout, Valerio Schiti's art depicts the action quite deftly, concisely flowing from panel to panel. Very thorough and efficient storytelling with the proper amount of urgency, danger and dread thrown in. His Sif is strong and memorable. Though their styles are considerably different, his Sif reminds me of Cliff Chiang's Wonder Woman in that both woman are depicted as strong and capable warriors. Dressed for battle Schiti's Sif is fierce and to be admired as a warrior and not as a pin-up. As always, Jordie Bellaire's colors are stunning. The orange and green hues throughout enhance each panel of Schiti's art and the murky browns of the final page accent Immonen's script all the more.

A strong start to this story arc. I look forward to see how this all unfolds. Recommended.