While there is a glimpse of the hell puppy in this issue, Kieron Gillen sadly has to get on with this title. The previous issue was a nice way to cap off the year 2011 and show Gillen can easily mix in light-hearted stories with the action packed sequences he’s given us before. This title has quickly become one of the most revered comics Marvel has right now. With a title like ‘The Terrorism Myth’ for this next arc, you gotta think Gillen has something great up his sleeve.

As an opening issue, I certainly like the slow approach it has. We only get a slight glimpse at what the overall plot is with the Son of Satan. I don’t know much about this character other then some random appearances but I did enjoy his sequence with the magical bones. Not sure if that’s a trait for Son of Satan but I like the nice touch of him arguing with the bones. Of course there is more fun to be had in this title with Loki. Whether it’s introducing milkshakes to Leah or having nightmares about killing Thor; I like how Gillen mixes up the tone of this book when need be. This title can seriously be funny when it wants to be Gillen easily changes it to dread at the drop of the hat. Although you would think even a bully from Oklahoma would not try to fight a god….

Richard Elson, the third choice of artist when it comes to the rotation, takes over for this arc and his style has grown on me a bit. It’s certainly not perfect; with backgrounds looking too digital to characters looking stiff at times. But he certainly has a ‘kinetic’ pacing to his work whether it be Son of Satan trying to exorcise demons or Ikol trying to peck Loki’s eyes out. Come to think of it there are some nice backgrounds in here even if it is a bit too digital for my liking. The All-Mother’s garden looks a hell of a lot better then the park near my house.

This is a nice, solid way to start the new year with Loki and the rest of the Asgardians. Kieron Gillen matches the fun and lightheartedness with some dabs of foreboding on what’s to come. While I’m not entirely sure on what’s to happen I am excited to see where this is all gonna go. Let’s just hope the next time Loki and Leah get some milkshakes they will drink it up.