After getting a crack at Batman with the Batman and Robin and Howard middle grade graphic novel last year, acclaimed cartoonist Jeffrey Brown is venturing into the Marvel Universe with the just announced Thor and Loki: Midgard Family Mayhem children’s book.
After beginning his career with autobiographical comics like Clumsy and Unlikely, and humor graphic novels like Cat Getting Out of a Bag and Incredible Change-Bots, Brown’s first Star Wars picture book, Darth Vader & Son, was published in 2012. Since then the cartoonist published six more Star Wars picture books—three in the style of Darth Vader & Son, as well as the initial trilogy of the Jedi Academy young reader series—as well as his own trilogy of young reader books, Lucy and Andy Neanderthal. Darth Vader & Son and its follow-up, Vader’s Little Princess, both netted Brown Eisner Awards for Best Humor Publication. No one knows how to bring warmth and whimsy to a billion-dollar franchise quite like Brown.
In the same vein as Darth Vader and Son, “this playful reimagining of the Marvel Universe finds Thor’s parents Odin and Frigga taking their children – including the mischievous Loki – to their favorite realm: Midgard, AKA Earth. There, they will encounter all the wonders Midgard has to offer, as well as a few recognizable faces. Plus, they’ll have to contend with familiar problems like bedtimes, playground games, and picky eaters.”
Unsurprisingly, Brown is excited to explore this corner of the Marvel U.
“THOR was always one of my go-to comics to pick up at the comic shop, and I even had the little Thor Hot Wheels van,” Brown said. “I covered plenty of paper with doodles of his iconic winged helmet and hammer. Getting to dive in and do my own take on Thor and the other Asgardians was an absolute treat, especially Loki, who’s so much fun. I was one of three brothers growing up, so I loved having the opportunity to write about all the sibling mischief that kids get into!”
Look for Thor and Loki: Midgard Family Mayhem goes on sale April 18, 2023 from Chronicle Books!
