Marvel Comics has announced some changes to the creative team for the recently launched Valkyrie: Jane Foster ongoing series. Current series co-writer Al Ewing, who helped launch the title back in July with outgoing Thor scribe Jason Aaron, will exit the series following January’s issue 7. Joining Aaron at the helm of the series with Valkyrie: Jane Foster #8 will be new co-writer Torunn Grønbekk, a Norwegian writer and artist whose previous writing credits include creator-owned series Ageless for Caliber Comics and the self-published Matriarch. The news came today via Marvel’s website.
The publisher also announced that artist CAFU would be returning to the Jane Foster-starring series with Grønbekk’s debut, and that he has signed an exclusive contract with Marvel. No word on the length of the deal for the artist, whose most recent work for the publisher outside of Valkyrie was a contribution to the Marvel Comics #1000 anniversary special.
In a statement on joining the series, Torunn Grønbekk described what she finds special about Jane Foster as Valkyrie, and what she plans to bring to the title:
“For years, Jane Foster has been one of the most complex, compelling, and well-written characters in comics. It’s not hard to see why she’s one of the most cherished ones as well, or why she would have to be the one to take up the mantle of Valkyrie. The role flings her right back in the borderlands between the living and the dead, navigating through the mysteries of the worlds with the openness and courage only Jane can muster.
“I’ve loved seeing what Al and Jason have done with the book so far. They’ve kept the Jane I know and love, and given her such a unique set of abilities and challenges. She’s still learning what it means to be Valkyrie, and we’ll keep exploring that in the issues to come. We’ll see how the job as Valkyrie affects Jane, how Jane, in return, can add her unique experiences to Valkyrie, and how she stands in her new role when meeting old friends.
On a personal note, I’m endlessly excited to be working in this particular part of the Marvel Universe. I’m born and raised in Norway, and the myths and sagas of the old world were part of my daily life growing up. (I’m literally named after Thor. ‘Torunn’ means ‘to love Thor.’) I’ve read and loved every part of Jason’s tremendous work on the Asgardian books over the past few years. I couldn’t be happier to now be writing Jane — my favorite Thor! — and bring her to yet undiscovered parts of the Nine Realms. I can’t wait to see where it takes us.”
Check out a preview of CAFU’s interior art for Valkyrie: Jane Foster #8 below. The issue is scheduled to land in stores and digitally in February 2020.
