Heathen
A queer Viking epic following Aydis, a lesbian warrior exiled for her sexuality, on a quest to destroy the oppressive god-king Odin and free her people.
đź“– Vault Comics • Started 2017
Heathen is a groundbreaking queer Viking fantasy epic that ran from 2017 to 2020, published by Vault Comics. The series follows Aydis, a young Norse woman who discovers she only has feelings for women—and is sentenced to death for her “crime.” Rather than accept her fate, she fights back, beginning a journey that will take her across the Norse mythological landscape, involving the gods themselves, pirates, and the legendary Valkyries.
Born into a time of warfare, suffering, and subjugation of women, Aydis is exiled from her village for kissing another woman. Rather than accept this injustice, she decides to take direct action against the root cause: the oppressive reign of the god-king Odin. Her journey is aided by Saga, a talking horse named as a nod to the Image Comics series, as well as the immortal Valkyrie Brynhild and various other mythological figures who join her cause.
The series was selected as an American Library Association YALSA 2018 Great Graphic Novel for Teens, praised for its bold storytelling and unapologetic portrayal of queer identities within a fantasy setting. “Heathen’s Queer Feminist Vikings Are the Heroines Pop Culture Needed,” wrote PopMatters, highlighting how the series centers women and queer identities in a traditionally male-dominated genre.
Natasha Alterici wrote and illustrated the first eight issues before health concerns led to Ashley A. Woods taking over line art for volumes two and three. Alterici continued as colorist and cover artist throughout the entire 12-issue run, with Morgan Martinez and Rachel Deering handling lettering. The series concluded in 2020 and was recently adapted into a feature film, with Catherine Hardwicke attached to direct.
The story explores themes of identity, acceptance, and fighting against oppressive systems through the lens of Norse mythology. Aydis is a warrior, an outcast, and a self-proclaimed heathen who refuses to accept the roles society attempts to impose upon her. Along the way, she discovers that love and connection—even for someone who believed herself destined to be alone—are possible in unexpected places.
Perfect for fans of Saga by Fiona Staples, feminist retellings of mythology, and fantasy epics that center queer identities.
