Best Norse Mythology Graphic Novel (2026): 4 Picks Compared

A reader hunting for the best norse mythology graphic novel usually wants Thor, Loki and Odin drawn in panels, not told in plain prose. We compared four illustrated Norse myth books by format, page count, reading age and series position.

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The picks

#	Product	Shelf Score	Buy
1	Norse Mythology Vol 1 by Gaiman	9.6/10	Buy on Amazon
2	Illustrated Norse Myths by Frith	9.5/10	Buy on Amazon
3	Gods of Asgard by Evensen	9.5/10	Buy on Amazon
4	Norse Mythology Vol 2 by Gaiman	9.5/10	Buy on Amazon

1

Norse Mythology Vol 1 by Gaiman

Neil Gaiman·9.6/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A comic adaptation of Gaiman's Norse myths for teen or adult readers, with art by Russell, Mignola and others.

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Pros

• Collects the Norse Mythology comics in a 160-page hardcover with dust jacket.
• Art by P. Craig Russell, Mike Mignola, Jerry Ordway, David Rubin, Piotr Kowalski and Jill Thompson.
• Covers the Nine Worlds' creation, the origin of poetry and Ragnarok.

Cons

• Volume 1 of a series; Volume 2 comes next.
• No reading age or grade level is stated.
• Includes Ragnarok, the end of all things; preview for a young reader.

2

Illustrated Norse Myths by Frith

Alex Frith·9.5/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

An illustrated Viking myth collection for readers 6 to 9, for young readers or family read-alouds.

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Pros

• Reading age 6 to 9 years and grade level 2 to 3 on the listing.
• 280 pages, a guide to Norse names and characters, and a ribbon marker.
• Described as perfect for newly independent readers or bedtime read-alouds.

Cons

• An illustrated collection, not a comic-style graphic novel.
• Dragon-slaying heroes and giant-smashing gods appear; preview for a sensitive young reader.
• Only the hardback gift edition is listed.

3

Gods of Asgard by Evensen

Erik A. Evensen·9.5/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A standalone graphic novel of the Norse gods, for readers who want one complete volume.

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Pros

• A complete graphic novel interpretation of the Norse myths in 168 pages.
• The listing states it is a 2007 Xeric winner.
• Drawn from the original source material, per the description.

Cons

• No reading age or grade level is stated.
• Published February 2, 2012, the oldest edition here.
• Gods battle monsters and tragedy strikes; preview for a young reader.

4

Norse Mythology Vol 2 by Gaiman

Neil Gaiman·9.5/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

The second volume of the Gaiman and Russell adaptation, for readers who finished Volume 1.

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Pros

• Art by Matt Horak, Mark Buckingham, Gabriel Hernandez Walta and Sandy Jarrell.
• A 152-page hardcover with dust jacket, matching Volume 1.
• Thor and Loki's giant-land trip and Frey's journey to Valhalla.

Cons

• Volume 2, so a new reader should start with Volume 1.
• No reading age or grade level is stated.
• A mead many will die for appears; preview for a young reader.

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More picks to compare

• Norse Mythology Illustrated by GaimanAn illustrated edition of Gaiman's Norse myths, 256 pages.Check on Amazon
• Asgardians: Odin by O'ConnorFirst volume of a Norse gods graphic series, for ages 10 to 14.Check on Amazon
• Norse Mythology I Single IssueThe opening issue of the Norse Mythology comic run.Check on Amazon
• Norse Mythology II Single IssueThe opening issue of the second Norse Mythology comic run.Check on Amazon

Compare the picks

Book details as published on each listing, collected 23 October 2026.

How we scored them

The Shelf Score weighs fit, contents and edition, value, and the listed reading age or level where given; one pick lists 6 to 9 years with grade level 2 to 3 and the others state neither. How we pick explains the weights.

Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each book’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score. Reading age or level counts on a list where at least one listing gives one, and a book whose listing gives none then scores zero on it. Where no listing gives one, the score is taken over the other 85 points. Books carry no warranty, so warranty is not scored.

How to choose the best norse mythology graphic novel

Start with the reader’s age

Illustrated Norse Myths gives a reading age of 6 to 9 years; the other three state none. A young reader suits the illustrated collection and a teen or adult suits the comics; see YA fantasy graphic novels for more age-banded choices.

Check the series position

Volume 1 opens the Gaiman and Russell adaptation and Volume 2 continues it, so buy Volume 1 first. Gods of Asgard and Illustrated Norse Myths stand alone; for prose myths see books about Norse mythology.

Before you buy

• Check the format: the Gaiman volumes are hardcovers with dust jackets, and the illustrated collection is a hardback gift edition.
• For a series, buy Volume 1 first and confirm the volume number on the listing.
• Match the listed reading age and grade level to your reader, and check the description for themes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where should a new reader start with the Gaiman Norse comics?

Start with Norse Mythology Volume 1, collecting the opening comics in 160 pages; Volume 2 continues the story.

What age is Illustrated Norse Myths for?

The listing gives a reading age of 6 to 9 years and grade level 2 to 3.

Is Gods of Asgard part of a series?

The listing states no series position; it stands alone as one 168-page volume from the original source material.

Still deciding? Our top pickNorse Mythology Vol 1 by Gaiman

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