Alligator Loki has proven to be the Marvel Cinematic Univere's most surprising break-out TV star. Featured on the Disney+ show Loki, Alligator Loki is now getting his first-ever solo print title. The cutest and toothiest of all his multiversal counterparts, Alligator Loki #1 debuts with a bumper collection of all 24 issues of the hit Infinity Comic exclusive, plus a brand-new adventure. Written by Deadpool superstar Alyssa Wong, illustrated by Red Sonja and Way of X artist Bob Quinn, with colors by Pete Pantazis, the collection is a delightful showcase for the character.
Alligator Loki #1 compiles 24 silent comics, each around three to four pages long. Each one features a mini-escapade of the titular gator-god. Roving everywhere from Asgard and Earth to the deep reaches of space, Alligator Loki spends his time getting into hijinks that touch every corner of the Marvel universe. Between befriending the Young Avengers, getting on the wrong side of the other Avengers, and a lot of biting Thor, there's always plenty of trouble for the cute and crafty critter to find himself in.
As a silent comic, Alligator Loki #1 has no space for Wong to flex their incredible skill for writing dialogue. Despite this, they still manage to make each story feel individual and shine in its own particular way. The expert plotting of the mini-comics gives space for each silent beat to breathe and contribute to the story. Every short has a robust structure and sense of development despite their brevity. Wong finds a wonderful tone that connects across the collection: Consistently warm, charming, and equally likely to spin into slap-stick comedy or a heartfelt moment, the collection is a rousing success. The sense of scale at work is also really engaging, fluctuating between cosmic stakes and Alligator Loki enjoying some downtime. The reader is consistently on their toes over what the next short story could contain. Wong also makes great use of cameos, making the world of Marvel feel animated in a way that feels authentic and intriguing.
The art of Alligator Loki #1 is the central element of the comic, with the stories relying entirely on Quinn's visuals to convey its narrative and tone. Quinn works in thin but decisive lines, carving out a style that feels very iconically Marvel. The illustrations are brimming with charm, featuring great character design that makes the comic feel cute and funny from the very outset. The panel design is excellent, crafting a dynamic reading experience that has an impressive sense of fluidity that draws the eye down the page. The art is stunningly expressive, communicating complex emotions and dynamics through visual cues alone. Many of the jokes that land entirely rely on the art's sense of timing and well-plotted fake-outs. It takes real skill to execute in a way that doesn't feel overdone or contrived, and Alligator Loki #1 accomplishes it well.
The colors of Alligator Loki #1 are essential to the playful, buoyant tone that makes all its other elements work with such harmony. Pantazis works predominantly in light airy colors, with plenty of shading that polishes the illustration even further. It also means that when other pallets are deployed for more serious moments (that are inevitably subverted), it has a really striking effect. It shows off Pantazis's range as a color artist. Although devoid of any lettering for evident reasons, Alligator Loki #1 also has some excellent sound effects at work throughout.
Alligator Loki #1 is a quick and sweet read, overflowing with silliness and charisma. As a collection of short stories, Alligator Loki #1 is a great choice for anybody looking for a first foray into the comic universe after watching Loki on Disney+. It's also a fun pick for comic fans looking to indulge in the lighter, quirkier side of the Marvel Universe. A convincing print debut for everyone's favorite multidimensional reptile, the issue has plenty of charm and cuteness to spare.