Rediscovering Balder the Brave (1985) – A Forgotten Gem from Asgard’s Golden Age

Rediscovering Balder the Brave (1985) – A Forgotten Gem from Asgard’s Golden Age

Published by: Marvel Comics
Written by: Walt Simonson
Art by: Sal Buscema
Issues: 4-issue Limited Series
Release Year: 1985

The Unsung Warrior of Asgard

When most comic fans hear "Asgard," their minds leap to Thor, Loki, or maybe even Odin. But hidden beneath the thunder and trickery is one of the realm’s most noble and tragic figures: Balder the Brave. In 1985, Marvel finally gave this stoic warrior his due with a powerful four-issue limited series — and damn, it still holds up.

Written by Walt Simonson (at the height of his legendary Thor run) and brought to life by Sal Buscema's classic pencils, Balder the Brave spins a tale of honor, guilt, sacrifice, and raw warrior spirit. It's mythological fantasy wrapped in Marvel heroism, with enough sword-swinging, ice-blasting drama to rival Conan or The Lord of the Rings.

Story Breakdown: More Than a Sidekick

Balder isn't just Thor’s bestie with a shiny sword — in this mini-series, he's a full-fledged tragic hero. Haunted by the lives he’s taken during Ragnarok’s many skirmishes, Balder exiles himself from Asgard. What follows is a deeply personal journey through Midgard (Earth), Nornheim, and the snow-blanketed ruins of his own psyche.

But this ain’t no slow-paced soul-searcher. We’ve got:

  • Assassins from Hel

  • Enchanted blades and prophetic visions

  • Karnilla, the Norn Queen, in all her manipulative glory

  • And, of course, some premium-grade Simonson-style epic battles

As Balder struggles with his identity, he finds himself caught in a web of political intrigue between realms — and when gods start playing chess, mortals (and immortals alike) bleed.

Why It Still Matters

This series does what Marvel rarely dares: it slows down and gives a side character depth without diluting the fantasy or the fight scenes. If you're a fan of:

  • Myth-based storytelling

  • High fantasy with a Marvel edge

  • Underrated characters finally getting the spotlight

…then Balder the Brave deserves a slot in your longbox.

Collectors should also take note: this series is a must-have for fans of the Simonson Thor era, completing character arcs that began in the main title and adding layers to Asgardian lore. While it's not a key in the speculation market (yet), it’s prime “sleeper pick” material. Mint copies are still affordable — but for how long?

Collector's Corner

🔍 Issue Highlights:

  • Issue #1 – Balder’s exile begins; first solo title

  • Issue #2 – Karnilla’s schemes come to light

  • Issue #3 – Epic clash with Enchantress’s forces

  • Issue #4 – Redemption, sacrifice, and a brutal confrontation with the truth

💰 Value Insight (as of 2025):

  • Raw VF/NM copies: $4–$8 each

  • Full sets (VF/NM): $20–30

  • Graded 9.8 #1: ~$80–100 (still climbing slowly)

Not bad for a limited run buried in Marvel's mid-80s backlog.

Final Thoughts: Mint or Die Trying

Balder the Brave is the kind of series Reapers 3C’s was made for — overlooked, underappreciated, and heavy on mythos. Whether you're a reader chasing the deep cuts or a collector looking for undervalued runs to stack, this mini is pure vintage Marvel magic. And let’s be honest — who doesn’t love a brave soul with a sword, a broken heart, and a kingdom to defend?

👉 Grab your copy before Hel freezes over.

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