Comic Review: Vote Loki TP – The God of Lies on the Presidential Path

 

Loki has always been one of Marvel’s most fascinating characters ambiguous, mischievous, constantly balancing between humor and tragedy. But Vote Loki, a miniseries by Christopher Hastings with art by Langdon Foss and Paul McCaffrey, presents the God of Lies in an entirely new light. This time, he isn’t plotting to take over Asgard or destroy his brother Thor, Loki decides to run for President of the United States. Sounds like a joke? It is. But that’s exactly the strength of this comic.

Politics in a Funhouse Mirror

Vote Loki is a story that bites at reality from beginning to end. Hastings and his team present the American political stage in such a way that it’s impossible not to laugh and at the same time, not to feel slightly uncomfortable. Candidates don’t talk about platforms, solutions, or the problems of everyday people. What matters is the spectacle: arguments, manipulation, empty slogans, and media theatrics.

Loki fits this landscape perfectly. From the very beginning he declares: “I will lie to you and you will love it.” And indeed voters justify his every lie, because at least he was honest about being dishonest. This paradox satirical yet terrifyingly relevant—becomes the backbone of the entire narrative.

The Reporter vs. The God of Lies

Standing just behind the scenes, yet at the center of the story, is Nisa Contreras a journalist from the Daily Bugle. She’s meant to be the voice of reason, the only person who truly sees how dangerous Loki’s campaign really is. At first, it seems she’ll be nothing more than a pawn in his game an object of manipulation and ridicule. But as the story develops, she grows into a full-fledged protagonist whose fight for the truth gives the narrative its human, heartfelt center.

The tension between Nisa and Loki works brilliantly. On one side is a godlike trickster who can spin any scandal into a success; on the other, an ordinary woman clinging to principles and journalistic integrity. That contrast elevates the comic beyond satire, turning it into a reflection on the role of media and citizens in a democracy.

Satire That Hurts Because It’s True

Hastings captures the essence of modern politics not just in the U.S., but globally. Loki’s rise in popularity, despite openly lying and manipulating, mirrors figures we’ve all seen on TV. When the God of Lies admits his campaign ad was a fraud, the crowd cheers. When he provokes an international conflict, nobody objects because, after all, he did say he would lie.

What begins as a comedic concept quickly evolves into a bitter commentary on reality. The comic makes you laugh, but also forces you to ask: why are we, as a society, so easily deceived?

Visuals – Grotesque and Chaotic

The most controversial aspect of Vote Loki is the artwork. Langdon Foss and Paul McCaffrey’s style is uneven sometimes dazzling with detail and vibrant crowd scenes, other times off-putting with grotesque, almost caricature-like faces. It won’t be to everyone’s taste, often resembling something out of Adult Swim exaggerated, absurd, sometimes downright ugly.

But that strangeness is part of the comic’s power. A political world presented as a grotesque circus shouldn’t look polished and heroic, but raw, flawed, and at times disgusting. The art accentuates the absurdity and nihilism of the story.

A Finale That Offers Hope

The climax isn’t about Loki being defeated by another superhero. Ultimately, it’s the people his own supporters who turn on him when they realize there’s nothing behind the mask of charm. They start asking real questions, and Loki has no answers. That moment flips the tone of the story from satirical farce to a subtle, ironic celebration of common sense.

This ending ensures Vote Loki isn’t just a cynical caricature. It’s also a story about how, even though society is easily manipulated, it still has the potential to separate appearances from truth.

Conclusion

Vote Loki TP is short but remarkably dense. It’s a satire that entertains while also unsettling its readers. Hastings uses Loki perfectly as a symbol of chaos, but also as a mirror reflecting modern politics. The book isn’t flawless the art will push some readers away, and the story occasionally feels too condensed but within its scope, it’s witty and refreshingly sharp.

This isn’t just a curiosity for Marvel fans or viewers of the Loki series. It’s also an intelligent, ironic commentary on democracy, media, and our own vulnerability to lies.

Final Score: 8.5/10

Pros:

+Brilliant satire of modern politics

+Loki as a candidate funny and disturbingly relevant idea

+Strongly written dynamic between Loki and reporter Nisa

+Powerful, topical message lies as political currency

+Ending delivers a clever, satisfying twist

Cons:

-Uneven and often divisive artwork

-Story could have been developed further (only 4 issues)

-Some jokes and metaphors are a bit too on-the-nose

-Might alienate readers looking for a traditional superhero tale