Thanks to the popularity of Marvel’s ‘Avengers’ and ‘Thor’ film franchises, Loki is a hot commodity these days. Of course, he’s been a hit with long-time comic readers for a while now. With the ‘Young Avengers’ series coming to a close, putting Loki front-and-center (and raising some fun questions about the character), it would appear that now is the perfect time to give him his own book. Thus February 5th, will mark the release of ‘Loki: Agent of Asgard #1′.

Loki, adopted brother of Thor, son of Odin and son of Laufey. Loki, Prince of Lies and God of Mischief. Loki, Asgardian prince and savior of Midgard. He highly manipulative, clever and cuny, especially in the practice of deceit, but also amusing and charming. Now, in his own series, he’s been given a special sword by the All-Mother * and charged with defending Asgard from weird threats beyond the Thunder God’s scope of influences. What exactly is he up to?

Here’s what Marvel has to say about it:

”Old God—New Trickster! Marvel is pleased to present your first look at Loki: Agent of Asgard #1 from the spellbinding creative team of Al Ewing (Mighty Avengers) and Lee Garbett (X-O Manowar, Batgirl). Loki is back and craftier than ever as the All-Mother’s secret weapon against Asgardia’s strangest threats. With his serpent’s tongue, debonair charm, and taste for the uncanny, there’s no assignment Loki won’t take—including the untimely stabbing of Thor! The surprises only start here for the Prince of Lies, as the most conniving corners of the Marvel Universe are blown open this February in Loki: Agent of Asgard #1!”

In an interview with Marvel the creators Al and Lee shared the following on the new series, and Loki’s assigned tasks by the All-Mother *

Marvel.com:

“Loki doesn’t seem like the kind of character who’s very good at following orders, how does he handle being told what to do?

Al Ewing: He’s not told what to do exactly; he’s given an objective and left to accomplish it in his own way. There may be a larger plan at work that he’s being asked to follow, but then Loki always has his own plans going on. And plans within those plans.

Lee Garbett: Oh yeah, you can always bet Loki’s working some angle and seeing things steps ahead. He’s a long game player and his lack of allegiance to anyone but himself always keeps you guessing and on the edge of your seat. You’re waiting for the hammer to fall—no pun intended—and that’s what makes him such an exciting character.”

For me, what I love about Loki is the hope you hold, that he’ll turn to good and redeem himself. You sense he’s trying to do the right thing, that he could be a great hero if he hadn’t let himself down. Then you realize that’s also part of the plot, and then you cheer anyway because he hasn’t been compromised.

LOKI: AGENT OF ASGARD #1

Written by AL EWING

Art by LEE GARBETT

Cover by JENNY FRISON

Variant Covers by FRANK CHO

Animal Variant by MIKE DEL MUNDO

32 PGS./Rated T+…$2.99

ON-SALE 2/5/14

*All-Mother: With Odin’s departure and exile, a new governing body needed to be established to watch over the newly formed Asgardia, and all the dispart races now living with the Asgardians. The trinity of Freyia, Gaea, and, Idunn together to serve this purpose. All three of them represent different aspects: Compassionate Gaea, the Mother; Imperial Freyja, the Queen; Youthful Idunn, the Maiden.

– Christophe Chanel