White Sky #1- The Graveyard That Refuses to Stay Quiet

The world has ended, and survival is a family affair in White Sky. For David and his daughter Violet, the apocalypse isn’t just the collapse of civilization; it is the beginning of a graveyard that refuses to stay quiet. Forced out of safety, David and Violet must try to make their way to find a new home that may not even exist. When even the air you breathe feels haunted, what lengths will you go to in order to protect your family?

Creative Team

Writer: William Harms
Artist: Jean Paul Mavinga
Colorist: Lee Loughridge
Letterer: Ed Dukeshire

Writing

What a strong opening from William Harms with White Sky #1. While the comparisons to Joel and Ellie and The Last of Us will begin immediately, Harms is doing something really different with White Sky. You only need to make it about halfway through the comic before those comparisons swiftly end. Harms creates an apocalyptic story that feels different and new. The big reveal for the antagonist feels impactful. Harms starts off making us think the biggest threat is other survivors, before something more sinister appears.

Harms ending to the first issue is a gut punch and drives home the dire straits the world finds itself in. I also really appreciated Harms closing out the comic with a short letter outlining his inspiration, dreams for the comic going forward, and what to expect. It was a nice touch that is a stark contrast to some of the “mail call” type closing pages seen in Marvel or DC comics.

Art

The combined team of Mavinga, Loughridge, and Dukeshire really set the tone right out of the gate. The art in White Sky #1 feels gritty but not cheap. Dukeshire deserves particular praise for the work with lettering ensuring each action word is carefully colored and distinct within the comic.

Mavinga’s lining is simply amazing work. Clear lines with shading to show depth and crispness in an otherwise open and gritty art style really shows off ability. Loughridge does an amazing job choosing the proper tones for each panel.

While Harms writing is impressive, it’s the work for the art team that really brings his words to life. You are not only reading the words but Mavinga, Loughridge, and Dukeshire pull you into the world. There’s been a lot of apocalyptic comics, but not all of them had a creative team that so perfectly crafted images to match the words on the page

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, the creative team crafted an outstanding opening first issue for a brand new comic. Harms, Mavinga, Loughridge, and Dukeshire are crafting a post apocalyptic world that contains the elements you are familiar with while bringing something new to the table. The big reveal of the main antagonists and their interaction with Violet shows the power of synergy between great writing and great art. I can’t wait to pickup up the next issue and see where the team takes it from here.

Overall Grade: 10/10

Until next time, may your pulls be magical, and your multiverse remain stable. You can check out more of my writing HERE!

What did you think about seeing the ghosts for the first time? Let me know in the comments