[Script by Chip Zdarsky. Line Art by Kris Anka. Color Art by Matt Wilson. Letter Art by Aditya Bidikar.]

The White Trees issue 1 does a lot to distinguish itself from the new titles coming out these days. Not only in it’s great storytelling, characters, and amazing art but in the fact that this issue clearly states that it is 1 of 2. That’s right 2 issues. It’s also worth noting that both issues are said to not be getting a hardback or tpb collection after they finish. So with that being said, how do you bring readers in with just 2 issues of a new series? The answer is comprised of a lot of small parts coming together but also a major factor is that this is the type of story where it seems the creators have given us the exact type of book they set out to create day one. With no restrictions and nothing being held back from the reader



The premise of the story itself is straightforward and easy to follow. A former band of warriors is summoned before their king to be informed that their children have been kidnapped by enemy forces and they set off to rescue them. Where the story makes itself standout is in the characters and the dynamics between them. Our three main characters Krylos, Dahvlan and Scotiar have fought side by side before and mention being legends that “took Trahlax Gate!” they carry a bong that was cemented through battle. Dahvlan and Scotiar are two hulking warriors which makes it even more interesting when you find out they are in a relationship with each other. That’s one thing this issues does excellently, it draws only slight attention to the fact that they are a couple and then continues on with the story without getting hung up on it. In all types of media LGBT characters are coming into the spotlight, some do an excellent job of bringing them into the story while others sometimes use them to gain credit with readers. Thankfully great care has been put into making Dahvlan and Scotiar’s relationship feel as natural as any other.



Even though Krylos is the parent of one of the missing children he seems reluctant throughout the beginning of the journey, not only in actually joining the rescue team them but more so in picking up arms. He almost seems broken from what he’s been through. We get glimpses of his relationship with his son Chal-Kra and it seems like they always struggled to bond. Some war stories can be tough to watch unfold and even though this is a fantasy comic you can still see how applicable this is to the modern world where war and it’s horrors can seep into people’s home lives and affect their relationships with loved one. There are some great moments with all the characters in this first issue but a standout is Krylos’s sad realisation that not only did he not know about his son being in love but he also had no idea he was a painter. He lingers much longer than the others in this scene. Maybe contemplating his role as a father throughout the years and how that’s led him to where he is now. Chip Zdarsky has done a great job creating these characters and making them so varied and interesting that it’s a no brainer to look forward to issue 2 and finding out more about this story.



The art is stunning throughout this issue. Kris Anka and Matt Wilson have done an amazing job in bringing this world to life and making it original and interesting. It almost feels like an issue of Saga where new characters, environments, and creatures are introduced seamlessly onto the pages that it’s easy to miss out on how good the art is.



As a first issue the creative team have done an excellent job at introducing a new story and getting it’s hooks into readers, but as a 2 issue miniseries a lot depends on how well they wrap up the story in such a short space while still holding the high standard they’ve set here.