Review: White Trees #2 (of 2)

Chip Zdarsky has become a full-on comic book superstar since coming to Marvel he has taken up residence on their A list of writers, building an impressive resume with top tier titles like Guardians of the Galaxy, Invaders and Daredevil. So a return to creator-owned fare was somewhat unexpected, but Zdarsky has been plotting his own course with obvious success thus far. White Trees is a departure from the super hero fare Zdarsky has been so masterfully turning out at Marvel, in fact its a foray into a world unlike anything we’ve seen from him to date. The character work here is among the best Zdarsky has done, particularly in the case of series protagonist Krylos. A study in the catharsis of loss, Krylos’ tumultuous past and complicated present collide as his decision to place aside his weapons and warrior’s ways have stripped Krylos of his internal compass. His inspiration, his motivation and his very reason for being are all tied to the search for his son. This provides him with a renewed reason to live.

The two issue narrative unfolds at a measured pace punctuated with action, the drama while rooted in a world of fantasy warfare are essentially human at their core. They are issues we can relate to, love, loss, betrayal and ultimately redemption. Zdarsky’s narrative while complex is told in its entirety in an economical page count, despite this fact the writer does no skimp on details or essential elements of backstory. In fact White Trees never feels rushed or contextually thin, to the contrary its epic scope comes across in every panel, because each panel is absolutely necessary in reaching a fulfilling and organic conclusion.

The second half of the narrative begins as the the first, in conflict as the group led by Krylos prepare for confrontation and the promise of freeing their captive children. While Zdarsky has limited pages to tell his story he makes the most of every word. His dynamic and complete characterizations each play off the other, woven into the plot with absolute precision. There is a shift toward humanity where the enemy is concerned, Zdarsky finds the balance in the conflict, allowing us to see the clashing forces as individuals, not faceless drones carrying out the will of a stoic leader. This gives so much more heart to the combatants and raises the stakes while creating tension. The plot is progressed at an extremely satisfying pace, but the most entertaining aspect of White Trees is that while it tells a complete story, there is the unmistakable feeling that there is much more to come in the world of Blacksand…or not. That is to say the characters created and featured in this world, in fact the world itself could easily sustain an ongoing narrative, sprawling and exciting like Star Wars or Game of Thrones to name just two.

Visually, Kris Anka and Matt Wilson have created an imaginative world full of unique characters and its all absolutely gorgeous. Every page in both of these issues is stunning, Kris Anka’s meticulous line work is mind-blowing, however equally stellar are the pairings of colors used by Wilson. Wilson’s obviously deep understanding of color takes center stage in many of the books most dramatic scenes. The characters seem to levitate off the page as Wilson’s inventive choices of hues and tints for the skies at various times seem to vibrate against the colors used in the character designs. Anka and Wilson work in perfect concert to bring this dynamic world vibrantly to life. Their brilliant collaboration in storytelling is not only apparent in the action but, in the silent moments as well. The narrative ebbs and flows are used to poetic perfection,Â one particularly effective sequence that culminates in a flurry of arrows finding their marks in Krylos as his arrow riddle body collapses is one of the most brutally beautiful images I’ve ever seen.

Overall this is one heck of an entertaining comic book, the unmistakably cinematic visual elements add to the brilliant use of more traditional sequential art storytelling. Zdarsky and company pack so much complex storytelling into this dense two issue narrative that it reads like a graphic novel. If you missed out on the first issue, as many local shops sold out, fear not. The good people at Image Comics have gone back for a second printing of issue #1 so it should be available shortly. I recommend grabbing both as this will hopefully be only our first visit to the world of Blacksand.

SCORE: 4.75/5

Writer – Chip Zdarsky
Artist – Kris Anka
Colors – Matt Wilson
Letterer – Aditya Bidikar