Embers Book 1 Review - A Stunning UK Indie Fantasy Comic
Reading time: 3 minutes
How about an original fantasy story with magic, demons and the arcane weirdness of the Platypus? Delivered in art with class and a talent for the magical. The tribute you want is Embers Book 1 by Lyndon White.
Lyndon White is an artist, writer, letterer and designer based in the UK. His previous works include Antarctica, Candles, Sparks and the Fallen Star. Also Reanimator, much enjoyed here (reviewed here). He has been published by Image Comics, Top Cow Productions, Titan Comics and Blue Fox Comics. Over sixty successful Kickstarter campaigns sit alongside that. To further hoist the credentials, Lyndon also teaches Sequential Arts at Salford University. Credentials covered, creator credited; it's review time.
So, let's start with the art. Lyndon White's art in Embers Book 1 is full of exceptional, beautiful moments. In particular, the double-page splashes hit with wonderful effect. The characters feature delicate light line work that still conveys enough detail to deliver emotion and convey the desired narrative. These characters are particularly impressive when engaged in action sequences.
The character work is decently strong. What begins to stand out, though, is the approach to landscapes and creature studies. What emphasises these elements is an incredible talent for colour work, that creates some stunning moments in this book. This same talent extends to the effects of magic and sound, respectively.
The beasts at the centre of the narrative are full of beautiful design choices. Dynamic colouring makes them enchant. The action hums a captive tune but the mythical, magical and colour work elements sing in this art. Art appreciation added, on to the story now.
Lyndon White's Embers Book 1 is a fantasy story of magic and monsters that deals with the themes of acceptance and forgiveness. Set in the mythical town of Wispmere, a lake side stronghold beset by magic. A possessing and entangling force ravages it, despite the efforts of a being called the Keeper of the Grove. Enter Idris, a young wandering wizard returning home to face the sins of his past and the sins of the villagers.
Bookended by a delightful, tone setting poem/nursery rhyme/prayer. The introduction utilises thoughts on a humble mammal, which is very funny. It is also an excellent way to drop magic in a narrative, as well as the nature of natural. What follows is an entertaining fantasy adventure with interesting characters and a beautiful setting. The commentary under this surface on forgiveness and the nature of hatred is beautifully compelling. It is pitched well, with enough magic and monster dressing so as to not feel heavy handed. Alongside this, the dynamic relationships between the characters make for really engaging reading. So do the political/religious factions of the villagers.
The cherry on top narratively is the mystery of the fire monster. Then there is the possibly connected but separately told mystery of Idris' past. All in all Embers is really great fantasy storytelling with a wealth of intrigue and mystery. It would be perfectly acceptable to say this comic is fire, as the kids say, or lit. It would be equally acceptable to call that an egregious shoehorning of a truly terrible buckshot of puns. What's important to say is this is a fabulous fantasy comic. Embers Book 1 is the start of an accomplished adventure that by its end will leave you compelled for more.
For fans of fantasy, magic, monsters, swords, the arcane and inherent weirdness that could easily be mistaken for magic, that is the humble Platypus, fire, villages, tributes and childcare in art with class capabilities for the fantastical and stunning colour work. Wander your way to Embers by Lyndon White.
To get your copy, sign up for the pre-launch for the Embers Book 1 Kickstarter here.
Embers Book 1 Review: 4.9/5
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