White Ash Presents Glarien #1
Scout Comics 2021
Written by Charlie Stickney
Illustrated by Romina Moranelli, Yishan Li & Conor Hughes
With Colours by Fin Cramb
Lettered by Conor Hughes
Just in time for Valentine's Day, White Ash returns with three all-new tales exploring the romantic and bloody history of Glarien, the most dangerous elf to be found in the nine realms. This White Ash one shot is a perfect collection of stories for fans of Deja Thoris, Red Sonja, or people who like seeing an elf who knows how to handle a sword.
I had such a good time with this. Sometimes you see fantasy stories where the beings aren’t so nice and bring this kind of brutal honesty to their portrayal that makes them infinitely more intriguing. Glarien is one such example of this, she’s an elf, eternally roaming the world trying to find her way home and in the meantime she has her mate and we know there are Dwarves as well. So with a myriad of beings thought to be made up in stories of flight and fancy on Earth alongside humans well it brings this whole new dynamic to the forefront. Plus this world that Charlie has created is just exquisitely rendered all around by this team.
The way that this is being told is phenomenal. Three brief vignettes telling snapshots of Glarien’s life is extremely well put together. I’m always impressed with the way someone can fit three full stories in one issue without having it be oversized. The talent on display here is stunning and how the story & plot development is seen through how the sequence of events unfold as well as how the reader learns information is perfectly presented. The character development that we see is flawlessly rendered and how we see them act and react to the situations and circumstances they encounter really let get to know them so much better. The pacing is superb and as it takes us through the pages revealing the story in each segment it takes us on this amazing journey through different stages of her life.
The way that this is structured is beautifully done and as the layers within the story seem to flow through each one is just an added bonus. The way that we see everything working together to create the story’s ebb & flow is masterfully done. Overall this is the kind of story we all want to see and it engages the reader and makes them want to see more of the characters.
The interiors here are absolutely gorgeous. Each segment is done by different artists and I have to say there is nothing and I mean nothing like seeing the interpretation like we do here. This is some of the most exquisite illustrations you are going to see and each one has its own unique fit into their individual story that captures the creativity and imagination in the reader superbly. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show us three remarkable sets of eyes for storytelling. The colour work we see is divine! How the various hues and tones within the colours are being utilised to create the shading, highlights and shadow work is utterly sensational. From the alluring to the forests to the town of White Ash in 1872 what and how we see it is what helps the reader fall deeper and deeper in these characters world and lives.
I love this and it makes me want to see more of these characters. We’ve seen them in the now and that whole star crossed lovers so now let’s see more of how they got trapped here and how they’ve managed to be so important to this town and yet no one has realised they’ve been here since the town was named. This is the perfect issue to introduce new readers to the franchise and for long-time fans it makes them want to see so much more. Enchanting, hypnotic and full of surprising emotional moments you are going to fall in love with Glarien.
About the Creator
Steven Leitman
Just me talking about the comics I enjoy reading, ones that you might not know exist and spotlighting the indie creators that excite me.
Keep reading
More stories from Steven Leitman and writers in Geeks and other communities.
Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller
Perhaps one of the best known modern plays in all of 20th century theatre, ‘Death of a Salesman’ is a 1949 play written by Arthur Miller. Set in Brooklyn, it takes place over two acts and portrays the tragedy of the Loman household - specifically that of protagonist Willy Loman. It deals with the crushing of the American Dream and forces the audience to confront the harsh truth about what America has become. It ended up winning the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the Tony Award for Best Play and as it is revived many times we in literature and drama hope it can continue its influence for years to come.
By Annie Kapur3 days ago in Geeks
Ruslaan Movie Explained: A Little Shame, a Little Dignity
Hey guys, how are you all? Today I am going to fully explain the Ruslaan movie, which in some ways gives off a feel like Bade Miyan Chote Miyan, so you can avoid watching it. The action scenes are less but look realistic.
By Ayush Verma3 days ago in Geeks
Peanuts and Crackerjack
Bottom of the ninth inning. The game is tied with two outs, two strikes and a man on second. I tap the bat on home plate. The rigid vibrations it creates reminds my aching digits that this isn't over. The practice swing only adds to the heft of mental burnout... Man on second, willing to chance it. Pitcher eyes him but doesn't give in to the dangerous bluff. I kick up dust, readying the peculiar stance I've had since the days of little league. The bat lays stiff upon my cramping shoulder. Pain has no reason to be acknowledged; it's a fleeting afterthought. The sun sits passed high noon, but the stadium lights are on anyway. They trick my brain into believing they are the cause of this sweltering heat. Sporadic clouds are motionless, they too, don't want to miss this exhilarating predicament. Anticipating the next pitch, intensifying roars from the crowd rumble the stadium... Behind me, the crafty catcher adjusts his stance and spits to the dry dirt. Behind him, the staunch umpire doesn't flinch or even blink; he knows how important his call will be. The pitcher winds up, his grip tells me its gonna curve. The release is fierce! Beads of sweat from his hair and face disperse in every direction as the force of his might is unfailing. My left leg lifts—an instinctual move that will increase the power of my swing. It's all down to my two, bloodshot eyes. They lock onto the speeding, white dot as it instantly becomes the target I intend to destroy. The swing is late, but I manage a solid tip. The ball is taking a fast bounce toward the pitcher who is recovering from the almighty throw! Man on second leaves in a desperate rush! I fling the bat to the side with a sense of urgency and make a mad sprint to the only destination I have—first base. Three defenders race inward to be the first to retrieve the skidding ball. Man is almost on third! I watch the open glove of my adversary, wondering if I’ve done enough to win this race. I switch my attention to his eyes, looking for a clue, some kind of reaction that tells me the ball is in the air and heading his way. All I see is frustration. The deafening roar of the crowd spikes! Something happens that I can’t see! My opponent abandons his post right as my left stride touches the bag. I waste no time turning my head to see the pitcher laying on his stomach, pounding the mound with an open glove. He misses the opportunity to out me and the ball has quickly bounced past him. Excitement grows! This isn’t over yet... It's become an imperative fight to tag out the runner heading homeward. The catcher falls to his knees in obvious despair as he watches my teammate make the run of his life. He knows it’s going to be close when he sees the shortstop fumble the ball a second too long. I jump up and down with no plans on leaving first base. All my chips are on the speed and agility of the active runner. His cleats dig into the dirt, trailing a dust-filled cyclone from the rapid and strenuous strides. With a thrusting dive and an outstretched arm, he lands on his chest to begin the crucial slide to home plate. The shortstop fires the ball to the catcher! It immediately begins closing the gap! Nail-biting doesn't begin to describe the anxious vibe permeating the stadium. The bench begins to celebrate even before he reaches the plate. Forty thousand cheering fans reach maximum crescendo, filling the air with a glorious sound. Everyone knows how this story will end… My teammate is met by the entire bench as his fingers inch across home plate, instantly followed by the unmistakable motion of the catcher's glove attempting to tag him out—its milliseconds too late. The ump swings his arms outward, officially calling him safe.
By Lamar Wiggins4 days ago in Fiction
Comments
There are no comments for this story
Be the first to respond and start the conversation.