EDENFROST #1, by Mad Cave Studios on 11/22/23, follows a young brother and sister on the run from Russian soldiers after the great war when a stony giant protects the siblings from attack.
The Details
- Written by: Amit Tishler
- Art by: Bruno Frenda
- Colors by: Bruno Frenda
- Letters by: Taylor Esposito
- Cover art by: Bruno Frenda (cover A)
- Comic Rating: Teen
- Cover price: $4.99
- Release date: November 22, 2023
Is EDENFROST #1 Good?
Amit Tishler’s fantasy story, set in early 20th-century Russia, mixes elements of family, the dramatic horrors of war, and Jewish folklore for a unique period tale. Readers who enjoy historical fiction mixed with mythology are in for a treat.
Tishler’s script centers on young siblings, Yuli and Alex, who flee their ravaged town after a stony monster appears and decimates soldiers and hostile villagers during an unrevealed incident. The siblings run through the snow-covered woods searching for refuge while the local Russian commander, Colonel Krasnov, sends out a hunting party to find the wayward children to answer questions about the destruction.
Contrary to stories of this sort where the writer attempts to keep readers engaged with an “is it or isn’t it real?” mystery behind the children’s recollection of a monster, Tishler lets you know upfront that the monster is real. However, mystery abounds because readers are not given the whole story, so the interpretation of what happened could go in multiple directions.
What’s great about EDENFROST #1? Tishler’s mixture of historical events and mythological creatures blend well into a gripping chase plot. The sibling bond Yuri and Alex have for each other immediately gets the reader on their side, and the threats coming from all directions create a sustained air of tension.
What’s not so great about EDENFROST #1? Practically nothing of note is wrong with this issue. Tishler hits the ground running in this premier issue, and the engagement is through the roof.
How’s the art? Bruno Frenda’s cinematic art style is outstanding. The linework is pristine, and Frenda’s coloring is gorgeous.
Keep scrolling for a closer look at the covers, or Click Here to jump right to the story description with some spoilers.
What’s EDENFROST #1 About?
[SPOILERS AHEAD – Click here if you just want the score without spoilers]
We begin with Alex Lowe carrying his younger sister, Yuli, on his back as they trudge through the snow away from their burning village. Dead soldiers and villagers lie in and around the border of the town. Yuli desperately tries to break free of her brother to go back for their parents, but Alex knows it’s already too late.
Soon, Russian Colonel Krasnov arrives with his guards to ascertain what happened to the village and his men. A single survivor franticly explains that a giant made of stone laid waste to the soldiers. The villager adamantly believes the monster was summoned by the Lowe children and that they’re to blame.
We conclude the issue with rebels, the light of hope, and a shotgun barrel to the back.
Keep scrolling for a closer look at preview images of the internal pages, or Click Here to jump right to the score.
Final Thoughts
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EDENFROST #1 is a beautifully rendered, gripping, historical fantasy tale about siblings on the run from Russian soldiers and a stony giant. Tishler’s script dares you not to care about two children running from a cold, cruel world, and Frenda’s art is immaculate.
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