White Sky #1 (Image Comics, 2/18/26): Writer William Harms and artist JP Mavinga deliver a tense father-daughter survival tale in a ghost-ravaged apocalypse. Lead character Violet faces her first direct ghost encounter as raiders attack. Kinetic visuals pair with earnest dialogue for a promising opener, though exposition occasionally slows the stakes escalation. Verdict: Worth reading for horror fans.
Credits:
- Writer: William Harms
- Artist: JP Mavinga
- Colorist: Lee Loughridge
- Letterer: Ed Dukeshire
- Cover Artist: JP Mavinga (cover A)
- Publisher: Image Comics
- Release Date: February 18, 2026
- Comic Rating: Teen
- Cover Price: $3.99
- Page Count: 32
- Format: Single Issue
Covers:
Analysis of White Sky #1:
First Impressions:
Violet and her dad’s quiet bonding amid wasteland ruins immediately grips with raw emotional resonance, sharply inked faces conveying quiet desperation brilliantly. The sudden raid erupts violently, propelling the story into chaotic kinetic energy that leaves you breathlessly invested, even as ghostly hisses build unnerving dread. JP Mavinga’s panel choreography flows masterfully from intimate talks to brutal action, while the white sky’s ominous pallor sets a chillingly atmospheric mood right away.
Plot Analysis (SPOILERS):
Violet and her father hide from a pursuing threat, hissing sounds echoing as they dash through ruins and cram into shelter, whispering urgently to stay quiet. He loads bullets methodically, shares grandpa’s coin-counting habit for reassurance, and calms her fire fears confidently. They discuss bridge crossing risks amid wrecked cars, consider boats warily, and affirm no home remains behind.
Violet tearfully views mom’s locket photo, fearing memory loss, but dad hugs her warmly, insisting love endures beyond pictures. They plan tomorrow’s bridge trek, settle for sleep with shotgun ready, and douse the lamp softly. Sudden noise wakes dad alertly; he investigates outside cautiously, promising visibility.
Gunfire erupts violently as raiders shout and shoot dad down gruesomely; Violet screams in horror while strangers drag her away roughly, ignoring his pleas. One yells to flee without the “freak,” another demands salt frantically after shooting. Chaos reigns as ghosts approach amid cries and scuffles.
Violet hears a disembodied voice telling her to form a salt circle against hooded ghosts draining energy; voices warn of worse-than-death fate. Monstrous fire-wreathed ghost lunges ferociously, but flash repels them temporarily. Overcome, the issue ends with Violet sobbing, desperate and alone.
How is the story in White Sky #1?
Harms masterfully manages exposition through natural character beats, letting grandpa anecdotes reveal reassurance needs without halting narrative velocity. Dialogue rings authentically tender during locket scene, building emotional resonance swiftly, though raid shouts veer into functional urgency over deep subtext.
Pacing escalates stakes brilliantly from quiet domesticity to explosive violence, balancing survival setup with personal loss; structure hooks via dream-inspired Violet focus, promising thematic depth in ghost lore dumps.
How is the art in White Sky #1?
Mavinga’s panel choreography guides eyes fluidly from close-up hands to vast wasteland vistas, harnessing gutter space for mounting tension during hideout dash. Character acting shines expressively in Violet’s teary eyes and dad’s calm smiles, amplifying intimate bonds visually.
Atmospheric lighting casts stark shadows over ruins, with ink density heightening gritty textures; color tonality evokes frozen dread via pale whites, synergizing kinetic energy in raid chaos brilliantly.
Characters
Violet emerges relatably vulnerable yet resilient, her motivation rooted in family loss and survival instinct, consistently portrayed through skeptical questions and raw terror. Dad provides steadfast guidance, his calm consistency masking inner grief effectively, fostering quick audience investment.
Originality & Concept Execution
Ghosts freezing weather via energy drain freshens apocalypse tropes sharply, delivering premise promise through salt rituals and personal dream origins successfully. Execution builds haunting world confidently, blending Last of Us vibes with unique white sky horror without feeling derivative.
Pros and Cons
Art Samples:
The Scorecard:
Writing Quality (Clarity & Pacing): 3.5/4
Art Quality (Execution & Synergy): 3.5/4
Value (Originality & Entertainment): 1/2
Final Thoughts:
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White Sky #1 chillingly launches Violet’s ghost-plagued odyssey with heartfelt dad moments and visceral raid horror, earning a spot in horror enthusiasts’ pulls despite minor exposition hitches. Mavinga’s revelatory art elevates Harms’ confident world-building, making this Image debut a shrewd grab for fans craving fresh apocalyptic chills over endless superhero slogs.
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