NEVERLAND: SANDS OF ETERNITY #1 – New Comic Review

NEVERLAND: SANDS OF ETERNITY #1, by Zenescope on 7/9/25, throws readers into a frantic fight for survival where time itself is the ultimate enemy. This issue is a wild ride of steampunk cities, mystical enforcers, and a surprising team-up that will leave you both thrilled and slightly confused.

Credits:

• Writer: David Wohl, Joe Brusha
• Artist: Allan Otero
• Colorist: Grostieta, Maxflan Araujo
• Letterer: Taylor Esposito
• Cover Artist: Igor Vitorino (cover A)
• Publisher: Zenescope Entertainment
• Release Date: July 9, 2025
• Comic Rating: Teen
• Cover Price: $5.99
• Page Count: 38
• Format: Single Issue

Covers:

Analysis of NEVERLAND: SANDS OF ETERNITY #1:

First Impressions:

My gut reaction to Neverland: Sands of Eternity was a mix of awe and a little bit of “what just happened?!” The artwork immediately grabs you with its detailed steampunk aesthetic and vibrant colors, but the relentless pace might leave you feeling like you just ran a marathon.

Recap:

Continuing the countdown to the end of all things in the Grimm Fairy Tale Universe, Time is running out for Neverland. Eternity, Father Time’s relentless enforcer, arrives to erase the realm from existence, unleashing the unstoppable Time Reapers. As chaos spreads, Samantha Darren, Liesel Van Helsing and Carmen Alexander join forces with an unlikely ally—Pan himself—to fight back.

Plot Analysis:

Neverland, a realm of adventure and mystery, is under attack from Eternity, Father Time’s enforcer, and his unstoppable Time Reapers. This invasion threatens to erase Neverland from existence, turning its technological marvels into dust. Abraham Van Helsing, a proud inventor and leader in Neverland, tries in vain to rally his people against the destructive forces, but their advanced defenses prove useless against the decay-inducing touch of the Time Reapers.

Amidst the chaos, Samantha Darren, Liesel Van Helsing (Abraham’s sister), and Carmen Alexander arrive, hoping to make a difference. Liesel witnesses her brother’s apparent demise at the hands of Eternity, intensifying her resolve. Just as things seem hopeless, a mysterious figure, Pan, appears, offering an unlikely alliance to defeat Eternity and the Time Reapers. Despite her distrust of Pan, Liesel and her teammates reluctantly follow him away from the devastated city to regroup.

Pan leads them to a hidden location, a repurposed lair of a “bold inventor” designed to steal power and resources. He reveals his plan to weaken Eternity by disrupting her power source, which is anchored to a specific time and place. The team, including Carmen, attempts to utilize their abilities, with Carmen creating a summoning glyph to teleport them, though the outcome is uncertain.

The confrontation with Eternity escalates, as the villain showcases her power by conjuring destructive fairies from the abyss, further overwhelming the heroes. Carmen, in a desperate attempt to fight back, is seemingly obliterated by Eternity after being shown visions of her inevitable demise. Despite the immense losses and the overwhelming power of Eternity, Pan and the remaining heroes refuse to give up, hinting at further struggles and an ongoing fight to save what’s left of Neverland.

Story

The story is a high-octane sprint from start to finish, throwing you right into the thick of an existential crisis for Neverland. The concept of Eternity as Father Time’s enforcer and the Time Reapers is a cool and menacing idea, bringing a real sense of urgency to the narrative. However, the breakneck speed means some emotional beats, like Liesel grieving for her brother, feel rushed. The introduction of Pan as a morally ambiguous ally adds a layer of intrigue, leaving you wondering if he’s truly on their side or has his own agenda.

Art

Allan Otero’s artwork, with colors by Grostieta and Maxflan Araujo, is a major highlight. The steampunk aesthetic of Neverland is beautifully realized, making the city a character in itself. The action sequences are dynamic and chaotic, perfectly conveying the destructive power of the Time Reapers and Eternity. The character designs are sharp, and the visual effects of time decay and magical abilities are striking. Pages 24-30 by Maxflan Araujo, and pages 5, 29, 31, and 32 by Grostieta, ensure a consistent and high-quality visual experience throughout.

Characters

Samantha Darren, Liesel Van Helsing, and Carmen Alexander are a formidable trio, each bringing their own strengths to the fight. Liesel’s personal connection to Abraham Van Helsing adds an emotional weight to her struggle, making her defiance against overwhelming odds more compelling. Pan is the wild card, and his mysterious motivations are a great hook for future issues. While Abraham Van Helsing’s role is brief, he effectively establishes the initial stakes and the advanced nature of Neverland before its destruction

Positives

The comic excels in its imaginative world-building, blending steampunk elements with a fantastical realm under siege by a unique antagonist. The high stakes and relentless action create a compelling sense of urgency, making it hard to put down. The artwork is consistently impressive, with vibrant colors and dynamic paneling that enhance the storytelling. The introduction of Pan as a reluctant ally adds a layer of complexity and intrigue to the overall plot.

Negatives

The story’s pacing is incredibly fast, which can sometimes make it difficult to fully grasp the emotional impact of certain events. Some character motivations could benefit from more development, given the rapid progression of the plot. Carmen’s apparent demise, while impactful, feels somewhat abrupt due to the quick pacing. The explanation of Eternity’s powers and weaknesses could be more fleshed out earlier in the narrative to provide a clearer understanding of the stakes.

Art Samples:

Final Thoughts:

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NEVERLAND: SANDS OF ETERNITY #1 is a visually stunning and action-packed issue that throws you headfirst into a desperate battle for survival. While the pacing might leave you breathless, the imaginative world and intriguing characters make it a worthwhile read. It’s a bold and destructive chapter in the Neverland saga, leaving you eager to see how our heroes will possibly recover from such devastation.

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