Connect with us
Underwinter #1 Review

Comic Books

Underwinter #1 Review

Underwinter #1 introduces readers to a new monthly horror comic with part one of a story entitled “Symphony.” Is this series worthy of your attention?

Underwinter #1 (Image Comics)

Underwinter #1 Review

Listen to the latest episode of our weekly comics podcast!

Yes. There’s no point in dancing around the answer. This is likely to be among the best debut issues of the year. One need not get any further than the first page to realize that this series is going to be something special. The art in this issue is some of the best in any comic being published right now, and the plot applies horror elements to a unique premise and setting that feels completely fresh. Ray Fawkes, who is both the issue’s writer and artist, blends both the visual and the written word together into one final result that is breathtaking in its cohesion and quality.

Underwinter #1 Review

Not only does Underwinter #1 have some of the best art of any comic in recent memory, it has some of the best writing as well. No text-box or line of dialogue feels wasted, as every word used furthers plot, character development, or tone. The fine-tuned script is elevated further by artistic choices that show a knowledge of the horror genre as well as an awareness of how to best utilize blank white space on a page. When thinking of horror, one quickly thinks of the dark, of the color black and obscured vision. This issue has pages that use a dark color palette, but they are in the minority. Many pages and panels incorporate large amounts of white space, and they do so in a manner that, rather than reeking of emptiness, creates a sensation of heaviness and pressure. There is horror to be found in static and white noise, and Fawkes conveys as much in a medium with no sound. He takes the two-dimensional and makes it loud. The frequent use of white and an otherwise light color palette also strengthens the panels and pages which use black and dark colors heavily. By making the darkness expected of a horror comic into the exception and not the norm, Fawkes defies expectations and makes his utilization of darkness more striking and effective.

Underwinter #1 Review

Plotwise, the issue introduces us to a group of bickering musicians, who agree to put on an unusual performance for a rich and mysterious audience. I won’t say more about the plot, as this is a comic that one needs to read for oneself—without skipping ahead. Whatever you do, do not spoil the last page for yourself. This is a fantastic debut issue with strong, concise writing and artistic decisions that take advantage of the comic medium on a level that few artists do besides the likes of Bill Sienkiewicz. Don’t miss out on this issue.

Underwinter #1 Review
Underwinter #1
Is it good?
This is likely to be among the best debut issues of the year. One need not get any further than the first page to realize that this series is going to be something special.
Some of the most well-crafted writing you’ll see in any contemporary comic book
Ethereal artwork that grabs one’s attention immediately
Incredible use of blank space
You’ll have to wait a month for issue two
10
Fantastic
Buy Now

Join the AIPT Patreon

Want to take our relationship to the next level? Become a patron today to gain access to exclusive perks, such as:

  • ❌ Remove all ads on the website
  • 💬 Join our Discord community, where we chat about the latest news and releases from everything we cover on AIPT
  • 📗 Access to our monthly book club
  • 📦 Get a physical trade paperback shipped to you every month
  • 💥 And more!
Sign up today
Comments

In Case You Missed It

WWE SmackDown preview, full card: March 1, 2024 WWE SmackDown preview, full card: March 1, 2024

WWE SmackDown preview, full card: March 1, 2024

Pro Wrestling

AEW Dynamite preview, full card: February 28, 2024 AEW Dynamite preview, full card: February 28, 2024

AEW Dynamite preview, full card: February 28, 2024

Pro Wrestling

AEW Rampage preview, full card: March 1, 2024 AEW Rampage preview, full card: March 1, 2024

AEW Rampage preview, full card: March 1, 2024

Pro Wrestling

Marvel unveils the new villains Bloodcoven appearing in 'Blood Hunt' Marvel unveils the new villains Bloodcoven appearing in 'Blood Hunt'

Marvel unveils the new villains Bloodcoven appearing in ‘Blood Hunt’

Comic Books

Connect
Newsletter Signup