Winterworld #1
Written by Chuck Dixon
Illustrated by Butch Guice
Colored by Diego Rodriguez
Lettered by Robbie Robbins
Covers by Butch Guice, Diego Rodriguez, Jorge Zaffino, Lisa Jackson, and Will Rosado
IDW Publishing
Release Date: June 18, 2014
Cover Price: $3.99

Chuck Dixon, now with illustrator Butch Guice, returns to Winterworld – his classic, post-apocalyptic tale. With issue #1 of this new ongoing series from IDW, we see a continuation of the original limited issue series that Dixon and Jorge Zaffino created. In the bleak future, survival is a moment-to-moment struggle.

Scully and his 14-year-old companion, Wynn, along with their badger, Rah-Rah, trek across the frozen, stormy Caribbean where they discover a ruined war ship. Upon searching the ship for anything of value, the group procures something that will make traveling a bit easier – something they’ll need as both natural and physical dangers quickly approach.

I have to admit that I haven’t read the original Winterworld series, but after my first foray into Dixon’s creation, I am ready for all he has to offer! The pacing of this first issue is excellent, allowing just enough time to understand who the characters are, as well as introduce their first obstacles. Dixon also brilliantly teases us with hints of things to come, and possibly some internal missed opportunities. This being my first encounter with Winterworld, I was never lost.

Likewise, Guice’s art is perfectly murky and frigid; it immediately draws you into the world with its fantastical imagery and depth. I felt cold just looking at the characters, whose breath seamlessly pops off of the page.

Winterworld #1 seems to be a great return to a beloved series. I am really looking forward to seeing where Dixon takes us; but in the meantime, I will tide myself over with the original series, to see how the end began.