Advance Review: Helen of Wyndhorn #1
Written by the Eisner award-winning Tom King and brought to life by the captivating artwork of Bilquis Evely and Matheus Lopes, Helen of Wyndhorn #1 is a captivating debut entry into a world brimming with possibilities.
King, a master at nuanced character studies, weaves a story unlike any other. We follow Helen Cole, a woman rebelling after her father's suicide, and Lilith Appleton, her stoic but caring governess. After arriving at her family’s sprawling Wyndhorn House, Helen unleashes a torrent of emotions, only to discover the mansion holds a lifetime of secrets waiting to be unearthed. The first issue masterfully sets the stage for a grand fantasy adventure that blur the lines between reality and the fantastical tales penned by Helen’s late father.
King excels at crafting strong female characters (look no further than his current run on Wonder Woman), and this book is no exception. Helen is a compelling protagonist, flawed but entirely relatable and endearing as she tries to understand her place in the world. Perhaps even more fascinating is Lilith, who also plays the role of narrator as the majority of the story takes place via flashbacks. Her present-day attitude appears to have shifted from what we see of her as she first meets Helen and I’m very interested to see her further development. These two characters play off each other so well and King writes some amazing dialogue between the two.
Bilquis Evely's art is a perfect match for King's fantastical script. Her character designs are exquisite, capturing the essence of the early 20th century setting while hinting at the magic that lurks beneath the surface. Evely's figures are expressive and detailed, drawing the reader into the emotional journey of the characters. The true magic, however, lies in the collaboration with colorist Matheus Lopes. Lopes' palette adds depth and nuance to Evely's artwork.
Helen of Wyndhorn #1 is a masterclass in world-building and character introduction. As a huge fan of King and Evely's phenomenal Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, I’m incredibly excited for what comes next in this new series.
Rating: 10/10
