White Ash, Volume 1
Fans of fantasy, whether it be from film, television or literature are quite familiar with some of the iconic characters. Dwarves, Elves, and Dragons are the basic staples of the trade and have never failed to bring fans in. The trick is to somehow create an original story that encompasses the popular characters in perhaps an unusual light. That was the challenge that writer Charlie Stickney and artist Conor Hughes faced in their series White Ash. They tackled it head on with a brilliant mix of current day events along with the aforementioned mix of dwarves and elves and the like. To accomplish this, they chose a setting that presents a sometimes somber and stark atmosphere all its own.
Secrets of White Ash
Welcome to White Ash, PA. A generational mining town whose people are ingrained into the work and the history of the town. However, like most small towns with a long history, White Ash has secrets. Legends and mythologies that have been passed on from generation to generation. They have been integrated in the White Ash community for as long as there has been one. Mostly in the form of stories. Tales told to children to ensure good behavior. But what if some of these narratives were true?
The Legend of Níðhöggr and the Brood
The real story is only known to those involved in it. But it began in the World called Nildavellir. A great warrior Dwarf named Hjolren lead an army of warriors to Earth over 1,000 years ago. They came to battle the great serpent known as Níðhöggr, who they referred to as the Malice Striker. Along with the Dwarves came the Elves, who were no friend to the Dwarves. In fact, there had been a blood feud between the two races for as long as either could remember. However, the Elves recognized the threat posed by Níðhöggr and agreed to fight with the Dwarves (on a limited basis).
The battle was fierce with many Dwarves and Elves dying in the conflict. In the end, the portal back to Nildavellir closed, slicing Níðhöggr in half in the process. But despite that, she was able to crawl away leaving trails of her remains along the way. On her death journey, she wandered through a Viking village, splattering her blood over the inhabitants, infecting the women. In 9 months, all the women of the Village gave birth, no matter their age. The results were creatures of great powers disguised in human skins, the Brood.
The Pact
After that, the village and the surrounding territories were terrorized by the Brood. Until one day, they just vanished….or so it seemed. For over 500 years they remained dormant, until they suddenly reappeared, a few attacks at a time. With the Brood’s return, the Elves and the Dwarves made a pact. The Elves would defend them against the Brood. Meanwhile, the dwarves would dig in the mines, looking for the key to return them to Nildavellir. At no time would a Dwarf hunt or kill a member of the Brood. Such has been the way of things since then. Both Elves and Dwarves have blended into the community over the years. With no one realizing their true natures. Including one person who would play an important role in the future.
Meet Aleck Zwerg
His name was Aleck Zwerg. Aleck had been counting the days until he could leave White Ash and go someplace else. Anywhere else. Life in the mines might be ok for his father Gunther, and his friends but Aleck sought something bigger, better. He had worked in the local KK Station owned by his friend Katlyn and her brother Kyle, saving his money to make his escape. When the time finally came, he was more than ready. The only thing left was to say goodbye to his Dad, Kyle and Katlyn, and pick up his last paycheck for some past yard work.
The man he needed to see was Thane Alden. Thane was the man who controlled the town’s mines and seemingly most of everything else. The last check that Aleck had received for trimming Mr. Alden’s hedges had been short. Which, due to Aleck’s height, had been a running joke in White Ash. Much to the chagrin of Aleck, but he hag gotten used to it. Besides, he only had to endure it for a just a few more hours.
Lillian Alden
However, when Aleck requested the remaining money owed, Thane refused until he finished the job he was being paid for. The hedges he had cut were left too tall (more short comments). So Aleck set outside to retrim the hedges. Upon his return, Thane was no longer there but his daughter Lillian was. Thane’s daughter was rich, beautiful and spirited. Which probably explained why she constantly was running afoul of her Father. She offered to write Aleck a check for the remainder of his work. Which was fine with Aleck. He found Lillian to be intriguing. As for what Lillian thought of him, he wasn’t sure.
Mystery Miner
Back at the mines, Aleck’s father Gunther was back at work. As they had called for a lunch break, Gunther noticed a miner he had not seen before. He followed him to investigate, seeing the man kneeling by some equipment. As Gunther came closer to remind him of the lunch break, he got hit with a pipe. But Gunther was tougher than his attacker had suspected. He battled back, at least until the miner in question bit him in the arm with long fangs. However, Gunther didn’t let that stop him. It was the bomb that the miner had planted that did the trick.
If there’s one thing that a Pennsylvania Mining town fears, its an explosion. So, when the bomb went off, everyone was alerted. Including Lillian and Aleck. It was especially significant for Aleck since he knew his Father had been in the mine. As Aleck tried to make his way through the growing crowd, he noticed a man wearing what appeared to be his Father’s Steeler Hat. The only thing more representative of a Pennsylvania town than the mines is the Steelers. Hard nosed, blue collar team. Just like the miners.
Gunther loved that hat. He always said he wouldn’t go below (in the mines) without it. Aleck considered this as he forced his way through, but had more pressing matters. Meanwhile, Thane was overseeing the response to the “incident.” After scolding her for being with Aleck, he asked Lillian to use her phone to film everything. He wanted to document that every effort was being made to help the miners.
A Miner’s Worst Nightmare
Fortunately, Gunther was still alive and flown for medical attention. Aleck followed closely behind, awaiting any news of his Father’s condition. Katlyn was also there to lend Aleck support. She and Aleck had known each other since they were children. It was no secret to her Brother she had a huge crush on Aleck. The only one who didn’t seem to realize it was Aleck. Eventually, the doctor told Aleck that Gunther was still alive but would need more surgery. It was a miracle that he had survived at all.
Aleck then spied Thane talking to the local Sheriff. He asked Thane what had happened. He was not certain but he surmised that a drill had hit a methane pocket and it exploded. Always tragic but it has been known to happen. As he spoke, Aleck remembered the stranger wearing his Dad’s hat and mentioned it to the Sheriff. Thane dismissed the notion reminding Aleck that in times of tragedy, it is normal for the victim or their family to try to attempt to find a reason for it, even if there is none.
Uncle Orman
After Katlyn sent Aleck home to get some rest, he came home to find his Uncle Orman. His Father’s friend Cobb had called him after the explosion and Orman had drove all night to be there. Apparently, things had soured between Gunther and his brother when he also had left White Ash. Regardless, Aleck though his Dad would be pleased to see him. Orman wasn’t so sure. But he was there now, so he and Aleck went for breakfast. Not much else to do until they hear something from the hospital.
As they sat, Orman warned Aleck that he should have nothing to do with the Alden family. Especially after Aleck told him that he had been working for Thane. But as they sat, Aleck noticed a family with children who were asking for their father to use his phone to film them. This brought a thought to Aleck. Perhaps Lillian had captured the strange man as she filmed the scene for her father. He quickly dismissed himself from breakfast, telling his Uncle he would catch up to him later.
Seth Jones
Upon arriving at Lillian’s house, she was surprised to see him. As far as she knew, Thane had removed Aleck’s name from the list of people who were allowed to enter the estate. But she was more disappointed that he came to see what she had filmed and not to see her. Not that she cared or anything…yeah right. She showed Aleck the recording and he eventually spotted the man in question. Lillian, however, could do better than that. She had computerized the mine’s roster for her Dad. Including the newly hired employees. The man’s name was Seth Jones and Lillian believed she knew “what” he was. They would need to go find him. But first. Aleck would need to sneak her off the premises. Thane had grounded her…again.
So he snuck her out in his Volkswagen. The guard at the gate was close friends with Aleck’s Father so he didn’t ask too many questions. At least where Aleck was concerned. As they ventured into the woods they came across a trailer. Lillian snuck inside with Aleck reluctantly following. Inside, there were two corpses. One was Katlyn’s friend Mitch, who also worked at the KK station. The other he didn’t know but she was in the same putrid condition. Before they could react further, Seth had come into the trailer.
The Hunt is On
Lillian didn’t hesitate, reaching into her bag and pulling out a bow and some arrows. She immediately let loose a flurry of arrows, sending Seth on the run. Lillian took after him telling Aleck to come on. Aleck was stunned. She carried a Bow and Arrows in her purse? She responded like it was the most normal thing in the world. Inquiring where he kept HIS weapon. He had no idea what she was talking about. Only then did she realize that Aleck didn’t know about the hunt…about the Brood. But before she could attempt to explain, the creature known as Seth attacked. To her credit, Lillian let loose another series of arrows. Only to have Seth catch them with ease and break them. He then used his powers to control his prey on her. She was immobilized as he smelled her, recognizing a delicious meal.
Uncle Orman to the Rescue
Than is when Aleck hit him across the back with a huge tree limb. It had no effect on him but it did diverge his attention from Lillian. He grabbed them both by the throat, sniffing at Aleck and realizing, he had no idea what Aleck was. But before he could do anything else, Aleck’s Uncle Orman arrived, carrying a large hammer. He warned Seth to leave them alone. Seth was more than happy to oblige as he threw them to the side and charged Orman.
What Seth received for his trouble was Orman’s hammer sending him flying. He thought for a moment and decided to retreat. leaving the trio by themselves. Orman addressed Lillian, scolding her for putting his nephew in danger. They both could have been killed. She apologized saying she didn’t realize that Aleck didn’t know. Orman then told her to return to “her own kind.” Hurt by his venom, she ran off leaving Aleck alone with Orman.
The Truth about Aleck
As for Aleck, he was upset that Orman hurt Lillian’s feeling, but he was more than curious about what was going on! What was “the Brood?” Who was Seth and why did Lillian think he knew more than he did…and about what!!? Orman considered him for a moment, knowing that it was really his Father’s place to tell him what he wanted to know. But since Gunther was in no condition to, he made the decision to tell Aleck the truth about himself. Aleck was a Dwarf. Aleck was stunned…and confused. He knew he was short but…a Dwarf!? Were there other Dwarves in White Ash? Not as many as there used to be Orman told him. As for Seth, or the creature that he is, he is a member of the Brood. But before Orman could explain further, a number of trucks were approaching. Orman knew they needed to leave. Before the trucks arrived. He would explain the rest to Aleck back at the lodge.
Close Call
Orman left the scene but before Aleck could, Thane and his men arrived. They set a perimeter, looking for the Brood. Aleck hid behind a tree, hoping he wouldn’t be discovered. Thane knew someone was there. His keen senses told him so. But his men reported a sighting in another area. So Thane gathered his men and left, just as Aleck’s phone went off. It was Cobb. His Father’s condition had changed for the worse. An unknown infection was spiking Gunther’s temperature. They had placed him in a medically induced coma to slow his metabolism and try to stabilize him.
As he and Cobb sat in the waiting room, Cobb told Aleck he was aware what Orman had told him. He felt like that still wasn’t Orman’s place to have done so. But in Orman’s defense, Aleck told Cobb he had kind of pushed for him to tell. Regardless, Cobb gave Aleck a video cassette tape. He told Aleck to go home and watch it. It would explain things and was what his father would have wanted. Reluctantly, Aleck went home and pondered what had happened and if his father would pull through, before he inserted the tape and hit play.
Dwarves, Elves and Magnum P.I.
Aleck started the tape and his father appeared. He started by explaining about Aleck being a Dwarf. Nothing new there. He then started telling the tale about Níðhöggr and the battle to destroy it. But sidetracked a bit to explain about their ages and the all important topic of potty training. He also mentioned about Elves when Aleck was startled by Lillian suddenly appearing. She was dressed all in black in her best Catwoman attire. It was then that she admitted to Aleck that SHE was an Elf, showing him her pointed ears. After Aleck stopped staring at Lillian, he turned back to the tape as Gunther started to get into the details of the war when the tape suddenly switched to Magnum P.I. Apparently, Gunther had accidentally taped his favorite TV show over the message to his son. Oops. But hey, it was Tom Selleck!
Lillian took over the narrative explaining the creation of the Brood and the pact made between the Dwarves and the Elves. As much as Aleck appreciated her history lesson, he knew she didn’t come to his house for that. In fact, since she was dressed for stealth, he doubted she even thought he would be there. What was it she was looking for? She explained that most Dwarves had a hidden burrow. It was where they hid their weapons. Aleck was doubtful. He had lived his whole life in the house. He figured he would have known if his father had a hidden “man-cave.” Lillian reminded him that he didn’t even know he was a Dwarf. Touché. Lillian search for a bit until she came across a framed Pittsburgh Pirates Sweater. She moved the picture, despite Aleck’s suggestion not to, and she found a button. Pressing it to reveal the hidden Burrow.
Arrows and Dwarven Mead
Upon entering the burrow, Aleck is astounded that such a place existed right under his nose. Lillian found the Dwarven arrows. Their shafts are covered with sharp micro-blades. Had Seth attempted to catch THESE arrows, his hands would have been sliced up. As she searched further, she found Gunther’s hidden stash of Drawven Meade. She had always wanted try what she called “Stuntie Swill.” No reason to take offense to that! She uncorked the bottle and took a long draw. It was even stronger than she suspected. She offered Aleck some but he declined. In fact, he wondered if SHE should be drinking the stuff. It didn’t take long for the strong brew to take effect. As her inhibitions began to crumble.
Trying to change the subject, Aleck noticed some scrolls along with some vials. He asked her what she thought these were. She offered that they were most likely Brood anti-venoms. Thinking about his father’s condition, he queried if his father might have been bitten by the Brood. If so, Lillian explained, he would likely die unless he received the proper anti-venom. She also told him that her Father had a book about Brood bites and their treatments. Aleck immediately took her by the arm, heading back toward her house. By then, Lillian was feeling the full effect of the Meade. grabbing a hold of Aleck’s butt as he walked her to the door. But before Lillian could get the key into the door, Thane stood before them. Murder in his eyes. Aleck attempted to explain but was cut off when Thane drove a knife through his chest, coming out the other side. Not once, but TWICE! How RUDE!
The Rest…is Up to You!
So at this point, we know that the Brood has returned. The Elves are on the hunt for them. Aleck has learned of his heritage (and that his Father really loved Magnum P.I.) and that there is a pact that keeps the Dwarves from taking part in the hunt. Aleck would prefer to hunt down the creature who hurt his Father, which would break that pact. Lillian is an Elf who fancies the forbidden love of a Dwarf. While his family wants him to stay as far away from her and her family as he can. In the meantime, Seth is still on the prowl, looking for new food. Who will he pick next? Can there be anything between an Elf and a Dwarf? Will a knife through Aleck’s chest make that point moot? What about Katlyn and her unrequited love? Still a lot to unpack. That should be all the more reason to check out Volume 1 of White Ash. You want to know what happened next, don’t you? Well go to your local comic or book store and pick up a copy. Just in time for White Ash, Volume 2 to start.
Thoughts
The story by writer Charlie Stickney and artist Conor Hughes grabs you right from the start and doesn’t let go. There are so many different story angles with vestiges of Romeo and Juliet as well as the Grimm Fairy Tales and even the television show Grimm. One of my favorite parts was Aleck finding out that his Dad had accidentally recorded Magnum P. I. over his tape for Aleck. Anyone who lived back in the heyday of VCR’s has had that happen to them. Especially when you run low on blank tapes and end up recycling. A nice homey piece of nostalgia in the middle of an intense drama. After reading Volume 1, it is on no surprise to me at all that Volume 2 was a must.
Artwork
Writer Stickney gave Conor Hughes a broad canvas to work with on White Ash and he took advantage of it with tight storytelling and brilliant character concepts. Capturing the glowering evil of the Brood as well as both the dwarves and the elves. His splash page of Thane’s wife Glairen in battle was especially well rendered as was the anguish in Thane’s face as he pledged to protect Lillian from any harm. Explains why he felt the need to impale Aleck. Protective fathers…what are you going to do?
Extras
Another reason to pick up Volume 1 is the Process Descriptions included at the end. Character concept art by Hughes of each main character as well as Stickney’s explanation to him of what he was looking for. I would say that he nailed them. He also included his breakdown sketches as well as his thumbnails and pencils. Followed by his inks and then Fin Cramb’s excellent colorwork. If you want an overview of how a comic page is done, look no further than this section. Well done breakdowns of the process. As if this book needed another reason to pick it up.
White Ash Volume 2 from Scout Comics starts on November 17th. That gives you time to catch up on Volume 1. You will not regret it.
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Senior Writer at GeekVibesNation – I am a 50 something child of the 70’s who admits to being a Star Trek/Star Wars/Comic Book junkie who once dove head first over a cliff (Ok, it was a small hill) to try to rescue his Fantastic Four comic from a watery grave. I am married to a lovely woman who is as crazy as I am and the proud parent of a 18 year old boy with autism. My wife and son are my real heroes.
