Reviews: Winter Solstice (3)

If you're a bit of a scrooge and anti Xmas Humbug like me and the hero's in this story, or even if not, you will love this book.
A story about family and a need for protectors of justice, the Christmas wrapped warped Empire regimented reality of Noel worshippers and authoritarians in Lapland feels like an eerie resemblance to today's corrupted corporate giant world that benefit in profits off of hard working believers/ citizens over the festive season.
Elliot Ajai-ajagbe Daley has done a great job setting up this world for the reader and I became very involved and emotionally invested with characters in the intense situations, you want for the need of the hero's in this story and these streets, there is lot's for you to pay attention to.
With many different characters journeys in this world we get introduced to, all intertwined, including the Superior Santa Claus and Ruler of this dysphoria Christmas, the vile Blizzard Corps who install a dictatorship through fear and violence backed by the slogan samples and vengeance, our saviours Humbugs, Joshua, the Sauyaer, Helkaer, some Elves and Tinsel but not the sparkling pretty kind. In this ruthless regime where empathy is weakness, we get to see that there is hope in another world, a glimpse of the Humbugs fight and the good people, passers by who will not stand by and watch the corruption and abuse of the rulership on innocents to continue.
"While logic is the cornerstone of strategy, passion and will determine one's investment"
The imagery and drawings by Antonio Piedade are beautifully rustic and sharp, capturing the characters and surrounding world you get taken into. It sets up the Empire and a great landscape of this Dystopia Lapland with a mysterious dark undertone through out.
I really want to see what happens next and I can't wait for volume 2 of Winter Solstice. I can see this being made into an Anime series or something. It would be great to see a Christmas alternative to the plastic smiles we see in so many cheesy novelty narratives and the modern capitalism consumed 'Christmas Cheer' that comes with a price(tag). I think the book is needed and I really enjoyed reading it and being drawn into this world. Felt like an outlet and escapism at the same time as being familiar and I'm hooked to find out what happens to the characters and left wanting more. I would recommend this book and I will definitely be investing in the journey of the future for this Christmas tale to continue.

A truly riveting and socially relevant piece. This book was unputdownable. My only critique is that volume 2 isn't it out yet!

I loved the artwork and illustrations, reminded me of the times I was into DC comics. The story captivated me in seeing Santa as the villain rather than the Jolly Man we all know. Without spoiling it for others, all I can say is it made me want to “eliminate Santa” and his Henchmen. I recommend giving it a read, has some unexpected happenings which keeps you on your toes for the story. Looking forward to read the next volume to come out to see how the story unfolds.