Blood White PanelPhant Review
Blood White (the oneshot) takes readers on a heartfelt journey through the complexities of inner turmoil and personal growth, set two years after the start of the acclaimed webcomic series. The protagonist, Maavi, lives a secluded life alongside her friend Aina, yet she craves more meaningful relationships. The narrative explores her internal struggle as she attempts to break free from her emotional barriers, questioning whether she can learn to trust again.
At the heart of Blood White (the oneshot) is its emotionally resonant storytelling. The character development is particularly strong, with Maavi emerging as a well-rounded figure whose internal conflict resonates deeply with readers. Her struggles with isolation and self-doubt are portrayed with sincerity, making her a relatable character whose emotional journey is easy to invest in. The interactions between Maavi and her friends, particularly Aina and Mumu, add further depth to her character, drawing readers into her world. The world-building introduces intriguing concepts like the hair-dipping ritual, which adds cultural richness and sets up future plot elements.
The writing is solid, with natural dialogue and a consistent tone, and the anemic power system offers creative potential for future development.
The pacing, especially toward the end, could be smoother, as the sudden introduction of new characters distracts from the emotional focus. Rearranging plot points, like Mumu not knowing about Maavi’s friendship with Aina, would help resolve awkward developments. A stronger hook at the beginning would also help. Visually, the artwork could benefit from improved composition, simpler backgrounds, less dark panels/screen tones and fewer text to enhance readability and emotional impact. While the pacing and structure could use refinement, the character-driven narrative and emotional depth make it a worthwhile read. With adjustments to pacing, character development, and visuals, the story remains easy to follow and well-told overall.
Shomi Magazine 