Edenfrost: Colossal Look At Persecution

Edenfrost from Mad Cave Studios is a suspenseful tale about having an identity when there are forces ready to take it.

Background

Before we go in, we need to explain some sensitive context about the setting. The Russian Civil War is the conflict that led to the Soviet Union. There were a lot of parties so let’s focus on the ones at hand. The Bolsheviks were at war with the separatists, with Ukraine being one of the most notable states in the war. There were a number of atrocities committed, especially persecutions aimed at Cossacks and Jews. Even then the Pogroms were only the latest in a number of historical cases between Russia and Ukraine.

Edenfrost: How Culture Divides

Amit Tishler puts on an intriguing look at two siblings trying to keep their faith alive. The sister Ulinka Lowe is more than willing to embrace the golem in vengeance against the prejudice they face. Even before the golem, she was more than willing to fight a bigot holding her brother back. But her brother Alexander seems just as terrified of the golem as he is of the soldiers. He’s a gentle soul who doesn’t want to see his faith be turned into a weapon. Something that the Colonel chasing the siblings is more than willing to do to enrich his home.

To put it in a Jewish perspective… or at least my attempt at translating: what’s the point of Tzedek if it’s used to make everyone else an enemy?

Cutting Off Everything Else

By the second issue, this question becomes more complicated with how Alex tries to keep him and Yuli alive. Sometimes he has to lie or empathize with people who would rather kill him and sister over anti-Jewish propaganda. Because Alex can’t help but feel sorry for people in situations like his and Yuli’s. Their… shelter provider for example is a lot like Yuli, ignorant about the world around her with only a weakening hope keeping her going. All the while, Alex tries to shoulder all of the burdens onto himself. Which readers can feel the most when they see the golem influence Alex to attack a soldier.

The third issue however shows how shouldering everything is putting a strain on Alex. Through Yuli, readers feel both  frustration and empathy with him. While they can understand his reasons, they feel like he’s backing them into a corner. Almost as if Alex sees Yuli as more of a threat to their safety than the enemies right in front of them.

The Cold Comfort

Bruno Frenda gives Edenfrost a constantly cold and distant atmosphere. From the constant spots of snow amid an even darker background, there’s a strong sense of indifference ready to consume the heroes. Thankfully Yuli’s bright red hair highlights her fiery spirit. This gets readers in the headspace of Alex. His sister is his source of hope but also what could put them in danger if they’re not careful. Sometimes Alex does this too with how bold his outline gets, like how he tries to get Yuli to focus on him and not the golem.

What Does The Golem Mean?

Speaking of… let’s look at how the golem appears in flashbacks. The old film strip style gives the impression of a propaganda film. In juxtaposition with Taylor Esposito’s lettering, the reader can feel what perspectives were put in to drive characters to action. Yuli sees the golem as inspiration, while a bigoted villager justifies his antisemitism. True to the limitless symbolism of a golem, this fills it with both hope and hate, making it a very deadly weapon.

Limitless Symbolism?

Something that the golem itself is more than willing to exploit to keep Alex and Yuli’s bloodline alive.

When Alex speaks to its spiritual form, Frenda makes the experience feel like talking to a god. From its floating temple to its glowing blue broad shouldered body and three blazing red eyes, Alex looks insignificant next to it. Thankfully, issue 4 shows that the golem is more of a guide for Alex when it pulls him out of his traumas through panel work. One big chaotic panel without a background, gives way to a more stable one on the next page, before a bigger panel cover the top of the page telling Alex to wake up.

Meanwhile Yuli’s interaction with the golem looks like she’s staring at a wildfire ready to consume her. Yet Yuli stands her ground out of the panel, looking as significant as the wolf-like golem. So in the next page, when two identical panels with both the golem’s eyes and Yuli’s are lined up, she’s practically become one with it. Something readers can’t help but feel will change the siblings’ dynamic for the worse.

Even the words it speaks with Esposito’s lettering begin to feel overwhelming if comforting. That’s despite how vigilant it actually is to threats. This is actually reflective of both forms of the golem, showing that the Lowe’s influence it as much as the other way around.

Edenfrost: What Do You Believe In?

Edenfrost is a… forgive the phrasing… chilling look at a historical event untouched in American media. Even better, it’s an exploration on how perspectives about faith can motivate people to do drastic acts. Not even just religious faith, but causes that give people a sense of identity. These symbols and attitudes like the golem can change with different perspectives for better and for worse. At the heart of this series is an important question: how long can you use a symbol before it becomes mutual exploitation? For that, this series gets 9/10.

Thanks for coming to the end and as always, remember to look between the panels.