In simpler terms, some stories are timeless due to their compelling themes, often focusing on survival and the interplay between human nature and challenging environments. For instance, novels like “Lord of the Flies” and shows such as “LOST” and “Yellowjackets” fall into this category. Now, imagine blending these elements with a touch of social criticism within a high-end comic book series format. That’s what you get with “Endeavour”, a new series from DSTLRY, launching in October. Written by Stephanie Phillips and featuring art by Mark Laming, “Endeavour” #1 immerses readers in an adventure of survival, mystery, and turmoil at sea as societal norms unravel.
Directly departing from the harbor, the tale of Endeavour #1 bears a striking resemblance to stories we’ve encountered before. It can be seen as a contemporary adaptation of William Golding’s novel, Lord of the Flies. In this classic story, a group of British schoolboys find themselves stranded on an uninhabited island, attempting self-governance that rapidly devolves into barbarity and primal behavior. Although Endeavour #1 does not reach such extremes – given it’s the first issue in a series – the foundations are clearly laid out. The narrative follows an elite group as they embark on a lavish voyage aboard an 18th-century vessel, the Endeavour. This group consists of various adults, all boasting wealth and privilege, accompanied by children ranging from very young to pre-teens. The story is recounted by one of the pre-teens, Victoria “Via” Wright, who among the travelers appears to be the only one genuinely intrigued by the ship’s history and its significance.
The journey that was meant to be an unforgettable adventure swiftly transforms into a terrifying ordeal within mere days, claiming the lives of the adults and leaving the children stranded at sea. Six days into the excursion, they are now grappling not only with the devastating weight of grief and loss but also the struggle for survival.
While it’s evident that someone managed to survive this harrowing event, as evidenced by Via’s retelling of the story years later, what truly sets Endeavour #1 apart is its intricate narrative structure, masterfully crafted by Phillips. Although tales similar to William Golding’s Lord of the Flies are common, Phillips adds depth to the story by intertwining the history of the Endeavour into the narrative.
Before we are introduced to our modern-day characters, we receive a brief glimpse into the dark past of the Endeavour. This historical backdrop is subtly woven throughout the story, foreshadowing the challenges that the characters will face in the present day. This framing imbues the story with a haunting quality, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a ghost story, thereby setting it apart from other similar tales.
In the first installment, the narrative promptly delves into the intricate social relationships that will unfold throughout the story’s progression. Readers quickly grasp essential facts about Via and her family, as well as initial insights into the other passengers aboard, setting up potential disagreements that are likely to fuel the journey ahead. Although there are some stereotypes present in this issue, Phillips’ skillful writing ensures that each character appears to be more complex than their initial appearances suggest. Furthermore, the pivotal event that occurs also seems to hold a deeper meaning, making for an intriguing beginning that transcends the usual expectations of its genre.
In addition to its engaging narrative, “Endeavour” #1 offers a visually captivating experience as well. Lee Laming’s artwork skillfully blends the 18th-century Endeavour ship with modern characters, maintaining the authenticity of both eras without any compromise. The coloring by Lee Loughridge is impressive, particularly in scenes where the shift between different time periods is evident. The smart and clean visual differentiation makes it easy for readers to follow along, immersing themselves in the story without getting lost in the transition between times. Lastly, a haunting image on the ship’s deck featuring the surviving children illuminated by moonlight creates a striking and chilling effect that perfectly encapsulates the horror of the situation.
Reimagining a well-known tale’s foundation in an innovative manner can be challenging, but with Endeavour #1, it’s clear that this was skillfully executed. By setting the narrative in historical context, infusing it with a subtle, eerie horror tone, developing intricate characters, and creating an atmosphere where nothing is as it seems, Phillips has successfully produced a work that not only offers a captivatingly unique twist on classic literary themes but also stands as an exceptional tale in its own merit.
Rating: 5 out of 5
FOC for Endeavour #1 is August 18th.
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2025-08-07 15:14