Infamous billionaire scientist Henry D’mour could have saved the world. But he didn’t. Instead, in a desperate bid to save himself, his wife, and their two children, he constructed The Forever Home—an ark of luxury and ultramodern convenience insulated from the agony of the planet’s death throes outside its walls . . . and even time itself. Inside The Forever Home, only 20 minutes pass for every year on the outside . . . allowing the D’mour family to slowly enact their plans for a new world as their automated environment and robotic companions keep them safe. Safe on the inside. Always inside. Until a childish misstep accidentally breaks The Forever Home’s barrier . . . and what’s outside decides it wants back in… The Forever Home #1 is a fantastic debut that keeps readers hooked and afraid to see what’s coming next.

Written by Christian Ward, The Forever Home #1 delivers a debut packed with tension. It’s the sort of story where you’re scared to see what’s next. Ward has crafted psychological and environmental horror that dips into commentary about the state of the world and the devastated future we march towards.

It’s early in the issue that it’s clear not all is well with the D’mour family. While they’re safe inside their home, the world outside is devastated and speeding along with whatever comes next. With two young children, the family is wrapped up safely inside the house. They’re unable to step outside due to the time speed difference, prisoners within. While Henry saved his family, you get the sense his children resent him and the adults who destroyed the world.

While the family is safe inside, the hints and teases build that something is on the outside. Is it human? Animal? No matter, Henry sees it as a threat to their “paradise” and safety. With those hints, you know something is going to go wrong, but it’s not until late in the issue exactly what is clear. By then, the story is clearly deep in horror, having build up to its twist that will drive the series. Safety, monotony, the order D’mour has created is threatened to come crashing down.

The success of the first issue’s concept and narrative is boosted by the art of Sami Kivelä. With color by Jason Wordie and lettering by Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou, the visuals boost and emphasize the stress of the situation. The kids’ disdain is clear by their facial expressions and body language. The mother says so much in how she’s depicted visual, far more than what’s said. The home feels sterile and cold like a museum. The outside world we get to see tells so much of a story as to where things stand and where it’s going. It’s packed with visual details that tells so much of the story and what type of world the D’mours live in. Add in colors that add in the cold feel of it all and teases of life anew outside, the art enhances an already intriguing concept and tells so much about the world.

The Forever Home #1 is a hell of a start that has us excited to see where it’s going. The fear of the unknown allows the series to tap into basic emotions that hit the reader and makes them nervous to see what’s next. It’s a hell of a start for what’s one of the more intriguing series of the year.

Story: Christian Ward Art: Sami Kivelä
Color: Jason Wordie Letterer: Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou
Story: 9.0 Art: 9.0 Overall: 9.0 Recommendation: Buy

Oni Press provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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