THE HAUNTED BLIZZARD

A graphic novel adaptation of Johnston’s short story “Iqsinaqtutalik Piqtuq: The Haunted Blizzard,” which first appeared in the anthology Taaqtumi (2019).

Inu, an Inuit seventh grader living in the Canadian north, is at school when an announcement alerts students to an impending blizzard. Excited by the early release, she and her friends Nita and Ulii start walking home together through the thickly falling snowflakes. They first pass Ulii’s house and then Nita’s. Inu declines Nita’s grandma’s invitation to come inside, despite her warning that “the storm is full of bad things.” On her way home, Inu spots a frightening skeletal figure emerging from the shadows. With both her parents stuck at work, Inu is alone; her mother calls and reassures Inu that her overactive imagination is likely responsible for her fear of whatever she saw outside. A candle and memorial photo of a boy who seems to be Inu’s brother sit on a table, offering insight into her family history. Inu tries to drown out mysterious creaks and bangs with the TV, but finally, telling herself she shouldn’t be so afraid, she sets off to investigate. This short work features Gubbe’s haunting, striking illustrations that utilize creative visual angles and framing and fill in the gaps left by the minimal text. The dark, dramatic backgrounds contrast with pops of color, and the surprise ending leaves room for readers’ imaginations.

Atmospheric and otherworldly; evokes a sense of mystery and unease and will leave readers wanting more.