Already like where this is going.

Something about the eyes. The fact that they are so different from the normal variation really hits home that this guy is in a different place from the world he knows. As far as we can tell at least.
This a very simple page but already very compelling. The use of color and atmosphere creates a very memorable scene.
Good thing you managed to salvage these from Tumblr since the exodus.

"Hey, you. You're finally awake. You were trying to cross the border, right?"