I also got to the prose version after reading vol 1 of the graphic novel and I definitely felt that the prose White Sand is easily on par with his later works and overall a great book. Kenton was a very strong main character and his fight to solve his community's problems felt engaging throughout the book, i.e. the pacing didn't suffer anywhere. Khriss, by contrast, I didn't really enjoy - she felt way too naive, spoilt and empty-headed except for the parts where she suddenly turned full-on academic mode. To me these two personalities clashed with each other and I felt detached whenever she would switch between them, as I can't really accept a person well-versed in science and the scientific method being so childish in their thought process otherwise. I enjoyed Baon, Ais and Eric and especially Delious, but felt Eric's storyline fell flat of the opportunities the character backstory offered. This was the only significantly unsatisfying thread in the plot.
The worldbuilding is easily top-notch across the Cosmere, maybe not on Scadrial/Roshar level but definitely surpassing Elantris in terms of diversity, fauna descriptions and interesting political systems. Actually a lot of parallels exist between the two that are maybe removed in the graphic novel. Elis feels a lot like Arelon, surrounded by a mighty Empire headed by a mystical semi-magical figure. The way Kenton was solving riddle after a riddle and drama after drama rang a lot of bells over to Raoden's story and Ais's conflicted persona and reluctant appreciation of his religious nemesis felt A LOT like Hrathen.
Regardless, a thoroughly enjoyable read and a great addition to the Cosmere. My sadness that the abominable GN is now canon instead of this text, is beyond words!
