Little Nemo: Return to Slumberland (IDW)
Written by Eric Shanower, Illustrated by Gabriel Rodrigeuz
I have been waiting for Little Nemo: Return to Slumberland since it was announced at SDCC 2013, over a year. When I anxiously wait that long for something, I have the tendency to build it up in my head to the point of being disappointed in the final product. I’m so happy that this was not the case with this book, however, and that it even exceeded my expectations.
My connection with Little Nemo goes back to my childhood with Little Nemo: The Dream Master on the NES and the animated film Little Nemo: Adventures in Slumberland. I have fond memories of both the game and the movie so when I saw that IDW would be publishing a comic in the near future, I knew I had to check it out. The plot is fairly straight forward, especially given that it’s a first issue of a series with history that most people aren’t familiar with. The book begins with King Morpheus of Slumberland trying to find a new playmate for his daughter the Princess. Because her earlier playmate was named Nemo, the Princess insists that a real boy named James Nemo Summerton must be her new playmate. Thus begins the first of many attempts to get Nemo to Slumberland so that he may take up his new position. With each passing attempt, Nemo gets closer and closer to the gates of Slumberland, and readers get introduced to a few more players in the fantastic world.
An absolutely gorgeous double page spread.
What makes this book so absolutely amazing is the art. Gabriel Rodriguez does such an incredible job that I’m almost at a loss for words. The original Little Nemo from over 100 years ago is known for its stunning and highly detailed art. Rodriguez does not fall short of this high standard, providing beautifully detailed pages in a style that is highly reminiscent of the original work, but obviously not a direct copy. Each of the various methods that Nemo uses in his attempt to reach Slumberland involve his bed, and I have never seen a bed drawn in so many different ways. The sequential art in this book is also very well done. Panels flow from one to the next seamlessly, making for a fast and satisfying read. I would also be remiss if I didn’t mention the wonderful colors provided by Nelson Daniel. Everything in this book is so vibrant it almost has to exist in a dream, properly setting the tone for this book.
After reading this book I have only one complaint; that the next issue won’t be out until October.
5/5 Death Stars
5/5 Death Stars
Therefore I Geek 