LITTLE NEMO: RETURN TO SLUMBERLAND #1 Review

Is this a happy fantasy or an evil nightmare? Read on to find out.

The official description from IDW:

An all-new, all-ages series full of magic and whimsy from award-winning creators Eric Shanower (Adventures in Oz) and Gabriel Rodriguez (Locke & Key)! Spinning out of Winsor McKay’s brilliant early 20th century strip, Little Nemo in Slumberland sees King Morpheus’ daughter, in the Royal Palace of Slumberland, select her next-playmate: Nemo! Only Nemo has no interest in being anyone’s playmate, dream or no dream!

One issue out of the way and there’s no doubt in my mind that my fanboy hopes have been realized. The creative team effortlessly dives into the familiar, as this aged property gets a slight modern update but maintains its whimsical core. The elements that made the comic strip flow off the page are still intact, which highlights something that should garner attention as it deserves to be purchased, shared and marveled at.

Eric Shanower deserves a lot of credit for giving us a protagonist that echoes what made the original characterization done by Winsor McCay memorable. Nemo is still a likable boy that’s driven by curiosity, despite the fact that he’s been chosen to be the playmate of some girl. It’s classic kid humor that follows a somewhat predictable path that’s a bit slow on progression, but I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that I had a childlike grin on my face from beginning to end.

I could continue to talk about the simple but engaging text but it’s the art by Gabriel Rodriguez that cements the level of quality for this release. The talent displays his skills right from the start, as intricate backgrounds and lightly detailed renditions pulled me back to my own memories of Slumberland. Add in the colors by Nelson Daniel and there’s just no room for complaints.

Little Nemo: Return to Slumberland #1 is exactly what I wanted it to be. The creative team excelled in their respective roles as they gave respect to the franchise while building up their own iteration of this newly resurrected property. It easily comes recommended.