Dream Thief #1 Review


This week, writer Jai Nitz and artist Greg Smallwood bring us Dream Thief  #1, the beginning of a five-issue miniseries. Here’s the official description from Dark Horse:

After stealing an Aboriginal mask from a museum, John Lincoln realizes that the spirits of the vengeful dead are possessing his body and mind while he sleeps! His old problems have been replaced by bloody hands and the disposal of bodies—and now remembering where he spent last night has never been more important!

Nitz’s writing is, on the whole, excellent. A lot more happens in this issue than you typically see in a standard 22 page story. John, the main character, is quickly established as being pretty unlikable, but the tone suggests he can and will develop throughout the series. Nitz alternates narration from two sources: John and a letter from his father. Even though the coloring of the captions is different, it’s easy to get confused if you forget who’s words you’re reading, especially since you’re not immediately told who it is that’s talking. However, Nitz does use those narrations to back up one of the story’s recurring elements – John waking up in strange places – with some great repetition.

Greg Smallwood’s art is absolutely crucial to this book. He uses a great variety of layouts, easily handling the high story content of each page. Those same layouts combine with overlaid lettering and strong, scene-specific color palettes to give the book a 60’s spy thriller vibe, which fits the story really well, even though it has neither spies nor bell bottoms.

One additional element I have to praise is the book’s setting in Atlanta. As a native of the city, I appreciate the obvious effort  by Nitz and Smallwood to get even small details accurate. Elements such as the UGA memorabilia on John’s friend’s desk add verisimilitude, as do the use of real Atlanta locations. I’ve been to the museum John robs, and Smallwood drew it accurately.

Nitz and Smallwood have crafted a great debut for this series. The plot progresses nicely, though there are still plenty of questions, and the understated reveal at the end should ensure you’ll want to check out the second issue.

4.5/5


Zac thinks all those people who hate Americans would be more understanding if they just gave ranch dressing a try. Follow him on twitter.

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