Flashbacks from the 80s are always fun. There are Miami Vice-themed duds, movie references, and the perms. “Dream Thief: Escape” #1 branches out the mythos from the original series with a clever approach to family traditions. That plus you get to gators eat people who deserve it. This sequel is a fun second chapter of this new world.
WRITTEN BY: Jai Nitz
ART BY: Greg Smallwood
PUBLISHER: Dark Horse Comics
PRICE: $3.99
RELEASE: 25 June 2014
Reviewed by: Your Friendly Neighborhood Brady
Things are never as random as they seem in comic books. Sometimes, they feel so spot-on in their delivery that it feels like you’re watching a cinematic gem. Readers are in for a treat like that in this series. Creators Jai Nitz and Greg Smallwood hit the ground running in this new story. Dream Thief John Lincoln isn’t the first to don the mask which takes him over to avenge wronged ghosts. That right there is a great theme for future storylines to hop onto. I always enjoy different variations of heroes and villains than we’re already used to. Readers are witness to two in this very issue. It’s a very cool way to see where the story has come from and where it can go to down the line.
The time jumps and scenery swaps are perfectly placed. There are scenes where Lincoln has to literally wake up and jump back into his life after being possessed for untold amounts of time. Artist Greg Smallwood does both the personal moments and the grimier and grittier events exceptionally. His facial expressions really capture the moments in the story successfully.
All that and a ghost who needs the Dream Thief to pull off a break-out means this story will continue to surprise me. As supernatural as this series is based in, it’s the crime and revenge side that I find most compelling. All these ghost pass on their knowledge to the Dream Thief, whether he wants it or not. This setup leaves unlimited possibilities for what’s going to happen next. That’s just the kind of story that deserves your attention, readers. Get in on this caper / paranormal series already.