Dream Thief #1

I know this is a week late and all, but I just got my issue of Dream Thief #1 (of 5), from Dark Horse. What drew me to it initially is the cover, which is easily recognizable as a piece from Alex Ross. The story was written by Jai Nitz and the art and lettering were done by Greg Smallwood. Anyways, the title sealed the deal for me (as if I wasn't already sold. Thanks, Alex).

I open the first page and instantly notice that the story is taking place in Atlanta. I don’t know if anyone else has this problem, maybe it’s because I live in a state that doesn't get noticed, but I tend to get even more excited when a story takes place in my home state. (<< Which is why I had too much fun with Telltale’s The Walking Dead)

Anyways, we meet John Lincoln, and he’s an asshole. He’s also extremely misguided.

One of the problems Lincoln is facing is that he cheated on his girlfriend, who is suffering from a traumatic home invasion. He justifies his actions by claiming he “has needs too” and does not seem to feel bad about it. To complicate the situation, his girlfriend is best friends with his sister. Naturally, his sister is not on his side. Girl problems.

Lincoln is ballsy, though. He stood on federal property, where his sister works, with a joint. He also stole an aboriginal mask from Australia, which is the mask he is pictured wearing on the cover.

This blatant disregard for the law could make it easy for Lincoln to transfer from movie director to vigilante.

The theft occurs past the halfway point in the comic. One of my problems with this issue is that it felt like they were trying to cram a lot into one book, so when it transitions it is jumpy.

However, I do love the art, the colors, and how the panels are laid out.

One of the issues this story was not able to sell me on is the fact that his girlfriend die. Lincoln, while wearing the mask, kills her because she murdered a main in their basement who she thought was the person who robbed their house. Lincoln claims this is fair, but now he’s a murderer. There was not enough momentum leading to this moment, the reader is completely blindsided by the event. Which when used correctly this is not a bad thing.

When he takes off the mask, he tries to figure out why he killed her. He blames the weed, and beats the dealer who sold it to him.

I’m going to give this issue a 3.5/5.

For a #1, it was pretty damn spiffy. The end did its job, it hooked me and I can’t wait for issue #2. 

---Sushi

p.s. Pictures forthcoming. =D