Lewis Carroll fanatics Leah Moore and John Reppion expand their all-ages adaptation in The Complete Alice in Wonderland #2. The manga-styled Alice sits with a quirky Mad Hatter and the March Hare, attempts croquet according to the hasty Queen’s rules, visits the Mock Turtle and watches his lobster dance, and finally attends a rather unconventional trial.
So far the series flows rather well in this form; the collaborators seem to painstakingly divide the story’s sections, making them appropriate for comic book reading. Their work arrives at the perfect time, too, when curious fans are itching for the upcoming Tim Burton film version. Unlike the ever crafty Burton, however, Moore and Reppion graciously preserve Carroll’s original design, allowing the superbly talented Èrica Awano to handle the interpretation visually. The equally as impressive PC Siqueira adorns Awano’s illustrations with opulent colors that brighten each page. Moore and Reppion furnish their comic with satisfying extras, but The Complete Alice in Wonderland walks the same, well-known path. Awano and Siqueira are the ones who truly stamp their imprint on Carroll’s respected tale and metamorphose the usual into a dazzling reinvention.
But the full cast of collaborators ought to appreciate the triumph, as well. Even the most seasoned Wonderland experts can benefit, for the comic team peels back hidden layers by bestowing such pure and exceptional visuals, which refresh and communicate Carroll’s ideas even more sumptuously. Wonderland leaps off the page, and the characters swell with personality and distinguished flair.
The Complete Alice in Wonderland #2 is available now from Dynamite Entertainment.
Bottom Line
The Complete Alice in Wonderland #2 doesn't stray from its established convention, but the artists ravish the book with spectacular detail and eye-pleasing tones. There's no doubt that the comic will read even more smoothly as a trade.
Excellently written, evocative review, as always – nice work, Stephanie!
February 18, 2010 at 03:35
Thanks, Philip! You’re too much, Mr. Heat Miser!
*hopes somebody gets that … or shall die from shame*
February 18, 2010 at 05:47
“The Year Without A Santa Claus”, right?
February 18, 2010 at 13:10
*fistbumps*
February 18, 2010 at 20:09