Little Nemo: Return to Slumberland #1
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Little Nemo: Return to Slumberland #1

Writer: Eric Shanower Artist: Gabriel Rodriguez Publisher: IDW Publishing Release Date: August 20, 2014 Cover Price: $3.99 Critic Reviews: 20 User Reviews: 2
8.7Critic Rating
8.5User Rating

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!

  • 10
    Geeked Out Nation - Joe Winder Aug 20, 2014

    Overall it's a great issue that if you don't buy it for yourself at least buy it for your kids. It really is a story to be enjoyed by all ages and this is going to be one title I read as a bedtime story to my kids. I'm really hoping this is a title that continues on for a long time to come. Read Full Review

  • 10
    Comic Book Therapy - Cody "The Thorverine" Ferrell Aug 6, 2014

    Little Nemo Returns To Slumberland in incredible style. Shanower and company hit the ground running and live up to the buzz this series has been getting the last few months. They've also set a gold standard they'll have to live up to for what will have to come next. This is one series you're going to want to check out. Read Full Review

  • 10
    Comic Spectrum - Bob Bretall Aug 24, 2014

    This debut issue was a visual treat. Gabriel Rodriguez pulled out all the stops in creating some stunning dreamscapes and wonderful page layouts. I particularly enjoyed the “bed roller coaster” on page 9. Shanower does a great job on the connective story giving a motivation to get Nemo (“Stop calling me Nemo!”) into Slumberland. The individual dream vignettes are just plain fun; beautifully illustrated and flowing quickly from beginning to end, making be feel the issue was over much too soon. I was having too much fun reading it, I cannot wait until the next issue in 2 months. 2 months!! I guess quality takes time… Read Full Review

  • 10
    All-Comic - Ian Stephen Aug 19, 2014

    This was an excellent first issue that was just plain fun to read and then immediately re-read right after that. Do you need to know anything about previous Little Nemo stories before reading this? No, of course it never hurts. My start into Little Nemo was through the animated movie and NES game from 1989 and I was able to jump in without any problems. This was a pleasure to read, it feels so good to be back in Slumberland. Read Full Review

  • 10
    ComicWow!TV - Lauren Michele Aug 29, 2014

    This first issue is fantastic. The art is reminiscent of McCay’s original style, and the writing is just as good. It captures the spirit and imagination of the original strip in a way that’s both appealing to adults and kids. This series will, without a doubt, be a hit for IDW. Add this book to your pull list. It’s going to be a great adventure. Read Full Review

  • 9.5
    We The Nerdy - Kristina Poffenroth Aug 26, 2014

    Shanower has included many elements of McCays original comic, from the bed moving on a track to it being turned into an elevator of sorts, much like how the original comic has Nemo riding his bed through town while it walked on elongated legs. At the same time, Shanower has created many of his own elements. The worlds James Nemo and Bon-Bon encounter on their way to Slumberland are unique and spectacular, definitely the stuff of dreams. Shanower has also made a point to include the fact that James Nemo Summerton is not the original Nemo, but there is a chance the two are related. Read Full Review

  • 9.5
    Rhymes With Geek - Ben Penfold-Marwick Aug 6, 2014

    Ive never read the original Little Nemo strips, but thanks to this new take, I want to. It feels like fans of the original series will be more than happy with this new, in-continuity incarnation, and for the rest of us, this is a surreal treat for the eyes. Sure, its kid friendly, but its no way boring or dull. This is the sort of comic book the cool kids read, and the cool adults join them. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Project-Nerd - Shawn Vogt Aug 21, 2014

    So, earlier, I mentioned this is an all-ages title. Don't let that turn you away; this Nemo (like the original) is pure, unadulterated FUN! Just sit back, relax, and enjoy yourselves. Read any of the Little Nemo adventures, and I defy you to keep a smile off your face. Actually, read what you like regardless of whatever genre it's lumped into. Keep having fun. Just a suggestion, my friends… Read Full Review

  • 8.8
    IGN - Tres Dean Aug 21, 2014

    eturn to Slumberland is the perfect Little Nemo entry point for a generation of new readers. Read Full Review

  • 8.5
    AIPT - Jordan Richards Aug 20, 2014

    Little Nemo: Return to Slumberland #1 is a solid start to the series. It may not be the most face-paced opening I've seen, nor did it dive into the characters all that much, but just about everything else really excels. Easily accessible for a wide audience, Little Nemo presents us with some great writing and absolutely stellar, downright gorgeous artwork that brings this comic to life. For fans and non-fans, especially for those with children, this may be the comic for you. Read Full Review

  • 8.5
    Coming Up Comics - Timothy Merritt Aug 19, 2014

    It's a gorgeous book full of whimsy and fun, and one that brought me back to my childhood as I read it. I look forward to see what else this team cooks up next with Nemo, and recommend you pick up a copy at your local comic shop. You'll be glad you did. Read Full Review

  • 8.4
    The Fandom Post - Chris Beveridge Dec 19, 2014

    I'll admit that while I've watched the movie several times, it's not a property that speaks to me. But this book is just gorgeous. It's simple in tone and style in the right all ages way, but it's not drawn or scripts for simplicity. It's a very lush and beautifully put together work that doesn't speak down to its audience in the younger set and, in fact, likely gets them to rise up to the challenge or to enjoy having their parents read it to them. It's also quite a welcome read for adults because it plays the balance of whimsy and story so well so that you can enjoy what it's doing while totally admiring the design of it in both word and art. This is one of those series that, when complete and in a trade, should be a must-own for folks because it'll provide a new entry into the world for kids that should know of Slumberland and its fun while also giving older fans something new that's completely in line and wonderfully complementing what has come before. Very recommended. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Comics Bulletin - Gabe Carrasco Aug 26, 2014

    This will be a great gateway book to get a young audience into the kind of comics that aren't all murder and mayhem. And it's also great for older audiences who may remember, or were even fans of, the original, which came out literally the same year Einstein published E=mc2 (No joke! 1905! Seriously! Look it up!). The only drawback is that it could fall short with the gaping demographic between those two groups. Definitely a niche comic. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Newsarama - Edward Kaye Aug 21, 2014

    This debut issue plays out a lot like a collection of Nemo strips, chronicling his dreams about journeying to Slumberland. It's a nice tribute to the original strips and reads really well. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Comic Vine - Tony 'G-Man' Guerrero Aug 20, 2014

    Whether you're familiar with the adventures of Little Nemo or not, this is a comic fit for anyone. This is a comic series perfectly suitable for young readers as well as older ones. You'll appreciate the story and gorgeous art that fully respects the original material by Winsor McCay. I might've been a little impatient and ready for full on adventures in Slumberland but this is a great start to the series. It's a feel good comic that you'll want to read for yourself and share with others around you. There's even some extra features in the back dealing with some of the history of the characters along with a look at some of the script pages and pencil work. I can't wait for the next issue. Don't pass on this comic. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Unleash The Fanboy - Harrison Rawdin Aug 19, 2014

    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. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Big Comic Page - Garry Mac Aug 20, 2014

    Overall, this is a great first issue to introduce Nemo to a new audience, and the relaunch is in the hands of the perfect creative team – but I'm looking forward to them letting loose a little and perhaps trying out some new narrative structures for our new Nemo's forthcoming adventures. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Comicosity - Aaron Long Aug 18, 2014

    Little Nemo: Return to Slumberland #1 is a great all-ages fantasy tale featuring some wonderful artwork that elevates this story to the next level. The plot is easy for children of all ages to follow, and the whimsical nature of this story is delightful. This is definitely worth trying if you have little ones to read with, or if you want to experience some great Gabriel Rodriguez artwork. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Comic Book Resources - Greg McElhatton Aug 20, 2014

    "Little Nemo: Return to Slumberland" #1 is a bona fide hit, and I love the idea of new readers discovering the joys and wonders in this comic that is as much homage as it is striking out with new stories and characters. Will I be back for a second issue? You betcha. McCay would be proud of what Shanower and Rodriguez have done here. Read Full Review

  • 6.0
    Newsarama - Lindsey Morris Aug 20, 2014

    It's clear that a lot of thought and effort went into making this book, and it certainly doesn't go unnoticed. The visuals are stunning, and the storyline familiar. The back of the issue also contains a few pages of history on McCay and his original strip, as well as process shots of the comic. The main problem lies in diversity. Since it's not a reboot, there was a lot of room to branch out, and that was not seen this time around. There is plenty of room to grow here and tell a remarkable story, so let's hope that the next issue takes more advantage of that. Read Full Review

  • 10
    xiombarg Aug 21, 2014

    This was about as perfect as I could have possibly wished it to be. It was the perfect blast of adventure, surreal events and immaculate art, being safe for younger ages but equally impressive and amusing for adults. I was surprised at how fresh it reads yet staying relatively true to Windsor McCay's vision.

    Let me just go on record by saying that the newsarama chick who reviewed this doesn't know what the hell she's talking about.

  • 7.0
    Andrew Aug 10, 2019

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