Books of Magic #5: Dream A Little Dream Of Me

Art: Tom Fowler and Jordan Boyd give a fantastically trippy rendition here of the Dreaming, with the visuals and colors blending together perfectly. Both excel in ensuring we see a land that is distinctly fractured and changed from the one Tim remembers, but is still a wondrous sight to behold. And the blink-and-miss-it moment as Tim repairs his broken spectacles also gives rise to how he instinctively affects the world around him, even the realm of dreams, with the instinctive use of magic.
As soon as he enters the Dreaming we are treated to the full spectrum of ethereal colors and sights. From the winding stairs in a starry, starry night backdrop to the never ending library. The eye is drawn to every detail, such as the statues on plinths. And even a nod to the Helm of Sandman and hints of the Overture. And the slightly discomforting feeling of the mysterious figure sat in the throne, who gives Tim a much needed book. This at least makes ‘her’ seem to be benevolent, assuming the gift he receives will be of use to him and not some trap.
Throughout the whole issue the one constant is of course Yo-Yo, who is the key to Tim’s way out as well as being the devoted guardian Mad Hettie proclaimed him to be. And on the subject of our feathered friends Todd Klein’s text is also suitably edgy here and depicts Matthew’s course voice very well, ensuring he is a credible source of information.
And here I think is one of my favorite covers by Kai Carpenter so far in this series. Which is saying something, as they have all been beautifully evocative and perfectly representative of the narrative inside. This one however is remarkably haunting as it expresses so much. We have Tim sat in a broken land while he is poring over a book, studiously taking in every detail. Yo-Yo the trusty companion, keeping a watchful eye on the proceedings. And in the distance the elusive celestial castle of the Dreaming. All observed by the ghost-like vision of the absent Lord of the Realm. All wistfully depicted in the most pleasant pastel shades in a muted and calming way. In fact, let’s breathe it all in again shall we? Yes, let’s. Because you can never get enough of a good thing really.
Characters: Though there is no sign of stalwarts such as Merv, Lucien and Goldie, Kat Howard gives some rich moments with other key characters. There was great pleasure upon seeing it is Eve who welcomes Tim to the land of Dreams and it immediately set my mind at ease. After guiding him through the library of Dreams she gives him some key information. And after he later acquires a book he then has an encounter with Brute and Glob. Disguised as Cain & Abel they have been sent to distract him by….someone unnamed. This meeting was a great touch as these two were a huge bugbear within the realm during The Dolls House arc. And finally my personal favorite raven Matthew, who reveals not only the way out by way of advocating his avian ally, but delivers an ominous warning, which apparently goes unheard by Tim as he departs the Dreaming.
Writing: Even without the Lord of the Manor being home when Tim comes a’calling it was refreshing to take this trip to the otherworldly realm of Dreams in a story that has until now been rooted firmly in the real. And it is reassuring to see that the past is underpinned here. Firstly by some of the recognisable characters, but also by Tim mentioning the fact he has previous experience of the Dreaming and knows that Morpheus is gone and there is a new Lord of Dream in charge. The discussion with Eve about the nature of both truth and stories also reveals some elusively confounding yet obviously simple facts, depending on how they are viewed. As is always the way of dreams. The exchange also lends some depth to the subject, giving us some meaningful dialogue without treating it as anecdotal or making a joke of the quest he is on.
As well as Tim’s own journey there is the peril now faced by Ellie back in the real world, which is clearly setting up the drama for Tim to face upon his return. And coupled with Tyler now being recruited by the villain of the piece, this has echoes of the John Ney Rieber arc Artificial Heart from the 1990’s Books of Magic #9-11. With Slaggingham, his subservient chimney sweep Daniel and the imperilled Marya, there is a strong parallel to Davies, Tyler and Ellie. Which is no bad thing in my opinion. All is shaping up for a confrontation soon. I have the distinct feeling that Davies is going to cause the one thing he was sent to stop.