The Dreaming #5
Christina Hamlet
Recap
Chaos reigns in the Dreaming, as its denizens strike back hoping to crack Gallows's iron grip of fear. Lucien and Dora have taken Dream's helmet to Destruction's realm in an attempt to keep its power from Gallows. The Judge has made other arrangements , which could mean the end of the Dreaming itself.
We learn more about Dora, dancing around her true nature. If the next issue teaser's Lovercraftian blurb is any indication we will soon name the unnameable
and know the unknowable and finally understand Dora's nature. But will it be enough to save her or the Dreaming?
Review
This issue moves along the struggles of the Dreaming since Daniel’s disappearance. Much of the issue focuses on Lucien and Dora, bringing revelations and major changes for each of them. Spurrier’s writing continues to touch on issues of trauma and recovery, the joys and perils of faith, and most of all the dangers of allowing fear to overcome reason. Gallows as a villain has the power to chill more than most others precisely because this nightmare of a demagogue rising to power on a wave of fear and hatred is all too easy in the real world, especially in troubled times. Spurrier does an masterful job weaving as good of a fantasy tale as you could ask for into a cautionary look at how easy it is to empower your own self-destruction.
Visually the book continues its run of excellence, complimenting the story in the best ways, maintaining a classic style able to fluidly transition between etherial and grounded. As the story winds its way through realms of waking and dreaming, of creation and destruction, Evely paints a vivid picture elevating the quality of every page.
Final Thoughts
The end of this issue signals a resolution on the horizon. The final end of the Dreaming seems unlikely if the book is to continue at all but major changes loom heavy and what will happen next is anyone's guess.
The Dreaming #5: Eve of Destruction
- Writing - 9/109/10
- Storyline - 10/1010/10
- Art - 9/109/10
- Color - 9/109/10
- Cover Art - 8/108/10
