Nightmare Escape (Dream Jumper #1)

A fine series kickoff, with the potential to tread some fresher ground in coming installments. (Graphic adventure. 8-12)

Copyright 2016 Kirkus Reviews, LLC Used with permission

In this first book in the Dream Jumper series, Ben's nightmares are taking a toll on his life. When his mother takes him to a sleep doctor, he slips into a sleep-coma, where he discovers a dream world and learns that only he, as a "dream jumper," can help others escape the monsters preying upon resting minds. The story reads like Nightmare on Elm Street for kids, combined with a classic adventure motif that includes the geeky and verbose sidekick, romantic interest, and insightful sage (who happens to be a bunny) to guide the hero. Actor Grunberg, in his print debut, and Imagine This cartoonist Turnbloom turn out a brisk adventure with just enough grotesquerie (syringe-wielding nightmare doctors, vampiric pursuers in suits) to intrigue but not outright terrify readers; the panels and wording are spacious, allowing readers to focus on the key aspects of any given panel. Guy Major keenly works the colors so that even during the plot's direst moments, one still gets a sense of light. This tactic aligns with the story's theme and keeps the mood from descending too far into the darkness. Ages 8-12. (June)

Gr 5-8--Ben has a gift, or maybe it's a curse--he hasn't decided yet. He can jump into other people's dreams. Unfortunately, more often than not, he ends up jumping into someone's nightmare instead. When some of Ben's classmates, including the girl of his own dreams, fall prey to a sleeping sickness, he knows he may be the only one who can save them. It won't be easy, though; someone or something in the dream world wants Ben's abilities for his own and will stop at nothing to get them. Ben will have to work with some strange new companions and learn to navigate the dream world before it's too late. Being the first in a series, the story is a little heavy on exposition, but it does do a good job of making the information enjoyable and creating a believable dream world as well as setting the stage for volumes to come. Turnbloom's art is reminiscent of Jeff Smith's and suits the tone and the characters nicely. Though there are a few inconsistencies, Grunberg's characters are all interesting and enjoyable. This is a quick, entertaining tale that will find a middle school audience. VERDICT A fun ride for middle schoolers looking for their next series.--Erik Knapp, Davis Library, Plano, TX