Even though everyone who deserved it got their happy end in ArchEnemy, the third volume of "The Looking Glass War" series, there are still tales left untold. Here is the third volume chronicling the adventures Hatter Madigan, Royal Bodyguard to Princess Alyss of Wonderland, as he searches our reality for his lost charge. In The Looking Glass War (the first novel of the trilogy) Madigan and Alyss took a trip through the Pool of Tears to escape Alyss's murderous Aunt Redd, and Madigan and his charge were separated. They did find each other & returned to Wonderland to take their revenge on Redd...but there were years in there during which Hatter Madigan searched OUR world for the tell-tale glow of White Imagination. This is mostly a review of volume three, Nature of Wonder, but don't miss Far From Wonder and Mad with Wonder. In Volume 3, Madigan has traveled to America in 1865 and he hooks up with two agents of the Bureau of Illuminated Forces (think early American Mulder and Scully) Agent Alabaster and Agent Philomena Ark. He seeks the help of President Lincoln and aids in a battle against the crumbling forces of the Confederate Army...warped by the powers of Black Imagination. Madigan travels out west to discover a princess very different to his own...and a very special milliner's shop. Along the way we are also treated to snippets from Hatter M's past. Beddor and Liz Cavalier have produced another whirlwind tale of adventure...and its only fault is that it's too short. Third time I have just wanted MORE when I reached the end. Sami Makkonen's dark and scratchy & yet somehow still jewel-bright artwork is perfect for telling Hatter M's tale. I admit I loved Ben Templesmith's work on the first volume, but I can say that I love the art here too. In volume 3, fans are be treated to a preview of volume 4 of the graphic adventures Which came out a couple months ago, Zen of Wonder, and a big hunk of aftermatter including further information about the characters and incidents of this volume and a lot of lovely computer generated art depicting Wonderland. Best of all there are a bunch of pages from the now out of print Princess Alyss of Wonderland (minus the foldouts and such). An absolutely necessary purchase for fans of the series & an enjoyable read even if you know nothing of the story so far! But do go back and start at the beginning...of the graphic adventures at least! |
Mr Tim Recommends "Hatter M: Nature of Wonder" by Frank Beddor (and the rest of the series)8/14/2013
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About MeTim is a writer, book reviewer and Librarian. He has a Master's of Library Science and was on the Newbery Committee twice. Technology scares and often annoys him, but he is always game for a silly costume! Archives
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