Review: THE DREAM MERCHANT #1

THE DREAM MERCHANT #1
Written by Nathan Edmondson
Art by Konstantin Novosadov
Release Date: May 15, 2013

dreamerchant01_coverOh, what dreams may come…Nathan Edmondson and Konstantin Novosadov have struck up a creator owned project with a huge amount of potential with the double-sized first issue of The Dream Merchant.

The Dream Merchant focuses on Winslow, a man currently institutionalized because of a recurring dream that has consumed his life for years. As a new therapist digs into his dream world, Winslow’s dream begins to merge with reality, and an adventure kicks off in earnest. Edmondson does a great job of building Winslow’s world and keeping the pace moving while creating the new world in this story. This six-issue mini-series is primed to be filled with intrigue, and the first issue has mystery to spare. The very concept of The Dream Merchant is refreshing to read, delving into the mind of Winslow and all that entails. The mysterious Dream Merchant has a certain Obi-Wan Kenobi feel to him, and I am very curious to learn more about the dynamics of both characters. Edmondson does a solid job of defining these characters quickly and focusing on the mystery that is the situation, rather than bogging readers down in background stories and useless details. The issue moves along at a fast clip, which fit the story well and kept this double-sized issue light and entertaining. Edmondson’s world (both dream and reality) are extremely intriguing and based on this first issue I am definitely wanting to read more.

Konstantin Novosadov really makes the issue soar. His art style is a fantastic compliment to the script Edmondson has written and while the style could be described as more cartoony than photo-realistic, it is a great style for a story featuring a dreamscape such as this. The characters are visually dynamic and the dream world is a fascinating landscape by his hand. I want to read more panels in this world, and I have a feeling Edmondson and Novosadov will be taking us there to spend some quality time in upcoming issues. The quality of the artwork is rock solid from start to finish and I look forward to seeing more work from Novosadov as fast as I can get my hands on it.

The Dream Merchant #1 is a very interesting and intriguing debut issue that sets up quite a world for the six issue mini-series. Edmondson and Novosadov have great chemistry in this comic which is a worthwhile pickup for anyone who has been keeping tabs on the awesome Image #1s that have been coming from the publisher in the last year.

Verdict: 8.0/10

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