Danny begins to gain insight into his powerful abilities of imagination, but with such power, it can’t change the realities that he faces. What nightmares await? What will become of Danny now that he knows his potential?
This issue, this issue was a bit of a tough one. For the first two issues, Kudranski laid the groundwork for Danny’s overactive imagination, how he interacts with it, and how it influences his worldview, heightening his reality. While it may be a form of momentary escape for better or for worse, it doesn’t change the harsh realities that little Danny has to face that is unavoidable. Kudranski for all of the stylistically bombastic yet subtle art that he crafts in this book, it’s the writing of Danny’s experiences as a kid, enveloped by his powers of imagination, yet struggling with reality that continues to make this book such a treat full of heartbreak and hope. I feel that while this is a great comic about a kid navigating the worlds of his imagination and reality, this book is really an artist’s artist book. There’s so much thought put into Danny’s headspace while drawing parallels between art, grief, and coping that many who dabble in the various forms of art can relate to as they deal with the goings of life. Despite all that is mentioned, at the core of it all, this is a book about a Mom and Son, a parent and child, and how a parent’s love for their kid goes a long way.
In regards to the art department, Kudranski continues to shine with his range of styles that distinguish Danny’s imaginary figures in contrast to his reality. While Kudranski is masterful in a range of styles that homage various mediums of storytelling and pop culture, it’s his compositions, color choices, and thoughtful layouts that really make his art shine. DC Hopkins’s lettering is well-placed and matches the kind of tone and aesthetic of the entire book perfectly. This series continues to be a journey, and with all its ingredients feels like it could have been a Vertigo book from the early years of Vertigo. It’s a solid, heartfelt book that continues to stun in detail and story. I’m looking forward to where Kudranski takes Danny and what becomes of him, and for that, it’s a book worth adding to your pull list.
Newsdesk