Review - Sleeping Beauty: Nightmare Queen
New from Zenescope Entertainment
Out this week, and leading from her crossover adventure with Belle, is the latest adventure from Sleeping Beauty. This time she faces the Nightmare Queen from Zenescope Entertainment.
Rory Norris was once a promising young artist, but tragedy struck, and with it, the loss of her eyesight. Though her life had changed, she was gifted with a vision and ability possessed by few and thrown into a universe of dreams every time she closed her eyes. Taking on beings beyond even her most horrible imaginings, she came out on top and with a newfound understanding of her life. Now, months later, she digs deeper into her abilities while helping anyone she can, in the strange worlds that surround her. But all the while, unbeknownst to her, she has gained the attention of another, one much more ancient, who walks among these subconscious lands and does not appreciate her intrusion.
Writer Dave Franchini Artwork Igor Vitorino 1-7, 12-15, 23-34 & 72
Julius Abrera 8-11, 16-22, 35-52, 59-60, 70 & 71 Jordi Tarragona 53-58 & 62-69
Colors Jorge Cortes Letters Taylor Esposito (Of Ghost Glyph Studios)
Editor Dave Franchini Production & Design Christopher Cote
From her previous adventure with Belle, you could see that things were not quite right in the world of dreams. This issue builds on this and not only establishes a new status quo but also sets up a quest for Rory in this world.
Rory is enjoying the dreamscape, helping those who need it, and wondering at the marvels that can be found. It’s well shown, and the randomness of the world, with the strangeness of the dreams people have, is well played out by the art team. Plus, there is some fantastic colouring here as well.
There are problems, though, and there is one boy that Rory can’t help. More on that later.
Meanwhile, in the waking world, Rory is still adjusting to her loss. She has her parents there, who are working on making things easier. A creepy guy also wants her attention, which is a big hint towards what comes later.
The threat, as teased in the previous adventure, comes to the fore here, with Rory having to take on her, not only in the dream world but the world of nightmares and the waking world too. There are some good links between them all, and the story ties together well.
As we progress, we see Rory gaining new powers and a new outlook on her life as it is. Although she is successful (to a point), there is some loss here, which looks to drive her on in her adventures.
There is some good action here, with the use of powers working out well and some fantastic art and effects, making the story blend together well.
In this issue, we also get to see some familiar faces and new characters that add depth to Rory’s dream world. The hints towards the bigger plot are intriguing and keep the readers guessing. The art team does an outstanding job of portraying the surreal and often chaotic world of dreams, with some panels that are truly captivating. Rory's journey is not just about battling nightmares but also about self-discovery and understanding her needs and desires. She’s shown to be a strong, compassionate character growing with every issue. How she handles her challenges, both in the dream and the waking world, is truly inspiring.
But let’s get back to that boy Rory can’t help. His story is heartbreaking and adds a layer of depth to the narrative. His situation will surely leave an impact on Rory and will probably shape her next moves. The issue's climax is intense and leaves you at the edge of your seat, eager for the next instalment. The threat Rory faces is not only terrifying but also deeply personal, making the stakes even higher. This issue was a rollercoaster of emotions, with fantastic art, gripping plot, and character development. I can't wait to see where Rory’s adventures will take her next.
