Graphic Novel Review – Nightmare Escape (Dream Jumper, Book 1) by Greg Grunberg and Lucas Turnbloom (4/5 stars)

Reading Level: Middle Grade
Genre: Fantasy/Graphic Novel
Length: 208 pages
Publisher: GRAPHIX
Release Date: June 28, 2016
ISBN-13: 978-0545826044
Stand Alone or Series: 1st volume in the Dream Jumper series
Source: Borrowed from Library
Rating: 4/5 stars

“Ben has a problem. When he sleeps he dreams, and when he dreams, they’re all nightmares! But he can also jump into other people’s dreams. So when his friends start falling victim to an evil dream-monster that prevents them from waking, Ben knows he has to help them. Easier said than done when dreams can shift and the monster knows his way around the ever-changing landscape of the mind! With help from a talking rabbit-companion who has a mysterious past, Ben might just be able to defeat the monster and save his friends . . . if he can figure out how to use the power within him against his enemies.”

My son actually requested this from the library and I decided to read it before we returned it. This was a surprisingly well done middle grade fantasy graphic novel that I enjoyed a lot.

I liked the main character Ben and how he helps other kids with their nightmares. His mom is concerned because of how tired he always is and rightfully so.

This is an interesting storyline in itself, but the storyline gets infinitely more complex when Ben finds out that some of the kids he’s been helping actually have some sort of sleeping sickness that won’t allow them to wake up.

The illustration is colorful and fun and I enjoyed it a lot. The illustration is also easy to follow. I enjoyed the characters and both their family ties and friendships with each other. The story is intriguing and interesting.

My 10 year old son absolutely loved this book as well and him and I are both dying to read the next installment in the series!

Overall a very well done middle grade fantasy graphic novel. This book has great characters, a great story, and wonderful illustration. I can’t wait to see where the story goes from here! I would definitely recommend to those who like middle grade graphic novels and fantasy adventures.

This book goes towards the following reading challenges:
– You Read How Many Books? Reading Challenge
– Graphic Novel Reading Challenge
– Flights of Fantasy Reading Challenge