Dan Panosian (Black Tape, Prophet) and artist Giorgio Spalletta (007: For King and Country) return for another trip to the world of Wonderland with BOOM! Studios’ twisted tale Alice Never After.
Imagine getting your greatest wish and finally finding your way to a world that you’ve been dreaming of for so long. This is what happened to Alice when she landed in Wonderland. But her wish soon turned into a nightmare as her abuser’s avatar, with an uncanny grin, turns the mad residents of the moonstruck world against her.
Alice’s sister, Edith, and her childhood friend, Earl, are fighting to bring Alice back from Wonderland. As they struggle to find a way, Alice is left alone to fend for herself amidst the chaos. She soon realizes that she has to face her abuser and confront her past. This journey of self-discovery and self-healing drives the story forward, making it more than just another Alice in Wonderland retelling.
Panosian and Spalletta have created a unique take on classic stories by exploring the morbid side of escapism. They delve deep into the psyche of the traumatized, and how they turn to fantasy to escape their reality. Such a depiction is rarely seen in literature, let alone comic books. However, the power of storytelling and the medium of comic books make it possible to take the reader on a journey that is both thought-provoking and entertaining.
The artwork by Spalletta is outstanding. His use of color and shading captures the twisted and dark aspects of the story. Every panel is meticulously crafted, leaving the reader in awe of the visual splendor that is Alice Never After. The design of the characters evokes both a sense of familiarity and unease, making it a perfect fit for a story about the blurred line between fantasy and reality.
As the story progresses, we see Alice grappling with the question of why she is being tormented. She wonders if it is because of her abusive father, herself, or a curious combination of both. This inner turmoil is an essential part of the story as it shows how trauma can manifest in different ways. Panosian and Spalleta have done a remarkable job of making the reader empathize with Alice and her struggles.
Alice Never After is a great continuation of what Panosian and Spalletta created with the miniseries Alice Ever After It is an outstanding work of art that explores the dark side of escapism and the blurred lines between fantasy and reality. The unique take on classic stories and the journey of self-discovery and self-healing make it one of the best stories from the world of Wonderland.
Alice Never After #1 hits local comic shops on July 26, 2023 from BOOM! Studios.
Dan Panosian joined the Capes and Tights Podcast on Episode 92 to discuss his comics and much more!
Alice Never After #1 Preview
