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Abadazad #1

By Loretta Ramirez
March 29, 2004 - 16:01

Pixy dust tingles on the pages. A fairy land—where “sorrow has no home, where time has no meaning, where joy lives forever”—materializes. And ABADAZAD, by J.M. DeMatteis and Mike Ploog, debuts in an enchanting manner that spans age groups and redefines heroism through the adventures of a guilt-ridden teenager, Kate, who hopes to find her long-lost brother by entering the fantasy world of his favorite novel.

Instantly, the characters are likeable, notably Kate. Her sharp dialogue reveals a distinct, complex spirit. Most touching is her love for brother Matt, especially upon first seeing him: “Mom put that prune-faced squirt in my arms and it was like meeting my oldest, dearest friend…for the very first time.” Thus, Matt’s kidnapping is all the more tragic. And by the time Kate embarks on her search for Matt, the bond between character and reader is so deep that Kate’s quest feels personally vital for our own happiness.

Like the writing, the art blends fantasy with reality. Kate is cartoonish but with the mannerisms of a real-life Brooklyn teen. Also, there are great silent scenes, where the art is the only narrative. These scenes highlight the art’s power, especially during the book’s key events—Matt’s abduction and Kate’s realization that Abadazad is real. Ploog imparts far more than words could have possibly accomplished. In short, the art is pure magic.

Overall: A+

Last Updated: August 31, 2023 - 08:12