The Dream Merchant #1
Written by Nathan Edmondson
Illustrated by Konstantin Novosadov
Colored by Konstantin Novosadov
Cover by Konstantin Novosadov
Image Comics
Release Date: May 15, 2013
Cover Price: $3.50

What if recurring dreams are simply the subconscious actually trying to relay some sort of important message? Could the dreams be offering the dreamer a look into a world seemingly so far removed from reality that perhaps it could be a glimpse into a world long forgotten? Writer Nathan Edmondson and artist Konstantin Novosadov delve into this notion through the mind-bending, surreal thriller The Dream Merchant #1.

Winslow has had the same recurring dream since childhood. As time went on, the dream became more real, pulling him into a deeper, more intense world. Now, Winslow dreams all of the time, unsure of where his true existence lies. Forced to seek recovery in a mental hospital, Winslow spends his days in and out of his dream world or reading books about dreams given to him by the lunch lady, Anne. When Winslow discovers three peculiar, shadow-like cloaked figures in his dream for the first time, he realizes that something is amiss. As the same beings begin chasing him and Anne through the halls of the mental hospital, a fourth mysterious figure appears to aide Winslow and Anne. Winslow must decide whether or not to trust this stranger as a guide, knowing that he may be the only one who can offer them clues about the phenomenon that is Winslow’s dream.

Where is Jake Ellis? #1
Written by Nathan Edmondson
Drawn by Tonci Zonjic
Cover by Tonci Zonjic
Image Comics
Release Date: November 14, 2012
Cover Price: $3.50

Where is Jake Ellis? #1 is, first and foremost, a mystery comic. Or an action comic. Or a spy comic. You know what? Whatever it is, is for you to decide, but it’s clear that it IS one thing – very entertaining.

Nathan Edmondson is great at writing this type of comic. Now, as stated above, it’s very hard to place this comic into ONE single genre. If I had a gun to my head, I’d have to classify it as a spy/espionage thriller, along the vein of James Bond or Jason Bourne. But, this comic is a LOT more than that. There’s mysteries at every single turn of the page, and more action in this one issue than in the last four issues of Avengers that I’ve read. My only problem with the comic is that if you haven’t read the first miniseries, Who is Jake Ellis?, you’re going to be pretty lost. There are a couple of recap pages, but I’m afraid they just don’t do the first series justice or prepare you for what you’re about to read. Hopefully readers who pick up this issue will be compelled to pick up the Who is Jake Ellis trade, and I think they will. Beyond that, this comic is fantastic. Loads of action, fun, and just a good, solid comic.