Written by: Norm Harper
Illustrated and Colored by: Val Halvorson and Bobby Timony
Flatted by: Deanna Poppe
Lettered by: Oceano Ransford
Covers by: Don Aguillo
SYNOPSIS:
Remember the ‘80s? Avery, Gwen, Russell, and Dakota will never forget. As children, they each experienced unique adventures . . . saving the life of a sentient robot, partying with an intergalactic alien, battling the likes of vampires and werewolves, and defeating a nightmarish monster to protect imagination itself. Now, 30 years later, they’re directionless adults, still obsessed with their pasts. When a mysterious figure brings the group together to cope with their experiences, will they be prepared to live out the “sequels” to their childhood adventures?
Review
If you’ve been following The Convention Collective for the past few months, you’ve probably seen one of my earlier reviews of The Sequels. I fell completely in love with this mini-series steeped in nostalgia and Sci-Fi/Fantasy vibes. With the release of the Trade Paperback (TPB), you can read the entire story in one sitting! I do recommend reading the story this way, each issue flows so well into the next.
One of the added features in the TPB is a wonderful foreword by Andre Gower. It perfectly sets the tone for Harper’s story and prepares the reader for a trip back to the 80s. Gower does an amazing job of putting capturing those feeling of childhood nostalgia in words.
Reading through this entire story a second time, I found myself struck once again by the layers of feeling and meaning in the book. Not only do the characters struggle against external forces, but also against themselves. Each character has to come to terms with the fact that they’re striving for something just out of reach. I have felt the same when trying to recapture some precious moments from my younger days. Though they may be impossible to replicate, they are still an inseparable part of me. Throughout the course of The Sequels, you get to see the main cast of characters find ways to stop being stuck in the past.
Personally, I am hoping that this tale with continue. I think Harper’s world is ripe for a continuation, either with the same characters or a cast of new ones. Some of the side characters easily carry their own extended story.
If you are lucky enough to attend San Diego Comic-Con 2019, you can pick up your copy of The Sequels at Small Press Booth O-03 before it goes on sale July 22nd.
If you’ve fallen in love with The Sequels, I would love to hear from you on Twitter and Instagram!
