Alice Ever After #5 is published by BOOM! Studios, written by Dan Panosian, illustrated by Giorgio Spalletta, coloured by Fabiana Mascolo and lettered by Jeff Eckleberry.
Issue #5 is available now either directly from BOOM! Studios online or from your local comic book store, digital copies will be available to download from the usual content providers.
Synopsis
In the stunning conclusion to Alice’s dark sequel, Alice finds herself faced with Dr. Madsen and Headmistress Hilda’s dreaded “permanent solution.” As her repressed memories warp Wonderland itself, Alice finds herself on the threshold of being banished from reality forever…
Review
In this issue the story arc that was already dark gets even darker as Alice is faced with Dr Madsen and Headmistress Hilda as they hatch their “permanent solution” plan to cure Alice for good, but will it actually be for the good? That is indeed the intriguing part of the question. Headmistress Hilda throughout this series tries her best to give out this good intentions vibe to cover her more sinister plans which in the main actually works and she manages to fool most but there are some that raise the suspicion and want to fight to help Alice before it’s too late. Alice herself is still clinging onto the alternate reality that is Wonderland, but where does the divide stop? And how can she tell what is really reality?.
Dan Panosian has created a story arc in an alternate world that changes your perception of a long loved family story, rather than it being a magical Wonderland this is more of a darker world focusing more on the side of mental health and it’s complexities. It was also great to see characters in the story based on familiar characters but highlighted in a different way. I was surprised with how invested I became in the arc itself as it isn’t my normal go to comic style but it was a series that I definitely enjoyed and would like to see more from this world.
Giorgio Spalletta had the task of transforming this magical family tale into a darkened world and this has been expertly done using visuals that highlighted the dark and twisted tale that Dan was trying to portray. The whole creative team have worked well together in creating this unique arc with the potential to expand on.
Verdict
A unique tale that surprised from the beginning, completely changing the dynamic of a much loved tale was a risky thing to do but it has definitely worked and I look forward to see if more is to come.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
