The Last Boy #1 is written by Dan Panosian and published by BOOM! Studios. Illustration is by Alessio Avallone, colours by Valentina Pinto with assistance by Agnes’s Pozza & Rick Mack and letters are by Jeff Eckleberry. Main cover art (left) is also by Panosian.
The Last Boy #1 is available from today, in print and on digital platforms where all good comic books are sold. Grab your digital copy from Amazon Comixology UK right here.
Synopsis
Years after Peter Pan’s adventures with Wendy Darling, the boy who wouldn’t grow up is now the last one in Neverland still clinging to his adventurous youth.
Meanwhile in London, Wendy also yearns for childhood and its freedom from responsibility as she rails against the transition to adulthood and her family’s expectations.
As their desires create a mirror of fantasy and reality, a disastrous encounter with the aging Captain Hook becomes the catalyst for Peter’s realization that Neverland is growing up without him.
But will the two of them find each other once again to carry on their age-old adventures… or is this truly the final threshold of their adolescence in this modern take on a classic tale from legendary writer Dan Panosian (Alice Never After, Canary), and rising star artist Alessio Avallone!
Review
Arguably one of the single most popular characters in literacy history, Peter Pan has been interpreted many times over. From classic animated and live action portrayals. To childhood favourite Hook and impending horror takes. In the 114 years since his creations Pan has been intriguing writers, artists, directors and audiences over and over again. But also, a lot of ground has been covered. So with today’s launch of The Last Boy from writer Dan Panosian, can BOOM! Studios find a new angle for the boy who never grew up?
Yes, the most certainly can. In fact Panosian manages to tap in to both a new angle and something incredibly timely. The Last Boy reintroduces all the classic elements of the Peter Pan story keeping its period nature intact but overlaying a disturbingly realist, 21st century approach to character and politics. Choosing to approach the book through the experiences of both Peter and Wendy brilliantly opens up The Last Boy to tackling some pretty heavy subjects. Yet crucially it never feels heavy handed or patronising in its storytelling.
Traditionally Pan is a story about the innocence of youth. The urge to remain young and avoid the acceptance of adult responsibility. The Last Boy echoes that brilliantly through Pan. The twist in the tale being that the world of Neverland has moved on around him. He’s been left behind as Captain Hook and his pirates have gone legit and Tiger Lily has become chief of the natives. How does Pan function when he’s the one who has been left behind?
Back in the real world its poor Wendy Darling who needs the world to catch up to her. She suffers from a dictatorial mother, an ailing father and a world which just isn’t ready to accept women as an authority figure. She’s expected to marry and yet toils her away her time writing a manuscript she wishes to publish and regaling local children with Neverland-inspired stories. Panosian beautifully encapsulates the experiences of these two people at vastly different points in their lives with a shared wish to return to their past adventures.
This may only be the opening chapter in the story but it beautifully grapples the notion of change and evolution. There’s a neat balance between Peter and Wendy so neither story feels shortchanged. We’re really only seeing the setup of what’s to come in this issue but Panosian has beautifully laid out two very compelling viewpoints for these beloved characters. There’s a synergy between them which clearly tells the reader what the overarching message is. But the clear delineation between them, in tone and in visual, is equally apparent and honourably crafted.
Alessio Avallone’s artwork really helps to solidify the overall message of The Last Boy. Neverland has the childlike fairytale quality which readers will expect. This is then heightened by Valentina Pinto‘s colours. Whilst Wendy’s world is devoid of colour. It’s such a simple and yet undeniably effective way to communicate the depression (and oppression) of man’s work in comparison to the magical Neverland.
Verdict
The Last Boy #1 is a fascinating first look in to the world of Peter and Wendy through a modern lens. It offers up the chance to see two literary icons at a point of seismic change in their world view. Dan Panosian’s perfectly pitched story has the chance to tell a thought provoking and moving story.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
