The family has chosen Wendy to be the Big Sister, and this infuriates Peter. They try to put him in time out, but that only makes things worse. Now that Peter’s angry will his rage consume him and will that lead the others to the same fate that Graham received? Meanwhile, Hoke and Smith’s partnership hits a rocky patch and this derails their search for their kids.
Land of Never #5 - Written By Steve Orlando – Art By Miguel Mora – Colors By Fares Maese – Letters By Micah Myers -Edited By Jon Moisan - Published By Mad Cave Studios
Credit: Mad Cave Studios
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
WRITING:
The penultimate issue of this series delivers on emotions, intrigue, and the setup for one heck of a finale. Steve Orlando does a great job of showing troubles plaguing everyone from the inside of their respective groups. Peter and the kids have a lot to work out, and the kids try to have their own mutiny over it. The fear of what Peter will do when he is angry is outweighed by their perceived mistreatment. From Peter’s perspective, he is saving them from a cruel and lying world. Through all of this turmoil something has to give. On the other hand, Hoke and Smith start to blame each other for what happened to their children. This drives a wedge in their partnership and costs them precious time that they could be searching for the kids. Orlando uses these dramas to build up the drama for the final issue. What said will get it together first and what fences will be mended?
ARTWORK:
The artwork in this issue captures the drama of the story, well adding to the drama at the same time. Miguel Mora does a great job bringing this messed up vision of Neverland to life. Mora excels in this issue with the level of drama he shows within the artwork. The exasperated and tired looks of Hoke and Smith are replaced with anger; well the kids appear to be fighting for what they believe in. By the end of the issue Mora is able to show us the softness and vulnerability of Peter that we had yet to see in this series. These drama beats match up with the story and set the tone for what the finale will be delivering. Fares Maese’s colors capture the mood and vibe of the issue. This makes the emotion stand out in the issue and helps the reader get the full picture of what the linework is portraying.
Check Out My Review of LAND OF NEVER #4
Final Thoughts:
Land of Never #5 brings the tension within both groups to a boiling point and sets the stage for the finale. Steve Orlando balances the children’s rebellion with Hoke and Smith’s fractured partnership, while giving Peter a vulnerable side that makes him even more compelling. Miguel Mora’s expressive artwork and Fares Maese’s moody colors make the anger, exhaustion, and uncertainty hit home. This penultimate issue leaves me eager to see who can put their differences aside and whether it will be enough. If you’ve been sleeping on this series, now’s the time to take a trip to Never Neverland.
FINAL GRADE: 8/10
Let me know your thoughts on Land of Never #5 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
