I knew that Ron Fortier and Gary Kato had taken a stab at J.M. Barrie's exalted Peter Pan, but I had only experienced bits and pieces of the 1991 endeavor (catching a picture here and there). I'm proud to report that I finally purchased a copy of their comic-book triumph, Peter Pan in Return to Never Never Land (both issues in one, 52-page, Redbud Studio volume) and must declare, it's even better than I anticipated. In fact, I consider it one of the best Pan exploits ever rendered, holding more than its own with Barrie's classic novella.
For this particular sequel, Fortier's script places understandable emphasis on its titular hero, but also grants special focus on Roxbury, Massachusetts brothers, Jerry and Mike (the former, a lover of cowboy lore and the latter, his conscientious, older sibling).
The story starts with the youngsters being accosted by bullies just before Christmas break, but by a twist of fate, Peter Pan arrives to halt (and humiliate) the aggressors. Then, along with the glitzy Tinkerbell, the eternal boy inspires the lads to embark on a journey to his fabled world.
Once there, Jerry and Mike meet the petulant, Captain Hook; the legendary Lost Boys; the verbose Carousel Broncos; and neighboring, American Indians, including the beautiful yet crafty Tiger Lily, as they engage in roughhouse shenanigans that support the old adage, Boys Will Be Boys.
Kato's artwork, combined with Aiden Belcher's vibrant coloring, gives Return to Never Never Land a fresh, modern look, though at the same time, Fortier's story never overlooks Pan's roots (as some retellings and follow-ups have done). Return to Never Never Land respects Barrie's mythology, with Jerry and Mike fitting right in, always embracing the proper, derring-do spirit.
Return to Never Never Land is so darn invigorating, it's guaranteed to manifest the kid in anyone and everyone. (I only wish I had experienced the jubilation sooner!)
Order now at
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1953589618?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details
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