A lifetime ago, Lighthouse Orphanage was a beacon—but then, the foundation crumbled. The beacon fell into darkness, and a force of nature was born. Years later, he’s the Floating Man, abandoned by society and driven to build one of his own. He is big brother and protector to all, unable to see that he carries one more title—jailer. Wendy Hoke sees her chance to free herself and the rest of the Floating Man’s captives. She has to take the Floating Man’s spot. She has to become the big sister of the family. Because families fight. Sometimes, they even fight back. Land of Never #3 is a shocking issue as answers are teased as the tension and fear of the captives multiplies.

Land of Never has been an interesting series taking the familiar concept and story of Peter Pan but giving it a big twist. Instead of the kid that doesn’t grow up living in a magical land, this Floating Man kidnaps kids taking them to a worn down factory where they’re held prisoner until their will to escape breaks.

Writer Steve Orlando has given us the horror take on Peter Pan’s story and in Land of Never #3 that story turns even more tragic.

Throughout the series, we’ve only had teases as to “Peter’s” motivations and what’s going on. In Land of Never #3, things become a little more clearer as the origin of the Floating Man is explored by fathers on a mission to find their children. Things have been hinted at as far as a former facility that has since burned down and we get more of that story but no definitive answers, yet.

But, as the mystery of the Floating Man is explored, the comic focuses on Wendy who is being held captive and has taken the role of the big sister, not to the Floating Man, but the other children held. Is she falling in line as far as being a good captive or is there a bigger plan brewing to escape their jailer?

But, the bigger question as to why these kids remain captive is really answered. In the classic story of Peter Pan, you at least had fun and adventure to explain the decision to stay. There’s been no evidence here of that, quite the opposite. The facilities seem run down, dirty, and food and supplies seem scarce. But, Orlando gives us the why in a brutal scene that borders on nauseous and excessive. It drives home the point though.

That scene, and the overall bleak feeling of the comic, is delivered by Miguel Mora who is joined by Fares Maese on color by letters by Micah Myers. The comic has done a great job of creating its atmosphere, the general feel of the series. This issue keeps that up and more as it gives us straight up horror as the Floating Man flexes his strength and brutality to implement his rules. There’s a shock element to it that feels almost excessive but it drives home the point to the characters and the readers and makes the situation even more frightening, tense, and upsetting. Even the slight moments of joy in the comic still have an ominous feel to them as it’s more people acting the role than actually feeling connection and some happiness.

Land of Never #3 is an issue that shifts things a bit, taking it all from a story of simple kidnappings to something far more scary. It’s an issue that definitely feels like it has a line before and after that’ll apply to the entire series and the Floating Man goes from a misguided individual to a monster. It has me both excited and scared to see what comes next.

Story: Steve Orlando Art: Miguel Mora
Color: Fares Maese Letters: Micah Myers
Story: 8.15 Art: 8.15 Overall: 8.15 Recommendation: Buy

Mad Cave Studios provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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