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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Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle

Jim Hoke is burning everything else in his life to track down his daughter Wendy after her abduction by the mysterious Floating Man. But Wendy’s not waiting. She may be captive in a dark, surreal wonderland…but she doesn’t plan on staying. As Jim hunts for the Floating Man, he finds an ally—Casey Smith, whose son Rufus was also abducted by the Floating Man. As Wendy tries to outwit the Floating Man, Jim and Casey track the cryptid’s history to the infamous Lighthouse Orphanage…where long ago, a lost boy was failed—and became something tragic. Land of Never #2 keeps investigating the mystery of the first issue as to who the Floating Man is and begins to tease answers.

Written by Steve Orlando, Land of Never #2 is a welcome entry in the twisting of classic stories. In this case Peter Pan and instead of bringing kids to a magical land, it’s a twisted derelict theme park where they’re more prisoners than anything else. But, the series feels like it really answers the question as to how the parents would react when their kids disappear.

Land of Never isn’t about Peter and his odd world, instead it’s focused on one father searching for his daughter. While he witnessed someone take her, the cops don’t believe him and others who have experienced the same thing don’t want to cooperate. Hoke has one recent ally, who seems to be a little off himself, but it’s help leading to clues as to who the Floating Man might be and help them get their kids back.

Land of Never #2 adds small details to the story that really elevates its. We get teases of what Peter is up to and why he’s kidnapping kids. There’s also a pretty big clue in a door camera that might have captured a glimpse of the Floating Man. It’s an issue I had with the first issue, how in this connected world no one has anything that teases the truth.

The art by Miguel Mora is moody and really good. With color by Fares Maese and lettering by Micah Myers Peter’s world is scary and unnerving. For those familiar with the classic story, it has that same ominous feel that some times creeped into the Disney classic, but it’s dialed up to the point that’s all there is. But what also stands out is the fathers. Jim and Casey feel frazzled and broken. There’s an air of desperation in the art depiction in their body language, clothes, and facial expressions. It works and works really well.

Land of Never #2 is a solid second issue that plays off of the fear of Wendy and the desperation of a father trying to find his daughter. It’s a twisted take on a classic and well worth checking out.

Story: Steve Orlando Art: Miguel Mora
Color: Fares Maese Letterer: Micah Myers
Story: 8.0 Art: 8.0 Overall: 8.0 Recommendation: Buy

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

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Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle